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AI/VRDigital Literacy

Integrate Immersive Learning Technologies Into Your Classroom.

by Macee Hall
written by Macee Hall

Keeping your lesson plan fresh can be difficult when it seems like new technologies are being created every day. But deciding to implement those new technologies can transform your classroom like never before! For example, immersive learning technologies can be used to transport students into ancient ruins or allow them to learn about the inner workings of our world all at the touch of a button! Keep reading to discover some fun ways to integrate immersive learning technology into your classroom this school year.

Differentiating Between Immersive Learning Technologies

Before diving into some ways to utilize immersive technologies in the classroom, it’s important that we distinguish between some key terms. 

Extended Reality

Extended reality (XR) is an umbrella term that includes all types of immersive technologies, including any immersive learning technologies used in schools. These technologies blend the physical and digital worlds at varying degrees to create hands-on, in-depth learning experiences.

Augmented Reality

Augmented reality (AR) takes our physical world and adds a digital overlay, typically allowing for more hands-on interaction with certain elements. AR is typically more physical than digital and is usually more accessible since it utilizes your immediate environment. 

Virtual Reality

Virtual reality (VR) brings a more immersive digital landscape to the user by fabricating, either mostly or entirely, a new environment to explore. VR is more digital than physical and may require specialized equipment or software to experience fully. 

Incorporating Immersive Learning Technology into Your Lesson Plan

Here are some AI-powered ideas for how to incorporate immersive learning technologies like XR, AR, and VR into your classroom, courtesy of Perplexity.ai. After you check out our list, we encourage you to also utilize your favorite AI software to research even more epic ways to bring immersive tech into your lesson plans!

Virtual Field Trips

Explore historical sites, museums, and more through virtual tours and field trips. This is an easy way to visit recreations of ancient ruins in social studies, hard-to-reach ecosystems in science, or a variety of museums covering all subjects. It’s a low-cost and safe way for students to explore the world without boundaries. Check out Google Arts & Culture to explore history and art museums, but be aware that not all subject matter will be age-appropriate. 

Interactive 3D Models

Visualize complex concepts in STEM classes with interactive 3D models. High school students can explore the anatomy of humans and other animals, middle school students can explore basic cellular structures, and elementary school students can learn about 3D shapes with a unique, hands-on learning experience. Take a look at Sketchfab and Merge Cube to discover an array of interactive models.

Immersive Language Learning

Experience simulated cultural environments and have conversations with AIs or native speakers with immersive language learning software. This cultural immersion makes international learning safe and accessible for all students. ImmerseMe offers desktop and VR headset learning opportunities in a variety of languages, specially designed for the classroom.

Hands-on Skills Training

Engage students with hands-on skills training like virtual science labs, digital vocational training, and simulated technical lessons. These trainings not only get students more active in their own learning process, but they also save on costs and allow students to work at their own pace. Zspace focuses mainly on STEM lessons and provides interactive 3D models and simulations for students to dive into immersive learning. 

Augmented Textbooks and Learning Materials

Deepen students’ understanding with digital textbooks. Many augmented textbooks have interactive features like digital overlays that help students explore the subject material more in-depth. For K-8 students, check out the free e–textbooks at Core Knowledge. For students in high school and beyond, check out the free, open-licensed textbooks at OpenStax

Gamified Learning Experiences

Boost motivation and engagement with immersive, gamified learning. There are countless educational games with immersive elements available on the web. Take a look at Breakout EDU, which turns classroom lessons into virtual escape rooms where students must work together and employ learning strategies to make it out in time.  

How do you use immersive learning technologies in the classroom?

Let us know in the comments below!

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Screenshot from PamPam website. Image generated by author.
Social StudiesSocial Studies

Pampam: A New Tool to Make and Share Maps

by Miguel Guhlin
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.

FeaturePamPamHistorypinNational Geographic ResourcesStoryMap
User-generated contentYes – users can create and share their own mapsYes – users can upload images and anecdotesLimited – mostly curated contentYes – users create their own stories
Geographical focusYes – allows users to create and share location-based contentYes – content tied to specific locationsYes – global focusYes – map-based storytelling
Educational resourcesLimited – focused on user-created contentLimitedExtensive – lesson plans, interactive contentLimited – focused on storytelling
Timeline functionalityNot apparentYes – can explore content by dateSome – in specific resourcesYes – can create sequential narratives
Mapping interfaceYes – custom interfaceYes – uses Google MapsYes – uses National Geographic mapsYes – uses ArcGIS maps
Mobile appYes – web app accessible on mobile devicesDiscontinuedYesYes
Collaboration featuresYes – users can share maps and collaborateYes – users can contribute to others’ collectionsLimitedLimited
Multimedia integrationPhotos, text, video, linksPhotos, videos, audioPhotos, videos, interactive elementsPhotos, videos, audio, web content
Customization optionsYes – users can create custom maps and add various elementsLimitedLimitedExtensive – themes, layouts, fonts
Target audienceGeneral public, travelers, businessesGeneral public, historiansEducators, students, general publicStorytellers, organizations, educators
Unique featuresAbility to create custom maps with various elements like routes, areas, and points of interestHistorical focusProfessionally curated educational contentAdvanced 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 IdeaRelevant TEKS Content Area and StandardPrompt to Generate AI Map Idea
Create interactive historical maps for Texas history lessonsSocial 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 unitsScience – 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 distanceMathematics – 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 classesEnglish 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 culturesSocial 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 projectsSocial 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 lessonsScience – 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 analysisMathematics – 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 unitsSocial 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 studiesScience – 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:

