Google Chat Spaces Update

 

Google Chat Spaces has just undergone an upgrade that simplifies collaboration and makes shared content more accessible. The revamped Shared tab, previously called the Files tab, now offers a more comprehensive view of all shared resources. 

In addition to individual files like Docs, Slides, PDFs, and Sheets, links posted in the Chat tab and Drive folders shared there will also appear in the Shared tab. This centralized approach makes it easier for teams to find and access everything they need in one convenient location.

This update offers a more intuitive and efficient way to manage and access shared resources within Chat Spaces. By consolidating links and folders in the Shared tab, Google has made it easier for team members to collaborate effectively and stay organized.

If you would like a to bring me to your school for PD, workshops, a keynote, training or a follow-up on this or previous blogposts, click here to schedule an appointment to chat.

My book, The Complete EdTech Coach: An Organic Approach to Digital Learning, co-authored with my wife Katherine Goyette is now available on Amazon. Click here to purchase. It is published by Dave Burgess Publishing. Be sure to follow the hashtag #OrganicEdTech and #CVTechTalk for updates.

Up Your Communication Game: Master Professional Emails with MagicSchool's AI Tool

 

Struggling to find the right words? MagicSchool's Professional Email Tool can help! Tailor your message to any audience – from irate parents to challenging colleagues – with just a few clicks. This tool generates professional, effective drafts, saving you time and stress. Remember, while AI is a powerful tool, human judgment is essential. Always review and refine the AI's output to ensure your message is exactly right.

Check out the video below for a quick look at MagicSchool's Professional Email Tool. 

This blog post was created with the assistance of AI tools like Google Gemini and Adobe Express. While the concepts and message are mine, these innovative platforms helped me bring them to life.

Don't forget to follow TechCoachJuarez on X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, LinkedIn and YouTube. If you have any questions and would like a follow up, contact me via Gmail or Chat at ajuarez@techcoachjuarez.com. If you would like to bring me to your school for PD, workshops, a keynote, training or a follow-up on this or previous blogposts, click here to schedule an appointment to chat. 

My book, The Complete EdTech Coach: An Organic Approach to Digital Learning, co-authored with my wife Katherine Goyette is now available on Amazon. Click here to purchase. It is published by Dave Burgess Publishing. Be sure to follow the hashtag #OrganicEdTech and #CVTechTalk for updates.

Magic Lesson Plans in Minutes with MagicSchool

 

Feeling swamped by lesson planning? MagicSchool's AI-powered tool can be your secret weapon! Simply enter your topic, grade level, and standards, and watch a custom plan materialize.

But remember, even magic needs a guiding hand. Review the suggestions with your expert eye - human intelligence is irreplaceable. MagicSchool provides a springboard, not a script.

Don't forget to set the lesson duration (days and minutes) and customize for ELLs and SPED students. With MagicSchool, you can spend less time planning and more time enchanting your classroom!

Check out the video below for a quick look at MagicSchool's Lesson Plan Tool. 

This blog post was created with the assistance of AI tools like Google Gemini and Adobe Express. While the concepts and message are mine, these innovative platforms helped me bring them to life.

Don't forget to follow TechCoachJuarez on X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, LinkedIn and YouTube. If you have any questions and would like a follow up, contact me via Gmail or Chat at ajuarez@techcoachjuarez.com. If you would like to bring me to your school for PD, workshops, a keynote, training or a follow-up on this or previous blogposts, click here to schedule an appointment to chat.

My book, The Complete EdTech Coach: An Organic Approach to Digital Learning, co-authored with my wife Katherine Goyette is now available on Amazon. Click here to purchase. It is published by Dave Burgess Publishing. Be sure to follow the hashtag #OrganicEdTech and #CVTechTalk for updates.

AI and EdTech to the Rescue: Crafting Customized Practice for ELA State Exams

Creating engaging and effective learning materials that mirror state assessment questions can significantly enhance students' preparation for English Language Art state exams. With the advent of AI tools like Bard, ChatGPT, Dall-E, and Quizizz, educators now have the capability to craft customized practice questions and tasks that not only align with state standards but also help cater to the diverse needs of their students. Here are some ideas on how to utilize these tools for this purpose.

Google Bard

Use Bard to construct articles across various subjects at the appropriate grade level. For instance, if you're looking for a 5th-grade science article about ecosystems, Bard can help you build content that matches this criterion. Remember to always vet the results using your content knowledge and other tools.

