One-Sentence Summary: Explore how AI-powered tools can bring creativity, engagement, and efficiency to classrooms at every grade level, transforming traditional teaching into an interactive, student-centered experience. Welcome to the AI playground, where tech meets teaching to create dynamic, personalized, and interactive learning experiences! In today’s digital era, AI tools are reshaping the educational landscape, offering teachers powerful ways to enhance engagement, streamline tasks, and empower students. From OtterAI’s real-time transcriptions to Curipod’s interactive presentations, these resources make it easy to add a splash of innovation to lesson plans. Each tool provides a unique way to support students across different grade levels, encouraging active participation and self-directed learning. Let’s dive into the possibilities these AI tools bring to the classroom, sparking creativity and curiosity for both teachers and students. OtterAI OtterAI is a tool that provides real-time transcription, allowing users to capture spoken words as text, perfect for lectures, discussions, and note-taking. Elementary : Teachers use OtterAI to record storytime or discussions so students can follow along with printed text, or capture classroom instructions for review. Middle School : Students use OtterAI during group projects to transcribe discussions and organize their ideas into written notes. High School : OtterAI helps students capture lectures or presentations, making it easy to review and summarize key points for studying. Parlay Genie Parlay Genie generates thought-provoking discussion prompts and questions, ideal for encouraging critical thinking and in-depth discussions. Elementary : Teachers use Parlay Genie to create simple, open-ended questions that help young students practice sharing their opinions and listening to others. Middle School : Students participate in guided class discussions using prompts from Parlay Genie, enhancing their ability to form and support arguments. High School : Parlay Genie facilitates advanced debates or Socratic seminars on complex issues, promoting critical thinking and analysis. SchoolAI SchoolAI is an educational assistant that supports teachers with tasks like lesson planning, grading, and creating personalized learning activities. Elementary : Teachers use SchoolAI to create simple, engaging worksheets and interactive activities tailored to young learners’ interests. Middle School : SchoolAI assists teachers in designing scaffolded assignments and quick assessments, helping meet various student needs. High School : Educators can use SchoolAI to generate in-depth discussion prompts, grading rubrics, and differentiated assignments for diverse learners. Perplexity Perplexity is an AI-powered research assistant that provides accurate, concise answers to questions, ideal for quick information gathering. Elementary : Teachers use Perplexity to answer students' “why” or “how” questions during lessons, providing quick facts in student-friendly language. Middle School : Students use Perplexity for guided research on projects, enabling them to find reliable information quickly. High School : Perplexity helps students dive into complex topics, offering concise summaries and sources they can explore further for research papers. Curipod Curipod is an interactive tool for creating engaging, multimedia presentations and quizzes that enhance student participation. Elementary : Teachers use Curipod to create interactive lessons with fun quizzes and drawing prompts to keep younger students engaged. Middle School : Curipod enables teachers to design dynamic review sessions with polls and quizzes, helping students prepare for tests in an engaging way. High School : High school students use Curipod to create multimedia presentations for projects, integrating videos, polls, and graphics to present their ideas creatively. Snorkl Snorkl provides high-quality AI feedback on students’ verbal and visual explanations, helping them refine and communicate their understanding. Elementary : Students use Snorkl to receive feedback on simple verbal explanations, like describing a favorite animal or telling a short story. Middle School : Snorkl gives students feedback on presentations or science explanations, helping them clarify and strengthen their arguments. High School : High schoolers use Snorkl to get feedback on complex visual or oral explanations, such as analyzing historical events or presenting science project results, allowing them to enhance clarity and depth. Some More Good Ones MagicSchool AI Quizlet Quizizz Diffit Grammarly Duolingo Socratic ChatGPT Quick, Draw! Semantris AI-powered tools are transforming classrooms into vibrant, engaging spaces where students can take charge of their learning journey. By using tech to reduce administrative tasks and personalize instruction, educators can focus more on building meaningful relationships and facilitating growth. Whether it’s through AI-driven feedback, interactive quizzes, or real-time transcription, these tools give students more freedom to explore, create, and connect with their education in meaningful ways. Ready to bring the excitement of the AI playground into your classroom and watch your students thrive?

