Eric Curts - Creative Projects with Docs, Slides, and Sheets
Educational Duct Tape: An EdTech Integration Mindset
Release Date: 03/24/2021
Educational Duct Tape: An EdTech Integration Mindset
Ever feel like the important work keeps getting overshadowed by what’s urgent? In this episode, I reflect on the quote “Think big. Start small. Scale fast.” and share how the Eisenhower Matrix helps me keep my priorities aligned. I also share updates from Snorkl, Google Classroom, and SchoolAI, plus a candid take on More Than Words by John Warner. Tools featured include Snorkl Coach, Video Explorer, and Read Along with custom content. #EduDuctTape Episode 123 0:00:00 INTRO 0:02:23 Today’s Soapbox Moment: “Parking Lots, Right Turns, and What’s Important” Think Big,...
info_outlineEducational Duct Tape: An EdTech Integration Mindset
What’s your go-to tool for formative assessment? In this episode, Dan Niessen joins me to unpack strategies for gathering real-time insights into student learning. We talk Quizizz, Nearpod, Snorkl, AI chatbot tutors, Pear Deck, ChatGPT, and more. Dan shares how he supports educators in choosing tools that fit their goals—and their students. Plus, I break down updates to Google Slides, Canva Visual Suite 2.0 and Canva Sheets, along with a timely tip on how to cite AI-generated content. Tune in! #EduDuctTape Episode 122 Today's Sponsor - M2 by Swivl - 0:00:00 INTRO 0:03:26 Today’s...
info_outlineEducational Duct Tape: An EdTech Integration Mindset
Is the goal to complete the task… or to grow stronger? In this episode, I reflect on Rick Wormeli’s article “With A.I., Let’s Keep Students’ Learning Paramount” and what it means for educators navigating AI in classrooms. I also share updates on Common Sense Media’s free ChatGPT course, Google Classroom’s new “Grade All” feature, the CoSpaces rebrand to Delightex, and a TED Talk that might change how you view success. Vacuum metaphors, forklifts, and academic cosplay—press play! #EduDuctTape Episode 121 0:00:00 INTRO 0:04:01 Soapbox Moment: The Forklift, the Roomba, and...
info_outlineEducational Duct Tape: An EdTech Integration Mindset
How can we empower students to self-assess their learning? In this episode, Shantel Lott joins me to explore tech tools and strategies that foster reflection and agency. We chat about Snorkl, NotebookLM, Curipod, Knowt, and MagicSchool’s Custom ChatBot. I also share updates on using Google Gemini with Teens, Padlet Sandbox’s new sound and visual effects, and the magic of generating Google Slides with Alayna AI. #EduDuctTape Episode 120 Today's Sponsor M2 by Swivl - Today’s Guests: Shantel Lott Shantel is an EdTech enthusiast and Lead Learning Guide at friEdTech. Certified in Google...
info_outlineEducational Duct Tape: An EdTech Integration Mindset
What’s new in edtech? In this episode, I break down Google’s new parent permission requirements, an awesome Google Classroom add-on, and Screencastify’s expanded free plan. Science teachers, you’ll want to hear about PhET Simulations inside Quizizz, and we’ll discuss Common Sense Media’s latest report on AI in education. Plus, I’ll wrap up with a thought-provoking book that challenges how we create change in schools and communities. Tune in for all the updates and insights! #EduDuctTape Episode 119 - Google TOS Privacy Changes, Magic Exercise Book, Screencastify, Quizizz x PhET,...
info_outlineEducational Duct Tape: An EdTech Integration Mindset
Today on the Educational Duct Tape podcast, I’ve got five edtech updates that might impact your classroom and one educational strategy that’s new to me. I’ll start with the bad news first, which is Bitly adding ads to short links (not cool, Bitly) and then get into the good news, like a new educator-made alternative to Bitly and an AI teaching assistant from Padlet. Plus, handy updates from Pear Assessment and Quizizz that could save you some serious prep time. And then that educational strategy called Talking Chips. Curious yet? Press Play! #EduDuctTape Episode 118 Edu News I’ve...
info_outlineEducational Duct Tape: An EdTech Integration Mindset
How can we create more flexible, accessible, and differentiated learning experiences? In this episode, I chat with Adam Juarez and Katherine Goyette (husband and wife duo AdaKat) about tools and strategies to make learning more inclusive. We explore MagicSchool, Quizizz, Mote, Immersive Reader, Goblin Tools, MirrorTalk, Factors Education, Helperbird, Google Docs Voice Typing, and more. Plus, we dive into AI-powered tools like Perplexity AI, Diffit, and SchoolAI and creative solutions like image generators in Canva and Adobe Express. I also share updates on interactive charts in Canva, new Pear...
info_outlineEducational Duct Tape: An EdTech Integration Mindset
In today’s episode, I kick things off with a Soapbox Moment relating to a new CommonSense Media report about the gap between the AI-awareness of teens and their parents—and what that means for us as educators. Then, we’ll explore five updates! We’ve got a game-changing differentiation feature in Google Classroom, an time-saving resource in Canva’s Teacher Work Kit, an upgrade to Pear Deck with Graded Mode, a great learning opportunity from Google, and a powerful classroom culture strategy called Feedback Friday. #EduDuctTape Episode 116 Today's Sponsor Short Answer - use code...
