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Self Care for Educators: Holiday Edition

by Macee Hall December 26, 2024

written by Macee Hall

Looking for ways to practice self care for educators? You’ve come to the right place! Check out these ways to make the most of your holiday break and return to your classroom feeling both rested and fulfilled.

Rest and Recharge

One of the most popular (and most important!) ways to take care of yourself during the holiday break is to catch up on some much needed sleep! Prioritize getting a full eight hours if you can, or focus on resting or napping periodically throughout the break if your body has trouble breaking from your school week routine. Already getting your eight hours a night? Good job! Keep up the good work by resting in other ways, like meditating, light stretching, or simply lounging and listening to some mellow music.

Make the Most of Personal Time

As an educator, so much of what you do is for the benefit of others. This holiday season, take some time to enjoy your own company. You might choose to work on a personal project, pick up a new hobby, read that book you’ve been meaning to start, or even create a vision board for all you’d like to accomplish in the new year. Or, you might even enjoy some peace and quiet with a steamy mug of cocoa. The world is your oyster!

Pamper Yourself

Did somebody say “spa day?” Pampering yourself doesn’t have to break the bank, especially around the holidays. Move your favorite candle to the bathroom counter and soak in a hot bath. Use the ingredients already in your pantry to make a DIY face mask to combat your skin concerns. Wrap up in your coziest blankets and watch that cheesy, feel-good holiday movie you’ve been seeing online. At the end of the day, the goal is to have done something that makes you smile.

Connect With Others

As a proud extrovert, my favorite part of the holidays is spending time with all the people I love. Whether it’s face-to-face or on a FaceTime call, this is the perfect time of year to touch base with connections, old and new. Plus, it’s been scientifically proven that spending time with those we love actually reduces stress! Looking for even more connection this holiday? Call around your community to see if there is a need for any last-minute volunteers for a chance to help your community.

Embrace the Holiday Season

Another (possibly surprising) way to take care of yourself this holiday is to lean into the spirit and get festive! Sure, this season is hectic. With so much hustle and bustle surrounding the end of the year, it can feel difficult to catch your breath. But, when you slow down and appreciate all the little things – from the way the lights glow in the chilly evening air to the nostalgia we feel when surrounded by loved ones – you’re taking care of yourself in so many ways.

How are you taking care of yourself this holiday?

Let us know your top tips on practicing self care for educators in the comments below. And, if I haven’t gotten the chance to tell you already, I hope your holiday brings you joy and laughter. See you next year!

December 26, 2024 0 comments

Teach Critical Thinking with These Action Writing Strategies: Part Two

by Miguel Guhlin December 16, 2024

written by Miguel Guhlin

Ready for more action writing strategies that encourage critical thinking in an AI world? In the first part of this blog entry, you saw three powerful action strategies. Those strategies included collaborative writing workshop, structured debate blogs, and reflective journaling with metacognitive prompts. In this follow-up to part one, you will see two more action writing strategies. These two strategies, just like the first three, are designed to engage student writers and improve their analytical skills.

4. Multi-Draft Writing with Peer and Teacher Feedback

In my fifth grade writing workshop, modeled after Nanci Atwell’s, I had one on one mini-conferences with students. Meeting with them frequently allowed me to gain insight into their writing progress on self-chosen topics of interest to them. During the class period, I delivered mini-lessons addressing specific areas I had noticed in previous conferences. Then, after mini-lessons, I invited students to review their writing to address a particular area of growth. This allowed both the student(s) and I to focus on one component that needed work, rather than a laundry list of issues.

This often resulted in nosy teacher neighbors, red pens in hand, reading student work on the walls with a critical eye. “Can’t your students write?” I would have to explain that their efforts in a particular piece focused on a particular issue, while ignoring others. Over time, their writing improved dramatically as did our relationship, enabling them to take even more ownership of their writing and correcting issues.

This is my understanding of multi-draft writing that incorporates elements such as strategic feedback. Each draft of a piece of writing is improved with a focus on a specific area, eventually until a piece achieves the level desired by the writer. One way to assist students in thinking through their writing involves the use of success criteria or rubrics.

When offering feedback, it’s important to focus on feedback focused on tasks, process, and/or self-regulation. Avoid praise (effect size is 0.14) as feedback. The chart below clarifies the types of feedback to provide (read more):

Adapted from David Perkins (2003) The Ladder of Feedback and John Hattie (2014) The Power of Feedback. You can also: Get Your Own Copy in Google Slides format

Feedback is information provided by an agent (e.g., teacher, peer, book, parent, self/experience) regarding aspects of one’s performance or understanding that reduces the discrepancy between what is understood, what is aimed to be understood, and where to move next in their learning.(source)

As you might imagine, Feedback (effect size is 0.51) and “Writing programs” (effect size 0.45) are powerful strategies at play here. In fact, effective feedback answers three questions:

Where am I going?
How am I going?
Where to next? (source)

The approach to use that is quite effective with feedback involves cues and reinforcement (effect size 1.01). That’s whopping big effect size. Reinforcement and cues let students know how to take their next steps in learning, or writing to learn in this case. Let’s look at each in turn below.

Cues that guide the writer towards a desired performance, or help direct attention to important aspects of a task. Think of one on one writing conference or writing circle feedback. This type of feedback often focuses on where and how writing is progressing. Cues can be structured as hints, prompts, or guiding questions.

In regards to reinforcements, encouraging repetition of correct behaviors or offering constructive criticism can be helpful. With multiple conversations about their drafts focused on cues and reinforcement, students engage in iterative revision and analysis. This has the effect of improving critical thinking.

Classroom Application

You can focus on multi-draft essays with the WRITE model for multi-draft writing. It’s pretty easy, as you can see below, and helps keep the focus where it needs to be:

W – Workshop mini-lesson
R – Revise with focus
I – Individual conference
T – Target one element
E – Exhibit and evaluate

This model is designed to assist the writing workshop teacher during one on one writing conferences. It’s less useful for students unless they are older and are curious about the process you are following.

5. Cross-Disciplinary Synthesis

A lot of learning takes place at the Surface Learning phase of learning. That is, when new ideas and concepts are being introduced. Most of the writing I most enjoy connects concepts from multiple subjects. It analyzes how those connections are made, and explores the juxtaposition of ideas and information. When the writer makes those connections, the reader in me marvels at the skills and thinking in those hypertext connections.

A component of critical thinking means making visible how authors bridge the distance between diverse concepts. These interdisciplinary connections are the equivalent of poems like Jacob Bronowski’s The Abacus and the Rose. The part of the poem that uncovers for the reader the connection of natural science and emotion for me is this excerpt:

The force that makes the winter grow
Its feathered hexagons of snow,
and drives the bee to match at home
Their calculated honeycomb,
Is abacus and rose combined.

When I first read it in 1984, my mind struggled to see the connections. It was unable to encompass how all the pieces fit together. It’s only now, forty years later, that I see how these connections are made in writing. Making those connections visible is what cross-disciplinary synthesis is about. It is juxtaposing contradictory (on the surface) ideas and seeing what the connection is.

To do this, we have to take what we have learned, have come to understand, and apply it in a way that is new or novel. And that experience shifts our learning from Surface to Deep (where connections are made) to Transfer Learning. It is the last that proves, yes, we see and understand at the deeper level how abacus and rose combine. For this, Transfer Strategies (0.86) and Summarization (0.79) are in effect.

Classroom Applications

One way to approach this is to use the MIX model (view | get a copy). That is, to encourage openness to seeing ideas from different subjects and how they connect to one another. The MIX model includes:

M – Match ideas from different subjects or disciplines
I – Imagine new connections
X – eXplain your thinking

Here’s an example of what that might look like from the perspective of a fifth grader:

Here’s the updated markdown table with a merged row at the end containing a sample narrative in a fifth-grader’s voice:

M	I	X
Match ideas from different subjects	Imagine new connections	eXplain your thinking
In science, we learn about force and motion. At home, we play kickball.	Kickball shows force and motion in action. Kicking uses force. The ball moves. We run and stop. We catch the ball.	Kickball is like a force and motion game!