Author screenshot of Claude Pro
Author screenshot of Claude Pro

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?

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Learn strategies for keeping students engaged at the end of the year. The image shows students with hands raised in a classroom with a teacher at the front.
End of Year

Student Engagement Strategies for the End of the School Year

by Diana Benner
written by Diana Benner

As the school year draws to a close, maintaining student engagement can become increasingly difficult. With warmer weather, impending vacations, and the excitement of summer break, students may find it difficult to stay focused in the classroom. However, with intentional strategies and creative approaches, teachers can keep students engaged and motivated until the very last day. Here are some strategies to help you finish the school year strong:

Incorporate Hands-On Activities

Engage students by incorporating hands-on, interactive activities into your lessons. From scavenger hunts and digital breakouts to creating memory books, there are many fun activities students can do at the end of the school year. You could also have students write thank-you letters or cards to those people they are thankful for. In addition, you could incorporate project-based learning or STEM/STEAM activities.

Image of a thank you card.
Image by Diana Benner; Created by 24 Creative Canva Thank You Card Templates

Celebrate Achievements

Recognize and celebrate what students have accomplished during the school year. One way to do this is to create awards and host end-of-year classroom awards ceremonies. Recognize accomplishments such as achieving good grades, exhibiting positive character traits, or demonstrating leadership qualities. In addition, verbally praise students in front of their peers, highlighting their strengths and accomplishments. This will boost their confidence and leave them with good memories of the school year.

Incorporate Brain Breaks

Lots of research suggests that brain breaks improve academic performance, motivation, and attitude. At the end of the year, it’s necessary to break up long periods of instruction with movement breaks and brain-boosting activities. You can incorporate short physical exercises, stretching routines, or mindfulness activities to help students reenergize and refocus their attention. If you are looking to create a brain break, AI chatbots can help you quickly create one specific to your subject area.

Image of 6 children doing mindfulness activites.
Image by Diana Benner; Created by Emily Horn; Six Simple Mindfulness Activities for Your Classroom

Invite a Guest Speaker

Guest speakers can provide a change of pace, offering students a chance to interact with someone other than you. Guest speakers can show students how the concepts and skills they are learning in the classroom are applied in real-world settings, making the content more relevant and engaging for students. In addition, they can engage students through interactive activities, demonstrations, or hands-on experiences related to their expertise, creating memorable learning moments.

Go on a Virtual Field Trip

There’s nothing more engaging than going on a virtual field trip. Virtual field trips can help students explore the world from home, and even engage in different types of learning with audio, visual, and video media. There are many world-class virtual field trips. Students could even explore the great state of Texas or the state in which they live. In addition, there are many field trips that offer a virtual reality experience.

Image of a Google Doc that contains links to Texas Virtual Field Trips.
Image by Diana Benner of Texas Virtual Field Trips Google Document

Maintain Consistent Routines and Expectations

Keep the basic classroom routine consistent, as students will behave better if they know classroom expectations are still in place. Review classroom procedures if necessary and be consistent with follow-through to maintain a positive learning environment.

Reflect with Your Students

Take time to reflect on the successes and challenges of the school year with your students. Encourage them to share their thoughts, feedback, and suggestions for improvement. Use this feedback to inform your teaching practices and plan for the year ahead.

As the school year winds down, it’s important to keep students engaged and motivated to finish strong. By implementing these strategies and fostering a positive and supportive learning environment, you can help students stay focused, inspired, and eager to learn until the very end. Remember, every moment counts, and the impact you make on your students’ lives extends far beyond the classroom. So, let’s finish the school year with enthusiasm, positivity, and a sense of accomplishment!

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Virtual reality can be a powerful tool for project-based learning by providing an interactive element.
AI/VR

Engage Students with Virtual Reality (VR) and Project-Based Learning (PBL)

by Miguel Guhlin
written by Miguel Guhlin

A combination you seldom find in classrooms brings two popular areas together: virtual reality (VR) and project-based learning (PBL). Combining these two approaches to teaching and learning can deepen students’ understanding. VR within PBL can drop students into an immersive learning experience. But how does that work? VR is increasingly creating interactive opportunities in the immersive internet. See how VR is moving beyond entertainment. Watch Bernard Marr’s video below to assist you in understanding future trends for 2024.

