Teach with Tech

This is a monthly newsletter from the Instructional Services Department of the IMESD. It includes current issues or concerns of tech (within the realms of education), tips and tricks, resources, and suggestions.

If you would like more information EdTech tools, resources, or training, please contact us.

Email: ayla.olson@imesd.k12.or.us
Website: https://sites.google.com/imesdapps.org/instructional-coaching/educator-huddles/technology-huddle?authuser=0
Location: Eastern Oregon
Phone: 541-966-4657

The hype- What is it?

With the release of OpenAI's ChatGPT (an artificial intelligence chatbot) in November, the education world has been rocked by a bot capable of writing essays, poetry, and plays (among other things). Articles and news reports like "Machine-Made Poetry is Here" from NPR, "ChatGPT Will End High-School English" from The Atlantic, and "Flood of Cheating" from CNN have triggered teachers at all levels to worry about how this will affect student learning.

Why are teachers worried?

ChatGPT is learning. It can write full essays, with citations (in MLA format) and is not detectable by traditional plagiarism checkers because the work created is original content. ESD techs are aware and most school districts have already blocked the website from student computers. That won't stop students from being able to access at home or on personal devices.

What can we do?

Use it. Take advantage of the tool and utilize it for class. Have it write the essay- then have middle school students use graphic organizers to map the essay and talk about the components before writing their own essay. High school students could analyze an essay written about To Kill a Mockingbird or other current book- then choose one of the items and expand on it.

“It’s about finding a way that it can help our learning instead of do our learning for us,” says Marnie Diem. There are a variety of ways that teachers can utilize ChatGPT as a learning or resource tool including developing lesson plans, compiling examples, or using it as a mentor text.

Resources

• "6 Ed Tools to Try in 2023" Jennifer Gonzalez- Cult of Pedagogy
• "20 Ways to use ChatGPT as a Teaching/Learning Tool" Matt Miller- Ditch that Textbook
• "Five Ways ChatGPT can help Primary Teachers" Marc Hayes

TalkingPoints is a communication and family engagement tool that seamlessly translates your messages to families into their home language- the program has over 145 languages and dialects to choose from. TalkingPoints is free for teachers to use with up to 200 students and five contacts (family members) for each student.

TalkingPoints allows the sending of messages individually or by class. You can send polls, photos/pictures, videos (with translated captions), and links. Parents are able to engage either through text messages on their phones or through the app.

TalkingPoints is a non-profit organization solely focused on helping teachers and schools communicate and engage with all of their families.

Ditch that Textbook has a variety of resources including templates for your use with students- There are templates for: social media, games, interactive activities, graphic organizations, feedback, and exit tickets. The templates come in a variety of formats (most include a Google Slides and a PowerPoint), Canva, Forms, JamBoard, Docs, etc.

The EdTech Huddle is for all educators (classroom teachers, teacher-leaders, coaches, TOSAs, specialists, paraprofessionals) who want to expand their knowledge and use of educational technology. Especially those who use technology in the classroom, actively work to integrate technology into their lessons and curriculum, and are willing to share/model instructional tech to others in their schools and districts.

February 22, 2023

Pendleton- Lodgepole Meeting Room

4:30pm-6:00pm

March 1, 2023

Virtual Meeting

4:30pm-5:30pm

April 12, 2023

Pendleton- Lodgepole Meeting Room

4:30pm-6:00pm

Please RSVP by completing this form or by emailing ayla.olson@imesd.k12.or.us