Show notes
Feedback & Shout Outs (1:20)
I will NOT be taking a Summer break from the podcast! Rest easy knowing you will get some great content throughout the Summer!
I can't wait to meet you at ISTE Live 2023 if you will be in Philly!
EdTech Thought (4:39) While the notion of banning cell phones in schools might seem appealing due to concerns over distraction and misuse, it is worth considering the multitude of benefits these devices can offer in enhancing the learning environment. Cell phones can be exceptional educational tools, offering students access to a plethora of online resources, apps, and e-books, thus expanding their learning beyond traditional textbooks.
In today's digital age, early exposure to technology through cell phones can cultivate technological literacy in students, preparing them for future opportunities. Additionally, cell phones can provide an essential bridge across the digital divide for students who lack access to computers or tablets at home, promoting a more inclusive and equitable learning environment.
In the event of emergencies, cell phones offer an immediate communication channel, ensuring safety. They can also be instrumental in teaching students about autonomy, responsibility, and digital etiquette. Moreover, they have the potential to revolutionize teaching methods, as educators can incorporate interactive activities accessible via students' devices, promoting active engagement.
While these benefits are significant, it's crucial to foster a disciplined and respectful usage of cell phones within the school environment. Rather than imposing an outright ban, schools could develop a comprehensive cell phone policy, focusing on teaching students how to use their devices effectively and responsibly.
EdTech Recommendation (9:17) Check out Troy Reynolds on TikTok | TikTok Referenced In Episode & Part 2
At the end of the school year, teachers should take a few key steps to clean up their Google Classroom to ensure a smooth transition to the next academic year.
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Archive Classes: Once a class is over, you should archive it to keep your dashboard organized. Archived classes are still accessible for reference, but they don't appear in your active class list.
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Return All Work: Ensure all assignments have been graded and returned to students. This allows students to view their grades and feedback even after the class is archived.
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Download and Save Important Data: If there are important materials, grades, or student submissions you want to keep, make sure to download and save them elsewhere before archiving the class.
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Remove Old Class Materials: Clear out any unnecessary posts, assignments, or materials from the class page. This will make it easier to navigate in the future.
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Communicate with Students: Let students know when you plan to archive the class so they can download any materials or grades they want to keep.
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Plan for the Next Year: Consider what worked well and what didn't this year. Start preparing for the next year by setting up new classes, reusing posts or assignments, and updating your course material as necessary.
Following these steps will not only make your Google Classroom more manageable, but it will also set you up for success in the upcoming school year.
Featured Content (11:33) In this episode of the House of #EdTech, I delve into the transformative power of Apple's latest technological innovation, the Apple Vision Pro. This groundbreaking mixed-reality headset has immense potential to reshape K-12 education, introducing students to an immersive, interactive, and highly engaging learning environment.
I explore the key features of the Vision Pro, from its advanced M2 and R1 chips for seamless computing and real-time sensor processing to its array of sensors and cameras that allow users to interact with digital content as if it were part of their actual surroundings. The EyeSight technology, which enables a sense of connection and presence, is also highlighted.
The episode discusses the revolutionary impact of the Vision Pro on education, emphasizing its capacity to bring lessons to life, foster deeper comprehension, and create a more inclusive learning environment. The headset's ability to bridge the gap between online and offline students, transcending physical presence and geographic limitations, is also explored.
You are presented with creative lesson plan ideas that leverage the Vision Pro's features across different grade levels. From virtual field trips to a zoo for elementary students to performing Shakespearean plays on a virtual stage for high schoolers, these examples illuminate the exciting possibilities for teaching and learning.
This episode paints an exciting picture of the future of education, demonstrating how technologies like the Apple Vision Pro can open new avenues for creativity, exploration, and inclusivity in the classroom.
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