Month October 2023

Empowering Students with Computer Science

Rachelle Dené Poth Leave a comment

Building skills in STEM-related fields especially in computer science is important for our students today. The World Economic Forum stated that approximately 1 billion jobs will be transformed by technology over the course of the next 10 years and the Bureau of Labor Statistics “predicts a 13% growth in computer and IT-related fields between 2020 and 2030. As educators, we must continue to find ways to best prepare all students for the rapidly evolving world we live in. A valuable skill that we can equip them with is computer science. By exploring the careers that are highlighted through Defined Careers, students become aware of the different fields that require skills in computer science the types of jobs that will exist in the future, and how to prepare.

Although not every teacher has a computer science background, it is important to find ways to bring related learning activities into our classrooms for the benefits they can offer students. There are many advantages of integrating computer science into different grade levels and content areas through activities and projects. Defined Learning offers many resources that can help educators to get started.

What are the benefits of computer science for students?

Computer science helps students to develop some of the essential skills that are required in the world of work and that will continue to be needed, even though we don’t necessarily know what types of jobs will exist. Computer science-related learning can help students to build the following skills:

  • Analytical Thinking: Students will need to learn how to analyze by examining data, identifying patterns, and making data-driven decisions as they learn. Provide students with some problems to solve and task them with analyzing various aspects of it and potential solutions.
  • Collaboration: Students can work together in teams to explore computer science topics or work through activities together. In these experiences, they not only develop skills related to the content but also other skills in collaboration, critical thinking, and problem-solving, they learn to work together as a team as they push through challenges that may come with learning. It will prepare them for future careers where collaboration is essential.
  • Creativity and Innovation: By allowing students to design their own projects, such as creating apps, designing websites, or even games, they learn about computer science in an engaging way. These experiences also empower them to bring their ideas to life and spark their creativity!
  • Problem-Solving Skills: Computer science encourages students to develop their critical thinking skills and be better able to solve complex problems in learning and in the future. Through lessons in coding and programming, students will learn to break down tasks into smaller, manageable steps. These skills are essential when thinking about SEL skills and developing resilience in learning and dealing with challenges.

Ideas for exploring computer science

  • Coding: There is an increase in need for people with coding skills and that need will continue to grow over the next five years. A predicted 58 million STEM-related jobs will exist, many of which will require coding skills. Some options include Code.org, Scratch, or Tynker which offer age-appropriate coding activities that make learning fun. Matatalab has several robots available for learners as young as 3 and which provide screen-free coding options too. For younger students, trying the KIBO robot from KinderLab Robotics is a great option. Code with Google is focused on closing equity gaps in computer science opportunities and it provides free resources for students.
  • Hour of Code: Even though the Hour of Code happens during December, it is something that should be a focus throughout the year. There are many websites that offer activities for all grade levels. Options to explore include Scratch and Scratch Jr. which are designed for kids and available for free. CS Unplugged is an option that does not require computers, which promotes accessibility for all students.
  • Game or App Development: Students can try MIT App inventor and other online tools to create their own game. It can be done as a project-based learning experience. Students can design and create their own video games, and focus on the process of learning. Students can design and build mobile apps using platforms such as App Inventor or Swift Playgrounds that offer beginner-friendly environments for app development. These will help to encourage students to take some risks and hopefully spark curiosity for coding and computer science.
  • ISTE Curriculum: ISTE offers free curriculum guides for computer science educators that also bring in Artificial intelligence learning into the classroom. These guides are full of standards, resources, activities, and lesson plans that make it easy to get started. The guides are focused on elementary, secondary, computer science, electives, and ethics.
  • Robotics: There are a lot of resources for students to learn about robotics and explore more about what a career in computer science might involve.

Regardless of whether computer science may not be our primary field of expertise, integrating it into our classrooms can be incredibly beneficial for our students. The advantages include the development of problem-solving skills, enhanced creativity, real-world learning experiences, fostering collaborative skills, and analytical thinking. By exploring coding challenges, robotics, game and web development, data analysis, and app development, students can gain valuable computer science skills.

