Teach with Tech

The first page shares instructional and edtech resources including one-pagers, links to content resources, and links to teacher tools. Further pages include Formative Assessment Process resources and state testing resources.

This hub focuses on literacy- particularly the science of reading and resources for both elementary and secondary. It also houses the resources, videos, and handouts from Yolanda Westerberg.

The AI Hub provides educators and districts with tools and guidance to integrate AI into K–12 learning. This site is usable but under construction.

Google Vids is Google’s browser-based video creation tool designed for easy, collaborative storytelling—ideal for education environments. Because it is part of Google Workspace, it follows the same privacy, data protection, and security standards already built into tools like Docs, Slides, and Classroom. For schools using Google Workspace for Education, student data is protected under Google’s Education Privacy policies, meaning content created in Vids remains within the district-managed environment and is not used for advertising or training external models. Additionally, projects are stored in Google Drive, giving teachers and students full control over sharing settings and visibility. This ensures that video creation can happen safely, securely, and in compliance with school technology guidelines.

Teachers can use Google Vids to enhance learning in a variety of engaging, multimodal ways:

• Students can create short video summaries of lessons, readings, or historical events.

• Science labs or math problem-solving steps can be recorded and explained visually.

• Students can turn Google Slides into narrated presentations or mini-documentaries.

• Language learners can record speaking practice or create cultural presentations.

• Digital storytelling projects allow students to combine images, narration, and text creatively.

• Group projects become more dynamic with collaborative video news reports or tutorials.

Assigning a Google Vids project in Google Classroom is straightforward because Vids integrates seamlessly with Drive. Teachers begin by creating a new assignment in Classroom, then attach a Vids project directly from Google Drive or instruct students to create their own and submit the link. As with other file types, teachers can choose whether to provide a template, make one copy per student, or allow collaborative group submissions. Once turned in, teachers can view the videos within Classroom, provide feedback, return work, and track progress—all within the same workflow used for Docs, Slides, and other Google tools.

Here are some recent articles to read and ponder.

Reusable message banks, videos with captions, and smart use of translation tools help schools consistently communicate with families in their home language. edutopia.org

Are the risks worth the benefits of integrating generative AI into schools and utilizing it for learning? Brookings.edu

A comprehensive report seeking the answer to how can we embrace its transformational potential while minimizing risks to student agency, deep learning, and emotional well-being?

Brookings.edu

Psychologists and online safety advocates say parents are right to be worried. Extended chatbot interactions may affect kids' social development and mental health. NPR.org

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.

• February 10: Using AI for Feedback & Grading (take a look at Ethics) and for Writing (combining January and February topics)
• 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