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Discover resources and strategies for teaching core content areas. Explore tips, tools, and activities to enhance learning across all subjects.

Citing AI Insights: Five Approaches to Try

by Miguel Guhlin October 7, 2024

written by Miguel Guhlin

Wondering about citing AI insights? Citing your work is important. Doing so ensures transparency. It says, “Not only did I get inspired by this amazing idea, I know who or what inspired me.” Let’s take a moment to explore how to best cite everyone’s newest friends for inspiring ideas. At the end, you’ll find a short guide for citing AI generated images, too.

Citing AI is new. It matters. When you cite, you’re honest. You say, “This idea came from somewhere. I know where.” Let’s talk about how to credit our new AI friends. They give us ideas. We should say so.
Claude. “Alternate lead” A.I. Archives, 25 July 2024, https://aiarchives.org/id/xuXMr1MLG8KMFcjzUEPb

Citation Creation

There are many tools that make citing traditional source of information easy. You may find this round up of citation tools worth reviewing. A quick list of the tools mentioned in that blog entry include:

Zotero. A free and easy-to-use research and citation tool that helps you collect, organize, cite, and share your research sources.
RefSeek. An academic search engine and citation tool that helps students and researchers find relevant and reliable information.
Citation Machine. A free, ad-powered website that helps students create citations in a variety of formats.
Mendeley. A free and open-source reference manager and academic social network that can help you organize your research, generate citations, and collaborate with others.
ResearchRabbit. A free and easy-to-use tool that can help you stay organized and up-to-date on the latest research.

To that list of citation generators, I would add a few more. Let’s take a look.

More Citation Generators

These citation generators are for more traditional websites. All work in your browser.

BibGuru. This free plugin is designed to generate APA, MLA, and Harvard formatted citations.
MyBib. It generates citations in over 9,000 styles, including APA, MLA, and Harvard, for webpages and PDFs, and allows users to copy, save, and export citations directly into their academic papers. It is free.
Monica. Automates citation generation, bibliography creation, and academic writing, supporting multiple citation styles including APA, MLA, and Chicago. A limited free version with paid plans starting at $8.30 per month.

Now that more traditional website citation tools are out of the way, let’s take a look at some ways to easily cite AI chats. Let’s start with the slow approach.

Approach #1: Manual Formatting

Let’s start with an old-fashioned approach. You can, of course, do this but it can be laborious.

Style	Citation Format	Example	In-Text Citation Example
APA	Author. (Date). Name of tool (Version of tool) [Large language model]. URL	Anthropic. (2023). Claude (Version 1.3) [Large language model]. https://claude.ai	(Anthropic, 2023)
MLA	‘Description of chat’ prompt. Name of AI tool, version of AI tool, Company, Date of chat, URL.	‘Overview of research on differentiated instruction’ prompt. Claude, Version 1.3, Anthropic, 4 Mar. 2023, https://claude.ai	(‘Overview of research on differentiated instruction’)
Chicago	Text generated by [AI tool name], [Company], [Date], [URL].	Claude, response to ‘Analyze the impact of the Industrial Revolution on urbanization,’ Anthropic, March 7, 2023, https://claude.ai.	N/A

Another approach is to track the relevant data (e.g. Author, date, title, URL, Company) and then to paste that into an AI tool of choice. Ask it to generate the citation for you. Try this prompt if that’s your goal:

Generate citations in MLA, APA, and Chicago styles for the following source:

[Insert source details here, such as author, title, publication date, publisher, URL, etc.]

Please provide separate citations for each style, clearly labeled as MLA, APA, and Chicago. Include any specific formatting requirements for each style, such as italics, quotation marks, or parentheses.

Here’s what that looks like with this prompt:

Generate citations in MLA, APA, and Chicago styles for the following source:
Author: Miguel Guhlin
Title: Citing AI Insights
Publication Date: 07/24/2024
Publisher: TCEA Technotes blog
URL: https://blog.tcea.org/citing-ai

Please provide separate citations for each style, clearly labeled as MLA, APA, and Chicago. Include any specific formatting requirements for each style, such as italics, quotation marks, or parentheses

The result:

MLA (9th edition):
Guhlin, Miguel. "Citing AI Insights." TCEA Technotes blog, 24 July 2024, blog.tcea.org/citing-ai.

APA (7th edition):
Guhlin, M. (2024, July 24). Citing AI insights. TCEA Technotes blog. https://blog.tcea.org/citing-ai

Chicago (17th edition, notes and bibliography):
Guhlin, Miguel. "Citing AI Insights." TCEA Technotes blog, July 24, 2024. https://blog.tcea.org/citing-ai.

But that’s for a traditional website. What about AI? Let’s find out using an easier approach.

Approach #2: A.I. Archives

A.I. Archives makes citing easy. It’s simple with Claude, ChatGPT, Gemini, and Meta AI. You can cite them all. The tool has videos to help. One video is below (Claude). Topics include how to organize, cite :

Simply add the browser extension, and you will soon see two icons in your favorite AI chatbot. These icons allows you to share in public or private way (see below):

Screenshot by author of A.I. Archives component

They also offer the following:

A link for easy sharing
A save bookmark for the future (login to save)
Citation button to get formatting in APA, MLA, and/or Chicago style

You can see this in the screenshot below:

This is the easiest approach and all citations are saved to your Google account. Learn more about it online.

What’s more, you can also search or browse the A.I. Archives (the public ones) that others have saved:

One final option is to organize your saved AI conversations via a convenient dashboard, as shown below:

Approach #3: ChatGPT Specific

As wonderful as A.I. Archives is, you may want to explore some alternatives for ChatGPT. Here’s the short list of browser extensions for your consideration.

AI Prompt Genius. This Chrome/Chromium browser extension makes it easy to export (save) their conversations in a variety of formats.
ShareGPT. A browser extension, it tries to make exporting and sharing ChatGPT conversations. Export formats include images, PDFs, or shareable links.
Enhanced ChatGPT. This browser extension includes chat export and prompt templates, but more importantly, export current chat to Markdown.

Approach #4: Perma.cc

Another solution takes a different approach. Harvard Law School Library is a leading organization responsible for maintaining referenced content. Perma creates permanent, archived links to web content, including AI-generated pages. This ensures that the content remains accessible and verifiable over time. It works well for capturing webpages that may expire or disappear.

You can see the process in this image below:

Screenshot of Perma.cc website by author

Approach #5: Joplin Notes

One of the tools I rely on to keep track of my AI prompts and results is Joplin Notes. Joplin, a free open source tool, was not designed to interact with AI. It’s more of an Evernote like note-taking tool. That said, it offers a browser extension. That tool is the Joplin Web Clipper.
You can use that browser extension to capture website content.

You can see a captured conversation (complete page in markdown) below:

Bonus Tool: Claude Exporter

(There’s also a ChatGPT Exporter)

If you use Claude.ai, you may have wished for an easy way to get a copy of the entire conversation (a.k.a. chat) you had within the chatbot. If so, then you might want to add the Claude Exporter browser extension. It allows you to export, or get a copy of, any Claude.ai chat you may be in. It works in chats within a Claude Project, too. This makes it handy when you are wondering, what process did I follow to get this amazing result.

Screenshot by author from browser extension website linked in article

This makes it handy when you are wondering, “What process did I follow to get this amazing result?” This does not offer any citation options, but is useful when you want a complete copy of the chat.

Citing AI Generated Images

Citing AI generated images has not yet been formalized. That said, you can cite AI-generated images as figures in MLA. Remember to follow these guidelines:

Include the prompt used to generate the image.
Specify the AI tool, version (if known), and company that created it.
Include the date the image was generated.
Provide a website URL if the image is publicly accessible.
Follow your organization’s (or the publisher’s specific guidelines) as they may have preferences for citing AI-generated content.

Now, let’s take a look at some examples for MLA, APA, and Chicago.

MLA

In-text (caption):

Fig. 1. “Prompt text” prompt, AI Tool Name, Version (if known), Company Name, Date Generated.

Works Cited entry:

“Prompt text” prompt. AI Tool Name, Version (if known), Company Name, Date Generated, URL (if available).

Example:

Fig. 1. “A watercolor painting of Batman reading a book in a library” prompt, DALL-E, version 2, OpenAI, 21 Aug. 2023.

“A watercolor painting of Batman reading a book in a library” prompt. DALL-E, version 2, OpenAI, 21 Aug. 2023, labs.openai.com/s/D4u19kmQHkzTIucl9C1fW6Gf.

Although APA has not yet issued specific guidance, here are some examples:

APA

In-text (caption):

Figure X. Description of image. AI Tool Name (Version), by Company Name, Year. URL (if available)

Reference list:

Company Name. (Year). AI Tool Name (Version) [AI image generator]. URL

Example:

Figure 1. A watercolor painting of Batman reading a book in a library. DALL-E (Version 2), by OpenAI, 2023.

OpenAI. (2023). DALL-E (Version 2) [AI image generator]. https://www.openai.com/dall-e-2

Chicago

For Chicago style, simply cite AI-generated images like you do other images:

Caption:

Figure X. “Prompt text,” image generated by Company’s AI Tool, Date Generated.

Bibliography:

Company Name. “Prompt text.” Image generated by AI Tool Name. Date Generated. URL (if available).

Example:

Figure 1. “A watercolor painting of Batman reading a book in a library,” image generated by OpenAI’s DALL-E, August 21, 2023.

OpenAI. “A watercolor painting of Batman reading a book in a library.” Image generated by DALL-E. August 21, 2023. https://labs.openai.com/s/D4u19kmQHkzTIucl9C1fW6Gf.

Parting Thoughts

With AI chatbots everywhere, citing chats is critical for maintaining academic integrity and transparency. Use the tools in this blog entry to assist you in citing AI conversations. More important, when you acknowledge AI contributions, you maintain transparency needed for trust.

