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Articles by Miguel Guhlin
Exploring AI Powered Newsletters
At an upcoming TCEA Lunch and Learn, I’ll be walking through creation of AI-powered newsletters. This is really a 30-minute webinar on creating newsletters from links you provide. You can use an existing set of custom instructions, then fine-tune them for a Google Gemini Gem, BoodleBox Unlimited Bot, ChatGPT Custom GPT, or Claude Project. In this way, you get consistent look-n-feel to your newsletters without all the hard work of coding in HTML or whatever.
Ed Tech Negative Impact for Youngsters
Do you change your mind in the face of fresh evidence? I’d like to say I do, but more often than not, it’s easier to ignore new evidence than try to discard old ideas and work on a new hypothesis for how things work. Still, it is the only sensible approach, no matter how painful. That’s why the research on educational technology gets ignored…it’s easier to keep believing that putting technology in the hands of every child will magically result in learning. Or that their futures will be assured.
Creating a Github-Based Webpage with AI
Preparing for a workshop the first weekend in December, I asked myself, “Wouldn’t it be cool to have an online assessment for Gen AI fluency but for a specific group?” I’d seen a presentation from Section, where they shared . As you might guess, I wasn’t the only one inspired to modify the AI fluency assessment (given that it’s so simple, not valid or reliable, more of a gut check) Zapier had crafted.
Harnessing Visual Learning with Free Tools – TCEA TechNotes Blog
631 Are you spending hours lining up ovals and squares in your favorite graphic organizer program? My routine involves crafting a first draft of my great ideas in concept maps that span pages. Then, I refine them into concept maps to share with others. Visual learning facilitates comprehension for those who struggle with abstract concepts. Working through an academic text, I often make a concept map.
Harnessing Visual Learning with Free Tools – TCEA TechNotes Blog
1.2K Are you spending hours lining up ovals and squares in your favorite graphic organizer program? My routine involves crafting a first draft of my great ideas in concept maps that span pages. Then, I refine them into concept maps to share with others. Visual learning facilitates comprehension for those who struggle with abstract concepts. Working through an academic text, I often make a concept map.
Kiwix: Offline Learning for K12 – TCEA TechNotes Blog
295 When my WiFi network died, I sat there staring at my laptop screen. It still had power but I wondered, “How will I get by without all the information on the Web?” Obviously, it’s a problem that can be solved in many ways. One approach is to make a copy of critical documents and resources. What could be more critical than free, educational materials like Wikipedia, Wikiversity, and other great resources available at no cost?
Coaching Strategies, Part Two – TCEA TechNotes Blog
103 How can instructional coaches facilitate custom professional learning experiences for those they serve? In this blog entry, you will see some additional coaching strategies. Personalized learning is a buzzword, but seldom applied to coaching educators. In this second installment, you will see three additional coaching strategies that resulted from a TCEA Convention session panel. Click here to read part one.
Coaching Strategies, Part One – TCEA TechNotes Blog
118 Innovative coaching strategies are emerging, offering fresh ways to support teacher learning, foster collaboration, and promote impactful instructional practices. If you need to switch up professional development, give these strategies a try. They can assist you in setting your team up for a culture of continuous learning. In this blog, you will see the first three of several cutting-edge strategies.
A New Course: The Three Dimensions of the Science TEKS! – TCEA TechNotes Blog
246 Are you ready to take your science instruction to the next level? The Science Teachers Association of Texas (STAT) and TCEA are excited to introduce a brand-new course. The course is “The Three Dimensions of the Science TEKS.“ Dr. Victor Sampson designed this course for STAT and TCEA to help you gain a deep understanding of the three-dimensional approach to science instruction.
Proactive Strategies for Calm Classrooms – TCEA TechNotes Blog
157 A 2023 ERIC study found that 72% of teachers report spending more time managing behavior than teaching (source). As classroom disruptions rise, what are research-backed approaches that tackle the root causes of poor behavior? In this blog entry, you will find some strategies that introduce, as well as revisit, proactive strategies you can take to create calm classrooms and regain a sense of peace during your lessons.
