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Tools to Help You Better Communicate with Parents

by Dr. Bruce Ellis
written by Dr. Bruce Ellis

Communicating with parents is crucial when it comes to building a rapport and gaining their support throughout the school year. There are a variety of tools that you can use to help facilitate this process. Prior to using these tools, check with your district’s communications and/or technology department to see if they have a subscription to a paid tool that they would prefer you to use; the district-provided tool may have additional features that the following ones lack.

Tools for Parent Communication

  • Google Forms – Collecting information from parents is necessary. You may find that the traditional form you send home doesn’t get returned, is illegible, or gets lost in transit. Google Forms allows you to collect information electronically to avoid those problems. And using Google Sheet add-ons such as AutoCrat, formMule, or Yet Another Mail Merge enhance your form so that it looks more professional before, during, and after collecting the information.
  • Remind – For educators who want to communicate with parents without sharing their personal cell number, Remind is a great solution. Formerly Remind101, this tool lets parents and students join a list to receive your texts. You can have up to 10 classes for free with each generating a unique code. Share the code(s) with the specific groups of students/parents to let them join the appropriate list(s). The nice thing is that you don’t see their phone numbers and they don’t see yours; Remind acts as a middleman to protect both sides. This is a wonderful way to remind students and their parents about upcoming project deadlines, field trips, class events, and more.
  • ClassDojo – Designed for elementary students, this is a great tool to help students monitor their behavior throughout the day/week. As the teacher, you can create an account and then generate a unique code for each student that allows his or her parents to connect and monitor their child’s behavior any time. Children get to create an avatar for themselves, personalizing the process.
  • Google Hangouts – Many parents want to be available to support the teacher but may lack transportation or time to visit the campus for face-to-face visits. Google Hangouts to the rescue! This is a quick way to have virtual office hours or an online open house that lets parents “visit” you without dealing with some of the barriers that may prevent them from being there. Google Hangouts on Air will record your meeting in case you want to share it later or have it available beyond just that time. Since this tool is open to anyone jumping into the conversation, be aware of your topic; conversations about specific students and data should be handled in a more private and secure manner.
  • BuzzMob – Make communicating with parents easy with this tool that has tons of features. Share assignments with push notifications. Send updates and reminders. Add events with photos, videos, and chat with multi-language translation.
  • PuppilAsset Parent App – If your school uses PupilAsset, then have your parents download the free parent app that connects them with their child’s attendance, behavior, progress data, and regular school reports.

Update: Google Classroom Feature for Parents/Guardians

If you are using Google Classroom, then you should be taking advantage of its parent-friendly feature, guardian email summaries, that alerts them assignments that are due, teacher announcements to the class, and notices of any missing work. Once you (or an administrator in Google Classroom) invite a parent/guardian, they’ll have seven days to accept the invitation. Note that they will need  a Google email address to access this feature. They can select to receive notices daily or weekly and can unsubscribe at any time. This feature is turned off by default so you’ll need to turn it on when you are ready to start using it; you can learn how to turn it on and manage summaries at this site.  Google’s support site has provided documentation that you can share with parent and with students so they each get information tailored to their view/access of email summaries.

Have you already started making use of this newest feature in Google Classroom? If so, drop us a comment and let us know how it’s going and what your parents think of it. We’d love to hear from you.

Other tools to check out include SeeSaw, Sesame, Collaborize Classroom, or ClassPager.

Regardless which tool you use, parents do want to hear about their child and enjoy it when teachers have positive things to share. Do you use another tool to communicate with parents and celebrate student achievement? Let us know which tool you use – we’d love to hear about it!

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Classroom ActivitiesDigital BreakoutDigital CitizenshipDigital LiteracyLibraries

Digital Citizenship Week 2024 

by Peggy Reimers
written by Peggy Reimers

Mark your calendars, educators! Digital Citizenship Week is set to take place from October 14-18, 2024. This annual event provides an excellent opportunity for teachers to focus on equipping students with the skills and knowledge they need to navigate the digital world safely, responsibly, and effectively.

In today’s interconnected world, digital citizenship has become a fundamental literacy that extends far beyond the classroom. As educators, we play a crucial role in helping our students develop healthy habits, critical thinking skills, and ethical behavior in their online interactions.

I have created a couple of resources for you to use in the classroom. 

The Digital Citizenship Breakout

In honor of Digital Citizenship Week, here is my newest breakout. The DC Breakout has four digital locks, and I think it is geared for fifth grade and above. Unlike my previous breakouts, there is more text than images. AND just like all my breakouts, I can provide the four lock answers if you email me at preimers@tcea.org. If you need more information on digital breakouts, please check out my Digital Breakouts 101 blog. 

The Digital Citizenship Breakout

Cyber Safety Presentation and Quiz

Canva has awesome resources for educators. I added some pops of color to this education template, Cyber Safety which has 11 tips for older elementary and middle school students. I also created a ten question Google Form Quiz based on the Cyber Safety presentation. After submitting, students can receive their score and correct answers.

Access the Presentation

Edit the Presentation

Take the Quiz

Remember, while this week provides an opportunity to focus on digital citizenship, these skills should be reinforced throughout the year. By consistently building this skill set, we can help our students become responsible, empowered digital citizens who can thrive in our increasingly connected world.