October 7, 2024 0 comments

10 Critical Thinking Skills for Elementary Students including Activities

10 Critical Thinking Skills for Elementary Learners

by Sara Qualls October 4, 2024

written by Sara Qualls

As students dive into the complexities of the world, it’s crucial to equip elementary learners with strong critical thinking skills. One study shows that developing these skills can really boost students’ academic performance and problem-solving abilities.

When we foster these skills early, we’re setting up our young learners to analyze information, make smart decisions, and adapt to new situations with confidence and creativity. So, let’s jump in and check out some critical thinking skills activities that can help spark curiosity and strengthen these essential skills in elementary students!

Fostering Adaptability in Elementary School

Adaptability is the ability to embrace new ideas and adjust perspectives based on fresh evidence or insights.

Imagine being a superhero, using your powers to tackle various challenges—that’s the essence of adaptability! For young learners, developing this crucial skill helps them navigate new situations, embrace change, and recover from setbacks. As they learn to adjust their approaches, they build confidence and resilience that will benefit them throughout their lives. Here are some engaging activities designed to foster adaptability skills in elementary students.

Adaptability Activities for Elementary School

Flexible Schedule
Allow students to create their own schedule for a day or a week, but introduce changes along the way (e.g., shifting activities around). This helps them practice adjusting their plans and managing time effectively, giving them a realistic glimpse into daily life!

Team Building Games: Engage students in activities like or “Tower Building” with limited materials. As they work together, introduce new rules or challenges to see how they adapt their strategies.

Mystery Object
Present an object and ask students to come up with multiple uses for it. This fosters flexibility in thinking and encourages them to view challenges from different angles. You might be surprised by the imaginative solutions they come up with.

Bonus: Solo-Cup Engineering Challenge

Enhancing Analysis Skills in Elementary Students

Analysis is the ability to break down complex information into smaller parts, identifying patterns and relationships.

Imagine taking a complex puzzle and breaking it into manageable pieces—now that’s a skill to cherish! It’s all about spotting patterns and relationships that help clarify the big picture. For elementary learners, developing analysis and critical thinking skills is crucial; it empowers them to ask questions, solve problems, and think independently. Here are some fun activities designed to help young students build this essential, future-ready skill. Let’s jump in!

Analysis Activities for Elementary School

Story Mapping
Have students create a visual map of a story, identifying characters, setting, problem, and resolution. This helps them break down and analyze the narrative structure. Plus, it’s a creative way for them to visualize the story elements and see how they connect!

Compare and Contrast
Provide two similar books or stories and ask students to identify differences and similarities in themes, characters, and settings. They can use a Venn diagram to organize their thoughts. This activity not only sharpens their analytical skills but also encourages lively discussions about what makes each story unique. You can find tools to create your own Venn diagrams here.

Data Sorting
Use a simple dataset (like class survey results) and have students categorize the data, creating graphs or charts to represent their findings. This hands-on activity allows them to engage with real information, making analysis feel relevant and exciting!

Bonus: Make”Choose Your Own Adventure” Stories with Google Forms and AI

Collaborative Learning for Elementary Students

Collaboration is working effectively with others, sharing ideas, and integrating different perspectives to reach a common goal.

Imagine a group of young explorers navigating a treasure map together—that’s the essence of collaboration for elementary students! For young learners, developing collaboration skills is essential as it empowers them to communicate, share ideas, and build strong relationships. By fostering collaboration early on, students lay the groundwork for teamwork in future endeavors. Here are some impactful activities designed to cultivate collaboration skills in elementary learners.

Collaboration Activities for Elementary School

There are many ways to use story dice to promote creativity, writing skills, and more in the classroom.

Group Story Creation
Have students sit in a circle and collaboratively create a story, with each student contributing a sentence. This encourages them to listen to each other and build on ideas, fostering communication and teamwork. Try using Story Dice to engage your students.

Team Building Games
Organize simple team-building games, “Pass the Hula Hoop,” that require students to work together to achieve a goal. These activities promote trust and cooperation among classmates. A favorite activity from young learners to adults is Save Fred. Give it a go!

Collaborative Art Project
Provide a large piece of paper or canvas for a group art project where each student adds their own element. This encourages creativity and collaboration as they negotiate how to combine their ideas into a cohesive piece.

Bonus: Friendship Quilts Bring History, Math, and SEL Together

Building Communication Skills Early

Communication is the ability to convey ideas clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing.

Imagine a group of young friends excitedly sharing their favorite stories—that’s the essence of communication for elementary students! For young learners, developing strong communication skills is essential as it empowers them to express their thoughts, collaborate with peers, and build relationships. By fostering communication skills early on, students lay a solid foundation for future academic and social success. Here are some impactful activities designed to cultivate communication skills in elementary learners.

Communication Activities for Elementary School

Show and Tell
Organize regular “Show and Tell” sessions where students bring in an item of personal significance and explain its importance to the class. This encourages them to practice speaking in front of others and articulating their thoughts clearly. Explore six communication games and activities for elementary students here.

Story Circle
Create a story circle where students take turns adding a sentence to a group story. This activity promotes listening skills and encourages them to build on each other’s ideas, enhancing their verbal communication.

Role-Playing
Have students engage in role-playing scenarios that mimic real-life situations, such as ordering food at a restaurant or interviewing for a job. This helps them practice conversational skills and learn how to communicate effectively in different contexts.

Bonus: 14 Editable SEL Check-In Templates

Nurturing Creativity in Young Minds

Creativity is the ability to generate original ideas and think outside the box, an essential skill for students as they navigate a rapidly changing world.

Imagine cultivating a garden of ideas where each student can plant their own unique vision—that’s the power of creativity! For elementary learners, fostering creativity means encouraging imaginative play and exploration. It empowers them to express their thoughts freely and develop problem-solving skills through innovative projects. Here are some engaging activities specifically designed to help elementary school students nurture this vital, future-ready skill. Let’s jump in!

Creativity Activities for Elementary School

Creative Storytelling
Provide students with a set of random images or objects and ask them to create a unique story connecting them. This activity enhances imagination and narrative skills, making it a fun way to develop storytelling abilities. Try the Emoji Writing Prompt generator for some added fun.

Invent a New Game
Challenge students to design a new game with specific rules and objectives. This encourages teamwork and creative thinking, allowing students to express their ideas in a playful context.

STEAM Projects
Integrate STEAM concepts into art by having students create projects that blend creativity with science and technology. For example, they can design a simple machine that performs a specific task using everyday materials or create art using coding platforms. For more inspiring ideas, check out this resource STEM-Tastic Activities.

Empowering Decision-Making in Students

Decision-making is weighing options and outcomes to make choices that align with goals and values.

Imagine being a captain, steering your ship through uncharted waters—that’s what decision-making is all about! For elementary learners, developing this skill is crucial as they begin to understand how to evaluate options and make thoughtful choices. As they practice decision-making, they learn to think critically, consider consequences, and build confidence in their decisions. Here are some engaging activities designed to foster decision-making skills in elementary students, helping them become empowered, thoughtful individuals ready for future challenges.

Decision-Making Activities for Elementary School

Learn 6 tips for encouraging quieter students to participate in classroom discussions.

Classroom Discussions
Initiate discussions about a story or topic where students must share their opinions and justify them. This encourages them to think critically about their perspectives. Worried about the quieter students? You can find tips here to help everyone participate!

Mystery Box
Place several items in a box and have students guess their purpose. They must explain their reasoning, which promotes observation and analytical skills. This hands-on activity makes decision-making fun and interactive.

What If Scenarios
Present hypothetical scenarios (e.g., “What if animals could talk?”) and have students discuss the implications. This activity fosters imaginative and critical thinking, allowing them to explore different outcomes and their effects. You can find 320 creative questions from Making English Fun to get started.

Evaluation Skills for Elementary Students

Evaluation is assessing the credibility of sources, arguments, and evidence to make informed judgments.

Imagine being a judge, carefully assessing options and making informed decisions—that’s the essence of evaluation! For elementary learners, developing this skill is key to understanding how to analyze information, weigh pros and cons, and make thoughtful choices. As they practice evaluating different scenarios, they boost their confidence and enhance their critical thinking abilities. Here are some engaging activities designed to foster evaluation skills in elementary students, helping them become discerning thinkers ready for future challenges.

Evaluation Activities for Elementary School

Two shelves with the seven book covers from the post on them.

Picture Books Comparison
Have students read two different picture books and evaluate the illustrations, themes, and messages. They can create a chart to compare their findings and share them with the class. This not only hones their evaluation skills but also promotes a love for reading!

Classroom Voting
Present a few ideas for a class project or theme and have students discuss the pros and cons of each. They can then vote, explaining their reasoning for their choice. This activity encourages critical thinking and helps them understand the decision-making process. Need a tool to help with your polling? Try one of these resources.

Product Reviews
Provide students with a simple product (like a toy or game) and have them evaluate its features, benefits, and drawbacks. They can create a poster or a short presentation to share their reviews. This fun activity allows them to practice articulating their evaluations in a creative way.

Inference Skills in Elementary Education

Inference is drawing logical conclusions based on available information and data, even when not all details are clear.

Imagine being a detective, piecing together clues to uncover hidden meanings—this is the essence of inference! It’s all about reading between the lines and drawing conclusions from evidence, which is crucial for navigating complex texts and situations. For young students, developing inference skills is essential; it boosts their confidence as readers and thinkers, helping them understand and engage with the world around them. Here are some engaging activities designed to spark their curiosity and strengthen this important skill.

Inference Activities for Elementary School

Picture Walk
Before diving into a book, take a picture walk! Have your students look at the illustrations and make predictions about the story based on visual clues. This engaging activity encourages them to discuss their inferences as they read, making the story come alive!

Story Predictions
Before finishing a story, ask students to predict the ending based on clues provided throughout the text. Encourage them to share their predictions and the evidence they used to support their inferences. This not only enhances their analytical skills but also fosters a deeper connection with the narrative.