What Is Project Based Learning (PBL)?

You may already be familiar with project-based learning (PBL). TCEA offers a variety of blog entries and an online course about PBL. Moreover, there are many ways to blend game-based learning and PBL. You can see one approach in the Virtual World Builder online course. It shows you how to use a free, open-source, Minecraft-style environment and introduces you to PBL. There’s also some discussion about virtual reality in TCEA’s blog.

One definition of PBL appears below:

Project-Based Learning (PBL) is a student-centered pedagogy. It seeks to involve student in active engagement with real world projects. These projects are meaningful and immerse students in a novel situation. To that new situation, they must apply what they have learned and any skills they have developed. They often do so through the creation of a product.

As they do this, they engage in transfer learning. This engages them and allows them to develop their critical thinking skills. What’s more, it scaffolds student collaboration and problem-solving to a specific task. Human brains love this kind of task-oriented learning. Tasks often come in a wrapper such as a scenario, complex question, problem, or challenge.

What Is Virtual Reality?

Often, virtual reality and PBL don’t mix well in the classroom. Some define virtual reality in this way:

Virtual reality (VR) is the use of technology to create a simulated environment. Students are able to interact with it in a way that mimics real life.

This interaction is different than screen-based, computer imagery. Instead, VR simulates as many senses as possible. Those senses include, of course, vision, hearing, touch, and even smell. The goal is to transport students to places they have never been.

VR provides hands-on experiences that are impossible or impractical for schools and students. Bringing these two areas together can yield big results, enhancing digital literacy, critical thinking, and collaborative problem-solving.

Let’s examine how these two exciting areas can complement each other.

Three Approaches to Using VR for PBL Projects

You can use VR as an engagement tool to grab students’ attention before dropping them into the deep end of PBL. Here are three approaches to pair VR and PBL for boosted engagement.

VR experiences might lend themselves well to lesson or unit introductions. Use them to pique students’ curiosity and lead to more in-depth activities. (Adapted from source)

Approach #1: Take virtual field trips.

With VR, students can visit historical landmarks, explore different ecosystems, and more. They can also journey to foreign countries— no passport or plane ticket needed! Discover this Texas middle school’s example of VR use:

Approach #2: Explore curricular topics.

Use VR to bring complex subjects to life, enabling students to get a deeper grasp of abstract ideas through visualization and manipulation of interactive 3D geometric models. For example, The Body VR helps students learn about human biological systems by journeying inside a cell. Apps like MEL Science VR, which has over 70 VR lessons, provide immersive learning experiences on everything from the periodic table to atoms and ions. See more suggestions for exploring curricular topics in this article.

Approach #3: Develop computing and technology skills.

Use online spaces like CoSpaces for students to create their own 3D virtual worlds. Additionally, they can learn the basics of coding and digital design while experiencing VR.

Here’s one CoSpaces video focused on creating simulations for science:

Captivating Hooks for PBL

Crafting captivating hooks or problems for your projects can be challenging, but VR can set the stage for PBL’s real-world challenges. Here are some suggestions for engaging students with VR-based hooks:

VR SolutionSuggested Use in K-12 PBL Engagement Hook
CoSpaces EduStudents can create and explore their own virtual worlds or simulations, which can be used to present their PBL projects in an immersive way.
Global Traveler appUse the app for virtual field trips, allowing students to explore global landmarks and natural wonders, which can be integrated into geography or social studies projects.
Merge CubeMerge Cude can be used by students to design 3D objects related to their PBL topic and then use Merge Cube to interact with their models, enhancing their spatial reasoning and presentation skills.
TinkercadStudents can use Tinkercad to design 3D models that can be integrated into their PBL projects and visualize them using Merge Cube or VR.
VictoryXREngage students in virtual dissections or explore historical events, making abstract concepts more tangible and relevant to their studies.

Using VR in the classroom certainly deepens student engagement and prepares them for the exciting undertaking of a PBL project. Start your PBL class lessons and projects with VR scenarios and set your students up for memorable learning experiences that will help them retain and demonstrate learning.

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Five Stages of EdTech Adoption blog header
Digital Literacy

Five Stages of K-12 Ed Tech Adoption: Part 1

by Miguel Guhlin
written by Miguel Guhlin

Feeling tired and burned out by all the ed tech and AI-based news finding its way into your life? Take a moment to step back from all the chaos and reflect on the big picture. The Five Stages of K-12 Ed Tech Adoption will give you some context for understanding what you are going through. You will also get practical tips to help you harness the power of technology to create an engaging, effective student learning environment. Let’s take a look at:

  • The five stages of ed tech adoption and how to navigate them with success
  • Actionable strategies to integrate technology into your daily routine
  • The latest trends in educational technology and how you can use them

Ready? Let’s review each of the stages.