Perfecting Persuasive Writing with the PRISM Framework – TCEA TechNotes Blog
262 “Good writing is clear thinking made visible.” This oft-repeated statement haunts me every day as I try to organize my ideas in outlines and writing. It focuses all of us on the necessity of teaching students how to organize their thoughts for communication. In this blog, I share another way you can use the PRISM Framework to support writing and critical thinking for persuasive communication. The PRISM Framework offers a structured approach to critical thinking and problem-solving.
Support Relational Thinking with Research-Based Strategies – TCEA TechNotes Blog
197 “I don’t get it!” This common classroom refrain highlights a frequent struggle. Students memorize facts but miss connections. They see pieces but not the whole picture. It’s easy to experience a fragmented view of what’s happening around us. This leads to frustration and disinterest, making it hard to use what we know. It’s easy to get trapped, recognizing individual puzzle pieces but unable to put a complete picture together.
Tackle Word Problems in STRIDE – TCEA TechNotes Blog
1.1K “Math is my worst subject,” I often thought growing up. Never was this fact more evident than when my teacher presented me with a word problem. My mother, a veteran middle school math teacher, worked math problems and read Algebra textbooks the way I do books on writing. But the calculus of word problems continued to escape me even into college. It’s no surprise that word problems intimidate. Having a framework to build problem-solving mastery may make the difference for students like me.
Tackle Word Problems in STRIDE – TCEA TechNotes Blog
123 “Math is my worst subject,” I often thought growing up. Never was this fact more evident than when my teacher presented me with a word problem. My mother, a veteran middle school math teacher, worked math problems and read Algebra textbooks the way I do books on writing. But the calculus of word problems continued to escape me even into college. It’s no surprise that word problems intimidate. Having a framework to build problem-solving mastery may make the difference for students like me.
Embedding Interactive Lessons with Desmos and PhET in Quizizz – TCEA TechNotes Blog
71 Want to manipulate variables in a simulation so your students can answer questions? Blend Desmos and PhET in Quizizz to change how you make abstract concepts tangible. Let’s see how to do that. When learning math, I often wondered how to get my hands on it. Absent manipulatives, you had to settle for understanding abstract concepts. For many students learning math and science concepts, not much has changed. They are still conceptual, ideas in one’s mind.
Padlet's AI Tools Supercharge Digital Collaboration – TCEA TechNotes Blog
509 Creating engaging digital spaces where students can work well together can be hard. Recently, I was impressed to discover Padlet’s AI Tools, new features designed to assist teachers. And, there’s an exciting new addition introduced at the end, the Padlet Teaching Assistant (TA). Let’s jump in. Padlet has introduced several AI-powered capabilities. These are designed to make its collaborative platform even better.
Igniting Minds: The PRISM Framework for ELLs – TCEA TechNotes Blog
276 The PRISM framework offers a powerful and practical approach to supporting English Language Learners (ELLs). It assists you by facilitating simple to complex thinking through the use of meaningful learning experiences.
Got GRITS? A Coaching Strategy for Lesson Study Groups – TCEA TechNotes Blog
443 Understanding fractions—especially adding and subtracting with unlike denominators—can be a major hurdle for fifth-grade students. Many struggle with conceptualizing the process beyond rote memorization. To address this, a structured lesson study approach can be highly effective. The GRITS Model (Goal Setting, Research, Implementation, Team Analysis, and Strengthening) provides a roadmap for refining instruction and ensuring deeper student comprehension.
Revolutionizing Rubric Creation with AI – TCEA TechNotes Blog
603 Have you ever tried designing a rubric? It takes time and effort to align the rubric and to be consistent about the work. It’s enough to make you want to put that task aside for another day. But now you don’t have to! Now, you can easily design rubrics with your powerful AI assistant. In this blog entry, you’ll learn to make rubrics that save time, meet standards, and adapt to every classroom. AI changes the game.
SIFTing Through the Noise with Skilled Curiosity – TCEA TechNotes Blog
373 “The illiterate of the 21st century will not be those who cannot read and write, but those who cannot learn, unlearn, and relearn.” – Alvin Toffler This quote sets quite the stage, doesn’t it? So how can we deal with the current 24/7 information flood? Blend SIFT into your middle and high school student-oriented lessons. Let’s take a look at how to begin! In the KirschnerED’s Science of Teaching Critical Thinking, Professor of Psychology Daniel T.