Character Inference
Read a story and pause at key moments to ask students to infer what a character might be thinking or feeling based on their actions and dialogue. This activity helps them develop empathy and critical thinking as they consider different perspectives.

Problem-Solving for Elementary Schoolers

Problem-solving is the ability to develop strategies to tackle challenges, including identifying root causes and generating creative solutions.

Imagine facing a fun challenge and figuring out how to overcome it—that’s the heart of problem-solving! For younger students, developing this skill is key to navigating obstacles, thinking creatively, and building resilience. As they tackle simple problems, they gain confidence and a sense of accomplishment that lays the groundwork for future challenges. Here are some engaging activities designed to foster problem-solving skills in elementary learners.

Problem-Solving Activities for Elementary School

Example Google Forms for solving a digital breakout.

Puzzle Challenges
Provide students with a variety of puzzles (e.g., jigsaw, logic puzzles, digital breakouts or word searches) that require them to think critically to find solutions. This fun and interactive approach encourages them to collaborate and strategize. Check out these puzzle resources and digital breakouts for a quick start!

Math Word Problems
Create real-life scenarios that require students to use math to solve problems, encouraging them to identify the necessary steps to find a solution. This practical application of math not only sharpens their problem-solving skills but also helps them see the relevance of math in everyday life. You can find several examples of real-world math problems here.

Building Structures
Use materials like blocks or recycled items to challenge students to build a structure that meets specific criteria (e.g., height, stability). This hands-on activity fosters teamwork and creative problem-solving, allowing students to learn through trial and error as they bring their ideas to life.

Bonus: The Dump Truck-Incident: An Elementary Problem-Solving Challenge

Research Skills for Young Students

Research is the ability to gather information, analyze it critically, and draw informed conclusions.

Imagine a group of curious young detectives exploring their world, seeking answers to intriguing questions—that’s the essence of research for elementary students! For young learners, developing research skills is essential as it empowers them to seek knowledge, ask questions, and develop a love for learning. By fostering research skills early on, students build a strong foundation for future academic success. Here are some impactful activities designed to cultivate research skills in elementary learners.

Research Activities for Elementary School

Question of the Week
Present a new question each week related to a subject the class is studying. Have students research the answer using books, articles, and online resources, then present their findings to the class. This encourages curiosity and helps them practice gathering information.

Nature Journals
Encourage students to keep nature journals where they document observations about plants, animals, and the environment. They can research facts about their observations and incorporate the concepts of Claim, Evidence, and Reasoning (CER) to structure their findings. This approach helps them analyze their observations and articulate their understanding more clearly.

Classroom News Report
Have students create a classroom news report about a recent event or topic they researched. They can include interviews, facts, and their opinions, helping them learn to synthesize information and present it in an engaging format.

Bonus: Resources to Teach Students about News Validity

Incorporating these critical thinking skills into elementary classrooms helps create a strong foundation for young learners. As they engage in activities that promote analysis and adaptability, students are better equipped to face future challenges with confidence. So, what types of activities are you using to foster critical thinking in your classroom? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments!

October 4, 2024 0 comments

Close-up of a person wearing a pink sleeve typing on a laptop, with long pink nails and a window in the background

Artificial Intelligence Writing

What’s the Verdict on Grammarly’s AI-Powered Writing Assistance?

by Dr. Bruce Ellis September 16, 2024

written by Dr. Bruce Ellis

Evolution of Grammarly

Grammarly performance report showing a text score of 80 out of 100, with word count, readability, and vocabulary metrics for a document

Since its launch in 2009, Grammarly has evolved from a simple grammar and spelling checker to a comprehensive writing assistant. The platform now offers a range of features beyond its initial scope. In addition to grammar, spelling, and punctuation corrections, Grammarly has expanded to include engagement and delivery assistance, plagiarism detection, and most recently, AI-powered features under the umbrella of Grammarly Authorship. Regardless of which plan you are on, you will appreciate the writing report that can give you a dashboard of feedback on your current writing document. Let’s explore Grammarly’s AI tools to determine their real value.

Grammarly Authorship: AI-Powered Writing Support

Grammarly’s latest feature, Grammarly Authorship, introduces several AI-powered tools to enhance the writing experience. These include content rewriting assistance, composition support, and tone suggestions for all users with AI-generated text detection for those with a premium account. Free users receive 100 AI prompts monthly, while premium plans offer significantly more, catering to more intensive writing needs.

Customization and Flexibility

One of Grammarly’s strengths is its flexibility. Users can toggle AI features on or off as needed, adjusting the tool to their specific writing tasks (Account –> Settings –> Feature Customization). For example, you can adjust the tone to be more formal or casual depending on the audience you’re writing for, or select specific goals like ‘clarity’ or ‘engagement’ to fine-tune suggestions. While this feature has some limitations, it can significantly speed up the process of reaching your final copy. In regards to using Grammarly’s generative AI to assist in the writing process, I wasn’t impressed though it may be a good fit for those who would rather not have a conversation with ChatGPT, Claude, or Perplexity to craft well written content.

A screenshot of Grammarly's feature customization settings and a panel for setting voice and writing ideas using generative AI assistance — Grammarly’s Generative AI settings and options for personalized writing assistance

AI Detection and Plagiarism Checking

While Grammarly’s Authorship tools focus on enhancing the writing process, the platform’s paid plans include safeguards like AI detection and plagiarism checking to ensure the originality of your work. The plagiarism checker compares your work against over 500,000 documents, providing a percentage of how much your text matches content from various websites. However, users should exercise caution when relying on the AI-generated text detector. In testing, it showed inconsistencies, failing to identify some AI-generated content. For instance, a document largely written by AI with minor human edits received a notice (see image below) that “No AI-generated text was detected.” This highlights the current limitations of AI detection technology across the industry. And, each time you click on the Plagiarisms and AI text check button, it will rescan to check your text even if you have not made any edits since last time you click the button. For those considering a paid plan specifically for the AI detector feature, it might be wise to wait for further improvements in this technology.

Grammarly report indicating 1% of the document matches external sources and no AI-generated text detected.

Grammarly’s evolution from a simple grammar tool to a comprehensive AI-powered assistant is impressive, though not without its limitations. While its generative AI features may not be a fit for every writer, the platform’s flexibility and range of tools still make it a valuable resource for improving your writing. As AI technology continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how Grammarly refines its offerings. What’s your take?

September 16, 2024 0 comments

English Language Arts Reading (ELAR)Planning and Preparation Reading Writing

Write to Learn: Creating a Districtwide Culture of Literacy

by Taylor Brock September 11, 2024

written by Taylor Brock

In recent years, writing across content areas has become a highly discussed literacy problem of practice. As assessments across the country—including the redesigned STAAR exam—incorporate cross-curricular passages and varied writing tasks, many districts are asking, “How do we build a culture of literacy that spans content areas?”

While we can all agree that building student literacy is incredibly important, different educators are likely to come up with different definitions of what “literacy” means. For the sake of the discussion below, I want to offer a definition that many of our teams at NoRedInk utilize: Literacy is the ability to read, interpret, write, and discuss ideas across varied contents and contexts.

This expansive understanding of literacy makes space for literacy interventions not just in ELAR classes, but in all classes. By embracing this kind of “disciplinary literacy,” districts can equip students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in school, higher education, the military, and the workplace.

What Does Disciplinary Literacy Look Like?

Promoting disciplinary literacy involves helping students step into the shoes of experts in a given field, asking them to engage in social and cognitive practices consistent with those content experts. Doing so gives purpose to classroom reading and writing tasks, which in turn gives students greater access to texts and artifacts.

In practice, this might look like preparing students to read a cartoon like an historian, note features of a painting like an artist, read a graph like a scientist, write a song like a musician, or analyze a play like a football coach.

Naturally, non-ELAR teachers are uniquely equipped to help students develop these varied literacies. What they may be less equipped to do is teach spelling or conventions or proper essay structure—and that’s okay! Just because a district incorporates writing across its curriculum doesn’t mean that every teacher must moonlight as an ELAR teacher. Rather, an effective disciplinary literacy initiative draws on the strengths of each teacher to support the development of historically, artistically, scientifically, musically, and athletically literate students.

Building a Culture of Literacy

As the research of Paige Whitlock, EdD, illustrates, coming to a shared understanding of what disciplinary literacy does and doesn’t mean is just the first step in building a culture of disciplinary literacy in a district. Leaders must also invest in clear planning and communication to get teachers on board with their initiatives.

First, leaders should foreground the “why” behind the move toward writing across the curriculum (or whatever disciplinary literacy initiative they’re rolling out). Every district faces a unique set of circumstances, but as a leader, you should be sure to make it clear why it’s important to you, your district, and your community to increase literacy across content areas.

It’s equally important to draw clear connections between new disciplinary literacy initiatives and ongoing initiatives in various content areas. Literacy cannot seem like yet another thing competing for space on non-ELAR teachers’ plates. Better thinkers and better writers make better historians, artists, scientists, and so forth, which means disciplinary literacy is not “for someone else,” but a powerful tool for teachers in every subject. Get non-ELAR teachers involved in planning literacy initiatives so that these initiatives fold into what these teachers are already doing.

Finally, on a similar note, lean into distributed leadership. ELAR leaders may be in the best position to spearhead a literacy initiative, but they shouldn’t hesitate to leverage the expertise of central office specialists, school administrators, and, as mentioned above, strong teachers (both ELAR and non-ELAR). Create a literacy team dedicated to mapping out essential steps in your literacy initiatives and exploring opportunities for the district to embrace a more expansive definition of literacy.

A South Texas Success Story: Creating a Culture of Disciplinary Literacy

After adopting NoRedInk Premium across all their secondary schools in the ‘21–‘22 school year, Weslaco ISD, a suburban district in the Rio Grande Valley serving almost 20,000 students, noticed that writing was happening almost exclusively in ELAR classrooms. They decided to craft a plan for increasing writing across content areas starting in the spring of 2022.