A MIX Example: Force and Motion

“Hey guys, watch this!” I yelled as I ran up to kick the bright red ball. My foot connected with a satisfying thud, and the ball soared through the air. As it arced across the sky, I couldn’t help but think about our science lesson.

“Whoa, nice kick!” my friend Jess shouted. “How’d you do that?”
I grinned, feeling proud. “It’s all about force and motion,” I explained. “Remember what Ms. Rodriguez taught us? The harder I kick, the more force I use, and the farther the ball goes.”

Jess’s eyes lit up. “Oh yeah! So when I catch it, I’m stopping its motion, right?”

“Exactly!” I nodded enthusiastically. “And when we run bases, we’re changing our own motion. It’s like we’re doing a science experiment while we play!”

As we continued our game, I saw force and motion everywhere. The bounce of the ball, the sprint to first base, the arc of a throw – it was all science in action. Who knew our neighborhood kickball game could teach us so much?

Turning the Page

When I turned twenty something, I switched from handwriting notes to typing. I had been writing with a word processor since age thirteen, and it made sense to type, not write, my notes. Then, when I read the research, newly presented a few years ago, I switched back to handwritten notes. What a difference! This quote founds its way to my inbox:

“When we measure the brain activity of people who write by hand, we see that they form more connections in the brain than when they write using a computer,” says brain researcher .
Audrey van der Meer, a professor of neuropsychology at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) as cited in Futurity.

More connections is good, right? I can’t imagine writing this blog series by hand, though. Not with all the links and edits I’ve made. Instead, I write my notes by hand, then put them into a word processor as an article. When I see technology, now AI, short-circuiting the brain activity made possible by handwriting, I do worry a little. But we need to do the hard work. We need to model writing by hand, note-taking, concept mapping, and more with students in the classroom. In my classrooms in Texas K-12 public schools, I did that. But the writing workshop remains a contentious time sink for some educators, administrators, and legislators. The arrival of AI on the scene underscores the importance of NOT ignoring the research any more. Even if it means saying, “AI may not be right for our children to use until after they have activated their brains more.”

Get a Copy of These Action Writing Strategies

Want a copy of the action writing strategies featured in this blog entry? Get a copy via Canva, and/or view full-size. All images, including the feature image, were created by the author and are freely shared to spur learning and inspire your creativity, AI-assisted or otherwise. What’s more, you are free to use these. To generate the ideas for these models, I wrote each section, then fed that into Perplexity.ai. I asked it to give me a model appropriate for grades 3-12 that would match my writing. Then, after reviewing it, I fine-tuned the model in Canva for the posters.

The Inspiration Behind These Action Writing Strategies

This blog entry on action writing strategies was inspired by two articles I read about the despair teachers are experiencing surrounding AI. The two articles are ChatGPT Can Make English Teachers Feel Doomed: Here’s How I’m Adapting by David Nurenberg (Education Week, 10/16/2024) and I Quit Teaching Because of ChatGPT by Victoria Livingstone (Time, 09/30/2024).

How are you coping with AI? Let us know in the comments below!

December 16, 2024 0 comments

Google Tips and Tricks

Sneaky Surprises: Google Features You Might Have Missed

by Peggy Reimers December 11, 2024

written by Peggy Reimers

I’m not sure whether I’m just not paying attention or Google likes being sneaky and rolling out features on their productivity tools under the radar. Here are some Google features I missed; maybe you missed them too!

1. Google App – Identify Song Icon

One of the most fun Google features I missed is the new “Identify Song” button on the Google app! On my phone’s Google app, I now have a pink button with a reddish musical note. This button is located right below the Search box. Once you tap the button, a sphere of colored dots starts bubbling. The words say, “play, sing, or hum a song,” and before you know it, you’ve got results. This was the best part of my job – humming tunes and testing the feature for a couple of months before writing about it. It provides the song’s name, artist’s name, and lyrics lickety-split. Compared to my first song recognition app, so much better! In all my test drives and humming, the “Identify Song” button has only left me hanging once.

*NOTE: As of the publication of this blog, Google’s song identification feature is only available via their mobile app. It is not available on PC.

2. Google Docs – Document Tabs

Exciting news! You can finally create and manage tabs in Google Docs. No more creating separate documents to organize your writing! From the left panel, you can easily add a tab by finding the + sign next to Document tabs. Click + and automatically you have Tab 2. Click on the Skinny Snowman (three vertical dots), and right away you have SO many options. You even have a hierarchical navigation structure, and you can replace the standard page icon with an EMOJI! Talk about a handy Google feature!

3. Google Sites – Spacers

The spacer is plain white but you can use the section colors.

I always wanted the ability to put a spacer between the sections in my Google Sites. I could use the oh-so-faint gray divider or use my own hack: add a text box and change the text to small. But now, you can go to the insert menu and add the Spacer!

4. Chrome – Linking Directly to Specific Content on a Webpage

I’m sure there have been many times you needed to send somebody to a website, so you just sent them the link. But let’s say you want to send this person to specific content on a webpage. Can it be done? Yep, you can do this by using “Copy link to highlight,” with this new Google feature!

Here are the steps:

1. Navigate to the webpage
2. Highlight the desired text
3. Right-click on the selected text
4. Choose “Copy Link to Highlight”
5. Paste the link in your document, email, etc.

5. Google Forms – Rating Question Type

Another Google feature that I missed is the newest question type in Google Forms: Rating. After adding a question, click the dropdown menu and select rating. You can choose from three symbols: gold star, red heart, and blue thumbs up. For each question, you can add anywhere from three to ten symbols.

And you get a new Google feature! And you! And you!

Google continues to surprise us with these sneaky updates to enhance our digital experience. Whether you’re a casual user or a productivity enthusiast, these updates offer new ways to streamline your work and add a touch of fun to your daily tasks. If you have a hidden gem that caught your eye, please drop a comment. We can’t get enough of the googliciousness!

December 11, 2024 0 comments

Announcements/Important Dates Coding/Computer Science Digital Literacy STEM/STEAM

Happy CSEdWeek from TCEA!

by Macee Hall December 9, 2024

written by Macee Hall

At TCEA, computer science is near and dear to our hearts… In fact, it’s how our organization got its start! This week (Dec. 9-13, 2024) is Computer Science Education Week, or CSEdWeek, and we’re so excited to celebrate with you. Keep reading to discover the history and significance of this week, as well as some ideas to use in your K-12 classroom!

What is CSEdWeek?

CSEdWeek was officially launched on Dec. 6, 2009, when a group of educational and technological organizations joined forces to celebrate computer science in schools. This group, led by the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM), included many supporting organizations like the Computer Science Teachers Association (CSTA), the National Center for Women & Information Technology (NCWIT), the National Science Foundation (NSF), the Anita Borg Institute (ABI), the Computing Research Association (CRA), and leading tech companies like Google, Intel, and Microsoft.

According to CSEdWeek’s official website, “CSEdWeek is an annual call to action to inspire K-12 students to learn computer science, advocate for equity in computer science education, and celebrate the contributions of students, teachers, and partners to the field.”

Why was this week chosen?

CSEdWeek always falls on the week that includes December 9 as a way to celebrate the birthday of Grace Hopper, a pioneer in the computer science industry. Hopper served as a naval officer in the second World War and worked on early computers like the Mark I. Often referred to as “Amazing Grace” by those in the computer science field, she is well known for inventing the first compiler and popularizing both the terms “bug” and “debugging.”

The Timeline of CSEdWeek

2009: CSEdWeek is launched by a collective of computer- and education-focused organizations.

