The Chromebook Classroom Podcast
If you want to use Chromebooks to improve teaching and learning, this is the show for you! I interview teachers and district leaders who are using Chromebooks in creative and inspiring ways, answer your Chromebook questions, and share the best tools and resources for teaching with Chromebooks. Chromebooks are an amazing tool for the classroom, but using them well does require some thought and planning. I’m glad you are here and can’t wait to help you teach with Chrome!
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Surprise updates from Cloud Next
04/18/2024
Surprise updates from Cloud Next
As part of my daily routine, I scan dozens of blogs, visit a handful of Facebook groups and skim through Twitter. The goal: find the most helpful resources, tools, and articles that I can share with my teacher friends (that’s you!) Here are my favorite links and updates for April 2024: ***Episode Sponsor: VIZOR for Chromebooks*** Track your devices, repairs, loaners, and more with VIZOR's best-in-class asset management system. Schedule a demo TODAY and beat the summer rush! Use this exclusive link to save 20% off your first year: Congrats to the newest Google Innovators Google Vids Tabs for Google Docs Figjam on Google Meet Screens Dark mode for Google Drive Find a Chromebook through the log event search Multi-admin approvals 5 ways to organize your digital life with AI Do AI detectors work? Not enough data for AI? ----------------------------- Thanks for tuning into the ! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review! You can connect with me, John Sowash, on , , or . I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!
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So long Google Podcast...let's explore some alternatives.
04/10/2024
So long Google Podcast...let's explore some alternatives.
Sadly, Google Podcast has been discontinued by Google as of April 2, 2024. Google Podcast was a simple, clean podcast player that did exactly what it was designed to do: play podcasts. Let's see if we can find a suitable alternative. ----------------------------- EPISODE SPONSOR: VIZOR for Chromebooks VIZOR simplifies the task of by integrating the Google Admin Console and your SIS so that you can instantly monitor the health and status of your fleet of devices. Visit to learn more! ----------------------------- Thanks for tuning in to the ! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review! You can connect with me, John Sowash, on , , or . I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!
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Explore is no more, Chromebook prank guide + 8 more updates for March 2024
03/22/2024
Explore is no more, Chromebook prank guide + 8 more updates for March 2024
As part of my daily routine, I scan dozens of blogs, visit a handful of Facebook groups and skim through Twitter. The goal: find the most helpful resources, tools, and articles that I can share with my teacher friends (that’s you!) ***EPISODE SPONSOR*** Are you interested in becoming a Google Certified Trainer? Join me for the very first "Google Trainer Academy" taking place April 16-May 14, 2024. This virtual event will guide you through the process of becoming a certified trainer AND exploring how you can earn a secondary income by leveraging your expertise. Visit to learn more. Here are 10 updates for March 2024: Improved video playback in Google Drive Google is now offering a limited AI use plan Migrate Email between Google Domains Remove background from Slides AI image generation (with text!) Visit a class setup guide Tips for using AI responsibly Chromebook prank guide The explore tool is no more Chromebook features for teachers ----------------------------- Thanks for tuning into the ! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review! You can connect with me, John Sowash, on , , or . I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!
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Bard is no more; hello Gemini...plus 9 more important updates
02/21/2024
Bard is no more; hello Gemini...plus 9 more important updates
As part of my daily routine, I scan dozens of blogs, visit a handful of Facebook groups, and skim through Twitter. The goal: find the most helpful resources, tools, and articles that I can share with my teacher friends (that’s you!). ***Episode Sponsor: VIZOR for Chromebooks*** Track your devices, repairs, loaners, and more with VIZOR's best-in-class asset management system. Schedule a demo TODAY and beat the summer rush! Use this exclusive link to save 20% off your first year: Here are my favorite links for February 2024: Bard is now Gemini Beta Test Google’s AI for Education tools New features announced at BETT Sort, filter, and manage comments in Docs New AI features for the Chrome browser Improvements to Appointment Schedules Updates for Google Meet Google Classroom Templates New Book: EDU Protocols for Young Learners Art Remix powered by AI Subscribe to the Google EDU Update and get these monthly updates delivered right to your inbox: ----------------------------- Thanks for tuning into the ! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review! You can connect with me, John Sowash, on , , or . I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!