Happy Digi-Cit Week!

Peggy

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Instructional CoachingLeadershipProfessional Learning

Leveraging Interactive Agendas for Enhanced Collaboration in PLCs

by Julie Mullennix
written by Julie Mullennix

Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) are an integral part of the educational landscape, fostering collaboration among educators to improve teaching practices and student outcomes. However, the effectiveness of PLCs can vary significantly based on how they are organized and run. One powerful tool to enhance collaboration during these sessions is the use of an interactive agenda. Discover how this dynamic tool can align instructional practices to be more student-centered, ensuring a focused approach on learning and addressing the four key questions of PLCs. By leveraging interactive agendas, educators can foster collaboration, enhance engagement, and ultimately improve student outcomes.

What is an Interactive Agenda?

An interactive agenda is a live, editable digital document that outlines the topics to be discussed during a meeting but also allows for real-time collaboration and input from all participants. Unlike traditional static agendas, which are typically prepared by a single person and followed rigidly, interactive agendas can be edited, commented on, and updated by everyone involved, fostering a more inclusive and engaging PLC environment.

Benefits of Using Interactive Agendas in PLCs

1. Enhanced Participation

Interactive agendas encourage all members to contribute both before and during the meeting. Facilitators can solicit input on agenda items ahead of time, ensuring that the topics covered are relevant and of interest to the group. During the meeting, participants can add comments and suggestions directly into the agenda, leading to richer discussions and more diverse viewpoints centered around student learning and outcomes.

2. Improved Organization

With an interactive agenda, teams can easily keep track of meeting notes, action items, and follow-up tasks. Most digital platforms that support interactive agendas, such as Google Docs or Microsoft Teams, offer features like real-time editing, version history, and task assignment, which help to maintain clarity and accountability.

3. Real-Time Collaboration

Interactive agendas allow for synchronous collaboration, meaning that all participants can engage with the content simultaneously. This real-time interaction can spark spontaneous brainstorming sessions and immediate feedback, making the meetings more dynamic and productive.

4. Increased Accountability

By documenting discussions and decisions within the interactive agenda, it becomes easier to track who is responsible for specific tasks and follow-up items. This transparency helps ensure that everyone is held accountable for their contributions and commitments, leading to more effective implementation of agreed-upon actions.

5. Accessibility and Inclusivity

Digital interactive agendas are easily accessible to all participants, regardless of their physical location. This is particularly beneficial for PLCs that include members from different schools or departments. Moreover, features like screen readers and text-to-speech can support participants with disabilities, making the meetings more inclusive.

Best Practices for Implementing Interactive Agendas

1. Choose the Right Platform

Select a digital tool that is user-friendly and supports real-time collaboration. Google Docs, Microsoft Teams, and Trello are popular options that offer robust features for creating and managing interactive agendas.

2. Set Clear Expectations

Ensure that all participants understand how to use the interactive agenda and what is expected of them. Provide guidelines on how to add items, make comments, and track tasks.

3. Solicit Input Ahead of Time

Invite participants to contribute to the agenda before the meeting. This can be done through a shared document or a survey. Early input ensures that the agenda reflects the group’s priorities, voice and interests.

4. Facilitate Active Participation

During the PLC session, encourage everyone to engage with the agenda. Use features like commenting, highlighting and inputting data to draw attention to key points that foster discussions centered around student-learning outcomes.

5. Document Outcomes

At the end of the meeting, summarize the key takeaways and action items within the interactive agenda. Assign tasks to specific individuals and set deadlines to ensure follow-through.

Interactive Agendas in Action

Interactive agendas are a powerful tool for enhancing collaboration and accountability in PLCs. By fostering real-time participation, improving organization, and increasing accountability, they can transform meetings into more productive and engaging experiences that align with the 4 Questions of PLCs and focus on student learning. As educators continue to seek ways to improve their practices and student outcomes, leveraging interactive agendas can be a game-changer for professional learning communities.

Join Us for CEC 2024

Looking to level up your leadership and coaching skills? Join us at at the 2025 TCEA Convention & Exposition for more hands-on tips and tricks to take your team to the next level.

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Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity Basics for Educators

by Macee Hall
written by Macee Hall

Teaching with tech can be scary, especially when you’re just starting out. With so many types of cybersecurity threats out there, managing student safety in tech-enabled classrooms can feel like a big task. Here are some cybersecurity basics, from common types of cyber threats to tips for incorporating cyber safety into your classroom, to help start you on your journey to a safer digital classroom!

But before we get into the basics…

Did You Know?

You can sign up for the Cybersecurity for Educators (Data Guardian I) online, self-paced course to learn more about safeguarding passwords, data, and more? Plus, check out this blog post on digital tools from TCEA’s very own Director of Professional Development, Miguel Guhlin!

Understanding Common Cybersecurity Threats

The first step in becoming a cybersecurity expert is to understand common types of cyberthreats. Although there are several types of cyber attacks, we’re just covering the most common ones that you may encounter as an educator. For a more detailed list of cyberattacks, check out this article from Cisco. 