About the Author

Rachelle Dené Poth is a Spanish and STEAM Educator at Riverview High School in Oakmont, PA. She is also an Attorney, Edtech Consultant, Speaker, and the Author of seven books about education and edtech. Rachelle is available to provide PD on Artificial Intelligence, Augmented and Virtual Reality, Coding, SEL and STEM. 

Contact Rachelle to schedule sessions for your school about Artificial Intelligence, Coding, AR/VR, and more!

Follow her on Twitter and Instagram at @Rdene915

**Interested in writing a guest blog for my site? Would love to share your ideas! Submit your post here. Looking for a new book to read? Find these available at bit.ly/Pothbooks

************ Also check out my THRIVEinEDU Podcast Here!

Join my show on THRIVEinEDU on Facebook. Join the group here

Essential Digital Literacy Skills

Rachelle Dené Poth Leave a comment

Rachelle Dené Poth

We have access to billions of resources in less than a second. With all of this power through technology, as educators, we must be able to sort through the information and develop our own digital literacy skills in our work. But more importantly, we must help our students learn to navigate all of the information that they are receiving.

Years ago, we had to rely on methods of research using card catalogs, books, newspapers, and other periodicals, because we did not have the technology available that we do today. However, now, doing a quick Google search can yield up to billions of results within a fraction of a second. With instant access to resources like news articles, images, videos, and other formats, it is important for students to learn to sort the information, validate its reliability, and process it during learning. As educators, we must create opportunities and spaces for students to develop data and digital literacy skills.

Being able to process data is essential to our work as educators. We rely on data to better provide for our students, meet their individual needs and interests, and use it to determine our next steps. We rely on digital tools to provide us with information as well as in our observations in our classroom. Regardless of where the information comes from, we have to be able to process it and understand what it means for us, for our students, and for life. Data and digital literacy are essential skills for everyone and through learning experiences and the use of digital tools, we can continue to build these skills together in our classrooms.

Opportunities to build data and digital literacy skills

Data literacy is being able to take all of the information that we have available to us and process it. When we have data, there is a process that becomes somewhat automated, the more that we work with data and learn how to sort through the information. First, we consume the information and begin to analyze it. We can use the data to better understand something or use it to solve a problem and then we apply the data in other ways. Having the skill set to navigate and sort all of the information is important for our students to develop. Finding activities and tools for students that are more meaningful and connected to real-world experiences will help them to better understand how to use data.

In my STEAM course with eighth graders, we discuss digital citizenship and digital literacy. There are many resources available that give students the chance to look at news, headlines, photos, and more and evaluate the reliability of what they are viewing. One example, Checkology is a great resource to help students evaluate materials and then create opportunities for us to discuss their experiences and build our skills together. There are also headlines and news stories available for students to learn about information literacy at their own pace. We use these two resources as well as some teaching methods as a way to develop digital literacy skills as well as evaluating data and information that is provided within these spaces.

As a Spanish teacher, I want to provide meaningful learning opportunities that will help students to build their language skills while also becoming more globally aware as they develop the essential skills to prepare for the future. With methods like project-based learning (PBL), my students have the opportunity to build language skills while becoming curious for learning as they explore real-world issues. Choosing a topic to focus on, requires students to be independent in their work, conduct research, sort information, and evaluate how to best share what they have learned. PBL also promotes the development of essential SEL (social-emotional learning skills), in particular, social awareness as they learn about the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

As students become familiar with the process of PBL, at times they struggle with finding and then selecting the best resources to explore. It is also initially challenging to sort through the information and then determine how to share their learning. Students should take time to learn about and explore the 17 United Nations Global Goals and connect it with PBL and STEM learning.

Giving students the chance to learn through a STEM or STEAM curriculum, also helps students learn to experiment and better process data through authentic and unique learning experiences. Whether completing STEM challenges or learning about emerging technologies like augmented and virtual reality or artificial intelligence, students need to conduct research, experiment on their own, and process all of the information they receive. There are design challenges that we can bring into our classrooms that require students to prepare by conducting research, experimenting, evaluating, setting new goals, and processing all of the learning that happens.

