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Tech Reflections PHET Simulations & Blooklet

The tools highlighted this week add a valuable dimension to classroom education. Together they represent powerful resources for educators who aim to bring interactive, student-centred learning into their teaching methods.

PHET Simulations offers a comprehensive suite of interactive simulations for STEM subjects. These simulations cover a range of topics, including physics, chemistry, and biology, enabling students to visualize complex concepts through engaging, virtual activities.

Using these virtual models, students can experiment in a simulated environment, exploring cause-and-effect relationships and testing theories without leaving the classroom. This makes it easy for teachers to introduce simulations of concepts and topics discussed in class. This also creates opportunities for inquiry-based assignments where using the simulation can become part of the exercise. For students who struggle with traditional textbook methods or prefer visual learning, PHET provides an accessible alternative. PHET also offers its simulations in multiple languages, further expanding the accessibility of its application.

Blooklet is an educational platform that allows teachers to create personalized interactive quizzes, flashcards, and other study aids. It features a range of customization options and supports blended learning & independent study with its gamification approach to learning. The interactive quizzes on the platform allow teachers to gauge understanding in real-time after a lesson. For example, a teacher can use a quiz to test knowledge of fractions. This allows students to understand their errors and learn the correct methods sooner. Which in turn supports knowledge retention and reinforces the lesson objective. The gamified elements of the quizzes such as streaks, and rankings encourage consistent performance from students. This is instrumental to earning retention from younger students who normally do not engage with the lesson material to the same degree. The adaptability of the quizzes makes them suitable for remedial lessons and overall enrichment catering to students' diverse learning speeds.

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Tech Reflections Flocabulary

Flocabulary is a Brooklyn-based company that makes unconventional interactive exercises to teach knowledge skills to students K-12. It works by integrating hip-hop music and beats along with exercises for information to be retained by the students. Much like the rhyme "In 1492, Columbus sailed the ocean blue", this approach adds fun variety and memorability to students learning typically dry subjects like math and history. The technical term mnemonics refers to anything that serves as a memory aid for students. By tying these facts to songs students can recall the facts more easily by remembering the song; but after seeing a demonstration I think the real value in using this application is the fact that the program lets me build my own song by answering quizzes correctly in sequence. It's these approaches to lessons where something secondary (in this case a song) is built as the result of doing well or retraining the information serves as positive reinforcement. Often in proposed education theories and solutions, an increased focus is placed on those doing poorly in the system and what can be done to remedy it. In the case of Flocabulary what I think it's really good at is identifying students who get some of the concepts and encouraging them to keep going further through positive reinforcement. In today's instant gratification world, many kids are conditioned to expect feedback quickly especially when interacting with social media platforms over some time. Before Flocabulary & Duolingo we had yet to see a technology adopt the same strategy that these entertainment platforms use to retain and engage people on the platform. Hopefully more will follow to create positive outcomes for everyone.

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Tech Reflections Nearpod & Consensus

Nearpod is an educational platform designed to enhance classroom learning through interactive lessons and multimedia content. The lessons include various elements like slides, quizzes, polls, videos etc. It's very handy to use if you need to get a class together on short notice or just utilize the content for its fun activities and other interactive portions of the lessons. They offer many programs for schools to utilize their paid services so it's worth checking to see if your school is enrolled in a program that offers you an account.

If you want to try it out for yourself the free plan has enough of the basics to give you an idea of what the platform can do. But to truly take advantage of it the subscription seems to have a lot more going for it than other platforms that I've seen.

Consensus.ai is an AI-assisted search engine that specializes in summarizing and filtering research papers for your literature review. It draws from the  Semantic Scholar database and applies learning models to quickly scrub through papers to try and find exactly what you are looking for.

When using it you are encouraged to phrase your questions in Yes or No sentences so that the AI can give you an idea of what the research papers are saying about a subject. For example, Does lack of sleep increase Alzheimer’s risk? can give you a general idea of what the consensus of research papers says about the subject giving you some idea of how you can frame your hypothesis and experiments moving forward.

