Google Chrome moved its QR code generator. If you want to access it now, here's what you do:
- Click the three dots on the top right of your screen
- Scroll down to "Cast, save, and share"
- Select "Create QR code"
Google Chrome moved its QR code generator. If you want to access it now, here's what you do:
Google's NotebookLM is an AI powerhouse that can supercharge lessons, engage students in exciting new ways, and even help to create podcasts! Find out how and you'll even get to listen to podcasts I made in minutes in this article that I wrote for Tech & Learning Magazine.
As AI continues to transform the world, it's more important than ever for educators to keep up with this rapidly evolving technology. That's why I’m excited to share that Google and Adobe offer free classes designed to certify educators in basic AI literacy. These classes empower teachers with the skills and knowledge needed to better integrate AI into their teaching practice, ensuring that both they and their students stay ahead in our increasingly AI-driven world.
If you’re interested in leveling up your AI skills and earning a certification, check out the full details in an article I wrote for Tech & Learning called Free AI Classes for Educators. Don’t miss out on this great opportunity.
Since its inception in 2008, The Innovative Educator blog has relied on social media to distribute blog posts. Unfortunately, things aren't quite what they used to be. The days when Facebook, Twitter (now X), Instagram, and other platforms easily amplified your ideas with just a simple share or post are increasingly behind us.
Facebook, for instance, has become notorious for burying posts with external links—especially those leading to blogs and articles. If your content veers even slightly into controversial territory, the platform's algorithms may suppress it altogether, taking your thoughtful contributions out of the conversation. Twitter, now X, has shifted its focus toward paid interactions and specific engagements, meaning that simply sharing an idea is no longer enough. Without targeted investment or meticulous interaction, your posts may go unseen by the larger audience you once reached.
Instagram, which was never primarily focused on article sharing, still provides a visual outlet but isn’t the easiest for those of us who deal in words rather than pictures. TikTok, while growing in popularity, prioritizes short, visually engaging content, which makes it challenging for bloggers to use it effectively for deeper discussions and idea sharing.
As these platforms evolve, it’s clear they are less about freely distributing ideas and more about gatekeeping content unless users comply with their ever-changing rules. This shift has prompted me to reconsider how to get valuable insights into the hands of those who can benefit most.
In response, I’m expanding how I share my blog posts. Moving forward, many of my blog entries will also be distributed as articles across other outlets that prioritize meaningful engagement with content. I'll link to these from my blog, allowing you to easily access them and continue the conversation. While social media still plays a role, it’s time to explore new avenues to ensure important ideas reach the communities that care about them.
Stay tuned for more updates on where to find these posts.
The school-sanctioned devices have the necessary software and safeguards to facilitate a productive learning environment. This shift allows educators to maintain a controlled and focused classroom setting, minimizing distractions that personal cell phones often bring.
However, the conversation shouldn’t end with banning cell phones in schools. It’s imperative that we equip our students with the skills to use their personal devices responsibly outside of the school environment. Cell phones are ubiquitous in our society, and students must learn to navigate their digital lives with discernment and responsibility.
To address this, schools must implement comprehensive digital literacy programs that extend beyond the classroom, such as those from Common Sense Education. These programs should cover a range of topics, including digital citizenship, online safety, and time management. By doing so, we prepare our students not only to excel academically but also to thrive in a world where digital devices are an integral part of daily life.
A significant concern with implementing a cell phone ban is the enforcement strategy. It’s crucial that this responsibility does not fall solely on teachers, who are already juggling numerous tasks. Schools must establish a clear, effective enforcement plan that minimizes the burden on educators. This can include:
By having a well-thought-out strategy in place, schools can ensure the cell phone ban is effectively enforced without overburdening teachers.
The decision to ban cell phones in schools is not a step back but rather a shift towards a more structured and balanced approach to technology in education. It’s about creating an environment where students can focus on learning without the constant pull of social media and other distractions. At the same time, it’s crucial that we don’t neglect the importance of teaching students how to manage their digital presence responsibly.
As innovative educators, we must continue to adapt to the changing educational landscape while advocating for the holistic development of our students. By embracing school-provided digital devices and implementing robust digital literacy programs, we can strike a balance that fosters both academic excellence and responsible digital citizenship.