Teach with Tech

Halfway through the school year, a sixth-grade student named Lucía (name changed for privacy) joined a new classroom. She spoke very little English and struggled to follow lessons. With an iPad and Google Translate, Lucía was able to access class materials, listen to instructions in her home language, and even participate in discussions. Technology gave her the tools to engage fully and feel included from day one. Stories like Lucía’s show that intentional use of technology can create opportunities for every learner to succeed.

Differentiation is one of the most powerful ways technology can support equity. Tools like Diffit, SchoolAI and MagicSchool allow teachers to quickly adapt reading passages, scaffold comprehension questions, or generate leveled writing prompts. Canva for Education gives students options to express understanding visually, orally, or with simplified text, helping all learners engage with the same essential content.

Language access ensures that multilingual learners can fully participate. Google Translate, YouTube subtitles, and Chrome Reader help students read, listen, and understand content in their home language. Generative AI tools can simplify complex academic text, and voice-to-text features allow students to share ideas without being limited by writing proficiency.

Technology also supports students with diverse learning needs. Smart pens can read and translate printed text, while iPads and Chromebooks offer built-in accessibility tools like text-to-speech, screen readers, and live captions. These features help students access materials independently and stay engaged in the classroom.

By embedding inclusive tech practices into everyday learning, teachers create classrooms where every student can access content, participate meaningfully, and succeed. When technology is used thoughtfully, it bridges gaps, amplifies voices, and ensures that all learners have the opportunity to thrive every day.

Why Speech-to-Text?

Speech-to-text technology allows students to dictate their thoughts instead of typing, helping them focus on ideas, content, and organization. For middle and high school students, this can be particularly useful for those who struggle with writing fluency, spelling, or fine motor challenges. Using speech-to-text in Google Docs and Google Slides notes empowers students to express ideas quickly, supports inclusion, and allows teachers to focus on higher-order thinking rather than transcription barriers.

Best Practices

• Model clear dictation: Encourage students to speak punctuation aloud (e.g., “period,” “comma”).

• Keep a quiet environment: Background noise can interfere with recognition.

• Break tasks into chunks: Dictating in smaller sections improves accuracy and focus.

• Combine with editing skills: Students should review and revise their text after dictation.

• Normalize use: Emphasize that speech-to-text is a tool to support learning, not a shortcut.

• Encourage experimentation: Students can try it for notes, essay drafts, outlines, or slide speaker notes.

Tips for Classroom Use

• Use speech-to-text for brainstorming ideas, drafting essays, or adding detailed slide notes.

• Encourage students to use it as part of a multi-modal approach, combining typed, spoken, and visual learning.

• Pair with accessibility features like screen readers or translation tools for multilingual learners.

In Google Docs

1. Open the Google Doc where the student will dictate.

2. Go to Tools → Voice typing (or press Ctrl + Shift + S).

3. Click the microphone icon that appears on the left.

4. Students speak clearly; the text will appear in real time.

5. Click the microphone again to stop recording.

6. Review and edit the text as needed.

In Google Slides Notes

1. Open the Google Slides presentation.

2. Click View → Speaker notes to open the notes pane.

3. Place the cursor in the notes field.

4. On Chrome or a Chromebook, enable Voice typing via Tools → Voice typing (if using Docs, dictate there and copy over as needed).

5. Students speak, and their words appear in the notes section.

6. Encourage students to edit for clarity and organization afterward.

Need to add narration to a slide or video? Canva now offers an AI Voice feature that makes it quick and easy. Simply type the text you want read aloud, choose from a variety of voices, and your project is instantly narrated.

Tips for Using AI Voice in the Classroom:

• Student presentations: Let students add narration to slides or videos instead of speaking live, supporting those who may be nervous or have speech challenges.

• Accessibility: Narrated content helps students who benefit from audio support or have reading difficulties.

• Language learning: Students can hear text read aloud in clear, natural-sounding voices to support pronunciation and comprehension.

• Engagement: Adding AI voice to visuals or videos can make lessons more dynamic and interactive.

How To Add AI Voice Overs:

1. Open your Canva design.
2. Navigate to AI Voice.
   1. From the side panel, select the Elements tab, scroll, and select Audio. Then, select Add AI Voice.
   2. Or, select the Apps tab, then select AI Voice.
   3. Via the Magic Write floating toolbar, select the pencil icon, then click on Generate AI Voice.
3. Input your text in the AI Voice text box.
4. Under Select Voice, choose from multiple languages and voice style.
5. Click Generate AI voice.
6. Once generated, the voice track will automatically appear in your design's audio timeline. From here, you can adjust the timing and placement of the audio in your design.
7. To play and preview the voice output, select Present. You can choose either Present full screen, Presenter view, or Autoplay.

Generative AI is a powerful tool for differentiating content and assignments for students. While platforms like ChatGPT, Google Gemini, and Microsoft Copilot can help generate materials, tools designed specifically for educators provide stronger, more targeted support. These education-focused AI tools (like Diffit, SchoolAI, or MagicSchool) are built with students and classroom needs in mind, making it easier to create leveled content, scaffolded assignments, and personalized learning experiences.

What is Diffit?

Diffit is a generative AI tool designed specifically for educators to differentiate instructional materials. It allows teachers to quickly create leveled versions of texts (grade level, language, and length), scaffolded questions, and assignments tailored to the diverse needs of their students.

How does it work?

1. Input content: Teachers provide the original text, lesson, or question set.

2. Select differentiation: Choose the reading level, language complexity, or scaffolding needed.

3. Generate materials: Diffit produces multiple versions of the content, including simplified texts, guided questions, or prompts for higher-level thinking.

4. Customize & share: Teachers can adjust the output before distributing to students in Google Docs, Slides, or PDFs.

Best Practices:

• Review generated content: Ensure accuracy and appropriateness before sharing with students.

• Combine with multimodal supports: Pair leveled texts with visuals, audio, or interactive activities for deeper engagement.

• Use for targeted differentiation: Assign materials that match students’ reading levels or scaffolding needs.

• Encourage student reflection: Have students compare versions or self-select materials to foster agency.

• Integrate with lesson planning: Use Diffit outputs as part of your daily or weekly lesson materials to save time while supporting diverse learners.

Professional Development

Diffit overs professional development in the form of an online 25-30 minute self-paced course that will teach you everything you need to know!

Join us for a yearlong series of virtual Tech Talks focused on how AI is reshaping teaching and learning. Explore practical tools, ethical considerations, and classroom-ready ideas with fellow educators.

Goals
🔹 Build AI literacy for teachers and leaders
🔹 Explore ethical, student-centered applications of AI
🔹 Connect and collaborate in a growing AI-focused educator network

Monthly Tech Talks

Tech Talks will run from 4:00pm to 5:00pm. Register for each Tech Talk on the IMESD Events Calendar. Each month is linked to it's specific registration page.

• November 18: AI-Powered Differentiation: Reaching Every Learner
• December 9: AI for Teacher Workload: Communication, Admin Tasks, and More
• January 13: AI for Feedback & Grading — and the Ethics Behind It
• February 10: AI & Writing: From Brainstorming to Revision
• March 10: AI for Visual Learning
• April 14: AI as a Thinking Partner – Using AI to Spark Deeper Inquiry
• May 12: Future-Proofing: Where AI is Headed — and How Educators Can Prepare

This is a monthly newsletter from the School Improvement Department of the InterMountain Education Service District. If you would like more information on EdTech tools, resources, or training, please contact:

Ayla Olson

Instructional Coach

Email: ayla.olson@imesd.k12.or.us

Phone: 541-966-4657

Website: sites.google.com/imesdapps.org/instructional-coaching