Navigate AI with New Risk Assessments from Common Sense Media

AI offers exciting possibilities for transforming teaching and learning—but it also comes with real risks, especially around student safety, privacy, and well-being. That’s why Common Sense Media's new AI Risk Assessments are such a game-changer. These tools help educators make smarter, safer choices when using AI in schools.

🚨 If you're an innovative educator committed to using tech responsibly, this is something you need to know about.
📰 I break it down in my latest article for Tech & Learning Magazine—check it out!

Google Chrome's QR Code Generator Moved - Here's Where to Find It

Google Chrome moved its QR code generator. If you want to access it now, here's what you do: 

1. Click the three dots on the top right of your screen
2. Scroll down to "Cast, save, and share"
3. Select "Create QR code"

The screenshot below shows exactly how to do this.

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.