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Authenticate student writing + plus 9 more updates for January 2024
01/22/2024
Authenticate student writing + plus 9 more updates for January 2024
As part of my daily routine, I scan dozens of blogs, visit a handful of Facebook groups and skim through Twitter. The goal: find the most helpful resources, tools, and articles that I can share with my teacher friends (that’s you!) ***Episode Sponsor: VIZOR for Chromebooks*** Save 20% off your first year with VIZOR and get a FREE Chromecast with Cast moderator when you schedule a demo before the end of January, 2024: January 2024 Updates: Sowash family Euro venture! Change your extension policy Convert your form into a practice set 2024 Google Innovator Academy dates ChromeOS certification exam (still free!) Tech management for teachers Right click QR code reader (extension) Inspect writing with Brisk teaching 5 AI extensions for teachers 10. 10 data privacy lessons Visit the show notes to get all of the links and resources that were mentioned: ----------------------------- Thanks for tuning into the ! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review! You can connect with me, John Sowash, on , , or . I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!
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Add these books to your 2024 reading lists (and a few to avoid!)
01/03/2024
Add these books to your 2024 reading lists (and a few to avoid!)
I read 21 books this last year. Most were pretty good, a few were pretty bad! I enjoy hearing what others are reading and frequently add their recommendations to my list, so I thought I would share some of my favorites with you to help jump start your 2024 reading list. Additional Resources: Episode Sponsor: VIZOR for Chromebooks: save 20% off your first year and get a FREE Chromecast with Cast moderator when you schedule a demo before the end of January, 2024: http://vizor.cloud/cbc ----------------------------- Thanks for tuning into the ! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review! You can connect with me, John Sowash, on , , or . I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!
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Google Classroom gets a long-request feature (Plus 9 more updates for December 2023)
12/14/2023
Google Classroom gets a long-request feature (Plus 9 more updates for December 2023)
As part of my daily routine, I scan dozens of blogs, visit a handful of Facebook groups and skim through Twitter. The goal: find the most helpful resources, tools, and articles that I can share with my teacher friends (that’s you!) ***Episode Sponsor*** VIZOR for Chromebooks: save 20% off your first year and get a FREE Chromecast with Cast moderator when you schedule a demo before the end of January, 2024: December 2023 Updates: Excuse assignments in Google Classroom Add questions to YouTube Videos Google Vault adds support for Calendar Record using Google Slides Convert your Jamboard files to Figjam Get Google Certified in 2024! NotebookLM by Google Sample AI policies Holiday choice board for elementary students Lock up the presents! Visit the show notes to get all of the links and resources that were mentioned: ----------------------------- Thanks for tuning into the ! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review! You can connect with me, John Sowash, on , , or . I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!
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Another great feature for Google Slides! (+9 more interesting links)
11/13/2023
Another great feature for Google Slides! (+9 more interesting links)
As part of my daily routine, I scan dozens of blogs, visit a handful of Facebook groups, and skim through Twitter. The goal: find the most helpful resources, tools, and articles that I can share with my teacher friends (that’s you!). *** Episode Sponsor: The Google Certification Academy. Become a Google Certified Educator in 2024. Join the waitlist so you don't miss out: *** 10 links for November 2023: Book an appointment from Gmail Add GIFs and stickers to Google Slides Google Classroom analytics YouTube for Education is broken New ratings smartchip for Google Sheets Is this image real? Pocket Chrome extension Langage is the new paintbrush Create your personal AI teacher's assistant AI playbook for Google Sheets Visit the show notes to get all of the links and resources that were mentioned: ----------------------------- Thanks for tuning into the ! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review! You can connect with me, John Sowash, on , , or . I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!