Quadrant Outlining: Simplify Learning and Writing – TCEA TechNotes Blog
219 When reading an academic text, have you ever felt the way Mateo does in the vignette below? Mrs. Carter watched Mateo erase his work, rubbing the eraser across the page with frustration. She knew that feeling. A jumble of idea with no way to start except to plunge in. “I don’t know where to start,” he muttered. She pulled a fresh sheet. “I used to feel the same way,” she said, sketching four boxes. “Main idea, details, connections, summary. One box at a time.” Mateo tapped his pencil.
Differentiated Learning Powered by AI – TCEA TechNotes Blog
388 Every student learns differently. So, then, how can educators better meet the needs of diverse learners? How can I, as an educator, leverage my awareness of teaching, pedagogy, and how students in my classroom learn to craft engaging learning for students? One approach may be to enlist the assistance of Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI), which can assist you in differentiating instruction. Read on to discover how AI-powered differentiated learning can transform your classroom.
Scaffolded Learning with Concept Mapping – TCEA TechNotes Blog
109 “Why don’t you make a concept map of what you’re reading?” I asked my thirteen-year-old daughter as she groaned about a homework assignment upstairs. She looked at me, confused. “I don’t know how.” I was stunned. How could a high school student not know how to create a concept map? For years, I’ve relied on concept maps to organize key ideas and supporting details in a way that makes sense to me. But at that moment, I realized she had never been taught this simple yet powerful strategy.
Exploring Ollama and Msty
A chunk of my evening was spent exploring two tools, Ollama and Msty. The first is a text only local AI running on my machine. Msty reminded me a lot of LM Studio and Sanctum. Except that Msty made it possible to set up a knowledge stack that the chatbot could access when responding to prompts. Who started me down this path?
Spectrum of History Learning with the PRISM Framework – TCEA TechNotes Blog
1K What if middle school students could analyze history as interconnected ideas, not just facts? Social Studies offers the ideal platform for critical thinking. The PRISM Framework moves students beyond memorization, engaging them in patterns, connections, and multiple viewpoints. It helps them see how past events connect to the present and future. Analyzing history as interconnected idea can heighten critical thinking. Some other frameworks to consider include the .
Spectrum of History Learning with the PRISM Framework – TCEA TechNotes Blog
226 What if middle school students could analyze history as interconnected ideas, not just facts? Social Studies offers the ideal platform for critical thinking. The PRISM Framework moves students beyond memorization, engaging them in patterns, connections, and multiple viewpoints. It helps them see how past events connect to the present and future. Analyzing history as interconnected idea can heighten critical thinking. Some other frameworks to consider include the .
Seven Strategies for Data Privacy Day – TCEA TechNotes Blog
398 Safeguarding sensitive student data was easy pre-technology. I had to drop a file folder in a desk drawer, not forget to lock it, and that was it. Today, safeguarding sensitive data is a multi-million dollar business that still manages to fall short. Back then, protecting data was the job of a few dedicated professionals. Now, it’s a global effort—governments, non-profits, companies, and people like us. Data Privacy Day, on January 28, calls us to protect personal data.
Seven Strategies to Make K-12 Vocabulary Lessons Unforgettable – TCEA TechNotes Blog
176 As a Gen Xer, I grew up studying vocabulary words for every subject. From reciting vocabulary for spelling and meaning, I spent my share of time cramming vocabulary and concepts. Cramming doesn’t work well, as you’ll see below. Students cram for vocabulary quizzes and forget the words in days. It’s a common struggle. But what if lessons could leave words etched in their minds? In this blog, you will explore seven strategies to assist you in making your K-12 vocabulary lessons unforgettable.
AI and SOLO Taxonomy: A Path to Deeper Learning – TCEA TechNotes Blog
109 The debate over AI in education centers on its impact on learning. Critics say tools like ChatGPT may tempt students to skip the struggle, weakening their critical thinking. Some call for stronger AI literacy to curb overreliance and cheating. An approach suggested itself to me while I discussed this with my colleague, Diana Benner. But what if we approached this issue from a different angle?
Video Magic: Transforming Videos Into Lessons – TCEA TechNotes Blog
282 In today’s digital classroom, every recorded lesson can become a goldmine of learning resources. This practical guide shows you how to transform your classroom videos into powerful teaching tools that engage students across multiple platforms and learning styles. Whether you’re teaching kindergarten or college, these simple steps will help you create accessible, reusable content that maximizes your teaching impact.