What I like about it is how you can save papers that might be relevant to what you need, and you get an understanding of what type of research was conducted in the paper by the AI tagging keywords to understand if it was a survey, a sampling etc. This way you can build a strategy on what you should be able to read and not waste time looking for papers that may not be relevant to your own work. The free plan is generous for courses where literary review is not a common occurrence. However, if I were doing a PhD or worked in a research team it would make sense to go for a paid plan given the frequency of how often you'd access the tool.

Luckily, you can still search if you run out of credits, you just lose access to the AI layer on top and will have to read each paper the good old-fashioned way to understand what's going on.

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Tech Reflections Unstuck

Imagine you are deeply engaged in a lecture and forget to take notes. By the time you realize it, the lecture has ended, leaving you struggling to recall the key points for the rest of the evening. To make matters worse, the professor forgot to record the session, so there is no way to replay it.

In today’s fast-paced world, where distractions are constant, I find myself needing to focus entirely on one task to avoid being pulled away by something else. From my experience teaching in a corporate setting, I have noticed that many people face difficulties not only in absorbing content but also in the administrative task of taking notes. We are constantly bombarded with so much information that it becomes unclear what is worth noting in the first place.

This is where Unstuck offers a solution. The program lets you upload recorded lectures, PowerPoint presentations, PDFs, and Word documents of your learning materials. It then creates a personalized AI assistant that you can query later pulling from what you uploaded as a source of data.

Unlike ChatGPT and other open AI platforms that pull information from unverified sources, Unstuck allows you to curate the content it references. This results in more reliable and tailored responses, transforming the AI into an effective study companion that recontextualizes official course materials into a format better suited to your learning style, taking the burden of manual note-taking and organization off your shoulders.

The company has simplified the process of recording lectures. Simply type "lecture.new" into your browser, and you will be taken directly to the recording interface. After recording, you can organize the uploaded content into classes, each with its own dedicated chat window.

These chat windows serve as the hub for interacting with your course material through AI queries. For example, you can ask the AI to create a study plan for a specific topic or generate multiple-choice questions (MCQs) based on the concepts in your material. An interesting feature is the ability to control what content the AI reads. Everything you upload appears as an object that you can toggle on or off, ensuring the AI does not include irrelevant material in your revision. I'm still experimenting with the questions I ask the AI here are some that worked for me maybe it will help you too! Create a study plan Summarize this for me Create some MCQ revision questions with answers Create an essay question for me

Comment below if you came up with some new ones!

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10 of My Favourite Education Subreddits

Reddit is a valuable platform for accessing information, advice, and community interaction; however, it also presents challenges, such as varying content quality, misinformation, and the potential for negative social interactions. To make the most of Reddit, users need to approach content critically, verify the information, and engage with well-moderated subreddits that reflect their interests and values.

Below are some subreddits that I find particularly useful for keeping up with modern education trends:

r/AskAcademia: This subreddit is an excellent resource for those navigating academic life, including students, researchers, and professors. It provides guidance on academic careers, research, publishing, and managing the challenges of higher education. The community is active, with many experienced academics offering insights and advice.

r/explainlikeimfive (ELI5): This subreddit is valuable for breaking down complex topics into simple, understandable explanations, suitable for those with little to no background knowledge. It covers a wide range of subjects, making it a great starting point for learning about unfamiliar concepts in an accessible way.

r/education: Focused on broader discussions about teaching, learning, and the education system, this subreddit is ideal for educators, students, and policymakers. It serves as a platform to exchange ideas, discuss challenges in education, and share resources, lesson plans, and teaching strategies.

r/learning: A supportive community for lifelong learners, this subreddit encourages discussions about self-education, study habits, and learning strategies. It’s a great place to find advice on learning new skills, staying motivated, and setting educational goals.

r/edtech: This subreddit focuses on the intersection of education and technology, making it a great resource for educators and students interested in the latest tools, apps, and platforms that enhance learning. It covers topics like digital classrooms, online learning platforms, and innovative teaching methods.

