What's new with Nearpod?

I hope the alarms weren't too aggressive last week!

One of the tools I always return back to for both engagement and accessibility is Nearpod!

Here are some updates from the last few months!

It goes right there. Where? Right there!

Set correct and incorrect answers for your Drag & Drop activities and see real-time action as students work on their own. Sort it, categorize it, and make it work, designers!

Already have a lesson?
Make a multiple-choice quiz or Time to Climb game without lifting a finger.

Nearpod AI Create allows you to upload or edit your lessons, preview and customize suggested activities, and deliver impactful instruction without having to build from scratch.

You know, we just need a template to start and then add what we need.

Nearpod’s AI Create: Lesson Generator helps you save time by generating a complete, editable lesson from a simple prompt. Whether you're starting from scratch or need a quick foundation to build on, this tool gives you a head start so you can focus more on teaching and less on prep.

As always, AI isn't perfect, and it isn't your work, unless you review and revise.

One of the most daunting things about Nearpod is the editor to make your teaching content and activities.

However, Google Slides is far friendlier, and you can add Nearpod activities right to what you've already got without leaving your happy Google place.

Go to Extensions>Nearpod at the top Menu bar to start adding activities to your Slides!

Here's a quick help article if you'd like a video!

MagicSchool has launched custom tools that you can add directly to your personal collection of custom tools to support your IL life! While MagicSchool offers over 85+ pre-built tools, these new additions bridge the gap by providing resources that understand our specific state rubrics and curricula.

• Illinois Custom Tool Collection: Features a custom IEP Chatbot for streamlined goal writing and Narrative Writing Feedback Tools (Grades 3 & 6–8) that are fully aligned with the ISBE IAR rubrics to meet what's required.

• WIDA Custom Collection: Designed to support our multilingual learners, these tools help students develop proficiency in reading, writing, listening, and speaking in alignment with WIDA standards for the texts you're already using.

• Science of Reading Collection: Grounded in evidence-based practices, this collection supports the Reading Rope, helping educators strengthen foundational decoding and phonemic awareness skills.

• ACT Prep Room: High school educators can now access a specialized writing feedback tool customized with the ACT Writing Rubric to help students build college-readiness and confidence.

Oh yeah, new MagicSchool logo, who dis?

California State Senator Steve Padilla has introduced Senate Bill 867, which proposes a four-year ban on the manufacture and sale of AI-powered toys intended for children under 18. The moratorium seeks to provide a "regulatory pause" to protect minors from being used as "lab rats" while the state develops safety standards to prevent age-inappropriate content, such as discussions regarding self-harm or sexual topics. This legislative push follows high-profile tragedies involving chatbot-related suicides and warnings from consumer groups that current AI toys lack the necessary guardrails to ensure child safety and privacy.

There was only a 50% chance of snow.

Made with MagicSchool's Teacher Joke Generator

Contact me to collaborate on your next project, troubleshoot what you do currently, or to just answer a question you have!

Email: bkrause@ltcillinois.org
Booking Link: https://calendly.com/bkrauseltc
Work Cell Phone: (815) 362-4791
Twitter: @bmkeducation

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