Phishing attacks

Phishing attacks are becoming increasingly more common as our society relies more heavily on technology. Phishing typically consists of a malicious entity sending a communication like an email or text that looks like it is from an actual entity or person within your organization. These attacks try to gain your trust and collect sensitive information.

Ransomware

Ransomware, or malware, is a type of software that can be downloaded to your device and lock you out of your files. This can affect just your classroom or even your whole district, depending on the type of malware downloaded. Victims are often asked to pay a ransom to get their information back. 

Data breaches

A data breach is the unsanctioned or unauthorized loss of sensitive information, like student’s records or private data. Unlike other types of cyberthreats, data breaches can be intentional or accidental.

Social engineering

Social engineering attacks are more in-depth attacks that involve using psychological manipulation to convince victims to give up important information. This is the type of cyberattack we see in movies, where a call center pretends to be a bank or tech support to gain access to the victim’s data. 

Employing Cybersecurity Basics in the Classroom

Now that you know the most common types of cyberattacks that you may face as an educator, you’re probably wondering how to protect yourself and your students from internet crime. Keep your students safe both in and out of the classroom is to educate them on these cybersecurity basics in an age-appropriate way. Nowadays, technology usage starts earlier in life than ever before. Start teaching your students cybersecurity tactics early and continue to refresh or expand their knowledge throughout their K-12 years with these lesson plan ideas. Here are some ideas from my personal AI program of choice, Perplexity!

Cybersecurity Basics for Elementary Learners

For elementary schoolers, it’s important to introduce basic safety measures in fun and engaging ways.  

  • Use interactive games and activities to teach internet safety basics. For example, cyber.org offers “Keys to Cybersecurity,” a collection of self-paced activities for grades 3-8 that introduce cybersecurity concepts.
  • Read cybersecurity-themed children’s books like “Sarah the Cyber Hero” by by Emily Rauer to introduce key ideas.
  • Teach password security with simple activities like this printout from TeacherVision.
  • Use comic strips like “The Adventures of Pascal and Python” from cyber.org to explain internet safety concepts.
  • Incorporate basic lessons on privacy, not sharing personal information online, and reporting anything unusual to adults.

Cybersecurity Basics for Middle School Learners

For middle schoolers, start introducing more technical concepts while keeping things fun to keep students engaged while also setting up a foundation for future learning.

  • Use interactive platforms like CyberPatriot or National Cyber League that simulate cyber threats in safe environments.
  • Teach basic encryption concepts through hands-on activities and games.
  • Introduce topics like online privacy, digital footprints, and evaluating online information sources.
  • Use video series like CISA’s Cyber Safety Series to highlight common online threats.
  • Incorporate cybersecurity topics into other subjects like math, science, and social studies.

Cybersecurity Basics for High School Learners 

For high schoolers, you can start to introduce more in-depth or “adult” concepts that will help keep students safe later in life.

  • Offer full courses on cybersecurity fundamentals, covering topics like digital citizenship, cryptography, networking, and system administration.
  • Use platforms like cyber.org to let students practice cybersecurity skills in virtual environments.
  • Teach coding basics with resources like Codecademy.
  • Encourage participation in cybersecurity competitions and camps.
  • Introduce concepts like threat modeling, authentication, and social engineering attacks.
  • Discuss cybersecurity career paths and the skills needed to enter the field.

Stay Informed and Educated on Current Cyber Events

Perhaps the best way to safeguard yourself and your classroom from cyber attacks is to remain vigilant in understanding and knowing the warning signs for the different types of attacks you might face. Stay up to date with news websites like “The Hacker News” and “Security Week” for overall trends, and keep an eye on online blogs and platforms like LinkedIn for industry-specific updates.

How do you stay on top of cybersecurity efforts? Let us know in the comments!


*This blog was outlined in part with help from Perplexity.AI.

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Author created image showing 3 components of Paul-Elder Critical Thinking Framework
AI/VRClassroom ManagementCurricular StandardsLeadership

Critical Thinking for Leaders and Educators: An AI Framework

by Miguel Guhlin
written by Miguel Guhlin

Critical thinking frameworks and AI prompts: How do they mix? I’ve wrestled with this question. I know I’m thinking critically when I craft prompts, but the process eludes me. What if AI could map my thought process, label it, and fill in the blanks? That’s the challenge I tackled… And I found digital gold.

In this post, you’ll discover a battle-tested critical thinking framework. You’ll see how it supercharges AI prompt generation and you’ll see real education problems crumble under this one-two punch.

Graph reflecting perspectives on critical thinking
Graph reflecting perspectives on critical thinking

Why Critical Thinking?

A systematic approach to analyzing and improving our thought processes is essential. Survey findings (see graph above) reveal these insights:

  • 86% find critical thinking skills lacking in the public at large.
  • 60% of respondents reported not having studied critical thinking in school.
  • Only about 55% reported that their critical thinking skills had improved since high school.
  • 90% think courses covering critical thinking should be required in K-12 education

Take a moment to reflect on your own perspective on critical thinking. Also, ask yourself, “What process do I adhere to that ensures I think in a critical manner and don’t miss anything?”

Problems Perspectives Among Educators

If it isn’t enough that critical thinking skills and processes lack value in schools, our own perceptions as educators are concerning. Consider these teacher perceptions below. Do they reflect your own concerns about critical thinking instruction?

