Faster than you’ll be cussing about filing – and paying! – your taxes this weekend, here are this week’s best stories from Tech & Learning, all at absolutely no cost! (And no receipts needed!)
- Microsoft Copilot: How To Use It To Teach - Another day, another cool AI tool to add to your teaching toolbox! Now we just need an AI tool to show us how to use all the other AI tools. Or do we need to train an AI tool to show us how to use all the other AI tools? Sorry, I’m still trying to keep up with it all too! (Side note: I feel bad for folks named AL who now constantly see "AI" headlines and it's not about them. Or is that just weird to me?)
- UN Research Sheds Light On AI Bias - Despite the artificial intelligence involved, large language models are created by humans, and such, exhibit a strong tendency to reinforce gender stereotypes for men and women, as well as a race-based biases, says Leona Verdadero, a UNESCO specialist in digital policies. The always unbiased Erik Ofgang sheds light on what educators need to know.
- Building An AI-Friendly Infrastructure in Schools - “Any AI system is only as good as the fundamental technology that supports it,” writes IT Pro Features and Multimedia Editor Rory Bathgate, who offers terrific practical advice on the nuts, bolts, and other hardware to create a proper support system.
- gotFeedback: How To Use It To Teach - Feedback is critical to improve writing so having an AI-powered tool to help assess work can be helpful for anyone, including me! Just tested today’s newsletter in gotFeedback, and it said: “Overall, your writing has a conversational and engaging tone, which is great for capturing the reader's attention. However, there are a few areas where you can improve the narrative structure and make the transitions smoother and more effective.” And then it provided some constructive advice! All of which is reassuring as “engaging” is the mission here. (Plus I actually get paid to do this, so it better be closer to “great!”)
- Best Free Formative Assessment Tools for Teachers - Speaking of testing, having the right tool for any job is critical. Here are some free ones to help assess students and better personalize learning.
- Bringing AI, STEM and Robots To American Samoa - As part of Tech & Learning’s global domination plan … err, plan to cover global education stories (yeah, that's the ticket!), here’s how educators in American Samoa are integrating digital tools, robots, and other tech into curricula.
- Making Professional “Me” Time For Innovation, Deep Thinking, and Personal Development - We all know that those working in education are constantly under pressure. (Congrats, you just unlocked this week’s earworm. You’re welcome!) Beverly Miller, CTO of Greeneville City Schools, explains how it’s critical to find margin – aka, breathing room in the day and in life – for professional learning, deep thinking, and innovation.
Okay, I’m going to give myself one more chance now. Enjoy the weekend ahead!