Stage #1: Exploration and Awareness

Whether you are a new teacher, or someone new to using digital tools in the classroom, it’s easy to adopt a spirit of openness when it comes to ed tech. As a classroom teacher, curiosity and eagerness to see how technology can improve teaching and learning are your focus. This first stage may be described in the following way:

People first learn about new technology. They explore it. Maybe they're curious. Maybe their friends or leaders told them to try it. They're open to learning. They start to see how it could help them teach.

It’s a time for exploration. Digital tools such as virtual reality, gamification, and artificial intelligence start to paint a picture of a more engaging, personalized, and efficient approach to education. Here are some ways you can get started with ed tech in your classroom:

  • Build yourself a choice board of learning. Explore workshops and resources that focus on improving reading comprehension, using project-based learning, or effective classroom instructional strategies.
  • Showcase your learning. Use tools like Blogger, WordPress, Google Sites, and/or Wakelet to create free portfolios of your learning. Showcase your teaching philosophy, resume, lesson plans, and videos of mini-lessons. Take the time to reflect on what you’re learning as you’re learning it.
  • Conduct a self-assessment. Assess your teaching and learning environment, reflecting on classroom arrangement, media tools available, instructional strategies, and your comfort level with digital tools.
  • Engage in knowledge sharing. Take field trips to meet with other educators to learn how they are using technology, and/or share how you are using it to impact teaching and learning. This can help build a strong sense of respect among you and your colleagues as well as a community of lifelong learners.
  • Walk and talk. Encourage your colleagues at work to allow Walk and Talks to pair up and discuss topics relevant to blending technology into the classroom.

Remember that TCEA can assist you with all of this. TCEA’s Annual Convention & Exposition and focused events are an invaluable resource. These events offer a plethora of learning opportunities. You get to see other educators present on the latest educational technologies and walk the exhibit hall floor where new products are showcased. What’s more, the TCEA TechNotes blog offers practical tips, teaching strategies, and resources that align ed tech with high-effect size instructional strategies and technologies.

Stage #2: Adoption and Experimentation

Characterized by teachers starting to use new ed tech to teach, there is experimentation and trying to see how tools work. Some reject the idea that teachers should experiment in the classroom, but where else should they attempt this work? Every lesson is an experiment. Digital tools involve a hands-on approach where both teachers and students become co-learners. They try out different technologies, learn how they work, and then assess their effectiveness in facilitating learning. This suggests that students have agency, choice, and the ability to self-regulate their own learning.

An example of levels of spoken feedback when it comes to ed tech.
Adapted from David Perkins’s (2003) The Ladder of Feedback and John Hattie’s (2014) The Power of Feedback. | Get Your Own Copy in Google Slides format

Some ed tech tools and technologies that are often considered for experimentation in the classroom include:

Assess ed tech tools in the context of back-and-forth conversations with students. Consider the suggestions in the “Assess K-12 Classroom Technology Usage” infographic as you work to implement new tools in your classroom.

Stage #3: Integration and Application

In this stage, technology is used routinely in the classroom. You may describe this stage in this way:

Technology is part of the classroom. Teachers and students use it daily. It supports learning goals. It fosters student feedback. It helps with everyday tasks. What’s more, it gives students choices in how they learn. It promotes student discussion and collaboration. It's a tool for success.

At this stage, ed tech is a core element of the classroom. It scaffolds learning, encourages feedback, and makes teamwork at a distance possible. It makes tasks for teachers and students alike easier to complete. What’s more, it blends into lessons and activities and provides students with a variety of ways to interact with curricular materials to show what they know. It also provides the timely feedback students need to gauge their distance from target learning objectives.

Some examples in addition to those mentioned above include:

More to Come

You may have figured out that only three out of the five stages were addressed! Stay tuned for more content in part two. In the meantime, here’s an infographic of the Five Stages of Ed Tech Adoption in K-12:

Five Stages of EdTech Adoption - https://www.canva.com/design/DAF-7iMpYnk/hKcjLpsU_yBlKkmCE-gicg/view?utm_content=DAF-7iMpYnk&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link&utm_source=editor
Five Stages of EdTech Adoption – View the Five Stages of Classroom Ed Tech Adoption in K-12

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Image of laptop with eyeglasses and earbuds lying on keyboard
Podcasts

Using Podcasts as an Instructional Tool

by Dr. Bruce Ellis
written by Dr. Bruce Ellis

Regardless of what you teach, podcasts offer a variety of valid and engaging content for you to use alongside other, more traditional supports in your classroom. There are many reasons to consider using podcasts as an instructional tool. Let’s look at five reasons for you to consider, and then I’ll share a variety of podcasts for you to explore. If you want more ideas and suggestions on podcasts that might be a perfect fit for your particular content or grade level, I encourage you to join one of the many groups in the TCEA Community and ask for advice and suggestions from other like-minded educators.