Sample Prompt: Write an article of approximately [insert length] that is written at a [enter grade] grade level about [enter topic]. Provide similar claims and structure as this article: [Paste text of original article].

Tips:

• Fact check with Google by clicking the Google logo below the results. The highlighted portions lead to clickable links to sources. Use this to help vet the results.
• Prompt further to make longer or shorter based on need
• Paste new article into Google Docs for future reference

ChatGPT

Given an article or a piece of content, ChatGPT can be tasked with generating questions that are similar to those found in state assessments. For example, if the article discusses the water cycle, ChatGPT can formulate multiple-choice or open-ended questions that test students' understanding of this topic. If you have a sample question written in a specific manner and structure, prompt ChatGPT to write a new question about a new text using that structure. Repeat this process for each section of the article to ensure comprehensive coverage.

Sample Prompt: Based on this text [paste article text here], write a question similar to this: [enter question type or sample question]

Tips: 

• Repeat for all questions
• If you have text dependent questions from other assessments, you can paste them in to have ChatGPT write similar questions for your new text
• If you're wondering why I didn't have Bard do this originally? In my experience, ChatGPT has been more effective remixing text and structure.
• Add to Google Docs

Dall-E and Adobe Firefly

Enhance the visual appeal of your practice questions and tasks by using Dall-E to create images related to the article's content. These images can be inserted into the text and questions to provide visual cues or serve as the basis for questions themselves, thereby aiding in students' comprehension and retention of the material.

Although Dall-E offers robust capabilities for image creation, to get the most out of it, you will need a paid subscription. Adobe Firefly can also be a valuable tool for educators needing specific imagery. At the moment, Firefly is free. Use detailed prompts to generate images that can then be inserted into your documents, potentially after adjustments to fit the desired layout.

Sample Dall-E Prompt: [type or paste descriptive criteria from article details]

Tips:

• Add images to text and question on Google Docs
• Insert image using Insert Drawing function to have ability to crop into different shapes and wrap around text much like they might see on the exam
• Dall-E is solid, but works best with a premium ChatGPT subscription
• Adobe Firefly works well too and is free

Digital Delivery with Quizizz

Transform your article and accompanying questions into an interactive Quizizz lesson. Start with a title slide featuring the article's title, followed by slides that guide students through reading the article, either digitally or in print. You may want to link the article file on this slide since students often access the text digitally on state exams. Then, incorporate the questions you've created using ChatGPT, adding relevant images from Dall-E or Adobe Firefly. Design the quiz to include both multiple-choice and open-ended questions, setting appropriate time limits for each. Quizizz allows for both synchronous classroom engagement and asynchronous learning, giving flexibility in how students access and interact with the material. The robust reports produced by Quizizz are valuable tools for evaluating student progress and facilitating discussion in a PLC.

This entire process, the tips and sample prompts were all borne from prompt engineering. Prompts were entered and revised multiple times to produce the mimicked assessment resources. Click here to access a sample of a 7th grade ELA assessment task type that was mirrored from a released sample question. 

Empower English Learners and Teachers with Translation Chrome Extensions

In today's digital age, supporting English language learners (ELLs) has become increasingly innovative, thanks to simple yet effective tech tools. One of the game-changers in this field is the array of Google Chrome extensions designed to aid ELLs in navigating and comprehending the vast world of English content online. These tools are not just helpful; they can transform the way ELLs engage with language learning.

Imagine a student encountering a challenging text online. With these Chrome extensions (click here to access my favorite), they can simply highlight the text, and instantly, a small popup appears, offering the text translated into their home language. But it doesn't stop there. The popup also includes a button to have the text read aloud in their native language. This feature is incredibly empowering for English learners, allowing them to take control of their learning experience. They no longer have to rely solely on teachers or classmates to understand content, instructions, and more, fostering a sense of independence and confidence in their language acquisition journey.

Here is an example of how a student can use this tool in Google Classroom. Note the speaker button that, when clicked, will read the text aloud to them.

Here is a real photograph captured in a classroom situated in rural Tulare County, California. The student depicted speaks and reads limited English; however, they are utilizing a translation Chrome extension. This tool, approved by the school and deployed to student accounts, enables them to access instructions in Google Classroom. Similar to the example mentioned earlier, it features a speaker button that allows the text to be read aloud.