Data literacy matters

As we prepare students for the future, becoming data literate helps them develop many essential 21st-century skills. Whether through PBL or STEM activities, or research done in class individually or with peers, students will develop their critical thinking and problem-solving skills, learn to communicate their ideas more effectively, and build essential SEL skills such as responsible decision-making.

About the Author:

About the Author

Rachelle Dené Poth is a Spanish and STEAM Educator at Riverview High School in Oakmont, PA. She is also an Attorney, Edtech Consultant, Speaker, and the Author of seven books about education and edtech. Rachelle is available to provide PD on Artificial Intelligence, Augmented and Virtual Reality, Coding, SEL and STEM. 

Contact Rachelle to schedule sessions for your school about Artificial Intelligence, Coding, AR/VR, and more!

Follow her on Twitter and Instagram at @Rdene915

**Interested in writing a guest blog for my site? Would love to share your ideas! Submit your post here. Looking for a new book to read? Find these available at bit.ly/Pothbooks

************ Also check out my THRIVEinEDU Podcast Here!

Join my show on THRIVEinEDU on Facebook. Join the group here

Is This For A Grade?

Rachelle Dené Poth Leave a comment

Guest post by laura steinbrink, posted in education

A NEW-OLD IDEA TO BUILD STUDENT INDEPENDENCE FROM GRADES

As a high school teacher closing in on thirty years of teaching, I have heard students daily ask “Is this for a grade?” any time we do activities in class that are on paper or digital. Of course, I want them to do the activity because I have designed it to help them master the skills our content requires, but I also don’t want to grade every single thing we do. The conditioning of our students to only do things for a reward, which includes grades, is a soapbox I will get on another time, but for now, I believe I have a solution that suits my personal beliefs on not grading everything I ask students to do, and will have students participating and engaged without asking, “Is this for a grade?”

I JUST CAN’T TAKE IT

Teachers have been using small student whiteboards in the classroom for years. In the middle of my teaching career, my dad bought a couple of shower boards from a building supply store and then cut the boards into smaller squares that were a bit bigger than a piece of paper for me. My school purchased the dry-erase markers and tiny whiteboard erasers, and I was in business. I was teaching 5 different subjects, but I really only saw use for the whiteboards in my Spanish class, where I could see if they were learning the vocabulary words, sentence structure, etc. in a quick scan of the room. As I moved to other districts and taught other things, I forgot about the whiteboards and did not consider other uses. Sometimes it is really easy to dismiss a tool from the toolbox if I have relegated it to only one use, one purpose, and then the need for that declines.

MY TEACHERS ALL GAVE UP ON ME

While actual student-sized whiteboards are still in use, some creative people (I assume a teacher or teachers) realized that sheet protectors can be used with dry-erase markers. This, I thought (and still think), is an inexpensive way to tap into the formative power of using the whiteboards in class. By now I am teaching high school English and related subjects, so I didn’t see how that tool would be useful in my toolbox. Again, I was very shortsighted. I became “tool blind,” meaning I had blinders on where this tool was concerned, so if I wasn’t teaching vocabulary or easy concepts, the tool could not work in my room. I could only see the tool used in one specific way or with one particular type of content.

The sheet protector whiteboard & felt square were provided by John in his EDI Presentation.

NO MATTER WHAT THEY SAY, I DISAGREE

In a PD recently with Dataworks Education Research, the presenter and co-founder of the company, John Hollingsworth, spent the day teaching my colleagues and me how to use his Explicit Direct Instruction (EDI) daily in the classroom. John wasn’t the only presenter there, since we were split up into smaller groups than the 100 or so educators that I work with in my high school, but he is the one who worked with my group. As we walked in, he had us grab a folder, sheet protector whiteboard, and dry-erase marker. There was a white card stock or thin cardboard sheet inserted into the sheet protector, and also inside was a small square of felt to use as an eraser. Huh. why didn’t I think to put white cardstock or cardboard inside when I first heard of people using sheet protectors to write on with students? John also mentioned that we could slide a graphic organizer or other handouts inside the sheet protectors to use in class too. That for me, was a game-changer for how I now looked at this tool.