Engage Diverse Learners 

Not all students learn the same way. Some students benefit from visuals and others may prefer audio-based instruction. While podcasts don’t provide visual stimulus and support, they do offer the ability for students to listen to portions of the podcast again and adjust the speed at which they listen. For some students, this can be a game-changer. It also may be easier for you to find podcasts on a particular topic by people who represent your students better than a textbook or chapter book would.

Tip: Look for podcasts that use storytelling techniques. They can captivate students and make learning more memorable.

Tip from text about students sharing podcasts.

Foster Critical Thinking

One of the benefits of students accessing podcasts is that it provides them with content that can be useful in classroom discussions, debates, and investigations. Students can explore new ideas and fresh perspectives, deepening their understanding of your content and finding more relevance to their personal lives. Critical thinking improves with practice. Learning to think critically and discussing content with peers can help them take more ownership of the knowledge, increasing the likelihood of retention. Allowing students to discuss what they listen to helps them better understand their peers and articulate their thoughts. By giving students the opportunity to discuss what they’ve listened to, they can develop this skill, which will benefit them in other areas of study.

Tip: After listening, host a class discussion or debate on the podcast’s main themes.

Tip from text.

Expand Beyond Textbooks

You may not have a choice in textbooks for your content, and your library might be limited in terms of resources that support the skills and concepts you’re teaching. This is where podcasts can shine. They are easily accessible and cover a wide range of topics, making it easy for you to find relevant information that complements your textbook. Podcasts often offer a different style of engagement than textbooks. They bring in real-world experts and firsthand accounts, providing students with diverse perspectives that textbooks might not capture.

Tip: Use platforms like Apple Podcasts or Spotify to explore categories like “Education” or “Science” for the latest educational content.

Tip from text.

Enhance Classroom Flexibility

Whether you have a traditional schedule, block schedule, or are looking to flip your classroom, podcasts are a highly flexible instructional tool. Making podcasts available allows students to listen at times when they might not be able to access or read traditional materials. They allow for on-the-go learning, enabling students to absorb information while also involved in other activities activities. Whether on the bus, in the car, or at home, students can easily access podcasts to keep up with class expectations. This is also beneficial for students who are absent or on field trips, as they can still access the content even if they aren’t physically present in the classroom.

Tip: Recommend students use headphones during independent listening sessions to minimize distractions.

Tip from text.

Cultivate Lifelong Learning

Podcasts offer immense variety, which can increase student interest in your content and promote lifelong learning. Anytime we can help students develop a passion for what we teach, it’s a win. Since podcasts usually feature real-world examples, experts, or first-hand accounts, having students hear how a person uses the content or how it has benefited them fosters more interest in the subject. Students might also discover that the enrichment of using podcasts is a strategy they can apply in other classrooms, even if those teachers aren’t aware of the value of podcasts.

Tip: Encourage students to share their favorite educational podcasts with the class, fostering a community of curious learners.

Tip from text.

Finding Great Podcasts

Here’s a variety of podcasts for you to explore. This list just scratches the surface in terms of the number of valuable podcasts available for teachers. As with any instructional tool, ensure you review them before sharing it with students to confirm its relevance and appropriateness.

  • Brains On!: This one is from PBS Kids. It’s all about the brain. It is hosted by a different kid each episode, and it is full of fun facts and interesting stories about how our brains work.
  • But Why?: Here’s on that answers kids’ questions about the world around them. The host, Guy Raz, is funny and engaging, and he makes learning fun.
  • Circle Round: This podcast tells classic folk tales from around the world. The stories are read aloud by actors, and they are accompanied by original music.
  • Story Pirates: This one is a collection of original stories written by kids. The stories are read aloud by actors, and they are sure to spark the imagination.
  • The Alien Adventures of Finn Caspian: This podcast is a serialized audio drama about a young boy who travels to a magical world. It is full of action, adventure, and humor.
  • The Bedtime History Podcast : This podcast tells stories about real historical events. The stories are short and engaging, and they are perfect for a bedtime listen.
  • The History Chicks: Discover the stories of amazing women from history. The hosts are funny and informative, and they make history come alive.
  • Who, When, Wow!: A history podcast for kids that tells the stories of trailblazers and momentous events in history.
  • Wow in the World: This podcast from NPR explores the science behind the world around us. It is hosted by Guy Raz and Mindy Thomas, and it is perfect for kids who are curious about how things work.
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Explore technology resources for real-world connections in the classroom.
Content AreasHistorySocial StudiesWeb 2.0 Tool

Three Resources for Real-World Classroom Connections

by Amy Storer
written by Amy Storer

Tearing down our four classroom walls to connect students to other classrooms, experts, the world, and authentic audiences can add so much value to your classroom community. Let’s explore a few ways that you can facilitate real-world connections for students and make a true impact on learning through technology!

