May EdTech Monthly Newsletter
May 2025 EdTech Monthly Newsletter
Students journey into the world of artificial intelligence at the Division’s first AI Conference
Almost 300 students had the exciting opportunity to explore the world of artificial intelligence (AI) at the Division's first Student AI Conference on April 30. Hosted at the Fantasyland Hotel by Technology Integration and Planning Supports (TIPS) and Career Pathways, the conference combined hands-on learning with networking opportunities and engaging presentations.
The conference featured a compelling keynote from University of Alberta Assistant Professor Matthew Guzdial, nearly 20 breakout sessions for students to choose from and an exhibition hall where students could network with about 20 post-secondary institutions and local organizations, asking questions about AI and AI-related study and fields. At the breakout sessions, students heard from industry experts about everything from the creation of an Indigenous AI system to how AI is being applied in medicine and how it’s changing the media we consume.
Featuring the Career Pathways team!
The Career Pathways team supports innovative and collaborative learning in Edmonton Public Schools. They connect K-12 students with real-world opportunities through Division Career Day, the Community Marketplace, Maker Week, makertech and CTF/CTS support and more. They empower educators with the coaching, resources and professional development to build meaningful school and community connections that facilitate student agency and engagement with the world and its opportunities.
They also support all staff and students as they explore and reflect using myBlueprint, an eportfolio, career and education planning platform available through SchoolZone. Reach out to them at careerpathways@epsb.ca anytime!
EDU 595 Interest Form
Staff interested in taking part in or learning more about EDU 595 Technology in Schools, a collaboration with the University of Alberta that allows participants to get University credit for their EPSB professional learning are encouraged to check out this form for more information and to express interest in taking part in the 2025-2026 school year.
EPSB EdTech Summit - June 9 Teacher Choice PD Offering
TIPS is hosting another EPSB EdTech Summit!
The EPSB EdTech Summit is an in-person professional development opportunity being hosted at Elder Dr. Francis Whiskeyjack School on June 9 for all staff members. This in-person conference offers a range of concurrent sessions on current and relevant technology topics, including Google Workspace updates, EdTech Leadership, and Artificial Intelligence. Participants have the flexibility to attend all sessions or select those most aligned with their interests. Please bring a fully charged device, such as a Chromebook, to actively engage in hands-on activities and explore the latest advancements in educational technology. Additionally, a quiet space will be available for those who wish to participate in any pre-registered online PD sessions. Kindly bring headphones for a focused learning experience.
Information to register for the EdTech Summit is as follows:
- Course TEC7914 - Section # 43225 - Click here to register
After School Tech Tips Theme: Let’s Learn More About AI!
This May, we're diving into the theme: Let's Learn More About AI! These videos will be available on our TIPS PL Calendar and the YouTube After School Tech Tips Playlist.
Our lineup for this month is showcasing updates to Division AI tools like Gemini and NotebookLM, which have both received a variety of powerful new features . The videos lined-up for May are:
May 7 - New Features in Gemini
May 14 - New Features in NotebookLM
May 28 - More Learning Resources for Google AI
Subscribe to our channel to get all of the updates.
Students Build Edmonton is in full swing!
This year’s Minecraft Education Build Challenge launched on April 14th, and is still open for registrations! Students Build Edmonton is an opportunity for students to learn about city planning and governance through the use of Minecraft Education.
This year’s prompt is: Envision a welcoming, sustainable and inclusive downtown community in Edmonton. Make your community a home, an economic hub, a destination, and a safe and welcoming place.
Sign your class or club up for the challenge by filling out the registration form here, and check out the Teacher Guide for student resources and instructions on running the challenge in your classroom.
For more information on Students Build Edmonton, check out the TIPS page.
NEW - Vretta digital assessment training sessions for ALL interested teachers
In preparation for the mandatory implementation of digital provincial exam assessment in 2025–26, the Division has added more in-person training sessions for all teachers. While the platform is currently being used for Grades 6, 9 and 12 provincial exams, future updates are expected that will expand functionality. For example, it is anticipated teachers will be able to use Vretta for K–4 provincial screeners.
Half day sessions in-person at the Centre for Education are being offered on the following dates: June 3, June 5, and June 10. Visit Vretta digital assessment supports on Connect for more information. If you are interested in attending one of these sessions, speak with your principal.
Your Digital Footprint - Resources about Online Safety for Grade 1 to 3
Are you looking for digital citizenship resources for early elementary about online safety?
"Your Digital Footprint," contains resources for first to third graders about online safety. The core concept is understanding that a digital footprint, or online presence, can be positive or negative depending on online behaviour.
Google Workspace Update
- Record Audio/Video Comments in Google Classroom: Try out the newest pilot feature in Google Classroom starting today with the ability to record audio, video and screencapture feedback for your students and share them as private assignment comments right in Classroom! Check out this link for more information or watch this short video tutorial.
- Record and share your name pronunciation across your Google Workspace: You can now record your name and share its pronunciation with other users. The pronunciation can be played from your profile card across various Google Workspace tools such as Gmail or Google Docs on web or mobile devices.
- Try Canvas, a new way to collaborate with the Gemini app: If you like working collaboratively with Google Gemini to edit and revise content the new Canvas editor makes honing your content easier than ever
- New features available in NotebookLM and NotebookLM Plus: Check out the new options in NotebookLM like the ability to change the default output language of generated content and soon interactive mindmapping.
Little Language Lessons - Google Labs Experiment
Little Language Lessons is a Google Labs experiment to support additional-language learning. It includes the following three tools built with Gemini:
- Tiny Lessons: Helps you come up with relevant vocabulary, phrases, and grammar tips for specific situations, such as ordering food at a restaurant.
- Slang Hang: Teaches expressions, idioms, and regional slang from an AI-generated conversation .
- Word Cam: Provides you with vocabulary words related to a picture taken by your device.
Want to keep up to date with technology tips and tricks or hear more TIPS updates?
- Click the "Subscribe" button at the bottom of this newsletter (if you're not already subscribed)
- Join our Google Space for regular technology announcements - EPSB EdTech Announcements
More Questions? Looking for technology PD for your school? Email the TIPS team or connect with your TIPS team member directly. Bookmark our TIPS.epsb.ca website for more updates and resources.