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A Smarter Way to Build Your AI Classroom Assistants
Many educators are exploring custom AI tools, like Gems in Gemini, Spaces in SchoolAI, Rooms in MagicSchool, or custom GPTs. These tools promise to create amazing, tailored resources for our students. But getting them to work just right often comes down to one big challenge: writing the detailed training prompt. It can be difficult to…
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Beyond the Spelling List: Coaching Thought Partnership and AI
Educators are constantly looking for ways to innovate their practice while also managing a demanding workload. One of the most significant challenges is finding or creating resources that are not only effective but also time-efficient to prepare. For a reading intervention teacher, crafting differentiated spelling lists that break down words by syllable and color-code specific…
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Streamline Your Workflow with NotebookLM’s Source Refresh
As educators, we know that our plans and materials are rarely set in stone. A lesson plan evolves, a project guide gets updated with new resources, and collaborative slide decks change by the minute. Technology should support this dynamic process, not hinder it. For users of NotebookLM, a fantastic AI-powered research and writing partner, a…
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New Storybook Creator in Gemini
As educators, we know the magic that unfolds when a good story is shared in the classroom. Storybooks are a powerful tool for introducing new concepts, building foundational knowledge, and sparking a sense of wonder in our students. They provide a narrative anchor that feels far more engaging than a standard textbook, creating space for…
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Learning at the Intersection of Computer Science and College Football
At first glance, the worlds of college football and computer science seem miles apart. One is about physical strategy on a field, the other about logical commands on a screen. Yet, the way an analyst breaks down game film provides a surprisingly effective and relatable framework for introducing students to complex computational thinking. It’s a…
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Unplugged Algorithms: A Pencil and Paper Path to Computational Thinking
While algorithmic thinking is a cornerstone of computer science, its value extends far beyond coding. At its heart, it is a method for thinking critically and strategically, breaking down complex problems into manageable, logical steps. Promoting this skill in subjects such as history, ELA, science or math is a fantastic way to deepen student engagement…
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Embracing Inquiry and Computational Thinking in Your Classroom
In today’s educational landscape, fostering critical thinking and genuine curiosity is more important than ever. Two powerful tools for achieving this, include the “Parts, Purposes, and Complexity” handout and the “Wicked Hydra” activity. These strategies can serve as fantastic “pre-work,” setting the stage for deeper learning and empowering students to approach new topics with an…
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Integrating Micro:bits into Core Subjects: A Teacher’s New Assistant
As a tech coach, my journey into the world of computer science has been driven by a deep fascination rather than formal training. My background is actually in history, and I’ve never written a line of code in any language. However, my passion for integrating computer science concepts into core subjects is immense. Today marked…
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Gold Rush Meets Wi-Fi: Teaching History Through Computer Science
What do the California Gold Rush and computer science have in common? In Mrs. Garges’ 4th grade class, quite a lot! Using a creative lesson from the Cal-MSCS Cross Content Connections website, students explored key computer science ideas (packets, routers, and receivers) through a hands-on history activity. The result was a high energy activity, deep…
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El Monte Middle School’s Google HQ Adventure
Orosi, California, is a small, rural community tucked away in the heart of the Central Valley. For many families in Orosi, economic hardship is a daily reality, and opportunities that might seem commonplace elsewhere are often out of reach. In this setting, where college can feel like a distant dream and exposure to cutting edge…
Tech Coach Juarez
You cannot spell teach without tech.