  • 42% of teachers reported that students should learn basic facts first, then engage in critical thinking practice.
  • 16% believed that basic facts and critical thinking should be taught separately.
  • 55% of teachers believed that the emphasis on standardized testing made it more difficult to incorporate critical thinking instruction in their classrooms (source).

What’s even more concerning is public perception about critical thinking among youth. “Only half of survey respondents say their experience in school gave them strong critical thinking skills”(source).

As AI rolls out in schools, one concern is that AI could short circuit critical thinking.

Short-Circuited Thinking: AI in Schools

These three quotes capture many of the concerns people have about AI, focusing on bringing AI into schools:

  • “Overdependence on AI for problem-solving can hinder students’ ability to think critically and develop independent learning skills” (source)
  • “A reliance on AI in a school setting restricts the development of critical-thinking abilities, causing significant laziness and decision-making skill loss among students” (source)
  • “Over-reliance on AI could lead to a loss of critical thinking skills and judgment among individuals” (source)

How could a critical thinking framework help?

The Paul-Elder Critical Thinking Framework

Few approaches to developing this skill are as comprehensive and well-structured as the Paul-Elder Critical Thinking Framework. Dr. Richard Paul and Dr. Linda Elder crafted the framework. It provides a systematic approach to analyzing and improving our thought processes.

This is a simplified version of the framework based on my own understanding. See a fully-elaborated version online via the University of Louisville, KY
This is a simplified version of the framework based on my own understanding. See a fully-elaborated version online via the University of Louisville, KY

The framework consists of three main components:

  • Elements of Thought (the tools):
    These are the different aspects of thinking. They include asking questions, gathering information, making assumptions, and drawing conclusions. Use these when you think about anything.
  • Intellectual Standards (how well you use the tools):
    These are ways to check if you’re using your thinking tools well. For example, are you being clear? Accurate? Relevant? Fair? These are how you use the thinking tools.
  • Intellectual Traits (becoming a skilled thinker):
    These are habits and attitudes. Using them improves your thinking over time. It’s like becoming a master carpenter with your thinking tools.

Want to learn more? Visit the Foundation for Critical Thinking website. You will find resources that Dr. Paul and Dr. Elder created. This includes their seminal work “The Miniature Guide to Critical Thinking Concepts and Tools” (Paul & Elder, 2010).

Critical Thinking (CT) Framework for AI

My interest in Paul-Elder’s Critical Thinking framework (PECT for short) is in adapting it for AI prompt generation. There’s a LOT to process in the original, but I’m wondering if that could be simplified.

Disclaimer: The following is my own understanding, assisted by AI, of some ways to apply Paul-Elder Critical Thinking Framework to prompt development. Any errors, mistakes are mine alone and should not reflect on the excellent work of Dr. Paul and/or Dr. Elder. So, with apologies to the authors, let us proceed.

Consider the following simplified version of the PECT framework:

You can see on the left side, what you need to do. On the right side, you will see how to write a prompt that instructs an AI chatbot. What I like about these instructions is that they cover quite a bit of ground.

Problems from the Field

Let’s examine these AI-centric instructions in the context of three problems you might encounter as an educator.

Problem #1: Curriculum Straitjacket

Here’s a problem many of us have encountered:

Ms. Johnson, a high school English teacher, struggles to implement a new standardized curriculum mandated by the district. The prescribed material feels rigid and doesn’t account for her students’ diverse needs and abilities. She finds herself torn between following directives and adapting lessons to engage her class effectively.

Problem #2: Discipline Tug-of-War

Here’s a problem a principal might encounter:

Principal Rodriguez faces mounting pressure from parents regarding the school’s approach to student discipline. Several vocal parents demand stricter punishments, while others advocate for more restorative practices. He must navigate these conflicting views while maintaining a safe and supportive learning environment.

Problem #3: Achievement Chasm

The widening achievement gap is a challenge, especially post-pandemic remote learning:

Mr. Chen, a middle school math teacher, notices a widening achievement gap in his classroom. Despite his efforts, a group of students consistently underperforms. He grapples with how to provide targeted support without neglecting the rest of the class or falling behind on the curriculum timeline.

How might the PECT framework adapted for AI help out?

The Solutions

To develop solutions for each problem, it’s important to first do your homework. Work through the instructions below for each problem. They invite you to be your best self and gather necessary information.

1. QUESTION (Purpose & Problem)

  • What exactly am I trying to solve or understand?
  • Why is this important?

2. CONTEXT (Information & Assumptions)

  • What key facts or data are relevant?
  • What assumptions am I making?

3. PERSPECTIVES (Point of View & Breadth)

  • What’s my viewpoint on this?
  • What other perspectives should be considered?

4. IMPLICATIONS (Consequences & Depth)

  • What might result from this?
  • What deeper issues are involved?

5. CLARITY (Standards for Answer)

  • How should the AI structure its response?
  • What level of detail do I need?

6. EVALUATION (Critical Thinking Traits)

  • How can the AI help check my reasoning?
  • What biases should I be aware of?

With those responses in hand, you can now put them into AI friendly instructions. Since organizing all these instructions might be difficult, I’ve organized them for each problem below.