One Sentence Summary: Catlin Tucker advocates for transforming education by empowering students to lead their learning, integrating technology to create engaging and personalized experiences that mirror the dynamic nature of the digital world. Imagine a classroom where students aren’t just sitting and listening—they’re actively participating, driving their learning experience. In her talk, Catlin Tucker draws from her deep experience as an educator and a parent to highlight the growing gap between students' digital lives outside the classroom and the outdated, rigid models of traditional schooling. In the digital world, students have control over what they consume and how they engage, but in school, they are often relegated to passive roles. Tucker shares a personal story of loss and rebuilding after a devastating fire destroyed her home, showing how relying on community made her stronger. This powerful lesson also applies to education: teachers don’t need to bear the burden of learning alone. Instead, by giving students more ownership, we can encourage effective, equitable classrooms. Tucker challenges educators to step back and allow students to take charge of their learning, leveraging technology to enhance, not replace, human connection. Her vision for education is one where teachers act as facilitators, helping students build critical skills like goal-setting and self-assessment. Tucker believes that if we embrace this shift, we’ll not only re-energize teachers but also prepare students for a rapidly changing world. The Disconnect Between School and Life Today's students live in a world where they control much of their experience through technology, but traditional classrooms haven’t kept up, forcing them into passive roles. Practical Application:  Use technology to create personalized learning pathways, allowing students to select the methods and tools that resonate with them for skill-building and concept mastery. Let students choose whether they want to complete their work using Google Docs or paper and pencil. The Why:  Research shows that student autonomy increases both motivation and engagement, resulting in improved learning outcomes. Personalizing the learning journey helps students connect their in-school experiences with their outside interests. Practical Application:  Host student-led tech showcases where students present how they apply technology outside of school—whether through coding, video editing, or digital art—to solve real-world problems or fuel their passions. The Why:  Bridging the gap between classroom learning and students’ real-world digital lives increases relevance, which deepens engagement and inspires a higher level of investment in their education. Teachers Don’t Have to Do It All The overwhelming expectation that teachers should manage every aspect of student learning has led to burnout and exhaustion. Practical Application:  Gradually shift control to students by incorporating tasks like self-assessment and setting learning goals. Empower them to take more responsibility for their academic progress. Ask students what methods may work best for them. For example, you could ask, "In the next unit, you need to explain the behavior of seismic waves. What are some ways you can demonstrate your learning?” The Why:  Studies show that students who take ownership of their learning become more independent, critical thinkers—skills that are essential for success beyond the classroom. Practical Application:  Implement weekly student-led "learning conferences" where students present their progress to peers, reflecting on their own work and self-directed projects. The Why:  Student-led conferences help students develop autonomy and confidence in their learning abilities, while reducing the workload for teachers and fostering a culture of peer accountability. Partnering with Technology Technology can free teachers from administrative burdens, allowing them to dedicate more time to meaningful student interactions and personalized instruction. Practical Application:  Utilize tech tools to streamline content delivery and administrative tasks, creating more opportunities for teachers to engage with students on a deeper level. Platforms like Google Classroom and SeeSaw can be helpful, or try user-friendly AI tools like Curipod, which assist educators in creating lessons. The Why:  Blended learning environments that balance technology with human connection foster higher levels of student satisfaction and academic achievement, enabling teachers to focus on student needs rather than paperwork. Practical Application:  Incorporate AI-driven platforms like Snorkl to provide real-time feedback on assignments. This helps students improve immediately while freeing teachers to focus on individualized instruction. The Why:  Timely, automated feedback allows students to make corrections and improvements instantly, personalizing the learning experience while reducing the strain on teachers to provide immediate responses to every student. Releasing Control to Build Student Ownership Educators may feel hesitant to give up control, but allowing students to take charge of their learning fosters resilience and essential life skills. Practical Application:  Design project-based learning experiences where students are responsible for their outcomes, giving them the space to manage their learning journey. Check out more PBL resources here . The Why:  When students take responsibility for their learning, they develop critical problem-solving, time management, and self-regulation skills that prepare them for real-world challenges. Practical Application:  Organize a "Student-Choice Week," where students design their own learning schedules, select subjects to focus on, and reflect on their choices and performance afterward. For more insights on student choice, explore the article Student Voice & Choice in Modern Pedagogy . The Why:  Giving students control over their learning promotes decision-making and self-discipline, crucial for long-term academic and personal success, while building confidence in their abilities to manage their own education. School Leadership’s Role in Supporting Change Leaders play a crucial role in encouraging teachers to embrace flexible, student-centered instructional shifts that can reshape the classroom experience. Practical Application:  School leaders should provide professional development opportunities that encourage student-led approaches and innovation in the classroom, empowering educators to make meaningful changes. The book UDL Playbook for School and District Leaders  is an excellent resource to begin this journey. The Why:  Administrative support is essential for successful, systemic change. When leaders actively back student-focused teaching methods, teachers feel empowered to experiment and innovate in ways that benefit both themselves and their students. Practical Application:  Introduce "Innovation Days" where teachers are encouraged to experiment with new teaching techniques that focus on student agency, with leadership offering support for taking risks and learning from outcomes. The Why:  Creating space for teachers to explore new methods and collaborate fosters a culture of continuous improvement and flexibility, leading to more dynamic and adaptable learning environments for students. Student-Led Recommendations Podcast: Building a More Student-Led Classroom Hosted by Katie Novak, Ed.D., and Catlin R. Tucker, this podcast episode from The Education Table  explores strategies for shifting towards student-led classrooms. They discuss how student autonomy boosts engagement and empowers learners. Listen here . Book: The Shift to Student-Led Written by Katie Novak and Catlin R. Tucker, this book provides ten transformative strategies to move from a teacher-led to a student-led classroom. It’s a guide for rediscovering the joy of teaching while fostering student ownership of learning. Check it out here . Article: A Teacher-Led Classroom Vs. A Student-Led Classroom In this article, Katie Novak outlines the differences between teacher-led and student-led approaches, offering a quiz to help educators assess their current classroom style and actionable steps to transition to a more student-driven environment. Read the article here . Education must evolve to meet the needs of today’s students. By handing control over to learners, utilizing technology to enhance—not replace—human interaction, and creating personalized learning experiences, we can reshape classrooms to prepare students for a rapidly changing future. This transformation isn’t just the responsibility of teachers—students and school leaders must also embrace this shift toward a more dynamic, student-driven education system. Are you ready to empower your students to take control of their learning journey?