Weslaco assembled an implementation team made up of both Social Studies and ELAR teachers that zeroed in on prioritizing non-fiction, analytical writing skills and providing feedback on students’ writing through their respective content area literacy lenses. The implementation team then introduced the Weslaco curriculum team to their new approach, and the latter worked to incorporate Social Studies-related prompts into their ELAR scope and sequence and align Social Studies writing tasks with the skills students were learning in their ELAR classes.

In the fall of 2022, Weslaco trained all Social Studies and ELAR teachers on the new approach and orchestrated norming conversations so teachers understood which content areas owned which components of writing. Before the start of the ‘23–‘24 school year, Weslaco repeated the same process with Science teachers across the district.

As a result of these efforts, the amount of writing students completed more than doubled from the ‘21–‘22 school year to the ‘22–‘23 school year. Critically, much of this growth was the result of a significant uptick in the amount of writing happening in non-ELAR classrooms.

Prior to ‘22–‘23, the overwhelming majority of writing in the district was occurring in ELAR classrooms. In ‘22–‘23, ~76% of student writing submissions came from ELAR classrooms, whereas ~20% came from Social Studies classrooms and ~4% came from Science classrooms. In the first half of ‘23–‘24, ~60% of student writing submissions came from ELAR classrooms, whereas ~16% came from Social Studies classrooms and ~24% came from Science classrooms.

How to Get Started

As the initiative in Weslaco ISD illustrates, building a strong districtwide culture of disciplinary literacy is a multistep process that can take time to execute effectively. That said, there’s nothing wrong with starting small.

To get the ball rolling, consider organizing a book study, incorporating more reading and writing tasks into PLCs, or putting together a cross-curricular team tasked with defining “literacy” within each discipline. Especially at the start, baby steps are much preferable to no steps at all, because ultimately, regardless of your district’s specific goals, developing student literacy across multiple content areas is a surefire way to set your students up for success.

September 11, 2024 0 comments

AI/VR English Language Arts Reading (ELAR)

Storynest.ai: Reshaping Storytelling in Three Quick Ways

by Miguel Guhlin September 9, 2024

written by Miguel Guhlin

Looking for a fun way to change how you approach storytelling? Storynest.ai may be the tool you need. It can help you put together new narratives. Let’s explore three ways Storynest.ai reshapes storytelling. You will also get some ideas on how you might use it in the classroom.

About Storynest.ai

Storynest.ai offers three AI models designed to assist you in storywriting: Wordweaver for quick creation, Talesmith for balanced speed and quality, and Storymaster for high-level detail. While there’s a free plan available, paid options offer more features and AI credits.

1. AI-Powered Story Creation: Your Digital Writing Partner

“I’ve been staring at this blank page. How do I even start?” said Sarah, a fifth grade aspiring novelist, asked Mrs. Black.

“Why don’t we give Storynest.ai a try for some ideas?” said Mrs. Black.

Storynest.ai’s advanced AI engine acts as a personal writing assistant. It helps you overcome creative blocks and bring your ideas to life. Here’s how it empowers your writing process:

Generates creative prompts to spark your imagination
Suggests plot developments to keep your story moving
Offers character backstories and dialogue options for depth

A standout feature is Character Chat. It allows you to explore your characters’ thoughts and motivations through direct conversation.

Screenshot by author of Storynest AI website

For educators, Storynest.ai can be an invaluable classroom tool. Teachers can use the platform to:

Generate interactive writing prompts for various grade levels
Offer lesson plans integrating AI-assisted storytelling techniques
Enable student collaboration on stories, fostering teamwork

2. AI Narration of Stories

“Wouldn’t it be cool to have a story narrated with AI-powered audio narration?” asks Mike, a first-year writing workshop teacher. “It could take the pressure of kids who aren’t ready to read their story aloud.”

Screenshot by author of Storynest.ai — Listen to The Enchanted Library and the Bookworm’s Odyssey

Storynest.ai transforms the AI-powered read aloud experience. You get a variety of AI character voices you can use to narrate whatever you write. What’s more, Storynest.ai offers assistance with writing fiction, nonfiction, educational content, and/or blogs.

3. Create Comic Storyboards and a Community Share Space

“Storyboarding is one way I model crafting a story piece by piece, but it can be challenging for students to imagine what comes next,” asks Mrs. Black, a fifth grade teacher. As art-challenged, my storyboards are almost always words with stick figures. AI can certainly help with that, as you can see below. Storynest.ai offers several different artistic styles to create comic storyboards with AI:

1. 🎥 Cinematic: Capture the drama and intensity of a blockbuster film.
2. 📚 Comic Book: Embrace the classic look of traditional comic panels.
3. 🍥 Anime: Immerse yourself in the vibrant, expressive world of Japanese animation.
4. 📸 Photographic: Bring a touch of realism to your scenes with a photographic style.
5. 🏰 Disney: Enchant your readers with the whimsical charm of a Disney animated feature. (source)

You can see what that looks like below:

What’s more, Storynest.ai fosters a vibrant community where creativity flourishes:

Facilitates story sharing and feedback exchanges
Hosts writing challenges and competitions
Enables collaborative projects, connecting authors globally

This community motivates writers and creates a rich environment for readers to discover new voices. For students, it offers a safe space to share work and receive constructive feedback, aiding their growth as writers.

The platform’s versatility ensures value for users of all skill levels, from novices to experienced authors.

Enhancing Teaching with Storynest.ai

Storynest.ai serves as a valuable assistant for educators looking to refresh their approach to narrative instruction. As a teacher, you can harness its capabilities to create engaging writing prompts, develop sample stories, and compile diverse reading lists that resonate with your students’ interests. Here are a few more use suggestions:

Guided Activities for Using Storynest.ai in the Classroom

Activity	Description	Teacher’s Role	Student Engagement	Learning Outcome
Story Starter Generator	Use Storynest.ai to generate creative writing prompts	Teacher inputs parameters and shares generated prompts with class	Students brainstorm and write based on the AI-generated prompt	Sparks creativity and helps overcome writer’s block
Character Development Workshop	Utilize the Character Chat feature to explore character depth	Teacher demonstrates character interaction, then guides class discussion	Students suggest questions and analyze character responses	Enhances understanding of character development in storytelling
Plot Twist Brainstorming	Use AI to suggest unexpected plot developments	Teacher inputs current story elements and shares AI suggestions	Students vote on or discuss the most interesting plot twists	Teaches narrative structure and the element of surprise in storytelling
Collaborative Story Building	Use Storynest.ai to expand on student-created story foundations	Teacher inputs student ideas and shares AI-generated expansions	Students discuss and select which AI suggestions to incorporate	Fosters teamwork and teaches story expansion techniques
Dialogue Writing Practice	Generate dialogue samples for different scenarios	Teacher provides context and character info, then shares AI-generated dialogue	Students analyze and improve upon the AI-generated dialogue	Enhances dialogue writing skills and character voice development
Ethical AI Use Discussion	Demonstrate both helpful and potentially problematic AI outputs	Teacher shows various AI responses and leads a discussion on responsible use	Students debate the pros and cons of AI in creative writing	Develops critical thinking about AI and ethical technology use

Storynest.ai: Reshaping Storytelling

Curious about elevating your teaching methods? Explore Storynest.ai today and discover how AI can enhance your instructional toolkit, helping you inspire your students on their next literary adventure!

September 9, 2024 2 comments

English Language Arts Reading (ELAR)Reading

Five Ways Educators Can Leverage Virtual Author Talks to Boost Literacy This School Year

by Miguel Guhlin August 8, 2024

written by Miguel Guhlin

Did you know that only 43% of children aged 8-18 enjoy reading? That number is down from 58% in 2016 (source). What’s more, both American 9- and 13-year-olds who read for fun on a daily basis has dropped to the lowest level since the mid-1980s (source). The good news is that virtual author talks offer a way to spark students’ interest in reading. Let’s explore a possible resource that can enhance literacy in classrooms. At the end of this blog, I’ll also remind you about AI narrated audiobooks that are currently available. What’s more, this blog will introduce you to a free-for-US-schools tool for human-narrated audio books.

Here are five ways educators can harness virtual author talks to enhance literacy in their classrooms this school year.

1. Integrate Author Talks into Your Curriculum

“How can educators effectively integrate author talks into their curriculum to maximize the benefits for their students?” you might ask. One way is to use services like BookBreak.org.

BookBreak is a platform created and developed by the industry-leading Library Speakers Consortium, which has many years of experience working with authors and publishers in delivering amazing online programs. It makes it easy to bring authors into the classroom and that can boost student engagement with literature:

Screenshot by author of The Library District, Las Vegas-Clark County — Screenshot by author of **The Library District, Las Vegas-Clark County**

“BookBreak brings 2-4 bestselling elementary and middle school authors to schools each month via live stream. Events are geared toward specific grade cohorts such as K-2nd, 3rd-5th and 6th-8th. Each grade level has the opportunity to hear from an age-appropriate author at least once per month throughout the school year. Recordings of the talks are also available on our platform. The live events are 10-15 minutes long for elementary school and 15 to 25 minutes long for middle school.”

Here are three ways to blend this software into your classwork:

Schedule author talks to coincide with relevant units in your language arts curriculum.
Use the author’s books as part of your reading assignments before the virtual visit.
Develop writing prompts inspired by the author’s work or writing style.

For example, a 5th-grade teacher at Edgewood ISD incorporated a virtual talk with a historical fiction author into their American Revolution unit. Students read one of the author’s books set in that era, then had the chance to ask the author about their research process and character development.

2. Foster A Range of Perspectives Through Author Selection

“By featuring authors from diverse backgrounds, we can ensure that students see themselves in the stories they read. This can foster a deeper connection and understanding of literary works.” Virtual platforms like BookBreak prioritize a wide range of voices and experiences:

Choose authors from various cultural backgrounds to reflect your student population.
Balance male and female authors throughout the year.
Include authors who write about diverse topics and themes.