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10 links you should click (October 2023)
10/09/2023
10 links you should click (October 2023)
As part of my daily routine, I scan dozens of blogs, visit a handful of Facebook groups, and skim through Twitter. The goal: find the most helpful resources, tools, and articles that I can share with my teacher friends (that’s you!). ** Episode Sponsor: VIZOR for Chromebooks ** VIZOR simplifies the process of asset management, device repairs, and financial reporting from a single system that integrates with the Google Admin console and your student information system. 👉 Here are my favorite links for October 2023: Google Champions Symposium recap "Plus" Chromebooks for teachers? So long, Jamboard "Activity" panel for Google Drive Building blocks on top in Docs Improved appointment scheduling Schedule a meeting with Gmail Google Slides pumpkin carving Live pointers in Google Slides MagicSchool.ai Visit the show notes to get all of the links and resources that were mentioned: ----------------------------- Thanks for tuning into the ! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review! You can connect with me, John Sowash, on , , or . I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!
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Shocking Jamboard Announcement
09/26/2023
Shocking Jamboard Announcement
Today Google made a shocking announcement related to Google Jamboard. Listen to learn more and get my reaction to this surprising announcement. Episode Sponsor: VIZOR . Get 20% off your first year when you schedule a no-obligation demo. ----------------------------- Thanks for tuning into the ! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review! You can connect with me, John Sowash, on , , or . I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!
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10 links you should click (September 2023)
09/11/2023
10 links you should click (September 2023)
As part of my daily routine, I scan dozens of blogs, visit a handful of Facebook groups and skim through Twitter. The goal: find the most helpful resources, tools, and articles that I can share with my teacher friends (that’s you!) Visit the show notes to get all of the links and resources that were mentioned: ** Episode Sponsor: VIZOR for Chromebooks ** VIZOR simplifies the process of asset management, device repairs, and financial reporting from a single system the integrates with the Google Admin console and your student information system. 👉 ----------------------------- Thanks for tuning into the ! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review! You can connect with me, John Sowash, on , , or . I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!
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10 links you should click (August 2023)
08/04/2023
10 links you should click (August 2023)
As part of my daily routine, I scan dozens of blogs, visit a handful of Facebook groups, and skim through Twitter. The goal: find the most helpful resources, tools, and articles that I can share with my teacher friends (that’s you!). Episode Sponsor: Vizor for Chromebooks Vizor has added more than 60 new features to help you manage your technology hardware. Learn more and save 20% off your first year by visiting Here are my favorite links for August 2023: Lock assignment in Google Classroom Access a classroom as a visitor NotebookLM Inside a Geinus Mind (Lenoardo Da Vinci) Is LaCrOS finally ready? Essential student technology skills Selfie card activity Be careful of back to school Chromebook "deals" Alie Keeler's recommend tech tools for 2023 Jamboard vs. Figjam ----------------------------- Thanks for tuning into the ! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review! You can connect with me, John Sowash, on , , or . I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!
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It's time to collect the Chromebooks!
06/14/2023
It's time to collect the Chromebooks!
The school year has ended which means it's time to collect, repair, and inventory your fleet of devices. Dean Bates and Jef Lalonde from Vizor join me to share best practices for keeping an accurate device inventory. Learn more about VIZOR for chromebooks: ----------------------------- Thanks for tuning into the ! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review! You can connect with me, John Sowash, on , , or . I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!
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10 links you should click (May 2023)
05/15/2023
10 links you should click (May 2023)
As part of my daily routine, I scan dozens of blogs, visit a handful of Facebook groups and skim through Twitter. The goal: find the most helpful resources, tools, and articles that I can share with my teacher friends (that’s you!) These are my favorite links and updates for May, 2023! Episode Sponsor: The Google Admin Bootcamp Join me this summer and master the Google Admin console through a convenient LIVE virtual training. Learn tips and strategies for managing district data and improving security. Learn more: ----------------------------- Thanks for tuning into the ! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review! You can connect with me, John Sowash, on , , or . I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!
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10 Links you should click (April 2023)
04/17/2023
10 Links you should click (April 2023)
As part of my daily routine, I scan dozens of blogs, visit a handful of Facebook groups, and skim through Twitter. The goal: find the most helpful resources, tools, and articles that I can share with my teacher friends (that’s you!). These are my top 10 links and updates for April 2023. ----------------------------- Episode Sponsor: If you have been struggling to track and inventory the technology being used in your district, you need VIZOR! To find out more and get up to 20% off go to ----------------------------- Thanks for tuning into the ! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review! You can connect with me, John Sowash, on , , or . I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!