One Sentence Summary: Integrating short, engaging activities into direct instruction keeps students focused, enhances learning, and reduces cognitive overload, making lessons more effective. I remember standing at the front of the classroom, watching the eager faces of my students slowly glaze over as I moved further into my direct instruction. What began as engaged listening turned into wandering eyes and subtle fidgeting. It didn’t take long to realize that even the most focused students have a limit. Long stretches of direct instruction weren’t working—students were tuning out. It wasn’t their fault; it was cognitive overload. That’s when I discovered the power of breaking up direct instruction with short, meaningful activities. Not only did it keep students engaged, but it also helped them retain more of what they learned. Collaborative Note-Taking Students often take incomplete notes during direct instruction, capturing only a portion of the main ideas. Collaborative note-taking, especially in pairs or groups, can significantly improve recall and boost higher-order learning. Practical Application:  Plan short breaks during direct instruction for students to compare and refine their notes in pairs or small groups. Use shared digital tools like Google Docs to facilitate real-time note refinement. This ensures that students not only review what they've learned but also deepen their understanding by discussing the material with peers. The Why:  Studies show that working collaboratively on notes encourages deeper engagement, improves the quality of notes, and enhances both factual recall and critical thinking skills. Movement Breaks Physical activity during direct instruction can significantly improve focus by increasing blood flow and oxygen to the brain. Activities like stretching, jumping jacks, or quick walks around the classroom can re-energize students, especially after long stretches of instruction. Practical Application:  Build 2-5 minute movement breaks into your direct instruction sessions every 20-30 minutes. Simple movements such as stretching, arm circles, or walking in place can serve as an effective reset before returning to instruction. The Why:  Research shows that physical activity enhances cognitive function, keeping students alert and improving overall focus during learning. Unexpected Formative Assessments Low-stakes formative during direct instruction help students actively engage with the material and improve long-term retention. These encourage students to focus more closely on key information and review material as they learn. Practical Application:  Incorporate short, 2-3 question formative assessments throughout your instruction, using tools like a Google Form or Blooket. These can be used to test key concepts covered and offer immediate feedback to the class, keeping them engaged and reinforcing their understanding. The Why:  Formative assessments create opportunities for students to retrieve and reinforce information, which strengthens memory and enhances learning retention. Rapid Reviews Quick review sessions during instruction help students recall recently covered material and reinforce learning. Rapid reviews ensure that students stay engaged and give them an opportunity to correct any misconceptions. Practical Application:  At the end of each instructional segment, ask a quick review question and have students discuss with a partner. You can also call on students to summarize key points. These quick recaps provide a mental check-in and allow students to solidify their understanding. The Why:  Research supports that frequent recall of information reinforces learning, allowing students to connect ideas and improve retention. Drawing to Learn Visual representation of concepts improves memory retention by engaging students in a more interactive, multisensory process. Even simple sketches or diagrams can significantly improve students' ability to recall and apply information. Practical Application:  Encourage students to take a few minutes to draw key concepts or create visual summaries of what they’ve learned. For abstract concepts, have them create diagrams or flowcharts to illustrate relationships between ideas. Sharing their work with peers can also enhance understanding. The Why:  Drawing taps into multiple cognitive processes, improving students’ ability to connect, retain, and apply information. Peer-to-Peer Teaching Students retain information better when they teach concepts to their peers. Peer teaching encourages students to clarify their own understanding and fill in knowledge gaps. Practical Application:  After explaining a difficult concept, give students time to pair up and teach it to each other. Use activities like think-pair-share or quick draws to ensure each student has a chance to explain key ideas. Then, reconvene the class and discuss what was learned. The Why:  Peer teaching reinforces learning by allowing students to articulate their knowledge, which boosts comprehension and retention. Direct instruction doesn’t have to lead to disengagement. By breaking it up with collaborative note-taking, movement breaks, and quick assessments, we create a dynamic learning environment that keeps students focused and energized. These strategies reduce cognitive overload, helping students absorb and retain information more effectively. So, as you plan your next lesson, how will you incorporate active learning strategies to keep your students engaged?