First, you explore your responses to the “My Planning” portion. Then, ask the AI using instructions crafted from your responses. Finally, you assess the AI’s response in light of your awareness of real life variables. This could be a recursive process, where you fine tune the first two steps to get a better result from the AI.

ProblemMy PlanningAsk AI and Assess Response
Curriculum StraitjacketExploreAsk and Assess
Discipline Tug-of-WarExploreAsk and Assess
Achievement ChasmExploreAsk and Assess
Click to View Full Text

Critical Thinking for Leaders

Give the Paul-Elder Critical Thinking Framework for AI Prompt Development a try. You may find it helpful even if you do not use or rely on AI at all. Finally, please find the entire Paul-Elder Critical Thinking Framework for AI Prompt Development for viewing or to grab if you want a copy of it for printing and sharing with others.

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Artificial Intelligence

SHINE: Lighting the Way to Responsible AI Adoption

by Miguel Guhlin
written by Miguel Guhlin

Many tech directors fear an influx of popular digital tools due to network security risks and potential crashes. Even known technologies, when updated or hacked, can cause chaos. Recent examples include Crowdstrike’s update that crashed computers and grounded airlines. Controversies in reading and math instruction also highlight the need for caution. Schools must check effectiveness before deploying a new digital tool. The SHINE acronym can help with this evaluation process.

Why You Need the SHINE Framework

“I want ed tech to support my teaching and learning efforts. When it doesn’t, it’s like a walkthrough a minefield. Every misstep can lead to chaos. It disrupts our rhythm and progress.” As I sat across the table from the Director of Mathematics, I was checking off a mental list. The Math Director in a large urban school district wanted to roll out a new program to classrooms. The curriculum director’s focus was on the benefit to students. That is, on what the technology tool COULD do to benefit students. 

As the technology director, my focus was on the impact the technology would have on the teacher. For me, it all boiled down to one question:

Would the technical obstacles prevent the achieving the student benefits?

At that moment, I decided to compile a list of questions. The purpose of those questions? Assist anyone in understanding how technical obstacles can stop learning in its tracks. The list was one page long, arranged into sections. It was a collection of questions that stopped technology implementations. That’s ironic given my role to ease technology integration. But there are many technologies people sell schools that they don’t need.

Today, I wish I had enjoyed access to a framework like SHINE that is easy to remember and apply.

Introducing the SHINE Framework

SHINE is a simple acronym. The letters in the acronym represent these concepts:

  • Suitability. Ensuring solutions are appropriate for their intended purpose.
  • Human Oversight. Maintaining human control and intervention capabilities in system operations.
  • Insight into Data. Understanding the data used by systems for transparency and accuracy.
  • Necessity and Novelty. Justifying the need for solutions and recognizing their innovative aspects.
  • Ethics and Equity. Promoting fairness, justice, and moral principles. These are evident in both the development and deployment of solutions.

For that Math Director, the stumbling block was the “Insight into Data” domain. That is, all the class rostering data involved every teacher importing data. The data, comma-separated values (CSV) files, was necessary for every student group. This made the solution unsuitable for classroom teachers to deploy. 

The rush to put AI in classrooms presents the similar opportunities for failure. Today, single-sign-on (SSO) solutions make it easy to import CSV files for all students. That happens in the background. But let’s take a closer look at SHINE before applying it to AI-powered digital tools.

Tough Questions, Easy Answers

When you ask a tough question, you may get an easy answer. Questions and answers like the following come to mind:

  • Do teachers need to update class rosters on a daily basis to use a software intervention? No
  • Can the Tech Department automate hourly or daily class roster updates in a secure manner? Yes
  • Is the data collected safeguarded against hacking? Yes
  • Does the vendor allow for easy export of data should funding come to an end? Yes
  • Does the District have to poke holes in the firewall or open special ports for the solution to work? No
  • Does this solution make teaching learning more efficient and effective? Yes

When considering SHINE’s five-step framework (get a copy via Canva), think of it as a tool teachers and admins can use. Should we bring an AI-powered tool into the classroom?

Generated by author
Generated by author. See blog entry for link to get a copy.

SHINE Framework Questions

With that in mind, let’s take a look at some of the questions SHINE asks:

Suitability (S)

  • Does the tool align with your curriculum goals and learning objectives?
  • Is the tool compatible with your existing educational platforms and tools?
  • Can the tool get you the desired result without a lot of fine-tuning?

Human Oversight (H)

  • Does the tool allow for human oversight and control?
  • Can you adjust settings and parameters to ensure accuracy and fairness?
  • Does the tool provide transparent and explainable decisions?

Insight into Data (I)

  • What data does the tool collect and use?
  • Is the data transparent, and can you access it for analysis and interpretation?
  • Does the tool provide insights into teacher or student performance or learning?

Necessity and Novelty (N)

  • Is the tool necessary and novel?
  • Does it solve a specific problem or improve teaching and learning in a unique way?
  • Does the tool provide a more efficient and effective way of getting work done? That is, compared to traditional methods?

Ethics and Equity (E)

  • Does the tool follow legal regulations and ethical guidelines?
  • Does the tool promote equity and fairness for all students?
  • Does the tool avoid biases and discriminatory practices?