2010: Computing in the Core, a non-partisan advocacy coalition, adopted CSEdWeek, thus furthering the cause.

2013: Code.org founder, Hadi Partovi, starts the Hour of Code initiative. In its first year, the event included 15 million students from more than 150 countries around the globe.

2014: An executive committee of Computing in the Core passed a vote which made the Hour of Code initiative the primary centerpiece of CSEdWeek’s itinerary. Code.org would continue to lead the charge for the event’s worldwide celebration.

2015: The Hour of Code event reached 100 million hours total, making CSEdWeek the largest education technology campaign to date.

2020: The CSTA gained the rights to coordinate CSEdWeek’s festivities. While the Hour of Code program is still technically related to CSEdWeek, it remains the property of code.org.

2024: More than 200,000 Hour of Code events are held annually across more than 180 countries, bringing together educators, industry leaders, policymakers, and students to celebrate the future of computer science.

Ideas for Celebrating CSEdWeek

Want to bring CSEdWeek into your classroom? Check out these ideas!

Participate in the Hour of Code. This year’s theme is “Music Lab: Jam Session.”
Introduce Scratch, a visual programming language from MIT that’s great for beginners looking to create animations, stories, or games.
Build a website with HTML, CSS, or JavaScript! Try platforms like Glitch and CodePen.
Design 3D models with software like Tinkercad. If your school has a printer, you could even have students vote on which designs they’d like to see come to life!
Learn to code with the help of AI! Many AI tools offer awesome code conversion software.
Host interactive quizzes on computer science basics using platforms like Kahoot! or Quizizz.
Check out our Micro:Bit coding card activity!
Use logic puzzles and pattern recognition games to teach the foundations of coding to younger students.

How are you celebrating CSEdWeek?

There are so many fun ways to incorporate computer science into your classroom, this week and year round! Let us know how you’re celebrating CSEd in the comments below!

December 9, 2024 0 comments

Holiday and Winter Classroom Ideas

2024 Winter Activities for the Classroom

by Peggy Reimers December 6, 2024

written by Peggy Reimers

Winter is here and it’s finally time to bring some frosty fun into your classroom! I’ve prepared three NEW winter-themed and two Christmas-themed activities for your use.

A collection of winter idioms and phrases
Two 16-word classification games (think NYT Connections game)
A two-part activity featuring Winter Celebrations Around the World
- A Canva presentation
- A Flippity Virtual Breakout (different from my usual Google Site and Google Form breakouts)
A Christmas-themed Would You Rather?
Red, Green, or Both? (a new spin on Christmas colors)

These engaging activities are designed to spark joy and learning during the chilly months. For even more winter-themed educational fun, don’t forget to check out my previous blog post with additional activities you can use throughout December, January, and February.

Wintry Words

Introducing “Wintery Words,” a frosty new addition to my winter activity collection! This Canva slide deck is designed to chill your vocabulary and warm up your creativity. The deck is divided into three sections, each featuring eight words or phrases containing either “ice,” “cold,” or “snow”. Whether you’re looking to break the ice with a new group, add some cool factor to your language arts lessons, or simply enjoy some snowy wordplay, “Wintry Words” is sure to bring a flurry of fun.

Access the Presentation

Edit the Canva Template

Connections Game with Flippity

My new favorite tool in Flippity.Net is the Group Game maker, so I have to use it every time I get a chance. Below you can try out two winter themed “NYT-esque Connections” games. If you need more detail about how to use Connections in the classroom – check it out here. I also have a blog that gives you plenty of details about this new Flippity tool.

Winter 1

Winter 2

Celebrating Cultural Diversity: “Winter Celebrations Around the World”

In our increasingly interconnected world, understanding and appreciating diverse cultural traditions is more important than ever. To foster this awareness, I’ve developed a Canva presentation that provides general information and highlights the time of year when each celebration occurs:

Kwanzaa
Saint Nicholas Day
Hanukkah
Three Kings Day
Santa Lucia Day
Christmas
Winter Solstice

To complement the Canva presentation, I created a Flippity Virtual Breakout with seven locks, each tied to a celebration. This digital escape room challenges students to apply their knowledge, solving puzzles to “unlock” the celebration. I have always wanted to try this Flippity feature – hope you like it!

Access the Presentation

Edit the Canva Template

Winter Celebrations Breakout Locks

Christmas Would You Rather?

All new on this year’s activity list is the Christmas Would You Rather. If you are not familiar with Would You Rather, it is a fun activity where you’re presented with two hypothetical situations and asked to choose one. It’s a great way to spark conversations, test your preferences, and learn about your students’ thoughts and opinions. The resources has 22 WYR questions.

Access the Presentation

Edit the Canva Template

Red, Green, or Both

Color up your classroom this holiday season with a festive and Christmas activity that’s sure to delight all ages. This versatile game centers around items that are either red, green, or a combination of both – the classic Christmas colors. Players, whether competing as teams, small groups, or individuals, are challenged to identify and identify these objects. The flexibility of the game allows teachers to easily adapt it to various class sizes and learning objectives. It’s an excellent way to reinforce color recognition for younger students, practice descriptive language for English learners, or even incorporate subject-specific content for older grades. This activity not only brings holiday cheer to your classroom but also promotes teamwork, quick thinking, and observational skills. It’s a perfect addition to your repertoire of seasonal educational games that seamlessly blend fun and learning.

Access the Presentation

Edit the Canva Template

Need more?

But that’s not all! For even more educational entertainment, check out my last year’s blog post. It’s filled with additional winter activities you can use throughout the cold months. Below you will find short descriptions but for links and the deets, check out this blog.

Winter Trivia: A Canva presentation featuring 12 winter-themed trivia questions with bright graphics and answers.
Vanishing Vowels – Winter Edition: A word recognition activity presenting 20 winter-related words without vowels, followed by the complete word and an image.
Winter Syllacrostic Puzzle: An 18-word puzzle where players combine syllables to form winter-related words based on given hints.
Holidays Jeopardy: A Flippity-based quiz show with six categories including holiday trivia and cheese.
The Winter Digital Breakout: A beginner-level digital escape room with five locks, designed to be an easier challenge.
The Snowstorm Stumper Digital Breakout: A more advanced digital escape room featuring four locks and hidden clues.
Unscramble the Christmas Carols: An activity where 18 classic Christmas songs are given new titles using similar words or synonyms for players to unscramble.
Putting a New Spin on The Twelve Days of Christmas: A creative activity using Emoji Kitchen to generate unique animals and characters for a personalized version of the classic song.

Eight Winter Activities

As the winter winds blow and snowflakes fall, let these activities bring warmth and cheer to your classroom. From frosty phrases to global celebrations, there’s something here for every curious mind. Whether you’re breaking the ice with “Wintry Words” or embarking on a celebratory journey around the world, I hope these activities spark joy and learning during the chilly months.

Raise a glass of eggnog and cheers to a season of frosty fun learning experiences.

Happy holidays – Peggy

December 6, 2024 0 comments

Advocacy

TCEA’s 2025 Legislative Priorities

by Macee Hall November 21, 2024

written by Macee Hall

Here at TCEA, we are dedicated to supporting educators of all kinds through the tools, guidance, and policies they need to thrive. And, while our members hail from around the globe, we are deeply passionate about educational advocacy in our home state of Texas. That’s why our TCEA Board of Directors recently approved TCEA’s 2025 Legislative Priorities, a roadmap for advocacy that focuses on key areas like artificial intelligence, broadband access, digital learning, virtual education, and cybersecurity. With the 89th Texas Legislature coming up in just a few short months, these priorities are designed specifically to make a lasting impact on teaching and learning across the state.

What TCEA’s 2025 Legislative Priorities?