AND WHEN I NEED SOMETHING TO SOOTHE MY SOUL

Now let’s dive into the pedagogy and grades-based thinking on using this tool. John demonstrated how to have a question for each chunk of information (one question per slide of a presentation, one question every couple minutes of a lecture, etc.) that students then write down on their whiteboards. Students could write paragraphs, sentences, one word, a multiple choice letter, or whatever you need to quickly see if your students are learning the concepts or content. Now, here’s where the beauty lies for me. If students write their quick writes, quick check responses, or complete a graphic organizer on the whiteboard, the expectation of turning it in and receiving a grade diminishes almost instantly. Now, we could keep track of who participates consistently and who doesn’t for a participation grade, but this tool may very well eliminate even that as an expectation for every activity or as a daily score. Learning for its own sake could be freed from the bonds of grading.

I LISTEN TO TOO MUCH ROCK ‘N’ ROLL

However you choose to use (or not) this tool in your teaching, it is important to help re-orient students away from believing extrinsic rewards are a requirement for learning or completing work, and get their focus back on learning for the sake of learning. Curiosity, creativity, and more rely on intrinsic motivation. When students get extrinsic motivation (rewards) for doing what they are expected to do, or for learning what we expect them to learn, it erodes their intrinsic motivation, which eats away at their creativity and curiosity. So as you build your toolbox this year, remember that new and shiny aren’t always the best choices (sometimes they are, for sure), and we can always rethink how to use our old tools in new ways to elevate student learning.

HEADINGS ARE FROM PARTIAL LYRICS FROM THE SONG FOOLS BY VAN HALEN.

About Rachelle’s blog

Follow Rachelle on Twitter @Rdene915 and on Instagram @Rdene915. Rachelle has a podcast, ThriveinEDU available at https://anchor.fm/rdene915.

Looking for PD for your school? I provide in-person and virtual training on the following topics. If you want to learn more about and explore AI and ChatGPT, contact me to schedule! Rdene915@gmail.com

**Interested in writing a guest blog or submitting a sponsored post for my site? Would love to share your ideas! Submit your post here. Looking for a new book to read? Find these available at bit.ly/Pothbooks

Navigating the Teacher Shortage: The Impact on Student Programs and the Solution for Civic Engagement

Rachelle Dené Poth Leave a comment
Blog + Social Headers (10)-1

Guest post in collaboration with @x2VOL

Civic engagement is of the utmost importance for students. Service and community engagement during formative high school years improve social-emotional growth, student outcomes, leadership skills, and more. But how are these programs being managed when educators are leaving schools in record numbers?

The current teacher shortage in the United States has far-reaching implications for education.

According to The Washington Post, the teacher shortage is impacting schools across the country. In a study done by Kansas State University, 37 states were surveyed to assess the extent of the current shortage: The teacher shortage increased by 35% in the past year alone in these states. Districts across the country are seeing teachers and other faculty leaving education citing stress, low pay, and safety concerns, among other reasons.

While classrooms are suffering due to fewer teachers and larger class sizes, how do the teacher shortages impact other student programs?

Being “Voluntold”

Because there are many vacancies in school positions, there’s a lack of staff to run student programs. Many teachers and student administrators are reporting they are being “voluntold” to take on new responsibilities. These include different clubs and organizations, service programs and requirements, work-based learning programs, and more – programs that can’t run without staff involvement.

Teachers and educators are passionate about student success and want to see their students flourish; they take on these responsibilities for the betterment of their students.

However, educators aren’t always given the proper compensation or resources to manage these additional responsibilities. These student programs are vital in student development, but what happens when they aren’t given proper attention?

Student engagement suffers without proper leadership over these programs. Community service, service learning, and work-based learning programs are important elements of a student’s education. There are a number of benefits such as:

  • Betterment of skills such as communication, teamwork, leadership, initiative, and more
  • Career discovery from experiencing new industries and positions
  • Social-emotional development and widened worldview leading to personal growth
  • Increased feelings of belonging from being engaged in one’s community

These benefits lead to well-rounded students. Students who participate in community service during their high school career learn valuable life skills that increase college acceptance, university success, job acquisition, and more.