JUD HARTMAN Jud Hartman became an educator because he used to be the kid in class who sat there, bored, and wondered, “There has to be a better way to do this?” Throughout his career, he has made it his mission to answer this question! ​ He is currently the Assistant Principal at Chippewa Junior/Senior High School, where he supports students and staff in creating meaningful learning environments. Before his current role, he was an Instructional Technology Specialist for two years, coaching approximately 125 teachers in integrating technology into their classrooms. Prior to that, Jud taught 8th-grade Science for 14 years, where he focused on Project Based Learning and Universal Design for Learning. ​ Most recently, Jud was named one of EdTech Magazine's Top 30 K-12 Instructional Technology Influencers to Follow in 2023. ​ Husband - Dad - Assistant Principal - FETC and OETC Speaker - ISTE Certified Educator - Apple Learning Coach - Google Certified Educator - Project Based Learning - Universal Design for Learning - B.A. in Middle Childhood Education - M.A. in Educational Leadership ​

Home About All Blog Posts Contact Jud Hartman 3 min read Technology Tech, Toys, and Teaching: Playtime in the AI Playground! Ready for AI tech tools? From lesson planning to student feedback, discover AI tools that simplify teaching and make learning more dynamic. 15 Post not marked as liked Featured Post Never Miss a New Post. Enter your email Never Miss a New Post. First name Last name Subscribe Thanks for subscribing! Insights, Discoveries, & Reflections. Jud Hartman 3 min read Technology Tech, Toys, and Teaching: Playtime in the AI Playground! Ready for AI tech tools? From lesson planning to student feedback, discover AI tools that simplify teaching and make learning more dynamic. 15 views Post not marked as liked Jud Hartman 5 min read Pedagogy Shifting from Teacher-Driven to Student-Led Learning Imagine a classroom where students aren’t just sitting and listening—they’re actively participating, driving their... 11 views 1 like. Post not marked as liked 1 Jud Hartman 6 min read Pedagogy Building AI Literacy for All Grade Levels Imagine a kindergartener asking their smart speaker to tell them a joke. AI has already woven itself into students' lives, whether they... 9 views 1 like. Post not marked as liked 1 Jud Hartman 3 min read Pedagogy Breaking Up Direct Instruction with Active Learning Strategies Integrating short, engaging activities into direct instruction keeps students focused, enhances learning, and... 6 views 1 like. Post not marked as liked 1 Jud Hartman 3 min read Pedagogy Boosting Student Motivation through Iterative Learning Breaking large tasks into smaller, manageable steps and celebrating incremental progress helps sustain student motivation and... 4 views 1 like. Post not marked as liked 1 Jud Hartman 5 min read Pedagogy Help Your Kids Find Their Digital Balance With Their Device Is managing your child's screen time a battle? I’ve found ways to help our kids use their devices wisely—and I’m sharing them with you! 25 views 1 like. Post not marked as liked 1 1 2 3 4 About Me My mission is to share my insights, discoveries, and reflections with anyone looking to enhance their own lives and the lives of their learners. With almost two decades of teaching experience, I focus on research-based strategies such as Project-Based Learning and Universal Design for Learning. My passion for education stems from being that bored kid in class seeking a better way. Throughout my career, I strive to answer that question! - Jud Learn more

Curiosity Without Limits. Growth Without End. PBL with ChatGPT An interactive, step-by-step guide using ChatGPT to help educators co-create engaging, real-world Project-Based Learning (PBL) units tailored to their students’ needs. Click Here The Reading List Explore a curated selection of transformative reads designed to enlighten, challenge, and inspire continuous learning and growth. Free Guides and How-Tos Empower your pedagogy with these resources designed to enhance your approach with best practices, strategies, guidelines, frameworks, and more! Station Rotation Tips Explore our guide for Blended Learning's Station Rotation, featuring planning tips, to-do lists, real-world examples, and insights on implementation. Get yours Artificial Intelligence Check out this collection of resources, encompassing books, games, movies, influential figures, websites, articles, podcasts, and more, to broaden your understanding and application of AI in education. Get yours Decoding, Phonics, & The Science of Reading Unlock comprehensive resources, featuring websites, articles, podcasts, books, games, and more to enrich your literacy instruction. Get yours Special Education & Inclusion for a UDL Environment Explore this resource to meet the needs of all learners, featuring websites, articles, podcasts, books, games, and more. Get yours Gamification Dive into the world of Gamification: Understand its essence, learn step-by-step how to gamify your lessons, and access additional resources to bring your teaching to the next level. Get yours