TCEA’s 2025 Legislative Priorities reflect its dedication to advancing teaching and learning through technology. Here’s a closer look at the key areas TCEA will advocate for:

1. Artificial Intelligence (AI)

AI is reshaping education, but with great potential comes great responsibility. TCEA supports the creation of ethical and equitable standards for AI in schools, ensuring its use prioritizes student well-being, data privacy, and the integrity of education.

2. Broadband Access

Access to high-speed internet is critical for every Texas student, no matter where they live. TCEA will push for programs that expand broadband infrastructure, particularly in rural and underserved areas. By advocating for public-private partnerships and targeted funding, TCEA aims to ensure every district is connected and every student has equitable access to digital resources.

3. Digital Learning

Digital learning is a cornerstone of 21st-century education, and TCEA’s priorities focus on:

K-8 Technology Applications: Safeguarding the inclusion of foundational tech skills in early education to set students up for long-term success.
Blended Learning Professional Development: Providing educators with professional development to effectively integrate the latest technologies and blended learning strategies into their teaching.
Effective Device Use: Promoting responsible policies and practices for using electronic devices in the classroom to enhance learning and minimize distractions.

4. Virtual Learning

TCEA is advocating for robust, high-quality virtual learning programs that give districts the flexibility to meet the diverse needs of their students. This includes ensuring programs are well-funded, uphold high standards, and provide opportunities for micro-credentialing educators.

5. Cybersecurity and Technology Infrastructure

Cybersecurity threats are a growing concern for Texas schools. TCEA supports:

Training for School Employees: Preparing educators and staff to recognize and respond to cybersecurity threats.
Sustained Funding: Securing ongoing funding for technology infrastructure to protect sensitive data and maintain efficient systems.

How TCEA Will Advocate During the 89th Texas Legislature

TCEA’s advocacy approach is all about collaboration and impact. During the 89th Texas Legislature, the association will work with policymakers, educators, and industry partners to push for the adoption of these priorities. This includes:

Engaging Legislators: Meeting with state leaders to share the real-world needs of schools and how these policies can make a difference.
Mobilizing Members: Empowering TCEA members to amplify their voices and share their experiences with decision-makers.
Building Coalitions: Partnering with other organizations and stakeholders to create a united front in support of these critical issues.

By combining grassroots advocacy with strategic partnerships, TCEA is ensuring that Texas educators and students are positioned for success in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.

Why These Priorities Matter

Every student deserves access to the tools and opportunities they need to succeed in today’s technology-driven world. Whether it’s through expanded broadband, innovative AI tools, or secure learning environments, TCEA’s 2025 Legislative Priorities address pressing needs of Texas schools.

As TCEA prepares to champion these priorities in the Texas Legislature starting in January, educators can rest assured that their voices are being heard and their needs are being prioritized. Together, we can build a future where technology empowers every learner and educator in Texas.

November 21, 2024 0 comments

Online Tools and Apps

A Flippity Spreadsheet Superhero: Revolutionizing Education with Free, Interactive Tools

by Peggy Reimers November 20, 2024

written by Peggy Reimers

I am such a huge fan of Steve from www.flippity.net. Let me tell you, this guy is an absolute superhero in my book! I cannot believe how he wields his Flippity spreadsheet knowledge like a superpower when it comes to creating tools for educators? It’s mind-blowing!

Steve’s ability to transform ordinary spreadsheets into a treasure trove of interactive educational resources is nothing short of magical. From flashcards to quiz shows, progress indicators to random name pickers, he’s got it all covered. And the best part? It’s all free and incredibly easy to use!

As a Director of Professional Development, I’ve seen countless tech tools come and go, but Flippity stands out from the crowd. Steve’s dedication to empowering teachers with user-friendly, versatile tools is truly inspiring. He’s constantly updating and adding new features, always with educators’ needs in mind. His two latest tools are the Flippity Group Game (think the New York Times Connections) and Flippity Video Game.

Flippity Group Game

The Flippity Group Game is a word puzzle that challenges players to categorize 16 words into four distinct groups of four, each connected by a common theme. If you are familiar with the New York Times Connections game – this is the puzzle maker for this game. Due note in the NYT Connections you are allowed to make only four wrong guesses and the game is forfeited, but in Flippity you can make over 20 mistakes. (I gave up making wrong guesses at 21.) Each group is assigned a color which is revealed when you choose the four words correctly.

A few more details on exactly how this group game works:

Each category is defined by a unique connection between its four words. These connections can be diverse and creative, including:

Shared characteristics (e.g., animals with black and white coloring)
Linguistic features (e.g.,similar phonetic qualities, spelling patterns)
Semantic relationships (e.g., synonyms)
Cultural references (related to movies, books, music, etc.)
Wordplay (anagrams, homophones, palindromes)

I also wrote a blog on the benefits of using this type of word puzzle in classroom.

Flippity Group Game Directions

The steps are quick and easy.

Enter four items in four categories (you have a limit of about 16 characters)
Click the generate button
Bookmark and save the link to re-use the Group Game.

Here are two examples of the Flippity Group game I have created:

Halloween

Thanksgiving

Flippity Video Game

Steve provides the demo and the instructions to make your own game. I’m not a gamer, so please drop a comment as I would love to hear how you would use this video game in your classroom. I bet your idea will be a spark for the rest of us. Just like the other Flippity tools there are four main steps to use this resource:

Modify a Google spreadsheet template.
Enter your content
Publish the spreadsheet
Save the link and share out.

If you haven’t checked out Flippity yet, you’re missing out on a game-changer for your classroom. Trust me, once you start using Steve’s creations, you’ll wonder how you ever managed without them. It’s like having a secret weapon in your teaching arsenal!

So here’s a shoutout to Steve, the unsung hero of educational technology. Your Flippity spreadsheet superpowers are making waves in classrooms across the globe!

November 20, 2024 4 comments

10 critical thinking skills high school students should master including activities for the classroom.

Good Teaching

10 Critical Thinking Skills High Schoolers Should Master

by Sara Qualls November 15, 2024

written by Sara Qualls

As high school students prepare for life after graduation, developing critical thinking skills is more important than ever. According to the XQ Super School report, many high schools are not effectively preparing students for the future, particularly in fostering critical thinking skills.

“Out of more than 300 participants polled, the vast majority—93 percent—said they didn’t think high schools are fully preparing students to succeed in the future.”

That number is staggering! So, how do we turn this around? By focusing on these skills, we can help students learn to analyze complex information, make smart decisions, and tackle real-world challenges head-on. This foundation not only boosts their academic performance but also sets them up to thrive in a world that’s constantly changing. Let’s explore some engaging activities designed to build critical thinking skills in high schoolers!

Fostering Adaptability Skills in High School Students

Adaptability is being open to new ideas and willing to change perspectives based on new evidence or insights.

Picture yourself as an entrepreneur, pivoting your strategy in response to market shifts—that’s the power of adaptability! For high school students, mastering this skill is crucial as they prepare for life beyond school. It equips them to handle uncertainty, embrace change, and thrive in dynamic environments. By learning to adjust their plans and approaches, they develop the resilience needed to face future challenges head-on. Here are some impactful activities designed to strengthen adaptability skills in high school learners.

Adaptability Activities for High School

Change Management Simulation

Create a scenario where students must adapt to a sudden change in a project (e.g., a new deadline, budget cuts, or a shift in project goals). In groups, they will devise a new plan, discussing how to effectively manage the transition and mitigate challenges. This exercise enhances their ability to think on their feet and develop flexible strategies. You can incorporate real-world challenges to make this activity even more relevant.

Scenario Planning
Present students with different future scenarios (e.g., changes in technology, environmental shifts, or societal trends) and have them brainstorm how they would adapt to those changes. This forward-thinking exercise not only enhances their adaptability but also prepares them for the complexities of the future job market. Check out FEMA’s Youth Emergency Preparedness Curriculum here.