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Spring updates to three popular Google EDU tools (BETT 2023)
03/28/2023
Spring updates to three popular Google EDU tools (BETT 2023)
Morgan Weisman joins me to review some cool new updates announced at the BETT conference in London in March of 2023. Morgan is the product marketing manager for Google for Education and a former Dallas Texas kindergarten teacher. Episode Sponsor: VIZOR for Chromebooks Manage your district technology with ease with VIZOR. ----------------------------- Thanks for tuning into the ! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review! You can connect with me, John Sowash, on , , or . I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!
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10 links you should click (March 2023)
03/12/2023
10 links you should click (March 2023)
As part of my daily routine, I scan dozens of blogs, visit a handful of Facebook groups, and skim through Twitter. The goal: find the most helpful resources, tools, and articles that I can share with my teacher friends (that’s you!). Here are my favorite links & resources for March 2023. Episode Sponsor: ----------------------------- Thanks for tuning into the ! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review! You can connect with me, John Sowash, on , , or . I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!
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WHY IS PRINTING SO HARD???
03/06/2023
WHY IS PRINTING SO HARD???
Printing from a Chromebook hasn't been easy either. First, there was no printing support, then there was cloud print, then Google took it away....and the story continues. Joining me on the podcast today is Willem Groenwald from Papercut, a leader in print management software. ----------------------------- Episode Sponsor: Vizor for Chromebooks Vizor helps schools and business organize their technology assets (including printers!). Visit for a no obligation demo and save 20% off your first year. ----------------------------- Thanks for tuning into the ! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review! You can connect with me, John Sowash, on , , or . I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!
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5 Essential Chrome Extensions in 2023
02/16/2023
5 Essential Chrome Extensions in 2023
I test and use a LOT of Chrome extensions, but there are only five that I consider essential... Episode sponsor: Vizor for Chromebooks VIZOR provides . You can schedule a no-obligation demo of VIZOR and receive 20% off your first year! ----------------------------- Thanks for tuning into the ! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review! You can connect with me, John Sowash, on , , or . I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!
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10 links you should click (February 2023)
02/07/2023
10 links you should click (February 2023)
As part of my daily routine, I scan dozens of blogs, visit a handful of Facebook groups, and skim through Twitter. The goal: find the most helpful resources, tools, and articles that I can share with my teacher friends (that’s you!). Here are my favorite links for February 2023! ----------------------------- Episode Sponsor: If you are in charge of managing your Chromebook fleet, you have probably realized that the admin console doesn’t provide all of the features you need to manage, inventory, and organize your devices. That’s why you need Vizor! Vizor fills in the gaps between the admin console, your SIS, and inventory systems, giving you a single location to track devices, repairs, and reports. Schedule a no-obligation demo for Vizor to learn more: ----------------------------- Thanks for tuning into the ! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review! You can connect with me, John Sowash, on , , or . I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!
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FETC 2023 Recap (vibe, connections & vendors)
01/30/2023
FETC 2023 Recap (vibe, connections & vendors)
Last week I was in New Orleans for the 2023 FETC conference, the first big EdTech event of the new year. This is a quick summary of the vibe, my connections, and the vendor experience. Episode Sponsor: VIZOR provides . You can schedule a no-obligation demo of VIZOR and receive 20% off your first year! ----------------------------- Thanks for tuning into the ! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review! You can connect with me, John Sowash, on , , or . I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!
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2023 Google Educator Exam Prep: Expert Advice and Study Strategies
01/16/2023
2023 Google Educator Exam Prep: Expert Advice and Study Strategies
In this episode you will hear my thoughts and advice on taking (and passing) the level 1 and level 2 Google educator exams in 2023. I take these exams at least once a year and I'm always happy to share my experience to help you pass these exams. I know that many of you are instructional coaches who are helping other teachers earn their certification. I hope this episode will provide useful information for you as well. Episode Sponsor: VIZOR provides . You can schedule a no-obligation demo of VIZOR and receive 20% off your first year! ----------------------------- Thanks for tuning into the ! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review! You can connect with me, John Sowash, on , , or . I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!