With these question in mind, schools can have a conversation about bringing AI tools into K-12. Let’s see what SHINE looks like in action.

Created by author
Created by author

SHINE in Action

Let’s apply SHINE from the perspective of three people when considering responses:

  • Classroom teacher
  • Curriculum director
  • Technology director

It might be helpful to apply SHINE to three categories of AI-powered tools. These are finding their way into schools under the guise of productivity or cheating. The categories include:

  • Teacher Helper Tool, such as Eduaide, Khanmigo, MagicSchool
  • AI Chatbot for Writing. Examples include ChatGPT, Pressto, Claude
  • Quiz Tools like Quizlet Plus, Quizizz AI, QuizWizard

Let’s explore each category with SHINE in mind.

Note: You can see a question from each perspective interwoven beneath each letter of SHINE. 

SHINE: Lighting the Way to Responsible AI Adoption

The best way to combat fear is knowledge and ensuring a safe space to assess digital tools pushing their way into K-12 education spaces. The SHINE framework offers a structured approach for evaluating AI-powered education tools. Use this framework to make sure all perspectives are represented before making the big investment in Ed Tech.

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Classroom ActivitiesGood TeachingLibraries

Ten Ready-to-Go Lesson Plans for Young Learners

by Mary Eldredge
written by Mary Eldredge

Do you struggle to engage your youngest learners? Never fear! Help is here!

Welcoming early childhood students to your library can add extra sunshine and sparkle to your day! You’re gifted a singular opportunity to introduce them to classic childhood stories, songs, and nursery rhymes, and rewarded with their marvel as they navigate access to a world filled with new materials. As librarians, we have the privilege of shaping their excitement for books and instilling a love for reading at their most formative stages. Need some ideas on how? Keep reading for ten ready-to-use lesson plans for young learners, plus a list of top tips!

The Magic of Early Learners: How to Captivate Their Attention

If you’re new to the world of young students, your keys to success are to exude confidence, emanate wonder, and embrace silliness and fun in your lesson plans for young learners! The delight and excitement you create will ensure your youngest students view your library as the Disney World of the school!

As you plan your lessons, here are some quick tips:

  • Keep a quick pace 
  • Create engaging and interactive activities
  • Use lots of props and visuals 
  • Plan active movement activities (action songs, fingerplays, games) between stories to expend energy and help focus
  • Search online for fingerplays that match your theme to reinforce concepts
  • Small props or visuals for students increase engagement and participation during songs or activities
  • For YouTube songs, consider using just the audio to encourage students to engage more actively with the song’s actions rather than being passive viewers of the screen.
  • Of course, being a bit silly, passionate, and dramatic never hurts 
  • Throw in a simple magic trick to amaze your eager students and you’re a hero! 

Library Lesson Plans for Early Learners

Math Concepts:

Embedding young learner guideline skills in your lessons will delight your teachers. Include math concepts like numbers, positional words, measuring, sorting, graphs, patterns, and basic addition and subtraction. Create a graph showing 3 books you’ve read. Students add stickers to signify their favorite.

Phonological Awareness:

Incorporating phonological awareness skills such as listening, rhyming, alliteration, syllabication, onset-rime, letters, and vocabulary can be easily threaded throughout library lessons. Play alliteration games using pictures. Ask if the picture starts with the letter you choose. Read Goldilocks & the Three Bears, then clap the words Goldilocks, porridge, and bears for syllabication.

Themed Topics with Activities, Books, and Songs

To get you started, here are ten weeks of lesson plans for young learners, including fabulous books and engaging songs to sweep your students off their feet! Plus, discover some bonus songs at the end that are sure to keep your youngest students entertained and engaged!

Alligators

Activities: 

  • Alphagator Make an alligator & letters. Have students feed it letters corresponding to the story. 
  • Guess What’s Green: print pictures/make slides of green items (grass, peas, alligators). Give students clues to guess the items.

Books: 

  • The Watermelon Seed (Pizzoli)
  • Beware of the Crocodile (Jenkins)
  • Crocodile Hungry (Sumner)

Songs: 

Fireflies

Activities: 

Books:

  • The Little Squeegy Bug (Martin) – positional words
  • Among a Thousand Fireflies (Frost) – positional words
  • The Very Lonely Firefly (Carle)

Song:

Bedtime

Activity: 

Letter B Beginning Sounds Game – show pictures/slides of a variety of objects and ask, “Does this start with the letter B sound?” – alliteration

Books: 

  • Everyone Is Yawning (Bijsterbosch)
  • Llama Llama Red Pajama (Dewdney) – rhyming
  • The Squeaky Door (retold by M. Read) – patterns & sequencing
  • Are You Ready For Bed? (Saltzberg)
  • Froggy Goes to Bed (London)

Songs:

Sharks

Activities: 

Books: 

  • Shark in the Park (Sharratt) – rhyming
  • The Three Little Fish and the Big Bad Shark (Geist) – patterns
  • Chomp (M. Paul)
  • How to Spy on a Shark (Houran)

Songs: 

Pizza

Activity: 