Improv Activities
Engage students in improvisational theater exercises where they must react and adapt to unexpected situations and prompts. This fun and interactive approach enhances their ability to think on their feet and respond creatively to new challenges. Discover a list of improv games for high school students here.

Enhancing Analysis Skills in High Schoolers

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

Picture tackling a complex puzzle and breaking it down into manageable pieces—that’s a skill every high school student should master! It’s all about identifying patterns and relationships that help reveal the bigger picture. For high schoolers, honing analysis and critical thinking skills is essential; it empowers them to engage with intricate ideas, navigate real-world challenges, and critically assess the information they encounter. These skills not only enhance academic success but also prepare them for thoughtful decision-making in their future careers. Here are some dynamic activities specifically designed to strengthen these vital, future-ready skills.

Analysis Activities for High School

Documentary Review
Have students watch a documentary and analyze the filmmaker’s techniques, including narrative style, use of visuals, and how these elements impact the viewer’s understanding of the subject. This activity encourages critical thinking and media literacy, and you can find several lesson plans from The New York Times to support your teaching.

Real-World Case Studies
Provide students with case studies from various industries (e.g., business, healthcare, environmental science) that present complex problems. They must analyze the case, identify key issues, and propose actionable solutions. This activity helps them develop analytical thinking and problem-solving skills applicable in any professional setting. You can access the National Science Teaching Association (NTSA) for case studies.

Scientific Research Project
Students can choose a scientific question, conduct experiments, and analyze their results. This hands-on approach allows them to discuss patterns and implications in a written report or presentation, fostering their ability to draw evidence-based conclusions. Explore fun science projects that can be done with just paper clips here.

Collaborative Learning for High Schoolers

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

Imagine high school students as skilled co-creators, uniting their talents to produce compelling projects—that’s the essence of collaboration for teenagers! Mastering this skill is vital as they prepare for college and careers, enabling them to work in teams, negotiate ideas, and develop leadership qualities. By fostering collaboration skills, high school students become well-equipped to tackle the complexities of group work in professional settings. Here are some inspiring activities crafted to enhance collaboration skills in high school learners.

Collaboration Activities for High School

Professional Networking Event
Organize a mock networking event where students must work together to research local professionals or alumni in various fields. They can prepare questions and engage in role-playing to practice networking skills, learning how to introduce themselves and build professional relationships.

Community CollaborationAssign students to small groups and challenge them to design a project that addresses a community issue, such as creating a sustainability plan for their school or organizing a local awareness campaign. They’ll need to collaborate on research, delegate tasks, and develop a final presentation or report. This experience not only enhances their teamwork and problem-solving skills but also equips them with practical knowledge and experience they can use in their future careers or civic engagement.

Interdisciplinary Team Challenges
Organize challenges that require collaboration across different subjects (e.g., science and art). Students can work in mixed teams to create projects that incorporate knowledge from various disciplines, encouraging creative problem-solving and teamwork. A favorite activity from young learners to adults is Save Fred. Give it a go!

Bonus: Classroom Magazines: Ready-to-Use Lessons for a Google Slides Project

Effective Communication Skills for High School Students

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

Imagine high school students engaging in dynamic discussions, presenting their ideas confidently, and collaborating on projects—that’s the essence of communication for teenagers! Mastering this skill is crucial as they prepare for higher education and professional environments, enabling them to express their ideas persuasively and engage in meaningful dialogue. By fostering communication skills, high school students become adept at navigating complex interactions and building relationships. Here are some inspiring activities crafted to enhance communication skills in high school learners.

Communication Activities for High School

Gratitude Towers
Have students participate in the Gratitude Towers activity, where they work in groups to build towers using various materials, each layer representing something they appreciate about their community or environment. As they construct their towers, students discuss and articulate their thoughts, enhancing their collaborative and communication skills.

Startup Simulation
Have students form small groups to create a mock startup. They will identify a problem in the market, research potential solutions, and develop a business plan that includes a marketing strategy, financial projections, and operational plans. This hands-on experience teaches them critical thinking and teamwork while preparing them for entrepreneurial endeavors.

Mock Job Interviews
Organize mock job interviews where students must prepare answers to common interview questions and make decisions about how to present themselves. Afterward, they can evaluate each other’s performances and discuss the decision-making processes behind their responses.

Bonus: 8 Tips for Practicing Active Listening in the Classroom

Cultivating Creativity in High School

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

Creativity at the high school level is about transforming ideas into impactful actions. Picture students as architects of their own futures, designing projects that reflect their unique visions—that’s the essence of creativity! For high school students, honing this skill is vital as they prepare for college and careers. It empowers them to tackle complex challenges, work collaboratively, and present their ideas effectively. Here are some inspiring activities crafted to help high school learners amplify their creativity and become the innovators of tomorrow. Let’s dive in!

Creativity Activities for High School

Design the Resume
Using design software, students should create a visually appealing resume that incorporates their research and personal branding. Encourage them to experiment with colors, fonts, and layouts while ensuring clarity and professionalism. You can find hundreds of resume templates on Canva.

Art and Technology Integration
Encourage students to combine art and technology by creating digital artwork or interactive media projects. They can use tools like graphic design software, coding, or 3D modeling, allowing them to explore their creativity while gaining valuable tech skills relevant to many industries.

Group Innovation Projects
Challenge students to collaborate on developing an innovative product or service. They can create a business plan and pitch their ideas to the class, promoting teamwork and creative problem-solving skills. Read this to get tools and ideas on how to group students.

Bonus: Fab Labs: Unleash Creativity, Innovation, and Hands-On Learning

Empowering Decision-Making in Students

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

Think of yourself as a strategist, making pivotal choices that can shape your future—that’s the power of decision-making! For high school students, mastering this skill is essential as they prepare for college and career paths. It equips them to assess risks, weigh options, and make informed decisions based on research and personal values. Strong decision-making skills are crucial for success in a complex world where choices can have lasting impacts. Here are some impactful activities designed to enhance decision-making skills in high school learners, empowering them to navigate their futures with confidence and clarity.

Decision-Making Activities for High School

Philosophical Chairs
Philosophical Chairs is an engaging exercise that promotes attentive listening and invites all students to share their perspectives. Set up a discussion format where students can take a stance on a statement and must defend their position or switch sides based on the arguments presented by their peers. This dynamic format encourages open dialogue and critical assessment of differing opinions.

Career Path Exploration
Have students research different career paths and the decision-making processes involved in pursuing them. They can create a visual map outlining the steps, potential obstacles, and necessary qualifications for their chosen careers. This activity promotes self-assessment and informed decision-making about their futures.

Budgeting Challenge
Assign students a fictional budget for a project or event (e.g., planning a school festival or starting a small business). They must make decisions about how to allocate funds while considering various factors like cost, quality, and potential impact. This activity enhances financial literacy and strategic thinking.

Evaluative Skills for Future Success

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

Picture yourself as an analyst, dissecting data and drawing conclusions—that’s the power of evaluation! For high school students, mastering this skill is crucial as they prepare for higher education and career paths. It equips them to critically assess sources, analyze arguments, and make informed decisions based on evidence. By developing strong evaluation skills, they become more discerning consumers of information, which is essential for success in today’s complex world. Here are some impactful activities designed to enhance evaluation skills in high school learners, empowering them to think critically and independently.

Evaluation Activities for High School

Product Testing and Feedback
Have students test a product or service (real or hypothetical) and evaluate its effectiveness based on specific criteria (usability, design, functionality). They can present their findings through discussions or demonstrations, providing feedback on how the product could be improved.

Art Critique
Have students evaluate a piece of artwork or a film, discussing elements like composition, themes, and emotional impact. They can write a critique or lead a class discussion. This activity not only enhances their evaluation skills but also fosters creativity and cultural awareness. The Kennedy Center offers a great explanation of how to teach your students to critique effectively.