But the benefits of these Chrome extensions are not limited to students alone. Teachers, too, can leverage these tools to create a more inclusive and efficient learning environment. In California, where Spanish is the predominant second language, these extensions are invaluable. When preparing instructions, resources, or activities on platforms like Google Classroom, Quizizz, Blooket, Kahoot, Quizlet, and Gimkit, teachers can use these extensions for quick and convenient side-by-side translations of instructions, questions and answer choices.

The wisdom behind incorporating these tech tools provide side by side translation is that it allows teachers to provide all students with one version of a quiz, game, assignment, etc., keeping all responses, regardless of language, in one place. This approach not only simplifies the teacher's task, but also helps ELLs feel more included. They don't feel singled out or different because they are given the same version of activities as their peers. With just a few more clicks, coupled with some copying and pasting, teachers can make a significant difference in the inclusivity and effectiveness of their instruction.

These simple tech tools showcase the potential of technology to help bridge gaps in language learning and curriculum access. They are by no means a magic bullet or cure all for the support of English learners. By embracing such innovations, educators can enhance their support for English learners, making the learning experience more accessible, engaging, and empowering for all students while they engage in other, more in-depth and research-based instruction. 

The video below demonstrates a translation extension in real time with Quizizz and Google Classroom.

5 Reasons to Using Flip with your Students

 

Flip, formerly known as Flipgrid, is a video discussion platform that allows students to create and share short videos. While it is commonly associated with fostering discussion and communication, it can also be a valuable tool for supporting students' literacy skills. Here are five reasons why teachers might consider using Flipgrid for this purpose:

Engagement and Motivation:

Flip offers a multimedia approach to literacy, allowing students to express themselves through video. This can be particularly appealing to students who may not feel as comfortable expressing themselves in written form. The engaging nature of video responses can increase motivation and interest in literacy activities.

Oral Language Development:

By creating video responses, students have the opportunity to practice and develop their oral language skills. Articulating thoughts verbally can enhance communication skills, vocabulary, and fluency. This oral practice complements traditional written literacy activities and contributes to overall language development.

Differentiated Instruction:

Flip allows for differentiation in literacy instruction. Students can respond to prompts in a way that suits their learning preferences and abilities, whether through writing, speaking, or a combination of both. This flexibility accommodates diverse learning styles and ensures that students can demonstrate their understanding in a manner that works best for them.

Collaborative Learning:

Flip supports collaborative learning by enabling students to view and respond to each other's videos. This fosters a sense of community within the classroom, encourages peer-to-peer learning, and provides opportunities for students to engage in constructive discussions about literacy topics. Collaborative learning environments can enhance comprehension and critical thinking skills.

Feedback and Reflection:

Teachers can provide timely and personalized feedback on students' video responses, addressing both content and language skills. Additionally, the video format allows students to review and reflect on their own communication and literacy skills. This self-reflection can contribute to metacognitive development and improvement in future literacy tasks.

Watch the video below for a step-by-step guide on initiating Flip usage after logging in with your Google account. The tutorial illustrates the process of creating a Group, akin to a Google Classroom, and posting Topics within that Group, resembling assignments in Google Classroom. Additionally, it demonstrates how to enroll students through Google Classroom and seamlessly transfer the topics to Google Classroom as Material posts. I recommend selecting Material as the post type, as this ensures responses are collected directly in your Flip account, eliminating the need to designate it as an assignment within Google Classroom.

Helperbird: A Safe Alternative to the Defunct Immersive Reader Chrome Extension

 

In the ever-evolving landscape of digital tools, the recent discontinuation of the Immersive Reader Chrome Extension marks a significant change, particularly for the education sector. Immersive Reader, known for enhancing the accessibility of digital content, has been a vital tool for teachers and students alike. Its features, such as read aloud, text spacing, and translation, have made it easier for learners with different needs to access information. However, with this tool no longer operational on Google Chrome, many users are left seeking alternatives.

The good news is that Microsoft's Immersive Reader continues to be available on Microsoft products, including the Edge browser. This offers a semblance of continuity for those who are able to switch platforms. But for the vast majority who are entrenched in the world of Google Chrome, this change poses a challenge.