PRISM: Support Student Thinking – TCEA TechNotes Blog
433 Thinking in new ways can be difficult, and scaffolding the critical thinking support that leads moves from unistructural to extended abstract (a la SOLO Taxonomy) can be even tougher. In this blog entry, you will see how to use the PRISM Framework to support student thinking. You will also get an idea for a “Water Cycle Story Bin,” which you may recall from previous blog entries on story bins. This is part two of the PRISM Framework series.
Simplify iPad File Transfers – TCEA TechNotes Blog
384 Have you spent hours making a wonderful video on your iPad, then wondered how to get it to your computer to share? Or maybe, how to share a file you made on your computer with a class of students directly to their devices? As an educator, I’ve dealt with this challenge myself many times. I still recall when one teacher found herself struggling to move a recorded student interview video to her Windows computer from her iPad. The ability to share files between devices is crucial.
Interactive Fiction Game Design with Claude Artifacts – TCEA TechNotes Blog
716 Ever wish you could design interactive fiction games, like text-based Zork from back in the day combined with something like space opera? I sure do. And the good news is that making the game of my dreams is now possible (and simple!) through the use of AI. I bet your students would even love the opportunity to experience game design with Claude Artifacts, too! “My query to ChatGPT was this: Create a choose-your-own-ending game that uses Haiku as the central text.
Teach Critical Thinking with These Action Writing Strategies: Part One – TCEA TechNotes Blog
1K AI-powered writing threatens the status quo of classrooms. And while AI literacy supersedes digital literacy, teachers and students are scrambling to learn how to use AI the right way, leaving writing teachers in despair. In fact, many educators believe that AI is short-circuiting writing exercises intended to teach critical thinking.
Visual Literacy Boost with Adobe Express
476 What will you create today? It’s the question that greets anyone visiting the Adobe Express website. A more important question may be, how are you teaching students to interpret, create, and use visual content for communication and learning? In this blog entry, you will get some suggestions on how to accomplish that with Adobe Express. What is Adobe Express? It is a free tool that offers powerful image editing tools. Educators can use them to make content that models visual literacy.
How AI Boosts Learning
290 How can you design learning experiences for students that resonate with them? You offer different ways for students to understand information and show they have learned it. You also design lessons to be interesting and motivating for all students. Doing that can be tough, which is why AI chatbots can be such an aid. Let’s take a look at how AI boosts learning. Universal Design for Learning (UDL) offers three principles for learning design. Those include: Multiple means of representation.
Get CLEARER with Digital Text Analysis
495 While cruising Facebook groups earlier this month, I ran across this question. Having never heard of one of the acronyms, PEARL, I was curious to learn more about it. These days, acronyms are a dime a dozen. But this question resulted in some conversations among the Facebook group: “Most of our middle and high schools (I’m a curriculum specialist) have all their students write PEARL paragraphs regularly. I’m trying to explain how writing in science is different than in ELA.
Supercharge Your Tech Plans with the AI Plan Analyzer
135 In the ever-evolving world of technology, having a robust and comprehensive plan is crucial for organizations of all sizes. But how can you ensure your technology plans are up to par? Enter the AI-Powered Plan Analyzer, a cutting-edge tool designed to revolutionize the way we assess and improve our technology strategies. While it can’t dig a trench, run fiber, or set up a printer, it can free up some time for you to knock out those other .
SIOP Model and Digital Tools
173 How do you integrate language and content instruction? One established approach is the Sheltered Instruction Observation Protocol (SIOP) model. Let’s see how SIOP phases align with different learning intentions and instructional strategies and discover digital tools to support your teaching. Let’s take a moment to review key areas of the SIOP model. The authors (Echevarria, Vogt, Short) designed it to support English language learners (ELLs). The SIOP model has eight inter-related components.
Discover TeachAid
123 Schools and districts are facing an onslaught of AI tools, each offering to solve a problem in K-12 schools. There’s no shortage of solutions. The question is, then, “Which tool will deliver on what educators need?” Enter TeachAid, an innovative AI tool that offers several positives for educators exploring their AI options. Before exploring TeachAid’s features, let’s take a moment to assess it using the TCEA PROTECT rubric. PROTECT analyzes the terms of service and privacy policy.