The Solution

x2VOL Founder & CEO, Michele Pitman discussed this topic and solutions to support teachers on the ThriveInEdu Podcast with Rachelle & Mel. Check out the full podcast and discussion below.

Watch ThriveInEdu

In this podcast, Michele joins the ThriveInEdu team to share current trends in schools, why student programs are vital, and what districts can do to better support their educators.

x2VOL is a resource that steps in to make the management of these important student programs much easier, allowing educators to focus on student engagement and growth. x2VOL takes tracking and reporting for student programs online. Whether schools have a service hour requirement or a work-based learning program, x2VOL tracks hours and experiences for student programs online. Students are empowered with an activity log of their experiences and reflections and educators are relieved from the burden of managing these platforms.

Student service and WBL programs are an important piece in a young person’s education and managing these programs shouldn’t be a burden to educators.

Learn more in our one-minute demo below and reach out to our team to get started!

View x2VOL Demo

About Rachelle

Follow Rachelle on Twitter @Rdene915 and on Instagram @Rdene915. Rachelle has a podcast, ThriveinEDU available at https://anchor.fm/rdene915.

Looking for PD for your school or keynotes for your conference? I provide in-person and virtual training on the following topics. If you want to learn more about and explore AI and ChatGPT, contact me to schedule! Rdene915@gmail.com or use the Book Me form on my website.

**Interested in writing a guest blog or submitting a sponsored post for my site? Would love to share your ideas! Submit your post here. Looking for a new book to read? Find these available at bit.ly.pothbooks

Tonies Toniebox: A Game-Changer for Early Childhood Education

Rachelle Dené Poth Leave a comment

In collaboration with Drew Vernon

In a world where technology often competes with traditional learning methods, educators are always on the lookout for innovative tools that can genuinely impact children’s development. The Toniebox, a revolutionary audio device, has recently released the results of a study conducted between January and June 2023. The study explored how this creative tool can influence young learners’ comprehension, language skills, and attention.

Unlocking the Potential of the Toniebox

We should first understand what makes the Toniebox stand out. It’s an audio storytelling device that combines the magic of bedtime stories with captivating learning content. It makes it an excellent addition to the early childhood education toolkit and the best part is that kids are independent in their learning and can use it without much help at all.

A recent study

Imagine a learning tool that cultivates comprehension, language skills, and attention in young children. The recent study included 100 families from the UK and the United States, and involved children of ages 2 through 5. The research began with interviews to establish baseline measurements for each child’s development. Families were then provided with a Toniebox and bedtime Tonies, along with instructions to integrate them into their bedtime routines. After a period of 2-3 weeks, there were follow-up interviews that assessed the impact of Tonies on each child. Families were then provided with additional Tonies from the 4 Learning Centers: Discovery, Reading, Mindfulness, and Independent Play. After at least 12 weeks, there was another round of interviews which evaluated the effects of the Toniebox on children’s learning.

The Impact

1. Bedtime Routine Improvement:

– For parents who initially struggled with bedtime, using the Toniebox improved the situation for a remarkable 92% of them.

– Even if routines took longer, parents noted less resistance from their children, a welcome relief for many.

– Satisfaction scores increased significantly, from 6.6 to 7.4 out of 10, indicating happier bedtime experiences.

2. Comprehension and Language Skills:

– 60% of children’s comprehension scores increased

– Researcher-assessed comprehension levels improved by an impressive 6.3%.

– Reading comprehension scores saw a substantial increase of 12.6%.

– Verbal fluency jumped by over 10%, with 44% of children demonstrating improved verbal fluency.

– Vocabulary scores increased by 13.2%, with 66% of children scoring higher.

3. Enhanced Attention and Engagement:

– 53% of children’s general attention scores improved.

– For reading-specific attention, there was a 5.9% average increase.

– Engagement with stories increased by 7%, indicating greater interest.