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10 links you should click (January 2023)
01/09/2023
10 links you should click (January 2023)
As part of my daily routine, I scan dozens of blogs, visit a handful of Facebook groups, and skim through Twitter. The goal: find the most helpful resources, tools, and articles that I can share with my teacher friends (that’s you!). These are my favorite links for January 2023. ----------------------------- Thanks for tuning into the ! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review! You can connect with me, John Sowash, on , , or . I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!
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10 links you should click (December 2022)
12/19/2022
10 links you should click (December 2022)
As part of my daily routine, I scan dozens of blogs, visit a handful of Facebook groups, and skim through Twitter. The goal: find the most helpful resources, tools, and articles that I can share with my teacher friends (that’s you!). Episode Sponsor: Here are my favorite links for December 2022: Code blocks in Google Docs Follow a collaborator in Google Slides How one digital book led to an important COVID-19 discovery Responding to plagiarism Chat GPT I took the ChromeOS administrator exm New course for Chromebook Admins Top Chrome extension of 2022 Year in search 2022 Lock up the gifts! ----------------------------- Thanks for tuning into the ! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review! You can connect with me, John Sowash, on , , or . I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!
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Combating Sneaky Students (Eric Griffith)
12/02/2022
Combating Sneaky Students (Eric Griffith)
Every school has a population of sneaky students who seem to always find a way to bypass district web filters and security settings. Today I'm joined by experienced tech director Eric Griffith to discuss these sneaky tactics and prepare a response. Episode Sponsor: ----------------------------- Thanks for tuning into the ! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review! You can connect with me, John Sowash, on , , or . I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!
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10 links you should click (November 2022)
11/17/2022
10 links you should click (November 2022)
As part of my daily routine, I scan dozens of blogs, visit a handful of Facebook groups, and skim through Twitter. The goal: find the most helpful resources, tools, and articles that I can share with my teacher friends (that’s you!). Here are my favorite links for November 2022: Timeline view for Sheets Expiring access for Drive Manage shared drive storage Auto transcription for Google Meet Session Buddy Chrome extension How to handle student discord online Black Friday Chromebook deals How to spot a bad Chromebook deal Gratefulness with Jamboard Give thanks with Slides ----------------------------- Thanks for tuning into the ! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review! You can connect with me, John Sowash, on , , or . I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!
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10 links to click (October 2022)
10/18/2022
10 links to click (October 2022)
As part of my daily routine, I scan dozens of blogs, visit a handful of Facebook groups, and skim through Twitter. The goal: find the most helpful resources, tools, and articles that I can share with my teacher friends (that’s you!). Episode sponsor: Here are my favorite links for October 2022: Four updates from the Cloud Next conference Deploy Chrome apps by group Certified ChromeOS administrator Editing audio from your Chromebook Easy accent marks (chrome extension) Google Classroom discussion questions Google Trends Halloween predictions Carve a digital pumpkin Halloween Choiceboard Trick-or-treat fitness challenge ----------------------------- Thanks for tuning into the ! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review! You can connect with me, John Sowash, on , , or . I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!
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A few new things I'm trying this year
09/28/2022
A few new things I'm trying this year
Each year I add a few new tools and strategies to my teaching toolbox to keep my classroom from feeling stale. Here are five things I'm adding to my teaching toolbox for 2022-23. Episode Sponsor: ----------------------------- Thanks for tuning into the ! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review! You can connect with me, John Sowash, on , , or . I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!
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How to start a coding program (Marianne Smith, Code Girls United)
09/21/2022
How to start a coding program (Marianne Smith, Code Girls United)
After more than 25 years working in the field of computer science, including working for NASA, Marianne founded , a free after-school coding program for Montana girls. If you are looking at incorporating computer science into your school curriculum, Marianne is a wealth of knowledge! Episode sponsor: ----------------------------- Thanks for tuning into the ! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review! You can connect with me, John Sowash, on , , or . I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!
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10 Links you should click (September 2022)
09/12/2022
10 Links you should click (September 2022)
As part of my daily routine, I scan dozens of blogs, visit a handful of Facebook groups, and skim through Twitter. The goal: find the most helpful resources, tools, and articles that I can share with my teacher friends (that’s you!). These are my favorite links for September, 2022. ----------------------------- Thanks for tuning into the ! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review! You can connect with me, John Sowash, on , , or . I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!
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