Enter Helperbird, a Chrome Extension that emerges as a solid alternative. Helperbird not only allows users to access many of the beloved features of Microsoft's Immersive Reader but also brings its own suite of tools to the table. Its functionality is straightforward and user-friendly: simply select the text you want to read, right-click, and hover over the Helperbird option. A menu appears, offering various tools, including the option to open the content in Immersive Reader. This seamless integration ensures that the transition from the now-defunct Chrome Extension is as smooth as possible.

However, it's important to note that full access to Helperbird's features requires signing up for an account. This might be a minor inconvenience compared to the benefits it offers. For a visual guide on how to use Helperbird to access Immersive Reader, see the screenshot provided below. This visual aid can be particularly helpful for getting acquainted with the new process and exploring the available options.

For individuals concerned about data collection and usage, the privacy section on Helperbird's page in the Chrome Web Store provides clear and reassuring information. It explicitly states that Helperbird commits to never selling, storing, or misusing any user data. Additionally, the privacy policy aligns with key regulations such as COPPA and FERPA, ensuring compliance with important standards for the protection of children's online privacy and student education records. This transparency and commitment to privacy and security should offer peace of mind to users prioritizing data safety. Click here to view the developer's privacy policy.

Revolutionize Teacher Workflow with Google's NotebookLM

In the dynamic landscape of education, educators are continually in search of innovative tools to elevate their teaching methodologies and streamline their workflows. Google's NotebookLM stands out as a transformative force, presenting a personalized AI collaborator that not only enhances teaching practices but also enables educators to work more effectively and efficiently, making it easier to work within contracted hours. Here are seven impactful ways teachers can leverage NotebookLM to revolutionize their workflow:

1. Effortless Creation of Notebooks

Initiating the journey is as simple as clicking "New Notebook." This uncomplicated step opens the door to a plethora of possibilities. Teachers can seamlessly organize lesson plans, lecture notes, and educational materials within the intuitive interface, establishing the groundwork for an efficient and structured teaching experience.

2. Tailoring Information to Individual Needs

Gone are the days of laboriously sifting through an overwhelming multitude of online resources. NotebookLM liberates teachers, allowing them to concentrate on targeted information that aligns with their preferences. The AI collaborator interfaces with a personally curated dataset, incorporating your notes, files, and resources. This guarantees that educators and their collaborators maintain control over the content, fostering a personalized approach that streamlines the curation of materials essential for more effective teaching.

3. Seamless Integration of Sources for Deeper Insights

With the ability to incorporate Google Docs, PDFs, or copied text, teachers can effortlessly integrate diverse sources into their NotebookLM. The AI collaborator transforms into a robust ally, capable of answering questions, summarizing content, brainstorming ideas, and more. This feature expedites information processing, empowering teachers to delve into deeper insights more quickly and efficiently than ever.

4. Automatic Generation of Summaries and Key Topics

A single click on sources activates NotebookLM's magic, auto-generating summaries and key topics. This feature not only saves time but also provides a rapid overview, assisting teachers in preparing for lectures, discussions, or assessments. The AI's adeptness at distilling complex information into digestible summaries dramatically expedites teacher workflow.

5. Personalized Practice Problems or Questions Across Subjects

Imagine a teacher reviewing assessment data and planning an intervention lesson. After uploading relevant information, NotebookLM takes personalized learning to the next level by generating practice problems or questions tailored to students' understanding. Using uploaded assessment data (minus student identification markers), the AI crafts problems of varying difficulty levels, aligned with teacher-curated resources, offering a customized learning experience for each student. Teachers can then distribute these tailored assessments to students based on their individual learning needs.

6. Engaging Assessments for ELA and Social Studies

Teachers exploring literary works or primary source documents can upload excerpts and lecture notes to NotebookLM. The AI collaborator transforms this content into quizzes featuring open-ended questions about character motivations and themes. These quizzes seamlessly integrate into popular learning platforms like Quizizz or Quizlet, providing students with engaging and insightful assessments.

7. Facilitating Collaborative Curriculum Development

NotebookLM becomes a collaborative hub as teachers working on curriculum development come together. Similar to files in Google Drive, NotebookLM notebooks can be shared with collaborators. The AI assistant streamlines brainstorming sessions, note-taking, and summarization, enabling educators to efficiently share resources, takeaways, notes and lesson plans. This collaborative effort not only saves time but also reveals trends, commonalities, and differences in collective insights and resources.

