Google’s NotebookLM: An Innovative Educator’s New Best Friend (and Podcasting Powerhouse!)

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.

Free AI Literacy Classes from Google and Adobe for Educators

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.

A Possible New Direction When Social Media Isn't Effective for Distributing Blog Posts

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. 

Why I've Been Gone: Post-Accident Health Update

You may have noticed that I haven't written much on my blog since last fall. That's because one year ago today I was in a serious accident caused by a hit-and-run driver. The free time I spent writing has now been taken up with visits to doctors and therapists receiving treatment for my injuries. I haven't been too open about my accident in public spaces; however, I feel it's time to give folks who knew about my accident and those who didn't an update.

Background:

Last fall, I was struck from behind and run over by a hit-and-run taxi driver in a Chevy Suburban SUV while walking across the street at a crosswalk with the right of way. No cell phone. No distractions. Just walking across the street. The accident left me with multiple injuries and prevented me from walking for many months. I was diagnosed with neuropathy and Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), also known as the "suicide disease," due to severe nerve damage in my foot and ankle. The slightest touch felt like being stabbed with fiery knives and electric shocks. Even wearing a sock was unbearable. I also sustained trauma to my head, neck, and shoulders, and I will need surgery to address those injuries in the future.

Update:

After months of intense treatments—many of which weren't covered by insurance or known by mainstream doctors—I am walking again and even doing some of the activities I enjoy. This is a huge milestone, considering my initial prognosis suggested I might not walk unassisted for at least a year or possibly never.

As my readers know, I'm a writer. To that end, I created a mobility guide to assist others with mobility challenges. There's so much that isn't commonly known or shared. You can check out the guide called "I can't walk. Now what? here: https://tinyurl.com/MobilityGuidance

Gratitude:

I've been independent since moving to New York at the age of 21, so needing to ask for help was a big change for me. Thankfully, I had incredible support. I learned that there were so many amazing friends and I'm deeply grateful for their help—they kept me sane! Here are photos featuring some of the amazing people who supported me when I needed it most.

I am also grateful for the strangers who came to my rescue as I crawled across the Westside Highway to temporary safety on the median and waited for an ambulance. Thank you!

There were more loved ones beyond those in the photos who helped. While I didn't capture everyone, I appreciate all of you who called, texted, wrote, came by, met/got me to ER, took me to doctors, did reiki, physical, and desensitization therapy, replaced my icepacks, encouraged me, walked my dog, did my chores, wheeled me to restaurants, took me into your homes to care for me, took me in my wheelchair to get out of the house, and more. Thank you!

Need Support?

If you know anyone with mobility needs and/or who suffers from CRPS or neuropathy, read my guide and/or reach out. I'm now in remission from both. I've learned a lot.

What's Next for The Innovative Educator blog?

While I will still require treatments and a couple surgeries in the foreseeable future, I'm figuring things out and plan to begin sharing back more regularly on The Innovative Educator blog in upcoming months.

The Shift Towards Cell Phone Bans in Schools: Navigating the New Landscape

In the ever-evolving world of education, one trend that’s been gaining traction is the decision of more and more districts to ban cell phones in schools. As an advocate for innovative education, I find this development both intriguing and challenging. Historically, many of us have championed the use of cell phones as powerful learning tools, providing students with access to information, collaboration opportunities, and various educational apps. However, recent shifts in the educational landscape have prompted a re-evaluation of this stance.

The Pandemic’s Impact on Digital Learning

The COVID-19 pandemic has undeniably accelerated the integration of digital devices into our classrooms. With remote learning becoming the norm, schools invested heavily in laptops, tablets, and other digital devices to ensure continuity of education. This investment has paid off, and as we return to in-person learning, these devices have remained integral to our teaching strategies. With this widespread availability of school-provided digital tools, the necessity of personal cell phones for educational purposes has diminished.

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.

The Need for Responsible Usage Outside School

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.

Enforcing the Ban: A Collaborative Effort

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:

1. Clear Policies and Communication: Establish and communicate clear policies regarding cell phone usage, ensuring students and parents understand the rules and consequences.
2. Administrative Support: Designate specific staff members or a team to handle enforcement, so teachers can focus on instruction without having to police cell phone use constantly.
3. Secure Storage Solutions: Provide secure lockers or storage solutions where students can store their phones during school hours.
4. Use of Technology: Implement technology solutions like signal blockers or apps that limit phone functionality within school premises.

By having a well-thought-out strategy in place, schools can ensure the cell phone ban is effectively enforced without overburdening teachers.

Balancing Innovation and Regulation

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.

3 Free Technologies to Help Students Learn to Read

Once taught through traditional methods, the fundamental skill of reading has become much easier to acquire via the use of technology. Technology provides an exciting opportunity to enhance literacy in a way that's personalized, engaging, and accessible to all. This post delves into three technologies that help make learning to read easier in ways that empower both educators and students.

KhanAcademyKids.org

While some may associate Khan Academy with math videos, today, it is much more. Khan Academy now has Khan Academy Kids with thousands of educational games, books, and activities for children ages 2-8.

Kids can learn reading, phonics, writing, and social-emotional development through fun educational games and lessons. Find a variety of activities, from ABC games for kids to 2nd-grade books. Students can learn with catchy songs and yoga videos – while having fun moving, dancing, and getting the wiggles out. Khan Academy Kids is completely free, forever—no ads or subscriptions necessary.

Generative Artificial Intelligence (Gen AI)

There are numerous Generative AI platforms available to support learning to read from the popular ChatGPT to Bing, Bard, Claude, etc. Here are some ideas for doing that, with more detail on each in this post. 

• Adaptive Content: Tailor reading passages to individual reading levels and languages, providing a personalized learning experience. 
• Create Personalized Stories and Songs: Create custom stories featuring students or write educational songs to make vocabulary learning fun. 
• Reading Comprehension Support: Utilize AI to develop questions that challenge and enhance reading comprehension skills.

Common Sense Education

Choosing the right tools for reading education can be daunting, but Common Sense Education simplifies the process:

• Customized Search: With filters for topic, grade level, device type, subject, cost, and more, finding the right resources is streamlined and efficient.
• Reliable Ratings: An overall learning rating helps educators quickly identify quality resources to suit their students' needs.

By integrating technologies like Khan Academy Kids, Generative AI, and Common Sense Education, educators can lead the way in transforming reading education. These tools offer a way to make confident reading a reachable goal for every child. The time to explore, adapt, and inspire is now, for the future of reading education is not just on the horizon—it's here.