A middle school English teacher at Edgewood ISD reported increased engagement from her students. This happened when they had the opportunity to interact with authors who shared their cultural backgrounds. “Seeing themselves represented in successful authors really motivated my students to pursue their own writing,” she noted.

Screenshot by author of Scholastic's Storyvoice website — Screenshot by author of **Scholastic’s Storyvoice website**

3. Use Pre- and Post-Talk Activities to Deepen Learning

Maximize the impact of virtual author talks by framing them with thoughtful activities:

Before the talk: Have students research the author and prepare questions. They can read excerpts or summaries of the book as well as other works to gain deeper insight. Character analysis can also be an important component.
During the talk: Guide students in taking notes on the author’s insights and advice. Handwritten notes, concept maps, graphic organizers can scaffold student thinking.
After the talk: Facilitate a class discussion about what they learned and how it applies to their own reading and writing.

Example: An elementary school librarian at Edgewood ISD created a “Meet the Author” bulletin board where students posted their favorite quotes and lessons from each virtual talk, creating a visual reminder of their literary connections.

Consider giving students a reverse outline or advance organizer that they can add to throughout the virtual talk. Some other ideas include:

Read aloud, then get feedback from others (Repeated Reading)
Discuss with others (Classroom Discussion, Reciprocal Teaching, Jigsaw Method)
Clarify vocabulary and meaning (Vocabulary Programs)
Jot down important ideas and information (Outlining, Summarization, Concept Mapping)
Annotate your text, write in the margins (Underlining and Highlighting)
Interrogate text (ask questions and make a quiz for Retrieval Practice)

Screenshot by author of Jefferson County Library District website — Screenshot by author of **Jefferson County Library District website**

4. Leverage Recording Features for Flexible Learning

“We’ve found that the recorded author talks on platforms…are just as valuable as the live events. They allow our teachers to revisit the content with their students, pause and rewind when needed, and even share with students who may have missed the live event. It’s been a game-changer for our district’s literacy initiatives,” says Brad CLoud, Director of Instructional Technology, Edgewood ISD. Virtual author talk platforms often offer recordings of their sessions. This makes it possible to do the following:

Use recorded talks as part of lesson plans.
Assign specific talks for independent work. This gives students time to engage with the content at their own pace.
Create a tailored list of author talks students can listen to for inspiration and research.

“Being able to view the author visits after the fact is crucial, as ALL teachers are busy and can’t always catch a visit in real time,” one user mentioned.

5. Extend the Impact Beyond the Classroom

One big benefit of virtual author talks? They facilitate collaboration between teachers and campuses. Consider these points:

Foster collaboration with other teachers to create cross-curricular projects.
Share highlights from the talks in school publications that engage parents with their children as they read.
Create displays featuring books by visiting virtual authors.

Some libraries may find that virtual book talks enhance their role as a collaborative learning space. These often enable them to set up author-themed reading corners. Those have the potential to become popular spots for students.

Leverage Virtual Author Talks to Boost Literacy

Use virtual author talks to enhance student literacy, engage interest, and encourage young readers. You may end up changing the reading statistics for the next generation with the power of author voices.

Supplemental Resources

Below you will find an AI-generated guided activities table, as well a curated list of virtual author talk platforms.

Guided Activities Table

Activity Name	Description	Teacher’s Role	Student Engagement	Learning Outcome
Author Bio Scavenger Hunt	Students research the visiting author and create a visual biography	Provide research guidelines and resources	Collaborative research and creative presentation	Improved research skills and author familiarity
Question Craft Workshop	Students learn to formulate thoughtful questions for the author	Guide students in developing open-ended questions	Peer review of questions	Enhanced critical thinking and inquiry skills
Virtual Book Club	Students read and discuss the author’s book prior to the talk	Facilitate discussions and provide reading prompts	Active participation in book discussions	Deeper comprehension and analysis of literature
Writing in the Author’s Style	Students create short pieces mimicking the author’s writing style	Analyze the author’s style with the class and provide writing prompts	Creative writing and peer feedback	Improved writing skills and style analysis
Post-Talk Reflection Journal	Students write about their takeaways from the author talk	Provide reflection prompts and feedback	Personal reflection and connection to their own reading/writing	Self-awareness of reading preferences and writing goals

Generated with Perplexity.AI

Virtual Author Talk Platforms

Title with Embedded URL to Website	Description	Pricing	Use Scenario
BookBreak	A platform that brings 2-4 bestselling authors to schools each month via live stream, catering to specific grade cohorts. It aims to ignite enthusiasm for reading and writing by providing comprehensive planning resources and ensuring diversity in featured authors.	Not explicitly stated, but offers free access to high-poverty schools when other schools join the program.	Ideal for schools looking to integrate author talks into their curriculum, especially those seeking to enhance literacy and engagement among students.
Las Vegas-Clark County Library District Virtual Author Talks	Offers free virtual author talks with critically-acclaimed writers, available for viewing from home. Past talks are archived for later access.	Free	Suitable for public libraries and individuals interested in attending virtual author talks from the comfort of their homes.
Storyvoice	Features live read-alouds by award-winning children’s authors and illustrators. The platform allows for interactive sessions and is accessible via share-screen or individual devices.	Not explicitly stated, but implies free access.	Ideal for classrooms and families looking for interactive live reading sessions with popular children’s authors.
Library Speakers Consortium	Provides live online author talks in partnership with the Library Speakers Consortium, featuring multiple bestselling authors each month.	Not explicitly stated.	Suitable for libraries and educational institutions seeking to connect with a variety of authors through live online events.
Authors Who Skype Free	A list of authors who connect virtually and in person	Varies by author	Ideal for educators hoping to connect with specific authors listed.

But wait, there’s one more FREE option!

Although not a virtual author talk source, Bookshare.org provides easy-to-read audiobooks and ebooks for readers, no matter what their ability. Get this…Bookshare is 100% free through an aware from the Office of Special Education Programs!

You can see a sample of their book selection via their website. What’s more, you can find a collection of human-narrated books (also, read TCEA’s blog entry on AI narrated books):

Bookshare has thousands of human-narrated audiobooks. You can listen to them in either MP3 or DAISY Audio formats on a variety of devices. Browse reading lists of their texts:

See how to qualify and complete membership in the United States.

August 8, 2024 0 comments

Screenshot from PamPam website. Image generated by author.

Social Studies

Pampam: A New Tool to Make and Share Maps

by Miguel Guhlin July 24, 2024

written by Miguel Guhlin

If you know me at all, then you know that I’m a sucker for maps. There’s something magical about visualizing places and data in a spatial way. That’s why PamPam’s AI Map Generator fascinates me. And, after playing around with it, you may develop the same obsession.

What Is PamPam’s AI Map Generator?

PamPam is a platform for creating custom, interactive maps. You can sign in with your Google Workspace for Education account. Their AI Map Generator takes the process to a whole new level. According to their website, it allows you to “Create maps in seconds with AI.”

The idea is that you can describe what kind of map you want. Then, the AI makes it for you. It will include relevant points of interest. Once you go to the AI Map Generator page, you’re presented with a simple prompt box. You can type in something like “Historical sites in Rome” (or Texas) and the AI gets to work. In a few seconds, you have a custom map. The map comes with pins for relevant locations and brief descriptions.

What’s more, there is a wealth of templates you can take advantage of. Some of the categories include:

Public art walk
Bucket list
Event calendar
City guide

While this is not necessarily an educator-friendly website, it’s probably a must-have for those who are missing Google Tours (which Google shuttered in 2021). You might also compare it to these other solutions.

Comparing Map Solutions

Here are a few map solutions you can compare to PamPam. No doubt, there are others. TCEA has featured StoryMap previously.

Feature	PamPam	Historypin	National Geographic Resources	StoryMap
User-generated content	Yes – users can create and share their own maps	Yes – users can upload images and anecdotes	Limited – mostly curated content	Yes – users create their own stories
Geographical focus	Yes – allows users to create and share location-based content	Yes – content tied to specific locations	Yes – global focus	Yes – map-based storytelling
Educational resources	Limited – focused on user-created content	Limited	Extensive – lesson plans, interactive content	Limited – focused on storytelling
Timeline functionality	Not apparent	Yes – can explore content by date	Some – in specific resources	Yes – can create sequential narratives
Mapping interface	Yes – custom interface	Yes – uses Google Maps	Yes – uses National Geographic maps	Yes – uses ArcGIS maps
Mobile app	Yes – web app accessible on mobile devices	Discontinued	Yes	Yes
Collaboration features	Yes – users can share maps and collaborate	Yes – users can contribute to others’ collections	Limited	Limited
Multimedia integration	Photos, text, video, links	Photos, videos, audio	Photos, videos, interactive elements	Photos, videos, audio, web content
Customization options	Yes – users can create custom maps and add various elements	Limited	Limited	Extensive – themes, layouts, fonts
Target audience	General public, travelers, businesses	General public, historians	Educators, students, general public	Storytellers, organizations, educators
Unique features	Ability to create custom maps with various elements like routes, areas, and points of interest	Historical focus	Professionally curated educational content	Advanced storytelling features with map integration

Let’s take a look at some ways you might use this in the classroom aligned to the relevant Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) content area.

Ways to Use This AI Map Generator

This tool opens up so many possibilities for creating useful, interactive maps. Here is an AI-generated list of ideas matched to relevant TEKS content area and standard. You can drop the prompt into an AI tool (e.g. ChatGPT, Claude, Perplexity) to get a CSV file you can import into PamPam, or Google Sheets first then import into PamPam.