Educators’ Takeaway: Tonies Toniebox

What makes the Toniebox an invaluable addition to early childhood education? It’s the perfect blend of entertainment and education. Here’s why educators should consider integrating it into their teaching strategies:

1. Promotes Literacy and Learning: The Toniebox enhances comprehension, language skills, and attention, crucial for early childhood education. The significant boost in reading comprehension is especially noteworthy.

2. Bedtime Routine Improvement: Better bedtime routines mean well-rested, alert learners in the classroom. Educators can appreciate the positive impact on children’s behavior and readiness to learn.

3. Screen-Free Learning: In a world dominated by screens, the Toniebox offers a refreshing screen-free alternative, promoting auditory learning and imaginative thinking.

4. Parent and Child Collaboration: The Toniebox encourages parent-child interaction, fostering a love for storytelling and learning from an early age.

Feedback from parents

The feedback offered by parents provides some valuable insights into the unique experiences they had with the Toniebox in their home.

1. Vocabulary Development and Screen-Free Engagement: A parent highlighted how Tonies significantly contributed to her child’s vocabulary development while serving as a screen-free alternative. The child’s enthusiasm for their Toniebox was so profound that he even listened to them for extended periods during road trips, showcasing the potential of this audio-based medium.

2. Design and Quality: Parents appreciated the figurine design of Tonies, which differentiated it from other devices. Many found Tonies ideal for storytelling, while other devices were preferred for music. The Toniebox engaged a child’s mind safely and offered high-quality manufacturing.

3. Innovative Possibilities: Parents associated reduced screen time with improved behavior in their children, emphasizing Tonies’ role in promoting a healthy balance.

The Toniebox is a valuable addition to childhood The feedback from parents underscores the versatility and potential of the Toniebox. While the study’s quantitative findings reveal its substantial impact on bedtime routines, comprehension, language skills, and attention, the individual comments paint a more comprehensive picture of its role in children’s lives. The Toniebox offers not only educational benefits but also a unique opportunity for children to engage with audio-based content in a screen-free and imaginative manner.

Toniebox is more than just a device; it’s a tool that empowers educators and parents to inspire young minds while nurturing positive habits and fostering a lifelong love for learning. As we navigate the ever-changing landscape of early education, the Toniebox supports the development of young learners in a dynamic and enriching way.

It is more than just a storytelling device; it’s a game-changer for early childhood education. Its potential to transform bedtime routines, enhance comprehension, language skills, and attention makes it a tool that educators should bring to their classroom. This innovative approach to learning is not only effective but also a whole lot of fun for young learners.

Contact Rachelle to schedule sessions for your school or keynotes for your conference about Artificial Intelligence, Coding, AR/VR, SEL, STEM and more!

Follow her on Twitter and Instagram at @Rdene915

**Interested in writing a guest blog for my site? Would love to share your ideas! Submit your post here. Looking for a new book to read? Find these available at bit.ly/Pothbooks

************ Also check out my THRIVEinEDU Podcast Here!

Join my show on THRIVEinEDU on Facebook. Join the group here

Reflecting on AI in education

Rachelle Dené Poth 1 Comment

 I have been speaking and teaching about AI in my classroom for more than five years. I was curious to understand where we see it in the world and how to teach about it in our schools. I was also fascinated by the capabilities of AI for learning and in the world. 

I reached out to several educators and some students to find out what they thought about the changes we are experiencing in education, especially with these emerging technologies. There are, of course, concerns, ongoing conversations, and definitely excitement, although sometimes hesitant excitement, about what these technologies might bring to the world of education and work. 

Educator predictions

Nicole Biscotti @BiscottiNicole, Educator 

“AI has exploded on the scene and everyone is trying to figure it out at the same time which is exciting. A lot of educators are afraid that kids will use technologies like ChatGPT to cheat and have even banned its use. The reality is that kids have been cheating since the beginning of school and we have an exciting opportunity as educators to shape the narrative around this new technology. Biscotti plans to continue to learn as much as she can about how to use AI to better support her students. She says as an educator, “I feel that I am obligated to prepare my students for their future, not my past. These tools will only improve and they are here to stay. It’s imperative that kids are familiar with them and know how to use them or we risk sending graduates out into the workforce at a competitive disadvantage.”  