As Google's NotebookLM becomes accessible to all Google Workspace users, educators are encouraged to explore its potential. While its release is widespread, it's advisable to check with your domain's Admin Console administrator if access is not yet available. NotebookLM empowers teachers to tap into the potential of AI in education, offering personalized information curation, streamlined workflows, and enhanced collaboration. 

Upscale Your Elementary Worksheets with Quizizz: A Fun Twist on Learning

 

In our technology-driven world, it's crucial to discover innovative methods to captivate students, and one standout solution is Quizizz – a game-based learning tool that breathes life into elementary worksheets, turning them into interactive and enjoyable quizzes.

Consider a classic rhyming exercise where students typically jot down rhyming words on a worksheet. Now, with Quizizz's free version, educators can craft quizzes in which students read a word and select the corresponding rhyming word or identify the odd one out from a list. Whether undertaken individually, in small groups, or as part of a center, this not only introduces an element of friendly competition but also transforms a routine task into an exhilarating challenge.

Transitioning to sight words, a fundamental element of early elementary education, Quizizz proves to be an invaluable tool for upscaling sight word exercises. With the premium version, teachers can incorporate a read-aloud feature, where a sentence is recorded and vocalized, and students must discern the correct sight word from multiple choices. This not only sharpens their recognition skills but also integrates auditory learning into the educational mix. Much like the rhyming example, this adaptable approach can be seamlessly applied to whole-class activities, solo tasks, small group endeavors, or center-based learning.

The integration of Quizizz into these traditional elementary exercises reshapes the learning process into a dynamic game, infusing it with excitement and memorability for students. As they navigate through these adaptive quizzes, not only do they solidify their foundational skills, but they also cultivate a positive attitude towards learning. Why confine learning to traditional worksheets when Quizizz can upscale the learning experience to new heights?

Blending Hands-On Learning and Tech: A "Flip" Look at California's 4th Grade Mission Projects

 

In the evolving landscape of education, it's crucial for educators to strike a balance between traditional learning methods, like paper and pencil, and the burgeoning world of technology. This balance is not just a nod to the diversity of learning styles, but a preparation for students to navigate a world increasingly reliant on digital literacy. A prime example of this balance can be found in California's 4th-grade curriculum, where students delve into the state's rich history through the study of the California Missions.

Traditionally, this project involves building physical models of the missions, a tactile and creative exercise that allows students to engage with history in a hands-on way. This approach taps into the benefits of traditional learning, fostering skills like fine motor coordination, spatial awareness, and the ability to follow detailed instructions. It's a beautiful way to connect students with the past, letting them build a piece of history with their own hands.

This Mission Santa Cruz model used real materials from this student's backyard.

However, to augment this learning experience with a modern twist, technology can play a pivotal role. One such integration is the use of Flip, formerly known as Flipgrid. Using the Flip Camera, imagine students, using Chromebooks or tablets, giving a guided tour of their meticulously crafted mission models, narrating the history and purpose of each structure and feature. This activity not only enhances their learning but also allows them to develop digital skills and confidence in presenting information in a digital format. By recording these tours, students learn to communicate effectively, a skill that is increasingly vital in both academic and professional settings.

Big thanks to the 4th graders at Buena Vista School in Central CA for sharing their projects.

Moreover, integrating technology like Flip adds a dynamic multimedia layer to the educational experience. This approach encourages students to delve into digital storytelling, a key facet of contemporary communication. As they learn to create, edit, and disseminate digital content, they acquire competencies vital for navigating today's digitally focused world. This process is instrumental in fostering digital citizenship skills. It teaches students to engage constructively and respectfully in online spaces. They become adept at managing their digital footprints and learn the significance of posting positive, supportive comments, especially through Flip's feature that allows for peer-to-peer feedback. This interactive element not only enhances their learning experience but also instills principles of responsible and positive online behavior, ensuring they cultivate healthy digital habits.

This blend of traditional and technological methods in education serves multiple purposes. It respects the proven benefits of hands-on, tangible learning experiences while embracing the inevitable march of technology in education. Importantly, this balance aids teachers in more effectively engaging students in the 4C's: creativity, critical thinking, communication, and collaboration. These skills are not only essential for academic success but are increasingly valued in the modern job market. By integrating both approaches, educators can ensure that students are not only academically prepared but also equipped with a versatile skill set that aligns with the demands of the current and future workforce. This kind of balanced approach fosters a more inclusive and versatile learning environment, catering to various learning styles and preparing students for a future where digital and traditional methods coexist seamlessly.