  • Watch and discuss Acrobatic Pizza Making from 1:41-3:12 Make a giant pizza! Crust: tape white posterboard together. Sauce: red butcher paper. Cheese: cut lots of white paper in thirds lengthwise. Toppings: print full-page pictures. Sit students in a large circle. Unfold the crust, roll out the sauce. Give students handfuls of cheese to sprinkle on, then several toppings. Pre-teach to not really touch the pizza! Pretend it feels warm in the oven, smell it, hear tummies grumbling and the ‘ding’ – then pretend to eat it. – sequencing

Books: 

  • Pete the Cat and the Perfect Pizza Party (Dean) – alliteration & adding
  • Pete’s a Pizza (Steig) – narrated on Discovery Education by Chevy Chase – sequencing
  • A Pizza With Everything On It (Scheele)
  • The Little Red Hen (Makes a Pizza) (Sturges) – patterns
  • Hi Pizza Man (Walter) – positional words

Songs: 

Fire Safety

Activity: 

  • Print pictures of firefighter and police tools (vehicles, hats, badges, dogs, uniforms, etc) and play a ‘Who uses this?’ sorting game. – sorting

Books: 

  • Fire Drill (Jacobs)
  • The Wheels on the Fire Truck (Burton)
  • Five Little Firefighters (Graham)

Songs: 

Spiders

Activities: 

Books: 

Songs:  

Owls

Activity: 

  • Click on each ‘owl’ for an audio recording of their call. Pair calls with visuals. Discuss what the calls sound like. Not all owls whoo-whoo! – listening

Books: 

  • Owl Babies (Waddell) 
  • Wow! Said the Owl (Hopgood) – colors
  • Little Owl’s Night/Day (Srinivasan)

Songs: 

Dental Health

Activity: 

  • Print clipart pictures of a tooth – 4 per page, laminate, and cut. Glue a pom-pom on the end of craft sticks. Before the lesson, use a yellow dry-erase marker to color on top of the teeth so the students can use the ‘brushes’ to clean them.

Books: 

  • The Crocodile and the Dentist (Gomi)
  • My Toothbrush is Missing (Thomas)
  • Alan’s Big Scary Teeth (Jarvis)

Songs: 

Animal Baths

Activity: 

  • Search for pictures to print or create slides to discuss how animals bathe (pigs, dogs, tigers, elephants, horses) and animals who use helpers to get clean (sea turtles, eels, giraffes, chimpanzees) 

Books: 

  • Dog’s Colorful Day (Dodd) – colors
  • Hogwash (Wilson)
  • Ten Pigs (Anderson) – counting
  • Harry the Dirty Dog (Zion)

Songs: 

Plus, My Favorite Wiggle Songs:

For more interactive songs, check YouTube for Eric Litwin’s ‘The Learning Groove’ and you’ll be set for years!

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A cheerful teacher with dreadlocks and glasses stands in front of a world map, holding a notepad and pencil, wearing a black blazer and light blue shirt.
Artificial IntelligenceBack to SchoolGood Teaching

Kick Off the School Year by Establishing Healthy Self-Care Habits

by Dr. Bruce Ellis
written by Dr. Bruce Ellis

As the school bells ring on a new academic year, it’s a great time for educators to focus on building healthy habits and self-care routines. The start of a new semester gives us a chance to prioritize our well-being from day one, setting the stage for a more fulfilling and productive year. By integrating small, intentional self-care practices into our daily lives, we can better handle the challenges and stresses of teaching.

This year, let’s commit to nurturing ourselves as we nurture our students’ minds. Whether you’re a seasoned educator or just starting out, remember that taking care of yourself is essential for maintaining the energy, passion, and resilience needed to inspire and guide your students. As we sharpen our pencils and prepare our lesson plans, let’s also craft a personal plan for well-being that will sustain us through the exciting months ahead.

The Importance of Building Good Self-care Habits

Teaching is often called a noble profession, but it’s also one of the most demanding. Educators today face unprecedented levels of stress and burnout, juggling multiple responsibilities while striving to meet the diverse needs of their students. The pressure to perform, adapt to changing educational landscapes, and manage increasing workloads can take a significant toll on teachers’ mental and physical well-being. This is where self-care becomes not just beneficial, but essential.

Implementing regular self-care practices can dramatically improve an educator’s personal well-being and professional performance. When teachers prioritize their own health and happiness, they’re better equipped to handle classroom challenges with patience and creativity. This positive change doesn’t just benefit the educator; it creates a ripple effect throughout the school environment. Students learn better from teachers who are energized and passionate, and a teacher’s improved well-being can contribute to a more positive and productive classroom atmosphere.

Non-technological Self-care Practices

An elderly woman wearing glasses and a pink jacket smiles while sitting at a table in a café, holding a coffee cup, across from another person

While modern technology offers many self-care tools, traditional practices still hold immense value. Physical self-care forms the foundation of overall well-being. For educators, this might mean committing to regular exercise, even if it’s just a brisk walk during lunch break or after school. Prioritizing nutrition by meal prepping healthy lunches and snacks can provide sustained energy throughout the school day. Establishing a good sleep routine becomes crucial for maintaining energy and focus, especially in a profession where late-night grading is common.

Mental and emotional self-care habits are equally important for educators dealing with the emotional demands of teaching. Meditation or mindfulness exercises, even when done for just a few minutes before or after school, can help manage stress and improve focus. Journaling can be a powerful tool for processing the day’s events and reflecting on teaching practices.