Project Assessment and Reflection
After completing a group project, ask students to evaluate their own and each other’s contributions. They can reflect on what worked well, what didn’t, and how they could improve in future collaborations. This activity fosters accountability and enhances their ability to assess group dynamics, valuable in any team-based setting.Explore these strategies for self-assessment to guide your students.

Bonus: Powerful Checklists and Easy Digital Tools for Formative Assessments

Teaching High School Students to Master Inference Skills

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

Imagine being a detective, piecing together clues to uncover hidden meanings—that’s the essence of inference! It’s about reading between the lines and drawing conclusions from evidence, a vital skill for tackling complex texts and real-world scenarios. For high schoolers, mastering inference is crucial for engaging with sophisticated materials, analyzing arguments, evaluating sources, and thinking critically about the information they encounter. These skills not only enhance academic performance but also prepare them for informed decision-making in their future careers. Here are some thought-provoking activities designed to sharpen their inference skills and equip them for the challenges ahead.

Inference Activities for High School

Literature Review for Research Papers
Assign students to conduct a literature review on a specific topic relevant to their interests or future careers. They will infer connections between different studies, identify gaps in the research, and propose areas for further investigation. This skill is vital for academic research and professional writing.

Data Interpretation Projects
Provide students with real-world datasets (e.g., economic indicators, environmental data, or health statistics) and have them analyze the data to make inferences about trends or potential future outcomes. This activity helps them develop analytical skills critical for fields such as business, science, and public policy.

Historical Document Analysis
Provide students with a selection of primary source documents (like diary entries, letters, or speeches) from a historical figure or event. Have them analyze the documents to infer the author’s intentions, feelings, and the context of the time. This activity encourages students to support their inferences with specific evidence from the texts, enhancing their analytical skills.

Building Problem-Solving Skills in High School

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

Envision confronting a significant challenge and devising a strategic plan to overcome it—that’s the power of problem-solving! For high school students, mastering this skill is crucial as they prepare for life beyond school. It empowers them to approach intricate issues with analytical thinking, creativity, and persistence. As they navigate academic and personal challenges, strong problem-solving skills equip them to make informed decisions and adapt to new situations. Here are some impactful activities designed to cultivate problem-solving abilities in high school learners.

Problem-Solving Activities for High School

Real-World Problems
Present complex problems related to real-world issues (e.g., climate change) and have students work in groups to analyze the problem, explore solutions, and present their analyses to the class. This collaborative approach not only sharpens their decision-making skills but also encourages teamwork and effective communication. Get started right away with the curriculum and lesson plan from Take Action Global’s Free Climate Action Project.

Design Thinking Challenge
Introduce students to the design thinking process by having them identify a problem (such as improving school policies or enhancing student engagement). They will brainstorm ideas, create prototypes, and test their solutions. This iterative approach to problem-solving fosters creativity and collaboration, skills valuable in innovation-driven careers. Snag this Design Thinking Lesson Plan Template to help.

Community Service Project Planning
Students can identify a need in their community and develop a comprehensive plan for a service project to address it. They will research the issue, outline steps for implementation, and present their proposal to the class. This activity enhances their problem-solving abilities and encourages civic engagement, valuable in any future career.

Bonus: Innovation Challenges Provide Real World-World Learning

Developing Research Skills in Students

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

Imagine high school students as skilled investigators, piecing together complex information to understand the world around them—that’s the essence of research for teenagers! Mastering this skill is crucial as they prepare for higher education and the workforce, enabling them to conduct in-depth analyses and articulate informed arguments. By fostering research skills, high school students become adept at navigating complex topics and contributing to meaningful discussions. Here are some inspiring activities crafted to enhance research skills in high school learners.

Research Activities for High School

Research Roundtable Discussions
Organize roundtable discussions where students research a specific topic ahead of time and come prepared to share their findings. Each student can take turns leading the discussion, asking questions, and challenging each other’s perspectives. This format encourages critical thinking and deeper engagement with the material. Have them access the

Personal Branding Research Project
Have students conduct research on personal branding and develop their own personal brand strategy. They can explore topics like resume building, social media presence, networking, and professional skills. This project prepares them for job searches and internships by teaching them how to present themselves effectively. Learn more from Harvard Summer School for how to build your personal brand in high school.

Cultural Research Presentation
Students can research a culture different from their own, focusing on customs, traditions, and societal issues. They can present their findings in a format of their choice (e.g., presentation, video, or article). This promotes cultural awareness and prepares them for global citizenship in diverse workplaces. Have them access the World Digital Library to get started with their research.

In high school, the development of critical thinking skills is paramount as students prepare for life beyond graduation. By equipping them with the ability to analyze, evaluate, and create, we’re setting them up for success in an increasingly complex world. Your influence as educators is powerful in shaping their future. How do you engage your students in critical thinking activities? Leave a comment to share your experiences—I’d love to hear what works for you!

November 15, 2024 0 comments

AI/VR

EduSphere: Premade Prompts Ease AI Usage in K-12

by Miguel Guhlin November 14, 2024

written by Miguel Guhlin

“Why use premade prompts when you have access to an open-ended chatbot?” This question popped up at a school district AI Summit in Northside ISD in San Antonio, Texas, earlier this year. The session title, Battle of the Bots: Your AI Assistant pitted a popular school-centric AI solution against a chatbot. In this blog entry, you will be introduced to a new pre-created prompt tool for educators. If you read my blog entry on TeacherServer, you may find EduSphere worth a moment of time.

Weighing In: PreMade Prompts or Open-Ended

That AI Summit presenter, Lucia, demonstrated the use of a premade prompt to make a choice board (see image above). The result included instructions for students, as well as a simple chart. Pro users of the AI school AI tool can easily export the chart to Google Docs, MS Word, or Print to paper or PDF. You can imagine taking that PDF and dropping it into a tool like Seesaw or Kami to heighten interactivity.

That’s the benefit of a pre-created prompt through a school centric AI like MagicSchool.ai, School AI, TeacherServer, and others. They take the stress out of the initial work, giving you something to modify. This removes the pain of figuring out a more detailed prompt like the one you will see in action below.

Open-Ended Prompts

As useful as premade prompts are, more adept users of AI tools will want increasing control over their creations. For example, consider this prompt written with the TCEA Prompt Engineering acronym (get a copy) in mind:

As a patient and energetic fifth-grade social studies teacher, generate a choice board activity to explain the significance of important landmarks, including the White House, the Statue of Liberty, and Mount Rushmore, in accordance with Social Studies TEKS 5.16(D). The choice board should include a markdown table formatted with three columns and three rows. The center cell (B2) should have a catchy title. Include a mix of interactive, hands-on activities that can be done both online and offline. Ensure that activities reflect UDL 3.0 Design guidelines and ELPS for grades 4-5. Provide links to age-appropriate resources and videos.

Below is what an example of a table looks like in Markdown format:

| Choice Board: | Explore U.S. | Landmarks |
| -------------        |  -------------       | -------------        | 
| Cell A1 | Cell B1 | Cell C1 |
| Cell A2 | Cell B2 | Cell C2 |
| Cell A3 | Cell B3 | Cell C3 |
| Cell A4 | Cell B4 | Cell C4 |
| Cell A5 | Cell B5 | Cell C5 |

Put both the prompt and the table example together, you get a result like this one from the chatbot:

Choice Board:	Explore U.S.	Landmarks
White House Virtual Tour Take a virtual tour of the White House and draw your favorite room.	Exciting Choice Board Activity Discover the significance of U.S. landmarks through various activities.	Mount Rushmore Research Research the creation and significance of Mount Rushmore and create a presentation.
Statue of Liberty Fact Sheet Create a fact sheet about the Statue of Liberty.	Exciting Title An exciting introduction to the choice board activities.	Mount Rushmore Model Build a model of Mount Rushmore using materials at home and explain its significance.
Statue of Liberty Video Watch an age-appropriate video about the Statue of Liberty and write a summary.	Exciting Title Explore U.S. Landmarks!	White House History Write a brief report on the history of the White House.