AI Map Generating Idea	Relevant TEKS Content Area and Standard	Prompt to Generate AI Map Idea
Create interactive historical maps for Texas history lessons	Social Studies – Grade 7 (Texas History) 7.6(A) Identify significant events and issues, including expansion of the Texas frontier	Generate an interactive map of Texas showing key historical events and frontier expansion from 1821 to 1900. Include major battles, settlements, and territorial changes. For each point on the map, provide a CSV file with columns for title, address, description, and a link to a relevant video (if available).
Map out ecosystems and habitats for science units	Science – Grade 7 7.10(A) Observe and describe how different environments support different varieties of organisms	Create a detailed map of Texas showcasing various ecosystems and habitats. Highlight the diversity of organisms in each environment, including deserts, forests, wetlands, and coastal areas. Provide a CSV file with columns for title, address, description of each ecosystem/habitat, and a link to an educational video about the ecosystem (if available).
Visualize mathematical concepts like area and distance	Mathematics – Grade 6 6.8(D) Determine solutions for problems involving the area of rectangles, parallelograms, trapezoids, and triangles	Design an interactive map of a fictional town with various shaped plots of land. Include rectangles, parallelograms, trapezoids, and triangles. Provide measurements for sides and angles to allow area calculations. Generate a CSV file with columns for title (shape name), address (coordinates on the map), description (including measurements), and a link to a video explaining how to calculate the area (if available).
Plot settings from literature for English classes	English Language Arts and Reading – Grade 8 8.5(D) Analyze how the setting influences the theme	Create a map depicting the key locations in a chosen novel, such as “To Kill a Mockingbird”. Include important landmarks and areas that influence the story’s themes and character development. Provide a CSV file with columns for title (location name), address (if applicable or fictional coordinates), description of the location’s significance, and a link to a video analysis of the setting (if available).
Design virtual field trips to explore different cultures	Social Studies – Grade 6 (World Cultures) 6.15(A) Identify and describe factors that influence cultural change	Generate an interactive world map highlighting five diverse cultures. For each, include key locations, cultural landmarks, and brief descriptions of factors influencing cultural changes. Create a CSV file with columns for title (culture/landmark name), address, description of cultural significance, and a link to a virtual tour video (if available).
Map local community resources for social studies projects	Social Studies – Grade 3 3.4(D) Identify the characteristics of different communities, including urban, suburban, and rural	Create a detailed map of a local area showing urban, suburban, and rural zones. Include community resources such as schools, parks, hospitals, and government buildings in each zone. Provide a CSV file with columns for title (resource name), address, description of the resource’s function, and a link to a video tour or explanation of the resource’s role in the community (if available).
Illustrate geographical features for earth science lessons	Science – High School Earth Systems EARTH.11.D Interpret Earth surface features using satellite imagery, aerial photography, and topographic and geologic maps	Design a comprehensive map showcasing various geographical features including mountains, valleys, rivers, and coastal areas. Incorporate layers for satellite imagery, topography, and geological information. Generate a CSV file with columns for title (feature name), address (coordinates), description of the geographical feature, and a link to an educational video about the feature’s formation or characteristics (if available).
Create data visualizations for statistics and analysis	Mathematics – Grade 8 8.11(A) Construct a scatterplot and describe the observed data to address questions of association	Generate a map of Texas showing population density by county. Include a scatterplot comparing population density to average income, with each point representing a county. Provide a CSV file with columns for title (county name), address (county seat or coordinates), description (including population density and average income data), and a link to a video explaining how to interpret scatterplots (if available).
Plan hypothetical city layouts for urban planning units	Social Studies – High School Economics TEKS (specific standard not provided in search results)	Design a map of a hypothetical city with distinct zones for residential, commercial, industrial, and recreational areas. Include transportation networks and key infrastructure elements. Create a CSV file with columns for title (zone/area name), address (coordinates on the map), description of the zone’s purpose and features, and a link to a video about urban planning principles (if available).
Map migration patterns for biology or social studies	Science – High School Biology Bio.12(F) Analyze and evaluate how natural selection produces change in populations	Create an interactive world map showing the migration patterns of a specific animal species over time. Highlight environmental factors influencing these patterns and how they relate to natural selection. Provide a CSV file with columns for title (location name or migration stage), address (coordinates), description of the location’s significance in the migration pattern, and a link to a video showing the animal’s migration (if available).

The AI does the heavy lifting of finding and plotting relevant locations. Here’s what the result might look like in Claude.ai:

You can see in the screenshot above how Claude takes the provided prompt, then generates a CSV file on the right-side. Once the CSV has been saved to your device, you can import into PamPam:

Customizing the Map

You can even customize the maps further. Use the toolbar at the bottom to add links, pins, and more:

What is great about PamPam’s tool is how it makes creating rich, informative maps so easy. You don’t need to be a GIS expert or spend hours researching. You can get a solid starting point in seconds. As with any AI tool, you will want to verify selections. That aside, you have a great starting point.

Making a Map

Ready to make a map? You can find a wealth of tutorials online via the PamPam YouTube channel. To add items, click the ADD button:

Clicking the ADD button will give you several different ways to import content, including CSV, Google Sheets, Google MyMaps, Airtable, text, and link. You will need to format your CSV data file or Google Sheets columns using these column headers:

Title*
Sticker
Section
Description
Coordinates
Address*
Links
Date
Media

As many items as that seems, only title and address are required. In the example below, I relied on Google Sheets import. It worked well (see my source Sheets document):

Once the list of locations is imported, you are able to begin customizing content and adding to it. You can see the video I added for the Battle of Gonzalez below:

When you are ready to share your map, you can do so, even allowing copies to be made:

How Much It Costs

You may be wondering, “How much does PamPam cost?” Refer to their pricing guide for $0, $5, or $29 per month pricing. With the free account, I was able to create several maps as I explored various options. I did experience some issues with CSV import but PamPam had no issues with the Claude.ai generated CSV file. On review, the $0 per month Guest view does NOT support CSV. I do wish there was an educator level account that allowed for a little more support and enjoyed K-12 friendly templates.

Give AI Map Generation a Try

Take a minute to try it out. It will save you time, spark your creativity, and help you visualize information in new ways. Who knows what kind of maps you might create?

July 24, 2024 2 comments

AI/VR History Social Studies

Deconstructing Infographics with AI

by Miguel Guhlin July 15, 2024

written by Miguel Guhlin

Infographics tell stories, but they can do so much more. In this blog post, you will see how you can deconstruct infographics into their data components, then reconstitute it in new AI-powered visuals. Using the steps below, you can create something new that’s interactive.

It’s so easy, students could do it, so long as they’re allowed to use AI, and you can, too! You don’t even need to know how to code. This method works for any history or infographic where you have numbers in a picture. Let’s get started.

Note: All images in this blog entry generated by author. Photos featured in slide deck are in public domain. This blog entry was inspired by this video.

Get To Know the Vocabulary

In this article, you will likely run across some vocabulary words you may not have encountered before. The goal is to use AI tools (e.g. Claude, ChatGPT, Perplexity) to generate code and diagrams, but if you don’t know the vocabulary, you may be unable to direct the AI. That’s why these words matter. They’re a special language spoken by the AI that will enable you to ask for what you want, specifically.

Term	Definition
JS-based Presentation	A slideshow-like display created using JavaScript, allowing for interactive elements in a web browser.
JSON	A simple text format for storing and transporting data, often used in web applications.
Mermaid	A tool for creating diagrams and charts using text and code, similar to markdown for visual elements.
Plotly.js	A JavaScript library for creating interactive and customizable graphs and charts on web pages.

Making an Infographic

Making timeline infographics with artificial intelligence (AI) is drop-dead easy. Start with an infographic of the Panama Canal, displaying dates and facts. You can use a prompt like the one below to match historical dates and events:

Prompt: Come up with a timeline showing key events in the construction of the Panama Canal. Include relevant years or date ranges, key events or milestones, brief descriptions of challenges faced, or achievements made.

Then, you can easily make a timeline in a tool like Canva (see example). But how do you turn an existing infographic into data that you can work with? AI can help! Let’s follow these simple steps.

Did you know you can use Canva for Education's free online infographic maker? Find it online. They offer a video walkthrough their amazing templates and resources.

Step 1: Create an infographic.

To convert an infographic into data, start by providing the AI with an infographic. Here’s one I made on the construction of the Panama Canal.

Step 2: Convert the infographic into JSON data.

Now, convert that infographic into a JSON dataset. To do that, use the following prompt:

Create a JSON of the data in the attached infographic.

This will give you a result that looks like this:

At this point, you can create several different diagrams or outputs.

Step 3: Generate the desired output.

Now that you have your infographic’s data in JSON format, you can turn it into any of the following:

an interactive timeline using Plotly.js
a diagram or chart with Mermaid
a web-based (HTML) presentation you can share.

Let’s take a look at some examples of these outputs:

Interactive Timeline

To get an interactive timeline, use Plotly.js prompt below:

Create a plotly.js interactive graph. Make it vertical.

This generates a graph like the one shown below:

Diagram or Chart with Mermaid

You may recall this blog entry, Flowcharts and Mermaid Code, that walks you through the basics of creating charts. AI chatbots like Claude, ChatGPT, and Perplexity can take your data and put it into Mermaid code. You can then use a free editor (see the linked blog entry) to convert that code into a diagram. Some chatbots, like Claude, can generate the diagrams.

Create a top-down Mermaid chart of the timeline data.

With a simple prompt like the one above, you get an overview of the key phases in the Panama Canal’s history.

This timeline can make understanding infographics easier for middle and high school students. Not only can they visualize the data, but they can also interact with it.

Web-based Presentation

Another way to represent the JSON data of the timeline is to have the AI create a javascript-based (JS-based) presentation. This presentation (see example below) is easy to share and is not dependent on Google (e.g. Slides), Microsoft (e.g. PPTx), or OpenDocuments formats (e.g. ODP). Instead, your end result is a single webpage out of HTML. Students can easily modify the code in a text editor.

The prompt to convert your timeline data in JSON format to a browser friendly presentation is simple:

Make a JS-based presentation from the data. Include image placeholders on each slide.

The resulting HTML code can be edited or modified. Students can add authentic photographs or images to the HTML. That’s the most I would have fifth through eighth grade students do, although it’s quite possible some would be able to complete more.