1. Google Arts & Culture

Have you heard of Google Arts & Culture? It is truly one of those resources that allows you to discover something new and exciting every time you dive in. With it, users are able to make real-world connections to art, culture, and historical artifacts from around the world. Not only that, we can also able to take virtual field trips to many places around the world, including geographical locations and museums. The ultimate goal of Google Arts & Culture is to make art and culture accessible to ALL, and they have definitely reached that goal. Here are a couple of my favorite ways to connect classrooms and make real-world connections through Google Arts & Culture!

Virtual Fields Trips

The Great Barrier Reef virtual field trip page.
Screenshot by Emily Horn: Google Arts & Culture The Great Barrier Reef

“Where do you want to go today?” is the first thing you see when you visit the Virtual Field Trips page on Google Arts & Culture. You can explore by picking a subject, such as science and technology or geography. My favorite place to visit is the Great Barrier Reef. From the comfort of your home or classroom, Google transports you to that location in our world, and not only does it include visuals and text, but it also includes the sounds of Lady Island Birds!

Museum Tours

Museums Virtual Tours page from Google Arts & Culture
Screenshot by Emily Horn: Google Arts & Culture Museum Virtual Tours Page

Another great resource for making real-world connections through technology is by exploring Google Arts & Culture’s virtual museum tours. Users are able to tour some of the most beloved museums and historical sites using 360° Street View tours. Imagine getting to tour places like the Trevi Fountain in Italy and the Taj Mahal in India! There are over 4,000 panoramic tours you can take here. The world is your oyster!

2. Flip Discovery Library

Flip, formerly known as Flipgrid, is a FREE Microsoft app that gives educators and students a safe online space to express ideas through video, text, or audio. If you are new to Flip, a great place to start is the Discovery Library. There are two places in the Discovery Library that are definitely worth mentioning when it comes to connecting classrooms with experts – Flip Events and Partners!

Flip Events

Flip event for Hispanic Heritage Month 2023 from the Flip Livestreamed Events page.
Screenshot by Emily Horn: Flip Events Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month

Classrooms can connect and join live events or find on-demand events featuring inspirational speakers, such as authors and scientists, to spark meaningful conversations and connections in the classroom. You can find events like World Otter Day, The AI Infused Classroom, Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month and even events with well-known authors such as Rick Riordan and Jason Reynolds.  

Flip Partners

Flip Partners page from the Flip website.
Screenshot by Emily Horn: Flip Partner Content Page

Who remembers Skype in the Classroom? It was an online community that connected teachers and students with experts from all over the world. This resource has since been sunsetted, but you can still find many of those experts, including book publishers and national parks, in Flip Partners within the Discovery Library.

As an instructional coach, I loved taking classrooms on a virtual field trip to the Buffalo Bill Center of the West. It is a collection of museums in Cody, Wyoming. There are five museums in total, ranging from Western Art to Natural History. Not only do they provide you with topics to include in your Flip Groups, but you can also schedule a virtual field trip with them. Definitely check them all out, but my favorite was the Animal Adaptations field trip. During this lesson, students are able to discover basic habitat needs of different animals as well as how they adapt to their environments.

3. Mystery Games

Who remembers #MysterySkype? This was an experience that I discovered when I was a part of Skype in the Classroom, and I like to refer to it as “sticky learning” because – it just sticks! One of the resources that helped me get started with this critical thinking game is from an educator by the name of Paul Solarz. He states:

“Mystery Skype is a 45-60 minute critical thinking challenge that your class takes part in while Skyping with another class somewhere else in the world.”

Source

The goal is to video chat with another class and guess the other school’s location (state) before they can guess yours by asking yes or no questions back and forth. It is so much fun! Since we now use multiple ways to video chat with others (Zoom, Google Meet, Microsoft Teams, etc.), the name has taken on a few different forms, including Mystery Location, but the goal is still the same.

Not only are the students engaged because it is a game, but it also combines technology, geography, and communication skills by making a real-world connection. Students are able to connect with other classrooms from different backgrounds and experiences to truly help them better understand the world that they live in. 

The first step is to find a classroom to connect with and then set up a day and time to meet. Prior to that, you want to prep your class and possibly assign jobs. I would definitely recommend referring back to Paul’s article on how to set up a Mystery Skype and checking out this article from the wonderful and fabulous Matt Miller. Use me as a resource, too! I would love to help you make your first connection.

So which of these tools will you try to make real-world connections in the classroom? If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out. Let’s get connected!

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End of Year

Five Fun End-of-the-Year Classroom Activities

by Diana Benner
written by Diana Benner

As the end of the school year approaches, it’s time to celebrate all the hard work and accomplishments it brought. What better way to bid farewell to a memorable academic year than with some memorable activities? Let’s check out a few activity options for a little end-of-the-year fun!