ChatGPT. “Use the TCEA Prom…” A.I. Archives, 8 August 2024,
https://aiarchives.org/id/e5VDZRdHDSqGVjwry9KO

Use the citation link above to see the entire conversation, from start to finish. How would you have approached prompt design?

Adding UDL and ELPS

If I had attempted to add the English Language Proficiency Standards (ELPS) and UDL 3.0 guidelines as PDFs to the school-centric AI, I would have run into limits (e.g. one PDF file allowed). You would have had to fine-tune the result much in the same way I had to using ChatGPT 4o:

With this type of prompt in hand, you can go to any chatbot and drop in the prompt and get similar results. The quality of the response will vary based on whether you are using a free or paid version. For example, here’s what a Perplexity Pro choice board looks like:

Landmark Lego Challenge Build a model of the White House, Statue of Liberty, or Mount Rushmore using Lego bricks or other building materials. Write a short explanation of the landmark’s significance.	Virtual Field Trip Take a virtual tour of one of the landmarks using Google Arts & Culture. Create a travel brochure highlighting its key features and historical importance.	Symbol Sketch Draw a detailed sketch of one landmark, labeling its symbolic elements. Explain how these symbols represent American values or history.
Create a 3D Model Use clay, paper mache, or digital tools like Tinkercad to create a 3D model of a landmark. Present your model to the class, explaining its historical significance.	Landmark Legacy Explore U.S.	Postcard from the Past Design a postcard as if you were visiting the landmark when it was first built. Write a message explaining its importance to someone back home.
Time Traveler’s Tale Write a short story about traveling back in time to witness the construction or dedication of one of the landmarks. Include historical details and the landmark’s significance.	Landmarks	Digital Scavenger Hunt Create a Kahoot! quiz about the landmarks for classmates to play, focusing on their historical importance and interesting facts.
Landmark Rap Compose and perform a rap song about one or more landmarks, highlighting their significance in American history. Record your performance if possible.	Monument Meme Create a meme that cleverly explains the importance of one of the landmarks. Share and explain your meme to the class.

See the complete chat via Perplexity

As powerful as designing your own prompts can be, it requires a little more time. The results may be better, but you may not want to spend the time.

Wait, One More Point!

Want an open-ended chatbot to remember your lesson plan formats, UDL 3.0 guidelines, and ELPS? Then, consider paying for a Pro or Plus account. Both ChatGPT’s Custom GPT and Claude’s Projects offer long-term memory chats. These types of chats differ from drive-by chats free users use. These not-free tools allow you to set the context and detailed instructions ahead of multiple queries. They rely on tailored instructions (a.k.a. long prompts or mega prompts) with supporting documents.

Here’s what a Claude Projects’ Lesson Design Helper looks like:

Introducing EduSphere

Unlike TeacherServer which offers 47 premade prompts, EduSphere starts out with six. These include:

Let’s take a quick look at three popular ones.

Tool #1: MindMap Generator

This tool offers to create mindmaps on any given topic. Once you submit your specifications for the mindmap, EduSphere will do some research, sharing resources referenced. Then, it generates a mindmap, as you can see below.

It’s easy to export the content to PDF or Microsoft Docx formatted files. The generated mindmap is not as sophisticated as you might get from a chatbot like ChatGPT or Claude.ai as a Mermaid chart.

See an example generated from the research EduSphere provided via this Claude.ai Artifact.
Claude. “Copygraph TD I…” A.I. Archives, 8 August 2024,
https://aiarchives.org/id/Ny83CdhNLxOh4tTemkFM

You might consider EduSphere’s mindmap a starting point or worthwhile only for simple mindmaps.

Tool #2: Quiz Generator

The Quiz Generator tool allows you to generate a quiz. EduSphere will decide what content it uses for the quiz, so it’s not customizable up front. You can’t give it certain content standards or background information to generate a quiz from. While you can upload content, the questions won’t reflect that content. That means that you are at the mercy of the quiz generator. It’s only at the end of the process that you can edit the quiz, and make changes to it.

This tool is only good at basic level, getting you past the blank page but not much else.

Tool #3: Rubrics Generator

Once you submit the learning objectives, set the difficulty level, EduSphere’s Rubric Generator will take off. It will generate scoring criteria, points, and more.

Points to Ponder

Many school-centric and open-ended AI tools are finding their way into the education market. Use a standard prompt of your design that challenges these paid and free options. If the AI tool’s pre-created prompts or assisted chatbots can’t get the job done, don’t waste your time. More sophisticated tools are in the wings waiting for you.

November 14, 2024 0 comments

AI/VR English Language Arts Reading (ELAR)ESL/ELL Science Writing

Get CLEARER with Digital Text Analysis

by Miguel Guhlin November 7, 2024

written by Miguel Guhlin

While cruising Facebook groups earlier this month, I ran across this question. Having never heard of one of the acronyms, PEARL, I was curious to learn more about it. These days, acronyms are a dime a dozen. But this question resulted in some conversations among the Facebook group:

“Most of our middle and high schools (I’m a curriculum specialist) have all their students write PEARL paragraphs regularly. I’m trying to explain how writing in science is different than in ELA. I want them to use the CER format in science but the admins are telling me it will confuse kids. What are your thoughts?”

At the end, you’ll get access to a new, text analysis digital tool that combines PEARL and CER. Before I share that, let’s explore PEARL and CER first.

Author generated image – **Get a copy of all posters (PEARL, CER, CLEARER)**

Engaging Students in Literary Analysis

Getting students (or anyone) to analyze what they read has become all the more important in the age of AI. Having some way to articulate what you think about a piece, construct an argument supported by evidence and reasoning can be tough. One approach is the PEARL acronym, although many rely on CER. Let’s review what each of these mean and then consider how they can be combined.

PEARL vs CER

The acronym represents five words or actions, including:

Point
Evidence
Analysis
Reader Response
Link

As suggested, it may be relied upon in literary analysis. But it has startling similarities to Claim-Evidence-Reasoning (CER). Before we connect the two acronyms, let’s look at how you can use PEARL for both literary and scientific analysis.

PEARL Table

Here’s what PEARL looks like using fictional story, Charles Dicken’s A Christmas Carol. You will also see a nonfiction example featuring the Water Cycle. As you can see from the table, PEARL is versatile for both fiction and nonfiction, including science-related topics.

Letter	Meaning	Explanation	Fiction Example (Literature)	Nonfiction Example (Science)
P	Point	The main argument or idea being presented	The writer uses the character of Scrooge to highlight the unfairness of society.	The water cycle is a crucial process that sustains life on Earth.
E	Evidence	Supporting information, quotes, or data	By referring to Scrooge as a “tightfisted hand at the grindstone”, the writer emphasizes…	According to NASA, about 71% of the Earth’s surface is covered in water, with 96.5% of that being in the oceans.
A	Analysis	Examination of the evidence and its significance	The metaphor “grindstone” connotes… which suggests… because… The writer uses the adjective “tightfisted” to… as this means that…	The term “hydrosphere” encompasses all of Earth’s water, including oceans, rivers, lakes, and even water vapor in the atmosphere. This vast amount of water is constantly moving through the water cycle, driven by solar energy.
R	Reader Response	Consideration of the reader’s reaction and broader implications	Clearly, the writer intends to criticize people in his society who are [specific trait] and selfish. This contributes to the overall impression that…	Readers might reflect on how human activities, such as pollution or deforestation, can impact the water cycle. This contributes to our understanding of environmental conservation and climate change.
L	Link	Summary and connection to broader context	Therefore, the writer uses the character of Scrooge to inform us of the unforgiving cruelty of life in Victorian London.	Therefore, understanding the water cycle is essential for comprehending Earth’s climate systems, weather patterns, and the distribution of water resources, which are vital for all life on our planet.