r/AcademicPsychology: For those interested in psychology, this subreddit provides discussions on research, academic papers, and the latest findings in the field. It is a useful resource for students and professionals who want to stay updated with current trends and debates in psychology.

r/educationpolicy: Focused on policy discussions, this subreddit delves into the regulations, reforms, and political aspects of education. It is an ideal space for those interested in understanding how educational policies shape the industry and impact schools, teachers, and students.

r/K12SysAdmin: While this subreddit is more technical, it offers valuable insights into the IT side of K-12 education, highlighting the challenges of managing school technology infrastructures. It is useful for understanding how technology integration affects educational institutions and learning environments.

r/Professors: This subreddit caters to the higher education sector, offering discussions on academic careers, teaching in universities, and the dynamics of the education system from the perspective of faculty members. It is a useful resource for those exploring the industry from an academic standpoint.

r/Libraries: For those interested in how libraries support education, this subreddit discusses the evolving role of libraries in communities and schools, including digital resource management, literacy programs, and the integration of technology. It is particularly useful for understanding how libraries contribute to educational outcomes and lifelong learning.

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Tech Reflections - Canva & Powtoon

This week I saw a demonstration of two technology tools that could be helpful for classroom use.

Canva is a graphic design platform offering tools for creating social media graphics, presentations, promotional merchandise, and websites. As a creative tool, it is quite versatile, benefiting from a wide range of background images, templates, and strong community support due to its long-standing presence online. However, its primary focus on graphic design can make it feel less suitable for educational purposes, as many of its features may go unused. This would be less of a concern if the free version were comprehensive enough to meet most educational needs, such as lesson plans and infographics. Unfortunately, many of Canva’s features are locked behind a paywall, which limits its functionality. Canva has some AI-assisted features but it feels underdeveloped as I belive its a recent addition to the toolset. For education-specific tasks, I would prefer not to use Canva, as several free alternatives exist that, while less feature-rich, better suit my needs without the unnecessary tools.

Powtoon is a cloud-based animation software designed to create custom animations for explainer videos, corporate training, and educational content. It offers several AI-assisted tools that streamline the editing process, allowing users to quickly get started with minimal effort.

Compared to Canva, Powtoon’s emphasis on education and training makes it a more appealing choice for my needs. Its AI-powered features, such as automatic voice acting, script writing, AI-generated avatars, and the AI Video Assistant, give the impression of having a full production team at my disposal, enabling the creation of professional and high-quality explainer videos more efficiently. Notably, these key features are available in the free version, making Powtoon even more attractive.

Given this, I would consider purchasing a month of full access to the platform to create a substantial amount of content for my learning modules, which I could then reuse over time. Since educational content often requires only minor updates, a one-time investment in Powtoon would be a more practical choice. Between Canva and Powtoon, I would choose to pay for Powtoon due to its focus on educational content and the extensive AI tools that accelerate the creation process. This would allow me to meet my content deadlines more quickly while also having the time to make any necessary refinements.

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Bringing Music Back to Schools: The Heartbeat of Education

In recent years, many schools have faced budget cuts and curriculum changes that have sidelined vital subjects like music. However, the importance of bringing music back into the educational landscape cannot be overstated. Music education not only enriches students' lives but also fosters essential skills that support their overall development.

Bringing music back to schools is not just about teaching notes and rhythms; it’s about nurturing well-rounded individuals. By advocating for music education, we can provide students with the tools they need to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. Let’s work together to ensure that music remains an integral part of our educational system, resonating through the halls of schools and enriching the lives of every student. After all, music is not just an art form; it’s the heartbeat of education.

I can remember picking up my first real instrument. Besides the class with recorder. Would you believe it was a violin! Holding it made me feel so proud. Like I made it to the big leagues. Having the support of my violin teacher, was truly what pushed me most to be creative and express myself. It also gave me the motivation to come to school. What was the first instrument you were introduced to? When were you introduced to it? What instrument do you play? What made you stick with it? Do you still play it now?