As educators, it is paramount to recognize and implement this balance in our teaching methodologies. The example of the California Missions project in 4th grade demonstrates how traditional education methods and modern technology can coalesce to provide a rich, comprehensive learning experience. It's about preparing our students for a future where they can navigate both the tangible and digital worlds with ease and confidence.

CSEdCon 2023: My Takeaways Regarding AI and the Future of Education

Attending CSEdCon was truly an enlightening experience for me. This three-day conference delved into the intricate connections between AI, education, and computer science. As I sat through thought-provoking sessions such as "AI and the Future of Education," "Reaching Rural Regions," and "Early Experiences in Teaching with AI," I found myself deeply engaged in discussions. These dialogues solidified some of my existing beliefs about AI in education while presenting fresh perspectives that broadened my understanding.

A few stand-out observations from the conference include:

• AI promises to transform the landscape for teachers and software engineers. While it will not replace human expertise, the importance of adapting and capitalizing on AI tools cannot be understated.
• The growing demand for AI skills is undeniable, emphasizing both technical and interpersonal attributes like communication and ethics. Yet, the gender disparity in AI is concerning and demands immediate attention.
• AI's potential in refining computational thinking, tailoring learning experiences, and simplifying coding is evident. But challenges, such as inherent biases and inaccuracies, persist.
• Embracing AI in classrooms has showcased notable benefits, including improved student outcomes. However, there's an underlying risk: if not accessible to all, it might intensify existing inequities.
• The future of CS education is poised for change. Expect a decline in traditional tasks and languages, like HTML, and a surge in innovative modalities like block-based coding and audio input/output methods.
• One crucial takeaway is the need to arm students with discerning knowledge about computer capabilities, ensuring they utilize AI with wisdom and responsibility.

As an edtech consultant and advocate, I frequently interact with educators apprehensive about AI's profound impact on education and the world at large. My experience at CSEdCon has equipped me with talking points that can assuage such concerns. For instance:

• AI's ability to offer personalized, immediate feedback.
• The automation of routine tasks, granting teachers more quality time for instruction.
• Engaging AI-powered chatbots that make learning interactive.
• AI's prowess in assessing student understanding and identifying gaps.
• Novel brainstorming techniques introduced by AI text generation models.
• AI-powered 24/7 tutoring systems.
• The myriad ways students can employ AI for dynamic study materials.

The onset of AI in education marks just the beginning. Our collective task now is to ensure educators recognize its potential. We must guide our students to ethically and effectively wield AI. 

For educators looking ahead, consider these key points:

• AI is redefining numerous sectors. Acquainting students with AI tools will be instrumental, irrespective of their career paths.
• Cultivating a robust understanding of AI systems, emphasizing their strengths and flaws, is crucial.
• Encouraging students to discern potential AI biases ensures ethical engagement.
• As AI handles routine chores, honing soft skills in students becomes paramount.
• Recognizing the soaring demand in AI-centric roles can shape future academic curricula.
• With AI knowledge becoming a staple in most professions, disregarding its importance may jeopardize students' future employability.
• While predicting AI's trajectory is challenging, imparting foundational principles to students ensures they remain agile and adaptable in a dynamic future.

This blog post was developed with the support of AI tools, including OpenAI's ChatGPT and Anthropic's Claude. After inputting my notes from CSEdCon into Claude, it helped me identify key takeaways and insights. With ChatGPT, I underwent several iterations to organize and refine these insights into a blog post tailored for educators. The collaborative process with these AI tools not only streamlined my thoughts but also emphasized the importance of refining and iterating for clarity, especially for a specific audience.

The Limitations of Generative AI LLMs: A Personal Example

 

In today's digital realm, generative AI Language Models (LLMs) like ChatGPT by OpenAI and Google Bard have become focal points of discussion. These models, equipped with the ability to craft human-like text, offer a myriad of applications. Yet, understanding their constraints remains paramount.

It's crucial to grasp that these models don't genuinely "think." They generate text by mimicking human language patterns from vast datasets, not from comprehension or consciousness. Contrary to popular belief, LLMs don't actively "search" the internet for real-time answers. They've been trained on extensive data, but they don’t browse the web live. Faced with unfamiliar topics, they make educated guesses based on previous patterns.