Dr. Michael Harvey @doctor_harves, Pedagogical Prognosticator from Blenheim New Zealand

“AI/emerging tech has yet to really shape this past school year. Questions are being asked of what learning is and the role of assessment, but the actions to this change are yet to be realized.” He is thinking about /planning how to transition assessment tasks to a process rather than a product model. As for the future, Harvey thinks that “the next school year will bring pushback from the establishment and for those who want to progress in education a movement away from assessment of learning to assessment for learning and the role of AI to support student independence in learning.”

Alex Isaacs @mr_isaacs_math, Edtech Specialist from Long Branch Public Schools 

“Emerging tech has helped teachers gain time while assisting with lesson planning, quick questions, and providing feedback to students in real-time. It has also helped increase data analytic capabilities by providing insights into student performance trends and instructional practice.” He plans to delve more into emerging technologies and how they can benefit the teachers and students in his school district. By participating in multiple coaching cohorts, including GoGuardian and Pear Deck, he hopes to gain more insight into helping his colleagues with these platforms. As for the future, “the discussions surrounding the ethical use of emerging tech will continue next school year.” He believes that more edtech platforms will increase their integrations of AI-related tech to provide differentiated instruction and personalized pathways to every learner.” Check out his AI-themed Wakelet collection that he and colleague Lois Alston created.

Vicki Van Matre @MsVanMatreArtRm, Teacher at Bluffton High School and  ISTE Certified Instructor 

Next year, Vicki will be teaching a class called the” 3rd class” for their new Education Professions pathway. One basis for this class is introducing technology’s role in the modern classroom. She was planning on discussing AI and how it could help the teacher but also discuss how to use it appropriately as a student. Her plans focus on involving students more in learning about ChatGPT by writing a lesson for them and having them make modifications where necessary. She also wants her students to experiment with a variety of technology to see “what THEY think would work best in the classroom.”  While she uses technology in her art room, she has not yet experimented a lot with DALL E to see if I want to use AI for any of my art classes. However, she believes that if she does choose to use it, most likely it would be with the senior independent study students to have them experiment with it. 

Student reflections

Holden, grade 10

“As soon as I was introduced to AI, I knew that it would change the world. The more I interacted with it, the more I understood its vast potential.” He shared that he “may or may not have used it to complete a few small assignments (Never in Spanish).” His uses were more as a study tool, in particular for reviewing for Chemistry. He would ask it to give a simple definition and an example and it worked perfectly to help him process the information and content better. He believes that “AI by itself is mediocre at best. However, when collaborating with humans, it can do amazing things.” As for benefits, he has an interest in starting an online store but has never really had the time and he hopes that with the help of AI to get a jumpstart this summer. “The school will look right through all the great things that AI is capable of and try to prevent it from being used completely.”

Lola, grade 11

“I believe that emerging technology has provided and created new opportunities for students. The new ideas and aspects of technology accessible to students now provide new experiences and can help to improve a student’s capabilities and knowledge about the subject they are studying.” Looking ahead, “I believe that by next school year, technology will continue to grow and emerge in new ways that will allow students to continue to have opportunities that will enhance their learning environment.”

Dimitri, grade 8

“AI and a lot of new tech has helped me with coming up with ideas for projects or providing me with a summary of a book, if I forgot something that I had read or I didn’t understand it.” As for the next school year, “I hope we will be allowed to use ChatGPT in class to help us understand books and literature more.”

With the rapid advancements in AI and emerging technologies, there are now incredible opportunities available to us and as we reflect on the past year, it becomes evident that AI and emerging tech have revolutionized education in ways we never imagined.

About Rachelle

Follow Rachelle on Twitter @Rdene915 and on Instagram @Rdene915. Rachelle has a podcast, ThriveinEDU available at https://anchor.fm/rdene915.