1. Design a Scavenger Hunt

Scavenger hunts are not only fun for students of all ages, but they also help students with social skills. Create a list of items or clues that students need to find or solve to progress through the game. Incorporate elements of the school environment to add familiarity and excitement. Here you will find a variety of interesting scavenger hunt events that will engage all students. If you would like to go digital with your scavenger hunt, then incorporate Flip to create a Fliphunt. At the end of the scavenger hunt, you could provide small prizes or certificates to all students.

Check out ideas like this one on Elementary Assessments!

2. Take a Virtual Field Trip

Celebrate the end of the year by taking your students to a fun destination virtually. Virtual field trips are sure to keep your students engaged as the school year comes to an end. There are so many places your students can visit. Here are 25 field trips and 10 activities to do while you’re on one. You could even have your students learn more about their home state, for example, Texas.

3. Construct a Digital Breakout

Digital Breakouts are the perfect way to end the school year. Digital breakouts are like escape room games. However, instead of setting up physical puzzles, you use technology to set up the breakout. For example, you can create a web page on a Google Site. The page contains images, text, and hidden hyperlinks that students can use to solve digital puzzles. A Google Form is used to create the digital lock. Then, students run through the scenarios to solve the puzzle. More tips for creating digital breakouts can be found here.

4. Create a Memory Book

Encourage students to reflect on their school year by creating a memory book about all the things they did throughout the year. Brainstorm and discuss the memories from the year with your students. Then ask your students to share their favorite memory. They can record their favorite memories from the year in order to create the book. The book can be printed or consider creating a digital book. You can use a tool like Book Creator.

See Examples in Book Creator

5. Finish the Year with Gratitude

As we come to the end of this school year, take a few moments to say thank you. You could do this by sending gratitude grams to your students, parents, or colleagues. This template created by Dawn Killiany is an example of what she sends to her students. You can also have your students build gratitude towers so they can express what they are thankful for.

As the school year ends, it’s important to unwind, have fun, and reflect on the year. These end-of-the-year activities offer a perfect blend of excitement and creativity. Whether it’s a scavenger hunt, digital breakout, or a virtual field trip, each activity will leave a lasting impression and ensure that you and your students bid farewell to the year with fond memories. So, make this end-of-the-year a truly unforgettable one!

More Ideas to End the Year

Celebrate Pizza Party Day with Three Classroom Activities
Templates for End-of-Year Student Awards
Activities for the End of the School Year
Easy End-of-the-Year Activities

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Announcements/Important DatesCulturally ResponsiveSocial Studies

Resources for Black History Month

by Peggy Reimers
written by Peggy Reimers

February is Black History Month. Each year, the Association for the Study of African American Life and History chooses a theme for the month. The theme for Black History Month in 2023 was “Black Resistance.” This theme explores how “African Americans have resisted historic and ongoing oppression since the earliest days of our nation.” 

As a former elementary school teacher, it was always very helpful to me to have a list to sift through to find just the right resources for a lesson. Feel free to check out this list of resources I think you’ll find useful for Black History Month.

National Today

National Today is a website that lists individual and monthly holidays, and it is a great resource to draw from if you just need quick facts and information on Black History Month, such as:

  • History
  • timeline
  • FAQs
  • Activities for observing the month
  • Five interesting facts
  • Why it is important

34 Black History Month Activities for February and Beyond

Screenshot by author

This is a GOLDMINE! We Are Teachers has released 34 Black History Month activities for February and beyond. This site has a wonderful variety of ideas that covers a wide range of grade levels, and I think this is my best find! Here are a few of the options:

  • Recreate a civil rights freedom movement poster.
  • Virtually visit the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture.
  • Watch “Kevin Hart’s Guide to Black History.”
  • Create a Black History Month playlist.
  • Check out online exhibits on Black History.

Black History Month Posters

Jen Bengel has shared her daughter Malaya’s artwork with a set of free posters. These are in the Teachers Pay Teachers marketplace. There are 15 prominent African Americans featured.  Each person has two posters. One poster has a quote, and the other one has contributions from the individual. Selections include:

  • Harriet Tubman
  • Sojourner Truth
  • Rosa Parks
  • Crispus Attucks
  • Angela Davis
  • Barrack Obama
  • Barbara Jordan
  • Mae Carol Jemison
  • Coretta Scott King
  • Bryan Stevenson
  • Bessie Coleman
  • Alice Coachman
  • Shirley Chrisholm
  • Ida B. Wells
  • Martin Luther King Jr.

Teaching Mama

Angela Thayer’s blog, Teaching Mama, has free printable Black History Month posters. The author requests that you please visit her blog to download the PDFs. Look for the large pink “Download Here” box to download the posters.

Rise Vision

The Rise Vision Blog has ten free Black History Month posters for schools. You will need to enter your name and email address to receive the ZIP file. Among the honored are Shirley Chisholm, Elijah McCoy, and Barack Obama. 