Visualizing the Data

For older students, particularly those in high school or college, incorporating data visualization can add depth to their understanding. Here’s a sample chart reflecting workforce growth during U.S. construction of the Panama Canal:

This is based on the code that can be displayed on a webpage:

This code would create a line graph showing the growth of the workforce over time. This kind of visualization assists students in grasping the scale of the construction project.

Understanding the vocabulary of what an AI chatbot can produce extends what you can create with the data you bring to the table. If a teacher is analyzing aggregate student data (no personal information shared), then they can more easily generate graphs and diagrams. I can also put that data in presentation format that is easy to share.

The Power of Deconstructing Infographics with AI

Using existing infographics available on the web, students can learn how this data fits together and informs the visuals they see online every day. It empowers them to use the AI as a partner in understanding the information around them. A simple timeline might be perfect for younger learner, while a coding project to create an interactive chart could engage older learners. Students of all ages are capable of using AI-powered coding and tools to transform pictures into data, then make new visual creations.

More Examples

Take a look at this video that features a few infographic deconstructions using AI. It highlights that, while this process can be successful, it might not always work. Keep exploring new approaches to find new and exciting ways to create data plots and instruct your students!

July 15, 2024 0 comments

Math

Free Equatio Alternatives: Top Editors for Math Teachers

by Miguel Guhlin July 10, 2024

written by Miguel Guhlin

Dear TCEA Responds:

Now that the free version of Equatio for educators is going away, what options for equation editors do you plan on using? My math teachers absolutely loved Equatio. I’m looking for some options that will make them equally happy. 🙂 Thank in advance for your help.
-Marcy

Dear Marcy,

Marcy, thanks so much for asking this question about Equatio, an equation editor that will no longer be free after June 30, 2024. Who wouldn’t be looking for tools to make creating and sharing mathematical content easier? In this blog entry, you will be introduced to four free alternatives to Equatio and a fifth not so free one. What’s more, you will get a LaTeX Reference Guide for Teachers to assist you.

Before you see those alternatives, let’s circle back and see what’s changed to make teachers consider other options for Equatio.

Equatio Update

As you point out, Marcy, Texthelp’s Free for Teachers program for Equatio came to an end on June 30, 2023. If you still had a current account under that program, you had until June 30, 2024 to find something else to use. At that point, access to Equatio is no longer free. Equatio DOES offer a 30-day free trial, however, if you want to test it out.

Why was Equatio so wonderful? Aside from the fact it was free, it offered these features:

Easily create math expressions including equations and formulas
Compatible with Google Docs, Forms, Slides, Sheets, and Drawings (Get the Chrome extension)
Input via keyboard, handwriting recognition (via touchscreen or touchpad) and voice dictation
Guesses what you’re typing or writing – like predictive text on your smartphone
Hear your math expressions read out loud
Compatible with LaTeX input for advanced users
Create interactive digital math quizzes
Input student responses directly into digital quizzes
Chemistry formula prediction

While Equatio was a popular choice when it was free, some may be looking to replace it now that it is no longer free. There are several alternatives available. Let’s explore five equation editors.

Option 1: LibreOffice Math

As an avid free Office suite user (see TCEA blog entries), LibreOffice has a lot to like. If you only use Google Workspace for Education or Microsoft Office, you may have missed out on a LibreOffice component. A part of the free LibreOffice suite, Math is a powerful formula editor that integrates seamlessly with other LibreOffice applications.

In the Classroom: Use Math to create worksheets with complex equations for high school algebra or calculus classes. For example, create a worksheet on solving quadratic equations, complete with step-by-step solutions.

Option 2: CodeCogs Equation Editor

Need an online editor that creates lightweight graphical equations? Check out CodeCogs. It generates code for easy embedding.

Some of its features (source) include:

Auto Complete – Instant suggestions for all supported mathematics LaTeX markup
Syntax Highlighting – Coloring of similar terms and underlining of matching elements
Fully Customisable – Change the arrangement, order, and content of any panel
Plugins – Compatible with major WYSIWYG Editor
fxRender – Fully integrated with the fxRender plugin for Microsoft Excel
Tables – Copy and paste tables from Excel and Word

What’s more, you can also embed it in a website. This means you can create a simple HTML page and then share it with your students.

In the Classroom: Middle school teachers can use CodeCogs to generate equations for online quizzes or digital worksheets. You might create a set of fraction addition problems and embed them directly into your class website or learning management system.

Option 3: Visual Math Editor

Visual Math Editor is a free, open-source LaTeX, AsciiMath, and MathML editor that works online or locally.

Some features:

PNG and SVG image exports
Works in all modern browsers without a plugin or extension
Includes more than 730 LaTeX symbols and 210 AsciiMath symbols
Available in multiple languages and colors
Offers a variety of editor equation samples

Explore the documentation online.

In the Classroom: You can use this tool to create visual math problems for learners or design colorful arithmetic equations with mixed operations for a math center activity.

Option 4: MathCast

MathCast is a free, open-source equation editor for Windows. You can input mathematical equations that are usable in documents, emails, and web pages. Around since 2004, it has a variety of features.

In the Classroom: High school geometry teachers can use MathCast to create detailed proofs with proper mathematical notation. For instance, develop a step-by-step proof of the Pythagorean theorem for a 10th-grade lesson.

Option 5: Symbolab

The last option available offers Google-based account creation and a free equation editor. Symbolab’s equation editor has step-by-step solutions that some will find helpful.That said, while there is a free version, you won’t get full access to all of its features. For about $40 a year, you have access to its entire feature set. See pricing online.

In the Classroom: Middle and high school algebra teachers can use Symbolab to create practice problems with detailed solutions for students to study. For instance, you can generate a set of linear equation problems with step-by-step explanations for an eighth-grade algebra class.

Some Parting Thoughts

By exploring these free alternatives to Equatio, you’ll be well-equipped to create professional-looking mathematical content for your lessons, assignments, and assessments without breaking the bank. Happy equation writing!

Handy LaTex Reference Guide for Teachers

Basic Operations

Addition: + → $a + b$
Subtraction: - → $a – b$
Multiplication: \times or \cdot → $a \times b$ or $a \cdot b$
Division: \div or / → $a \div b$ or $a / b$
Equals: = → $a = b$

Fractions and Decimals

Fractions: \frac{numerator}{denominator} → $\frac{a}{b}$
Mixed numbers: a \frac{b}{c} → $2\frac{1}{2}$
Decimal point: . → $3.14$

Exponents and Roots

Exponents: ^ → $x^2$
Subscripts: _ → $x_1$
Square root: \sqrt{} → $\sqrt{x}$
nth root: \sqrt[n]{} → $\sqrt[3]{x}$

Algebra

Variables: Just type them → $x$, $y$, $z$
Parentheses: (), [], or {} → $(x+y)$, $[a-b]$, ${1,2,3}$

Geometry

Angle: \angle → $\angle ABC$
Degree: ^{\circ} → $90^{\circ}$
Parallel: \parallel → $A \parallel B$
Perpendicular: \perp → $A \perp B$
Triangle: \triangle → $\triangle ABC$

Greek Letters (commonly used)

Pi: \pi → $\pi$
Theta: \theta → $\theta$
Delta: \Delta → $\Delta$

Calculus

Limit: \lim_{x \to a} → $\lim_{x \to a}$
Derivative: \frac{d}{dx} → $\frac{d}{dx}$
Integral: \int → $\int$

Sets and Logic

Element of: \in → $a \in A$
Subset: \subset → $A \subset B$
Union: \cup → $A \cup B$
Intersection: \cap → $A \cap B$
Therefore: \therefore → $\therefore$

Trigonometry

Sin: \sin → $\sin x$
Cos: \cos → $\cos x$
Tan: \tan → $\tan x$

Inequality Signs

Less than: < → $a < b$
Greater than: > → $a > b$
Less than or equal to: \leq → $a \leq b$
Greater than or equal to: \geq → $a \geq b$

A reminder: Enclose LaTeX expressions in dollar signs: $expression$ for inline math or $$expression$$ for displayed equations.

July 10, 2024 0 comments

Artificial Intelligence English Language Arts Reading (ELAR)Math Science Social Studies

New Free AI Tools from TeacherServer

by Miguel Guhlin July 5, 2024

written by Miguel Guhlin

When I stumble across new educational technology tools, my heart races with excitement. It’s not about collecting amazing tools to fill my toolbox; it’s about finding those rare gems that can transform teaching and learning. Today, I’m sharing a few free tools from TeacherServer. Each of these has caught my eye and solved a real-life problem that teachers have. A bonus resource is included.

An screenshot by the author capturing a few of the tools available at TeacherServer.com. — *An screenshot by the author capturing a few of the tools available at TeacherServer*

Introducing TeacherServer

TeacherServer offers 47 different AI-powered tools, all available at no cost. A breakdown of these tools appears at the end of this blog entry. For now, here’s a list arranging the tools by grade level and function:

Elementary (K-5): six tools
Middle School (6-8): five tools
High School (9-12): five tools
All K-12: 16 tools
Adult Learners/Higher Education: four tools
Teacher Professional Development: 11 tools

TeacherServer’s collection of AI-powered tools is fantastic, and a great starting point. This is true even if you have not had much experience with AI.

Note: All images featured are screenshots, or generated, by the author.

How Do I Get Started?

You will need to create a free account with TeacherServer. Make sure you remember your password since it lacks an OAuth-type solution. That means you can’t log in with your Google Workspace or Microsoft 365 credentials.

Hot Tip: Use a free password management solution like Bitwarden or Keepass.

Get Hands-On: A Quick AI Tool PD Activity

Ready to jump into exploring TeacherServer? Grab a few friends before you read the rest of this blog entry.

*Author generated image. Get a Copy link in text.*

Collaborate with a few colleagues to compare available tools on the TeacherServer. Consider using this note-taking document (View | Get copy of Canva template) to assist you in taking notes.