Examples generated with Perplexity AI’s assistance

You can combine all the results of the PEARL to get a final result that reads well.

Get CLEARER About the PEARL-CER JAM

Teaching students PEARL and CER can be valuable. As you might imagine, it’s easy to draw parallels between PEARL and CER. You can arrange the components of a scientific piece of writing to take advantage of both PEARL and CER. Follow these five steps:

Start with a Claim/Point. State your main scientific argument.
Provide Evidence. Present relevant data or observations.
Offer Reasoning/Analysis. Explain how the evidence supports your claim and analyze its significance.
Include Reader Response. Discuss implications or broader scientific context.
End with a Link. Summarize and connect to larger scientific concepts or next points.

If you wanted to, you could even combine PEARL and CER into a new acronym to teach students. This would eliminate the confusion of two different acronyms. What would that acronym be?

Introducing CLEARER

Well, it couldn’t get any clearer than this one:

C – Claim/Point: The main argument or hypothesis
L – Literature/Look for Proof: Evidence from text or scientific observations
E – Examine: Analysis of the evidence
A – Apply: How the evidence supports the claim
R – Respond: Reader/audience implications
E – Elaborate: Broader context and connections
R – Recap: Summary and link to larger concepts

For fun, you can apply CLEARER to another bit of literature. I also have a simplified version of CLEARER below. Let’s take a look.

CLEARER Examples: Fiction and NonFiction

One of my favorite stories is the Three Little Pigs and you can’t get any simpler than the Water Cycle.

CLEARER Component	Explanation	The Three Little Pigs Example	Water Cycle Example
C – Claim/Point	The main argument or hypothesis	The story of “The Three Little Pigs” shows us why it’s good to work hard and plan ahead.	The water cycle is a crucial process that sustains life on Earth.
L – Literature/ Data (Look for Proof)	Evidence from text or scientific observations	In the story, the pig who built his house with bricks was safe from the big bad wolf, while his brothers who used straw and sticks were not.	According to NASA, about 71% of the Earth’s surface is covered in water, with 96.5% of that being in the oceans.
E – Examine	Analysis of the evidence	In the story, only the pig who built a strong brick house was safe from the wolf. The brick house shows that doing things carefully is better. The wolf couldn’t blow it down because bricks are strong.	The term “hydrosphere” encompasses all of Earth’s water, including oceans, rivers, lakes, and even water vapor in the atmosphere.
A – Apply	How the evidence supports the claim	This shows that taking time to do things right pays off.	This vast amount of water is constantly moving through the water cycle, driven by solar energy, demonstrating the dynamic nature of the process.
R – Respond	Reader/audience implications	When we read this story, we might think about how important it is to plan ahead and do our best.	Readers might reflect on how human activities, such as pollution or deforestation, can impact the water cycle.
E – Elaborate	Broader context and connections	It makes us want to be more like the smart pig who used bricks.	This contributes to our understanding of environmental conservation and climate change.
R – Recap or Remember	Summary and link to larger concepts	So, “The Three Little Pigs” isn’t just a fun story – it’s also teaching us a lesson about being responsible and working hard to stay safe and successful.	Therefore, understanding the water cycle is essential for comprehending Earth’s climate systems, weather patterns, and the distribution of water resources, which are vital for all life on our planet.

Examples generated with Perplexity AI’s assistance

That’s pretty straightforward, no? Let’s look at a simpler version.

Simplifying a Little For Younger Students

The versatile, structured approach of CLEARER supports critical thinking and evidence-based reasoning. Working with my third grade students, I would revise CLEARER to show simpler explanations of each step.

C – Claim/Point: The big idea you want to share
L – Look for Proof: Finding facts in the story or experiment
E – Explain: Talking about why the proof is important
A – Apply: Showing how the proof makes your idea true
R – React: Thinking about how the reader might feel
E – Explore More: Connecting your idea to other things
R – Recap: Summing up your main idea and why it matters

Now that you have an answer to your question about PEARL or CER, let’s take a look at digital tools for text analysis.

Performing Digital Text Analysis

Digital text analysis tools can be a game-changer in your classroom.Here are three ways students can tap into text analysis tools:

Analyze literary texts
Conduct research projects
Create data-driven stories

Let’s look at each one of these through the CLEARER lens while using digital tools. A list of Text Analysis Tools K-12 students can use appears at the end of this blog entry.

CLEARER Digital Text Analysis

Since the question at the start of this blog entry struggles with literary and scientific analysis, let’s analyze a story that relies on scientific thinking (and is one of my favorites).

Example #1: Analyzing Literary Texts

C – Claim/Point: State the main argument about the text based on initial observations.
L – Literature/Data: Use Voyant to generate word clouds and frequency data.
E – Examine: Analyze the visualizations and data patterns produced by the tools.
A – Apply: Connect the data to your claim, showing how it supports your argument.
R – Respond: Consider how these insights might change a reader’s understanding of the text.
E – Elaborate: Explore connections between the tool’s findings and broader literary themes.
R – Recap: Summarize how the digital analysis supports or challenges your initial claim.

Classroom Use Scenario: 11th-grade students analyze “Leiningen Versus the Ants” using Voyant. They start with a claim about the story’s themes, use the tool to examine word frequencies and patterns, and then apply these findings to support or refine their initial claim.

As you can see from the image below, Voyant Tools does a great job analyzing the text:

Here’s an explanation using CLEARER and Voyant Tools diagram about the story (Get a copy).

Get the Word Cloud Generator For You

For fun, I asked Claude.ai to create a Word Cloud Generator that works in your web browser. There are two versions, the simple one (get a copy), and the one that gives you a word cloud and a CLEARER analysis (get a copy). I dropped in the text of one of my favorite high school stories, Leiningen Versus the Ants, to get the following result:

Image generated by author with Claude.ai Artifact

Give it a spin! As you might imagine, the word cloud might be more useful than the AI generated analysis. Maybe have your students do that analysis part.

Get CLEARER with Digital Text Analysis

By empowering students with text analysis tools, you can help them develop essential skills in critical thinking, research, and data analysis.

Want some more tools in addition to the TCEA Word Cloud Generator with CLEARER Analysis and Voyant Tools?

Here are some text analysis tools that students can use in the classroom, alphabetized by tool:

Tool	Description	Price
ATLAS.ti	A tool designed to help analyze all types of unstructured data (text, multimedia, geospatial).	Custom pricing for education institutions
Dedoose	A qualitative data analysis software that facilitates rigorous mixed methods research.	$11.95/month (basic plan)
f4analyse	A low/no-code tool for data analysis that allows users to use analytic methods without coding.	Custom pricing for education institutions
HathiTrust	A digital library with text analysis tools.	Free (for partner institutions)
InfraNodus	A visual text analyzer platform with gap insight analysis.	Free trial, then €9/month (basic plan)
Lumos Learning	A free text complexity analysis tool that evaluates reading passages using various metrics.	Free
MAXQDA	A qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods research tool that’s particularly well-suited to processing interviews.	$49 (one-time purchase, student license)
MonkeyLearn	A no-code machine learning platform for text analysis.	Free trial, then $299/month (basic plan)
Relative Insight	A customer feedback analysis solution that detects linguistic and attitudinal differences.	Custom pricing for education institutions
SimpleX	An AI-powered smart console for text analysis.	$49 (one-time purchase)
Tableau	A data visualization tool that can be used for text analysis.	Free trial, then $35/month (basic plan)
Thematic	A customer feedback analysis solution that can be used in education settings.	Custom pricing for education institutions
Voyant	A web-based text reading and analysis environment.	Free

Did you get a copy of all the posters in this blog entry? Use this handy template link to get the copy of all posters via Canva (which is free for educators).

November 7, 2024 0 comments

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