Education.com

Screenshot by author

Education.com has an 11×17 poster of Black changemakers featuring activists, artists, authors, and revolutionaries. You will need to create an account in order to download the poster.

We Are Teachers

We Are Teachers has two sets of posters: Five Free Black History Month Quote Posters for Your Classroom and Science Posters to Celebrate Black History All Year Long.

And, just in case you missed it, check out this blog post for all kinds of other free classroom posters.

Student Poster Creation

Adobe Expres

This next one is pretty cool. Adobe Express allows you to choose a template that highlights prominent Black leaders. Teachers and students can customize a poster with professionally designed images, graphics, fonts, and more. Do note that you will need to create an account.  

Canva

If you or your students are using Canva in your classroom, try creating a poster or designing a quote with this online graphic design tool. With just a quick search, I found plenty of choices to help create a professional-looking design. 

120 Inspiring Quotes for Black History Month 

Created in Canva by author

This article has 120 inspiring quotes from powerful public figures that have left a lasting effect on our country with their insightful words, historic speeches, and more.

Here is a sampling:

“Hate is too great a burden to bear. It injures the hater more than it injures the hated.”

– Coretta Scott King

“The need for change bulldozed a road down the center of my mind.”

– Maya Angelou

“Character is power.”

– Booker T. Washington

One more resource to pull quotes from is 99 Black History Quotes to Start 2023.

Can Kids Change the World?

In 2021, Scholastic released a seven-minute video that asks the question: Did the fight for civil rights include children? Watch the video to learn about seven year old Ayanna Najuma, who braved consequences to make her community more inclusive. 

The 13 Best Places to Celebrate Black History Month in 2023

If you happen to live in LA, Houston, Kansas City, Missouri, or any of the other ten places listed in this U.S. News article, plan on a visit or field trip to these top museums or events.

Oprah Daily Black History Month 2023

If you are looking for a book to read? Check out the Oprah Daily on Black History Month 2023. The website lists the 21 best books by black authors you should read in your lifetime.

Featured image created in Canva by TCEA staff

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Content AreasEducational TrendsPlanning and PreparationProfessional Learning

Free TeachersFirst Resources for K-12 Educators

by Emily Horn
written by Emily Horn

Have you heard of TeachersFirst from The Source for Learning? Have you checked out any of their free resources for teachers? On their website, they self-describe as “the nation’s most established online creator, compiler, and curator of free learning assets.” Let’s take a look at who they are and what they do.

What Is The Source for Learning?

Originally the Network for Instructional TV (NITV), The Source for Learning was founded by John Curtis in 1983. John Curtis’s potential was recognized by one of his teachers in the 1930s, and this teacher strove to combine education and technology to provide the best education possible for Curtis. Out of gratitude to this teacher, Curtis committed himself to supporting educators by providing quality classroom resources and professional learning. Now, the Source for Learning offers:

  • Rich, reliable content—created, curated, and aggregated by professional educators
  • The web’s foremost collection of K-12 learning resources
  • User-centered professional learning, with topics for early childhood through high school.

Let’s take a look at some of The Source for Learning’s TeachersFirst resources that might benefit you!

TeachersFirst Edge: Safe Web 2.0 In the Classroom

TeachersFirst Edge is a fantastic page that lists hundreds of Web 2.0 tools that can be used in the classroom. But Edge takes it a step further – each tool is thoughtfully reviewed. Each review:

  1. Points out any safety or policy concerns for the tool.
  2. Offers links to management tips for each concern.
  3. Gives grade level recommendations.

Also, you can search by topic/category or sort them by most viewed, most recent, or alphabetical order.

TeachersFirst Edge

Special Topics Collection

TeachersFirst Special Topic Collection offers educators collections of resources grouped by topic. Like Edge, the Special Topics Collection can be sorted by most viewed, most recent, or alphabetical order. They can also be searched by typing in a keyword and/or by subject/grade level.

TeachersFirst Topics Collection

OK2Ask Twitter Chat Archives

Twitter can be such a great tool for quick learning and sharing! And TeachersFirst offers an archive of Twitter Chats for educators to explore! Their Twitter Chats happen twice each month and cover a variety of topics from game-based learning and flipped classroom models to hyperdocs and so much more.

TeachersFirst Twitter Chat Archives

TeachersFirst Reading Treks

This one is my personal favorite! Reading Treks offers educators a Google Maps file and a PDF instructional strategy handout to go with a book. The goal is for educators to be able to provide students with “a virtual field trip of resources about a piece of literature or text using the My Maps feature of Google Maps.” You can search by keyword and also input a low and high grade level for your search.

TeachersFirst Reading Trek

What do you think of these resources? Have fun exploring, and don’t forget to leave us a comment to let us know what you found most helpful and/or what you used.

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