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Schoolbags, Lunchboxes, and AR Headsets?

As we look towards the future of education, mixed reality (MR) is emerging as a revolutionary tool that combines elements of virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) to create immersive and interactive learning experiences. This technology is not just a futuristic concept; it is already making significant inroads in classrooms around the world, enhancing the way students learn and engage with educational content.

What is Mixed Reality?

Mixed reality blends the physical and digital worlds, allowing users to interact with both real and virtual elements simultaneously. Unlike VR, which immerses users in a completely virtual environment, or AR, which overlays digital information onto the real world, MR creates a hybrid environment where physical and digital objects coexist and interact in real time.

Benefits of Mixed Reality in Education

Enhanced Engagement and Retention

MR provides a more engaging learning experience by immersing students in interactive environments. Studies have shown that students using MR technologies demonstrate higher engagement and retention rates compared to traditional learning methods.

Personalized Learning

MR allows for personalized learning experiences tailored to individual student needs. For example, students can explore complex scientific concepts at their own pace, using 3D models and simulations to deepen their understanding.

Real-World Applications

MR enables students to apply theoretical knowledge in practical, real-world scenarios. For instance, medical students can practice surgical procedures using MR simulations, gaining hands-on experience without the risks associated with real-life practice.

Collaborative Learning

MR fosters collaboration by allowing students to work together in shared virtual spaces. This is particularly beneficial for group projects and problem-solving activities, where students can interact with 3D models and digital tools collectively.

Accessibility and Inclusivity

MR can make learning more accessible for students with disabilities. For example, visually impaired students can use MR to experience visual content through tactile feedback and audio descriptions.

Real-World Examples of MR in Education

Virtual Field Trips: Platforms like Google Expeditions allow students to take virtual field trips to historical sites, museums, and natural wonders, providing immersive learning experiences without leaving the classroom.

Medical Training: Institutions like Case Western Reserve University use Microsoft HoloLens for medical training, enabling students to explore interactive 3D models of the human body and practice surgical procedures.

Language Learning: Apps like MondlyAR use MR to facilitate language learning through interactive conversations with virtual characters and digital objects labeled in the target language.

The Future of Mixed Reality in Education

As MR technology continues to evolve, its applications in education will expand, offering even more innovative ways to enhance teaching and learning. The integration of MR in classrooms is not just a trend but a transformative shift that promises to make education more engaging, personalized, and effective.

Mixed reality is set to play a pivotal role in the future of education, providing students and educators with unparalleled opportunities to explore, collaborate, and grow. By embracing this technology, we can create a more dynamic and inclusive learning environment that prepares students for the challenges of the 21st century.

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The Schools of the Future

As we move into 2025, artificial intelligence (AI) is poised to revolutionize the education sector, creating new learning opportunities that were previously unimaginable. AI's integration into education is not about replacing teachers but enhancing their capabilities and transforming the learning experience for students. Personalized Learning One of the most significant impacts of AI in education is the ability to provide personalized learning experiences. AI can analyze vast amounts of data to understand each student's strengths, weaknesses, and learning preferences. This allows for the creation of customized lesson plans that cater to individual needs, ensuring that every student can learn at their own pace and in their own style. Intelligent Tutoring Systems AI-powered intelligent tutoring systems (ITS) are another groundbreaking development. These systems can simulate one-on-one tutoring by providing real-time feedback and support to students. They can answer questions, offer explanations, and guide students through complex problems, making learning more interactive and engaging.

Preparing Students for the Future In addition to enhancing current educational practices, AI is also preparing students for the future. By integrating AI into the curriculum, students can develop critical skills such as digital literacy, problem-solving, and critical thinking. These skills are essential for navigating the increasingly digital and automated world they will enter after graduation. The integration of AI in education is creating a change in basic assumptions, offering personalized learning experiences, intelligent tutoring, and enhanced accessibility. As we embrace these advancements, it is crucial to ensure that AI is used ethically and equitably, providing all students with the opportunity to succeed. The future of education is bright, and AI is at the forefront of this transformation.