AI Image Generation in Education
190 Finding the right image for the job can be tough for any project. That’s where AI image generation comes in handy. When you are on an education budget, that means that you are limited to what’s available for free. Today, there are a variety of amazing AI-powered image sites that will take your breath away. Let’s take a look at some of them. But before jumping into those, let’s explore instructional activities that merit amazing images. Planning on engaging students with digital storytelling?
Citing AI Insights: Five Approaches to Try
171 Wondering about citing AI insights? Citing your work is important. Doing so ensures transparency. It says, “Not only did I get inspired by this amazing idea, I know who or what inspired me.” Let’s take a moment to explore how to best cite everyone’s newest friends for inspiring ideas. At the end, you’ll find a short guide for citing AI generated images, too. Citing AI is new. It matters. When you cite, you’re honest. You say, “This idea came from somewhere.
Using AI to Create Quizzes for Videos
171 “I want to create a quiz for a video using AI or something. How do I do that?” That question comes up from time to time. Luckily, there are several free tools you can take advantage of. Most of those tools are for YouTube, but what about other video sources, such as Vimeo? In this blog entry, I’ll share a roundup of solutions you can use for different video sources. I’ll also share a process you can use with any video, no matter the source.
Using AI to Create Quizzes for Videos – TCEA TechNotes Blog
3.1K “I want to create a quiz for a video using AI or something. How do I do that?” That question comes up from time to time. Luckily, there are several free tools you can take advantage of. Most of those tools are for YouTube, but what about other video sources, such as Vimeo? In this blog entry, I’ll share a roundup of solutions you can use for different video sources. I’ll also share a process you can use with any video, no matter the source.
Critical Thinking for Leaders and Educators: An AI Framework
265 Critical thinking frameworks and AI prompts: How do they mix? I’ve wrestled with this question. I know I’m thinking critically when I craft prompts, but the process eludes me. What if AI could map my thought process, label it, and fill in the blanks? That’s the challenge I tackled… And I found digital gold. In this post, you’ll discover a battle-tested critical thinking framework.
SHINE: Lighting the Way to Responsible AI Adoption
1.5K Many tech directors fear an influx of popular digital tools due to network security risks and potential crashes. Even known technologies, when updated or hacked, can cause chaos. Recent examples include Crowdstrike’s update that crashed computers and grounded airlines. Controversies in reading and math instruction also highlight the need for caution. Schools must check effectiveness before deploying a new digital tool. The SHINE acronym can help with this evaluation process.
Responsible AI Adoption: An Organizational Self-Assessment
207 How do you bring about change regarding AI adoption in your school or district? Change management is a massive job that can easily fail due to many factors. Let’s explore how to shift from one phase of District AI Adoption to another, identifying indicators for each phase of progress. You will also get access to a self-assessment you can take that provides specific feedback. In a previous blog entry, Responsible AI Adoption, I shared a five AI Adoption phases school districts go through.
Storynest.ai: Reshaping Storytelling in Three Quick Ways
2.3K Looking for a fun way to change how you approach storytelling? Storynest.ai may be the tool you need. It can help you put together new narratives. Let’s explore three ways Storynest.ai reshapes storytelling. You will also get some ideas on how you might use it in the classroom. Storynest.ai offers three AI models designed to assist you in storywriting: Wordweaver for quick creation, Talesmith for balanced speed and quality, and Storymaster for high-level detail.
Leveraging AI for Efficient Lesson Planning: The PLAN Approach
487 Looking forward to writing a lesson plan? Or crafting a long email to parents about a delicate issue? Required to create something that aligns to existing policy documents? If these tasks give you pause, you will appreciate AI collections. AI collections, also known as Claude’s Projects or Custom GPTs, offer advantages on intimidating projects such as these. Let’s examine these benefits and walk through the PLAN approach, which will help you become more efficient and effective when leveraging AI.
Responsible AI Adoption
2.6K While attending a start-of-the-year school district event, it became apparent to me that many districts are at different places in a journey towards adopting AI in schools. The fundamental question for them is, “How can we as educators responsibly harness the power of AI while safeguarding student interests?” As artificial intelligence (AI) reshapes how schools work — and leaders lead — schools face the challenge of effective, ethical integration of AI in academic settings.
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