Tech Savvy Secondary Teacher

So, a conversation popped up in my WhatsApp group about creating a policy on academic integrity concerning generative AI. Actually, I'd been thinking about drumming something up ever since ChatGPT made its way into my own classroom (snarl). And, since I was reminded of this task, I took one educator's advice and looked at Harvard's Honor Code, gave Bard AI my and Harvard's input and let it do its thing. If you're interested, you're free to use this one, and tweak it according to your needs. Classroom AI Policy Happy Prepping!

  The written word is a traditional, sometimes fool-proof method of assessing students' content knowledge, especially if it's written on paper, by hand (we won't talk about the robot that can mimic anyone's handwriting, as most students wouldn't be able to afford it). However, what if we give our students a choice in how they would like to demonstrate that knowledge on another level, which also increases engagement? I have often assigned posters, slides, skits and 3D models, and the students seemed a lot more enthusiastic - and often very proud of their product. Giving them a choice to produce a tangible product other than paper brings an added life or positive vibe into the classroom. When the due date arrives and students are to present their products, there's an excited buzz, and I'll have to admit, I, too, am excited to see what they came up with (spoiler alert: They have to turn in a picture and a write-up of their project the day before, so as to elimi...

  (Image generated by AI after about 10 attempts) I just finished the module on Ethics in AI in the free Microsoft course I wrote about previously, and boy were my eyes opened! Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly changing the world, and with it comes a host of ethical implications. As AI systems become more powerful, it is essential that we consider the potential risks and benefits of this technology. In this article, I will explore some of the key ethical issues surrounding AI, including: Bias:  AI systems are only as good as the data they are trained on. If this data is biased, then the AI system will learn and perpetuate these biases. This could lead to discrimination against certain groups of people. Privacy:  AI systems often collect and analyze large amounts of personal data. This raises concerns about privacy and data protection. Accountability:  Who is responsible for the actions of AI systems? If an AI system makes a mistake, who is liable? Transparency:...

Yes, that's Sir Elton John! In order for my creativity to come out, I use other creatives as my muses. And, who has been more creative than Elton? No, he has nothing to do with Ed Tech, but he does inspire - I mean, how many years has he been entertaining us and STILL selling out concert venues? My other muses in the background include my dear nana, who just passed in January, 2023, my mom and her twin (who passed last year), and my handsome nephew. OK, that's one way. Another helper is I do use AI to help me brainstorm and to edit my posts. If I try to have it actually write my posts, it will come up with some ridiculous claim and/or use jargon that's just not my style. Yes, I checked. So, this is one really good piece of advice: AI is your assistant, not your substitute. Which brings me to another thought. AI isn't going anywhere, so we educators might as well learn how to use it AND teach our students how to use it ETHICALLY. I'm in the middle of taking the free ...

Need some science inspiration? As you all are well aware, science isn't just for the Science classes. It's EVERYWHERE! And, what better way to bring home that idea than to have a real, live scientist converse with your students, for FREE? A couple of years ago I decided to give it a try in my AP Psychology class. It was a hit. Not only did our scientist reinforce some of the learning that we'd already done, but he also talked about the relevance in his work to society. Though he was a graduate student in neurobiology, he was still relevant enough for the students, and me. It didn't hurt that he was easy on the eyes, as one student pointed out, lol. So, WHY should you do this? Not having time in the curriculum is not an excuse, as this is a resource FOR the curriculum, as a reinforcer. It's like backwards mapping. Think of where you could place this experience in your curriculum. It's FREE mentorship with a real scientist. Moreover, s tudents can benefit from tal...

Educators are some of the most dedicated and selfless people in the world. They work long hours, often for little pay, and they're always putting the needs of their students first. But all that giving can take its toll, and it's important for educators to take care of themselves, too. That's why I'm excited to offer a FREE 30-Day Self-Care Challenge Calendar for educators. This calendar is packed with fun and relaxing activities that will help you reduce stress, improve your mood, and boost your overall well-being. Body: The calendar includes 30 different self-care activities, such as: Taking a yoga class Reading a book Spending time in nature Getting a massage Going for a walk Listening to music Journaling Practicing gratitude There's also a journal page for each day of the challenge, so you can track your progress and reflect on your experiences. The calendar is undated, so you can start it at any time. And because it's FREE, there's no excuse not...