Looking for PD for your school? I provide in-person and virtual training on the following topics. If you want to learn more about and explore AI and ChatGPT, contact me to schedule! Rdene915@gmail.com

**Interested in writing a guest blog or submitting a sponsored post for my site? Would love to share your ideas! Submit your post here. Looking for a new book to read? Find these available at bit.ly/Pothbooks

Addressing Teacher Shortages: The Role of Substitute Teachers and Swing Education

Rachelle Dené Poth Leave a comment

In Collaboration with Swing Education

Over the past few years, teacher shortages have become a challenge in schools across the United States. There has been a shortage in filling full-time teaching positions as well as finding substitute teachers to fill in on a day-to-day basis. The shortages add to the pressure on all teachers as they take on additional responsibilities to cover classes and other duties. As a result, teachers lose time that can be spent working with students and also valuable planning time.

Earlier this year, I learned about Swing Education, which is a centralized platform that connects substitute teachers with schools and school districts. They serve as a recruiter of substitute teachers in support of school districts. Swing Education helps schools to streamline the process of hiring, expanding their pool of substitute teachers, easing payroll and onboarding. Swing’s value for substitute teachers is that they have more jobs to choose from because Swing lists all the openings in their area. They also get paid each week (instead of each month) and becoming a sub is much faster because Swing helps with onboarding. I had the opportunity to speak with Mike Teng, Co-Founder of Swing Education and enjoyed the conversation and also gained insight into how large of a problem schools in the United States are facing.

The teacher shortage is affecting schools in every state. According to a report by the nonprofit Learning Policy Institute, there is currently a shortage of approximately 314,000 teachers in the U.S. school system. That means they need subs, but when there aren’t enough, it negatively impacts the learning experience for students and can also lead to teacher burnout. Substitute teachers play a vital role in addressing teacher shortages. They can step in when full-time teachers are absent, ensuring that students receive consistent instruction. Furthermore, substitute teachers can also bring fresh perspectives and diverse experiences to the classroom, enriching students’ learning experiences. I have experienced this in my own classroom when I needed a substitute teacher.

Swing Education’s Initiative

Swing Education launched a campaign to recruit substitute teachers throughout California and in Texas, in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. These are the areas of biggest need at this exact moment for the Swing schools. However, schools all over the nation are facing a shortage, and substitute teachers are needed everywhere. Because Swing Education has a centralized platform, it is easier for schools to find and manage substitutes. The platform handles recruiting, onboarding, and payroll, giving schools more control over their substitute pool. Substitute teachers can find teaching assignments that fit their schedules and have the resources they need to be classroom-ready from day one.

The Benefits of Swing Education

The Swing Education platform offers numerous benefits, such as:

Streamlined Recruitment: Swing simplifies the recruitment process, making it easier for schools to find qualified substitutes quickly.

Improved Management: Schools can efficiently manage their substitute pool, ensuring they have adequate coverage for teacher vacancies.

Support for Substitutes: Substitutes have access to resources via the Swing Education site to help them get started.

Community Engagement: Swing encourages college students, prospective teachers, retirees, and others to sign up as substitutes, fostering community involvement.

Recruiting substitute teachers not only helps with immediate staffing needs but also helps to bring in opportunities for people who may not have considered teaching. There are substitute teachers that are college students, prospective teachers, or even retirees who decide to pursue teaching as a long-term career after having some experience in classrooms. By actively recruiting and supporting substitutes, schools can bring in prospective future educators and work toward eliminating or at least, reducing the teacher shortage crisis.

Swing Education’s initiative to recruit substitute teachers is a significant step toward addressing this challenge. By leveraging platforms like Swing, schools can ensure that classrooms are adequately staffed, and students continue to receive quality instruction. Furthermore, by the support offered for substitute teachers, schools can contribute to building a stronger and more sustainable teaching workforce for the future. Click here to learn how to become a sub. For schools and districts, click here to learn more about Swing.

About Rachelle

Follow Rachelle on Twitter @Rdene915 and on Instagram @Rdene915. Rachelle has a podcast, ThriveinEDU available at https://anchor.fm/rdene915.

Looking for PD for your school? I provide in-person and virtual training on the following topics. If you want to learn more about and explore AI and ChatGPT, contact me to schedule! Rdene915@gmail.com

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