Lights, Camera, and 7 Actionable Ways to Use Google Vids

If you’ve ever wanted to make professional-looking videos without being a video pro, Google Vids might be your new favorite tool. From turning written content into engaging presentations to creating dynamic learning resources, this AI-powered platform is a game-changer for educators and education leaders.

📽️ Want 7 smart, practical ways to start using it today?
👉 Check out this article I wrote for Tech & Learning:
Lights, Camera, and 7 Actionable Ways to Use Google Vids

Perfect for classroom teaching, PD sessions, and district-wide communications!

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.