info_outlineEducational Duct Tape: An EdTech Integration Mindset
Adam Sparks is back to continue our conversation about writing instruction in the age of AI. We’re diving into even more actionable strategies, from using tools like ShortAnswer to embedding more writing across the curriculum to help students recover those lost writing reps. Plus, we tackle big-picture topics like teaching students to use AI effectively, leveraging AI in scoring state-level assessments, and being intentional about making learning relevant. And stick around for updates from Pear Deck, MagicSchool, and Screencastify Submit. #EduDuctTape Episode 115 Today's Sponsor Swivl - ...
info_outlineEducational Duct Tape: An EdTech Integration Mindset
Adam Sparks joins the show to convince every educator to ditch AI-detection tools and focus on what really matters: the writing process. We discuss alternatives to AI-detection like Brisk, Draftback, revision history tracking, and Short Answer and share actionable strategies to teach writing effectively in the age of AI. From fostering transparency with students to leveraging powerful tools for formative assessment, this conversation is packed with insights to elevate your writing instruction. Plus: Instant Pear Decks, Canva Dream Lab, and new Google Forms Settings. #EduDuctTape Episode...
info_outlineControl Alt Achieve author Eric Curts joins me to talk about creative projects with Docs, Slides, and Sheets including Stop Motion Animation, Choose Your Own Adventure Activities, Emoji Learning Activities, Rebus Stories, Blackout Poetry, and Pixel Art! We also touch on Canva for Education, Adobe Spark for Education, Google Forms headers, flashcard makers like Quizlet and Flippity.net, and more!
Show notes are also available at jakemiller.net/eduducttape-episode-56
- Soapbox Moment: “Quack Quack”
- Today’s Guest: Eric Curts
-
- Eric has been in education for 29 years, and is currently a tech coach in northeast Ohio and a Google for Education Trainer and Innovator. He shares all his edtech resources through his blog at ControlAltAchieve.com and is the author of the book "Control Alt Achieve: Rebooting Your Classroom with Creative Google Projects".
- controlaltachieve.com
- Twitter - @ericcurts
- YouTube - EricCurts
- Facebook - EricCurts
- 2 Truths & 1 Lie
- #EduDuctTape Question: How can I have my students show comprehension (or thinking) with visuals?
-
- Screwdriver Analogy - A screwdriver can be used for other things!
-
- Same mindsets with edtech tools - What familiar tools are already available that can solve your problems?
- Google Slides
- From Eric’s Blog
- Choose Your Own Adventure:
-
- Branching can be done elsewhere Docs, Forms, etc.
- In Slides, link to other slides.
- In Docs, use headings
- IDEA for Educators - Use Choose Your Own Adventure as differentiation or self-grading activity
- From Eric’s blog - How to Create Self-Grading Quizzes in Google Classroom
- Google Docs
-
- Insert Emojis - Tools > Special Characters
- From Eric’s blog - 5 Emoji Learning Activities with Google Docs
- Rebus Stories
- From Eric’s Blog - Blackout Poetry
- Google Sheets
-
- Not just for data, create Pixel Art!
- From Eric’s blog - Pixel Art Activities for any Subject with Google Sheets
- Other Creation Tools for Educators
- From Eric’s blog - Play the "Royal Game of Ur" with Google Slides and Drawings
- In summary - If your goal is... enriching learning experiences and peaking into students’ heads with visuals; finding new ways to tap into understanding- Google Slides and Drawings are very capable and a fantastic option!
- Check out Eric’s book - Control Alt Achieve: Rebooting Your Classroom with Creative Google Projects
- GEGOhio - https://sites.google.com/view/geg-ohio/home
- Celebration of the Adjacent Possible
-
- Carmen Tatum, Speakpipe - creating a “genius hour” Google Classroom with enrichment activities. Her students’ favorite was creating Google Forms header images!
- Cory Colby - @EffectualEdu - flashcards question
-
- Quizlet - images are in the paid version
- Google Slides flashcards
-
- Slides Randomizer Add-On
- Pear Deck flashcard factory
- Amy Storer - Adobe Spark flashcard maker
- @MrsWambold - Google Sheets Add-On, Desmos card sort
- Darcie Priester, @mspriester_ITRT and @edtechsara67 and @wvnomads - flippity.net
-
- Free, build in Google Sheets, use flippitynet to publish
- can add images if they’re online, can embed videos, audio, and equatio
- @wilmotjason - Canva flashcards
- @PNWBOCES_EdTech - wordwall.net
- Ways to Support the Show or Connect with Jake & other Duct Tapers!
-
- Apple Podcast Reviews
- FlipGrid.com/EduDuctTape
- Speakpipe.com/EduDuctTape
- #EduDuctTape on social media
- Telling your friends & colleagues
- The Duct Tapers Facebook Group - facebook.com/groups/ducttapers
- Stickers! Want to pass some out? Want some for yourself? JakeMiller.net/SendMeStickers
- The JakeMillerTech Newsletter – Sign up! jakemiller.net/newsletter
- Upcoming Events Links:
- Your Homework: Find an educator who loves table top board games and tell them about the #EduDuctTape podcast!