Activity Instructions:

Form groups of three to four participants.
Pick a category of tools from the TeacherServer list (see end of blog entry).
Spend 20 minutes exploring the tools in your assigned category.
Use the note-taking comparison chart provided in this blog to take notes on each tool you explore.
After explore time elapses, each group will have five minutes to present their top two favorite tools.
End with a ten-minute open discussion. Discuss how these tools would fit (or not) into daily teaching practices.

Discussion Questions

Some discussion questions to get you thinking:

Which tool surprised you the most and why?
How could these tools save you time in your daily teaching tasks?
What challenges might you face in implementing these tools in your classroom?
Are there any tools you wish existed that aren’t on the list?

Now that you’ve had a chance to explore these tools, here are a few of my favorites.

Tool #1: Tailor Your Texts with Precision

As a Language Arts teacher, finding text at the right lexile level can be a challenge. During an Elementary Technology Conference session, I relied on AI chatbots to create stories at grade level for Reciprocal Teaching practice.

The Lexile Score Adjuster on TeacherServer is a game-changer for differentiated instruction. This AI tool can generate a similar text at a higher or lower Lexile score. This makes providing reading materials matching each student’s reading level easier. You can simplify a complex text or challenge advanced readers with this tool and help you make sure that content you are teaching is reading accessible.

Tool #2: Spice Up Your Science Classes

Are you a science teacher? Give the Science Experiment Generator a try. It generates creative and safe science experiments for your classroom and takes the guesswork out of lab planning. You put in your grade level and topic and get a detailed experiment. This tool works for elementary to high school.

Here’s an example relying on grade 6 new science TEKS:

Tool #3: Master the 5E Model

No doubt, you have seen my other blog entries on the 5E Model. The 5E Model includes the following phases of learning:

Engage. Activities that capture the students’ attention, stimulate thinking. What’s more, they help students access prior knowledge, and focus on “how” or “why.” Phase of Learning: Surface Learning.
Explore. Enable students to explore ideas, alone or in groups. Provides time to think, plan, investigate, and organize information. Phase of Learning: Surface Learning.
Explain. Students get opportunities to connect their previous experiences. It also allows them to make conceptual sense of the main ideas of the topic under study. Phase of Learning: Deep Learning.
Elaborate. Students apply or extend previously introduced concepts and experiences to new situations. Phase of Learning: Transfer Learning.
Evaluate. Students with their teachers review and assess what they have learned and how they have learned it. It is a summative assessment. Phase of Learning: Transfer Learning.

TeacherServer will generate a 5E model lesson for you if you provide the grade level and topic, standard, or objective:

This tool helps you create daily, weekly, and unit lesson plans aligned with this popular teaching framework. It’s easy to miss the boat when it comes to addressing each element of the 5E model, but this tool can assist you in your planning.

Tool #4: Boost Your Students’ Vocabulary

If you are a K-3 teacher, you already know about the importance of a vocabulary program. It is a powerful high-effect instructional strategy. Vocabulary acquisition is the single most important factor in reading comprehension (source). TeacherServer has an amazing Vocabulary Builder that ggenerates exercises and activities to expand students’ vocabulary.

Like its other tools, you select your grade level and subject area. Then it provides you with a variety of engaging vocabulary-building activities. These can include any of the following:

Word game
Context-based exercise
Graphic organizer
Sentence completion

As an example, take a look at the sentence completion exercise below for a 12th grade math class:

After analyzing the data, we formed a _____ that the relationship between the variables was linear.

The graph of the function has an _______ at x = 2, which means the function approaches infinity as x approaches 2.

By ________the trend in the data, we can predict the stock market prices for the next quarter.

Based on the statistical analysis, we can ________ that there is a strong correlation between the two variables.

The graph of the quadratic function is a _______ that opens downward, indicating a maximum value at the vertex.

Another example includes creating a graphic organizer:

Create a graphic organizer with the following columns:

Vocabulary Term
Definition
Example Sentence
Context-Based Question

Sample directions for the activity include:

Ask students to complete the graphic organizer for each vocabulary term. Students should refer to the example sentences and context-based questions provided earlier. This activity helps students organize their thoughts and visualize the relationships between the vocabulary terms.

Author generated image from TeacherServer text using Mermaid code. — *Author generated image from TeacherServer text using Mermaid code*

Tool #5: Phonics and Reading Comprehension Coach

The Phonics and Reading Comprehension Coach creates phonics exercises and generates reading tasks for specific grades. This is helpful when you are targeting key literacy skills such as:

letter-sound relationships
Blending
Advanced reading comprehension strategies

Consider using it for the creation of differentiated reading assignments or to make intervention materials for struggling readers.

BONUS: Streamline Your Grading Process

The Assignment Feedback generator assists you in getting a second opinion for grading. You submit an assignment along with the rubric. Then you receive detailed feedback and comments. It may save you some time in grading. TeacherServer relies on a local AI server. This means you get super fast responses that don’t compromise privacy.

Wrapping Up

The best part of these tools? They’re completely free to use. Check back for new tools every week. TeacherServer has you covered, with all the activities below:

Adjusting text complexity
Planning science experiments
Structuring 5E lessons
Building vocabulary
Boosting phonics skills
Streamlining your grading process

Be sure to check out the many other tools they have available. Several charts appear below that highlight some ideas of how to best use them.

An Organized List of TeacherServer AI Tools

As nice as TeacherServer AI tools are, it can be a bit daunting to view a full-screen of what’s available. This list should narrow things down a bit for you. You may find a few tools repeated in different categories for your convenience.

Grade Level	Tool Name	Description
Elementary (K-5)
	Phonics and Reading Comprehension Coach	Create phonics exercises and reading tasks for specific grades.
	Vocabulary Builder	Generate exercises & activities to expand students’ vocabulary.
	Daily Warm-Up Activity Generator	Create daily warm-up activities reviewing previous material.
	Science Experiment Generator	Create creative and safe science experiments for the classroom.
	Worksheet Generator	Generate a worksheet for your lessons on any topic and grade level.
	Word of the Day (Weekly)	Create a weekly poster that defines words, provides their meaning, and shows their usage in a sentence.
Middle School (6-8)
	STEM Project Designer	Generate ideas and plans for STEM projects to guide student inquiry.
	Critical Thinking Exercise Generator	Design critical thinking exercises that challenge students.
	Group Work Idea Generator	Create group work activities based on grade level and subject.
	Mistake-Based Assignment Creator	Generate assignments with intentional errors for students to identify and correct.
	Quote of the Day Activity	Create a quote of the day activity along with your grade level and subject area.
High School (9-12)
	SAT Exam Question Generator	Provide customized quizzes to enhance SAT readiness.
	ACT Exam Question Generator	Craft practice questions for the ACT exam.
	Essay Evaluator	Critically assess student essays, highlighting strengths and areas for improvement.
	Lexile Score Adjuster	Generate a similar text at a higher or lower Lexile score.
	Text Summarizer	Condense lengthy texts into concise, informative summaries.
All K-12
	Lesson Plan Generator	Generate daily, weekly, and unit lesson plans aligned with curriculum goals.
	5E Model Lesson Plan Generator	Create daily, weekly, and unit 5e model lesson plans aligned with goals.
	K-12 Curriculum Quiz Maker	Design quizzes that align with the K-12 curriculum and learning objectives.
	Formative Assessment Generator	Create various formative assessments to monitor understanding.
	Assignment Feedback	Submit your assignment along with the rubric to receive feedback.
	Rubric Generator	Design clear and structured grading criteria for assignments.
	Extracurricular Activity	Propose non-academic activities to foster holistic student development.
	Classroom Case Generator	Provide detailed classroom case studies to simulate challenges.
	Student Behavior Analysis	Evaluate student behaviors to provide insights into classroom dynamics.
	Behavior Intervention Plan Generator	Detailed plan to help a student who is struggling to behave in class.
	ESE Lesson Modifications	Tailors lesson content and delivery methods to accommodate students with exceptionalities and special needs.
	ESOL Lesson Modifications	Adapts instructional approaches to meet the unique requirements of English Language Learners.
	Inclusive Accommodation Planner	Design and customize accommodations for students, ensuring inclusivity and support for diverse learning needs in the classroom.
	Generate a Classroom Climate Survey	Design a classroom climate survey about students’ perceptions.
	Text Translator	Take any text and translate it into any language instantly.
	Text Proofreader	Correct grammar, spelling, punctuation, and add clarity to any text.
Adult Learners/ Higher Education
	TOEFL Exam Question Generator	Generate targeted quizzes for TOEFL preparation.
	Academic Blog Post Generator	Craft engaging blog content on academic subjects.
	Book Summary & Review	Enter a book title to generate a summary and review.
	PowerPoint Outline Generator	Draft a structured outline for your PowerPoint presentations.
Teacher Professional Development
	Professional Development Plan	Roadmap for educators to enhance their skills and competencies.
	Teacher CV Checker	Review and provide feedback on educators’ CVs.
	Teacher Cover Letter	Guide educators in crafting compelling cover letters.
	Teaching Job Interview	Preparation tool with insights and practice questions for teaching job interviews.
	Write Reference Letter	Draft professional and persuasive reference letters.
	FTCE Question Generator	Tailor practice quizzes to prepare for the Florida Teacher Certification.
	FELE Question Generator	Tailor practice quizzes for the Florida Educational Leadership Examinations.
	Peer Teaching Evaluation	Highlight a peer faculty’s strengths and provide actionable improvement suggestions from teaching observations.
	Lesson Style Assessment	Assess students’ learning styles and create tailored support strategies.
	Classroom Case Solver	Users contribute classroom dilemmas while the AI provides solutions.
	Write an Email in Multiple Languages	Generate a professional email and translate it into multiple languages.
	Write a Multi-Language Email Response	Generate a professional email response and translate it into multiple languages.

July 5, 2024 2 comments

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