Engaging in hobbies unrelated to work, whether it’s gardening, painting, or playing an instrument, can provide a much-needed mental break and creative outlet. Even taking time to walk your dog at a nearby park can provide a nice mental boost at the end of a hectic day. Social connections also play a vital role in self-care. Building supportive relationships with colleagues, spending quality time with family, or engaging in community activities can provide emotional support and a sense of belonging outside the classroom.

If providing good self-care is difficult during the week, make an extra effort on weekends to focus on repairing and reinforcing value in your life. This may be difficult when you lack energy and stressors are building up but, just like how it’s important to commit to the regular maintenance of your vehicle, it’s vital that you not neglect yourself for long periods of time.

Modern Tools and Techniques for Self-care Habits

A person in a blue jacket holds a smartphone displaying app icons, with a cup of coffee, a notebook, and a pen on a round table

In today’s digital age, educators have access to a wealth of modern tools and techniques that can support their self-care journey. From smartphone apps that guide meditation sessions to online platforms that connect teachers for peer support, technology offers convenient and accessible ways to incorporate self-care into busy schedules. These tools can help track habits, provide reminders for self-care activities, and offer resources for stress management tailored specifically to the challenges faced by educators. Here are a few suggestions for you to consider:

Mindfulness & Meditation:

  • Headspace (App/Website): Guided meditations and mindfulness exercises tailored for sleep, focus, stress relief, and overall well-being. Free for educators in many regions.
  • Calm (App/Website): Soothing soundscapes, guided meditations, and mindfulness courses to promote relaxation and reduce stress.
  • Insight Timer (App): Free meditation app with a vast library of guided meditations from various teachers, durations, and purposes.

Stress Management:

  • Happify (App): Interactive activities and games designed to build resilience and positive emotions.
  • StressCoach (Website): Offers personalized stress management tools, including self-assessments, goal setting, and coping strategies.
  • Ten Percent Happier (App/Website): Based on Dan Harris’ book of the same name, this app provides guided meditations and talks on mindfulness and stress management.

Sleep & Wellness:

  • Sleep Cycle (App): Tracks sleep patterns and provides personalized insights to improve sleep quality.
  • MyFitnessPal (App/Website): Tracks food intake, exercise, and weight to promote healthy habits and well-being.

Gratitude & Positivity:

  • Three Good Things (App): Simple app to record three positive things from your day, fostering gratitude and a positive outlook.
  • Happier (App): Digital gratitude journal with prompts and reminders to cultivate a sense of thankfulness.
  • Daylio (App): Mood tracker that allows users to record their emotions and identify patterns, promoting self-awareness.

If you are wanting even more modern ways to help with self-care, here are some custom GPTs to check out. With these, you can use the free or paid version of ChatGPT to make the most of them. When you are first using a custom GPT, consider starting with, “Tell me about yourself.” The GPT should respond with information about its purpose and how you can make the most of it.

  • This Day I Am Self Care Virtual Card Deck: A digital extension of the physical “THIS DAY I AM…” card deck designed to promote daily self-care and mental well-being. Each self-care activity comes with four levels of engagement, ranging from basic to advanced, allowing you to choose what best suits your current state and energy levels.
  • In-Home Fitness Coach: This custom GPT focuses on providing advice that encourages regular, moderate exercise, balanced nutrition, and effective stress-relief techniques. It aims to offer guidance that is inclusive and suitable for a wide range of individuals, avoiding extreme measures or challenging regimes.
  • MindFit Mentor: A comprehensive guide to science-informed personal, professional, and relationship growth, trained on thousands of pages of evidence-based content. Authored and vetted by a team of licensed psychologists in California.

You can find many more custom GPTs through a variety of tools such as Best GPT Help, GPTfinder, and Google search for recent self-care GPTs.

However, it’s important to remember that while these modern tools can be incredibly helpful, they should complement rather than replace traditional self-care practices. The key is finding a balance that works for each individual educator. This might involve using a mindfulness app during the morning commute, participating in online professional development communities for support and growth, or utilizing digital tools to streamline work processes and create more time for personal care. By thoughtfully integrating both traditional and modern approaches to self-care, educators can develop a comprehensive strategy to maintain their well-being and thrive in their professional lives.

Share Your Thoughts

What are your favorite self-care habits and strategies? Do you have a preferred app/website or even a unique way of using AI to assist in positive self-care? Share in the comments! Try one of these methods and let us know how it works for you. Let’s support each other in maintaining our well-being throughout the school year.

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AI generated chart by the author
AI/VRHistorySocial StudiesSocial Studies

Deconstructing Infographics with AI

by Miguel Guhlin
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.

TermDefinition
JS-based PresentationA slideshow-like display created using JavaScript, allowing for interactive elements in a web browser.
JSONA simple text format for storing and transporting data, often used in web applications.
MermaidA tool for creating diagrams and charts using text and code, similar to markdown for visual elements.
Plotly.jsA 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!

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Math

Free Equatio Alternatives: Top Editors for Math Teachers

by Miguel Guhlin
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.

MathCast Edit Screen via MathCast Help

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.

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