Let's turn to a personal experience. I'm an avid supporter of Fresno State Football, and my YouTube channel boasts four decades of game footage and highlights. Leveraging AI, I've crafted game recaps and summaries for each video description. An observable trend is that the AI's accuracy correlates with a game's media coverage. The more widespread the reporting, the more accurate the AI summary, although my expertise often catches occasional inaccuracies.

A case in point is a recap I requested from Google Bard for the 1986 NCAA Football game between Fresno State and University of Nevada-Las Vegas (UNLV). While the game had national coverage, it didn’t dominate ratings and missed many viewers and journalists, especially outside the Pacific time zone. During this engagement, Bard's recap showed marked inaccuracies. 

For example, in paragraph 1, Bard inaccurately labeled the game's conference as the Big West Conference. In 1986, both schools were part of the Pacific Coast Athletic Association (PCAA), which later was rebranded as the Big West in 1988. Furthermore, in paragraph 3, Bard mistakenly identified Jeff Tedford as Fresno State's quarterback for that game, even though he had vacated the position in 1982. Another error was with respect to UNLV's Ickey Woods and Charles Williams. While Woods was mischaracterized as the quarterback, he actually played as a running back. Intriguingly, Charles Williams, who began playing in 2017, was incorrectly cited in the 1986 account. A notable tidbit is that both Woods and Williams hail from Fresno.

These oversights illuminate AI’s tendency to piece together plausible, quasi-relevant information when faced with data gaps. The tidbits about the conference, Jeff Tedford, Ickey Woods and Charles Williams are all "semi-in-the-ballpark" information. It’s as if you threw a ball for a dog, and it earnestly brought back a stick; close, but not quite accurate.

The underlying message here is the imperative of scrutinizing AI outputs. LLMs, while powerful, can occasionally deliver out-of-context or misleading information. Critical assessment of AI responses is as essential as vetting any unfamiliar source.

Generative AI LLMs, revolutionary as they are, come with their set of challenges. Approaching their outputs with discernment is vital, especially in education. Teachers should rigorously vet AI-derived content, and students must be taught to assess the reliability of AI-generated information. In doing so, we foster a balanced approach, benefiting from AI while upholding the veracity of the information at hand.

Elevating Classroom Instruction with YouTube Music's Enhanced Lyrics Feature

 

In today's digital age, educators are constantly seeking innovative ways to engage students and enhance learning experiences. The newly enhanced lyrics feature in YouTube Music presents a golden opportunity to better integrate music into classroom instruction, fostering reading, literacy skills, and aiding English learners on their language journey.

Music has a unique power to captivate and connect with students. YouTube Music's upgraded lyrics feature goes beyond just playing tunes. It displays synchronized lyrics, turning the act of listening to music into a type of interactive reading exercise. As students follow along with the lyrics, they sharpen their reading comprehension and fluency skills in an engaging and enjoyable manner.

For learners of English, the advantages are even deeper. According to Belgian researcher Pauline Degrave*, songs offer genuine listening content. Learners are exposed to native speakers using authentic language, pronunciation, intonation, etc. This aids in the development of listening skills. Lyrics also support the acquisition of vocabulary. New words and phrases are reiterated in the lyrics. Combining them with melody can assist in memorization and recollection. Teachers can select songs with themes matching classroom topics, adding contextual richness to language lessons.

Desktop View

The mobile app view has karaoke style lyrics

Furthermore, YouTube Music's variety of options enable educators to cater to various learning preferences and age groups. Whether it's historical ballads for a history class, or lyrical poetry for an English literature session, the tool offers a wide array of possibilities.

Integrating songs with lyrics in the classroom enhances not only literacy and language skills but also fosters creativity, cultural comprehension, and emotional self-expression. As educators, embracing technological advancements such as YouTube Music's improved lyrics feature can transform our teaching methods, creating an engaging and melodious learning encounter for everyone involved.

If you would like to bring me to your school for PD, workshops, a keynote, training or a follow-up on this or previous blogposts, click here to schedule an appointment to chat.

My book, The Complete EdTech Coach: An Organic Approach to Digital Learning, co-authored with my wife Katherine Goyette is now available on Amazon. Click here to purchase. It is published by Dave Burgess Publishing. Be sure to follow the hashtag #OrganicEdTech and #CVTechTalk for updates.

*Degrave, Pauline. "Music in the foreign language classroom: How and why." Journal of Language Teaching and Research 10.3 (2019): 412-420.