9 EdTech Activities to Celebrate the First Day of Summer - 370

In this episode, I share my favorite Google Slides for teachers tips, from customizing layouts to creating interactive lessons. You'll also hear tips on using speaker notes, hyperlinking images, and designing collaborative projects to enhance student engagement. If you want to make the most of this free and versatile EdTech tool, this episode has you covered! Show notes: https://classtechtips.com/2026/06/02/google-slides-for-teachers-373/ Sponsored by Pollzy: https://pollzy.co/ Follow Monica on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/classtechtips/  Take your pick of free EdTech resources: https://classtechtips.com/free-stuff-favorites/   

In this episode, I chat with Dr. Gina Tesoriero, a researcher and former middle school special education teacher, about how AI tools like ChatGPT can serve as powerful supports for students with disabilities and neurodiverse learners. You'll also hear findings from her dissertation research on how young adults with special education experiences are already using AI in creative ways, plus the unique ethical considerations that come up when thinking about AI in special education settings. If you want to understand how to approach AI in special education and start thoughtful conversations with students and families about its use, this episode has you covered! Show notes: https://classtechtips.com/2026/05/26/ai-in-special-education-372/ Sponsored by my quick reference guide Using AI Chatbots to Enhance Planning and Instruction: https://amzn.to/42Xzds0 Follow Dr. Gina Tesoriero on social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ginatesoriero/ Follow Monica on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/classtechtips/  Take your pick of free EdTech resources: https://classtechtips.com/free-stuff-favorites/   

In this episode, I share how to use AI tools to quickly create classroom infographics that make complex information easier for students to understand. You'll also hear about specific tools, practical prompt examples, and tips for designing visuals that align with your students' needs. If you want to save time while creating engaging, student-friendly visuals, this episode has you covered! Show notes: https://classtechtips.com/2026/05/19/classroom-infographics-371/ Sponsored by my quick reference guide Using AI Chatbots to Enhance Planning and Instruction: https://amzn.to/42Xzds0 Follow Monica on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/classtechtips/  Take your pick of free EdTech resources: https://classtechtips.com/free-stuff-favorites/   

In this episode, I share fun and engaging first day of summer activities for classroom celebrations, from interactive music activities to AI-generated designs. You'll also hear creative ideas like virtual summer trips, student goal-setting with digital tools, and storytelling with emojis. If you want to bring excitement, reflection, and EdTech-powered creativity into your lessons, this episode is for you! Show notes: https://classtechtips.com/2026/05/12/first-day-of-summer-activities-for-classroom-370/ Sponsored by my quick reference guide Using AI Chatbots to Enhance Planning and Instruction: https://amzn.to/42Xzds0 Follow Monica on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/classtechtips/  Take your pick of free EdTech resources: https://classtechtips.com/free-stuff-favorites/   

In this episode, I chat with Charlie Huynh, Director of Teaching and Learning for OneSchool Global's North American region, about building a Learning to Learn framework that helps students take full accountability for their own learning. You'll also hear how extended learning programs like the Perfect Pitch Competition connect students across borders, how families and community members are woven in as authentic audiences, and how thoughtful curriculum design keeps both consistency and local flexibility in play. If you want ideas for scaling collaboration, embedding inclusivity, and giving students a real-world "why" for their learning, this episode has you covered! Show notes: https://classtechtips.com/2026/05/08/tips-for-connecting-classrooms-bonus/ Sponsored by OneSchool Global: https://oneschoolglobal.com Follow Monica on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/classtechtips/  Take your pick of free EdTech resources: https://classtechtips.com/free-stuff-favorites/   

In this episode, I welcome back Suzanne Dailey, instructional coach, and introduce Robert Dunlop, middle school classroom teacher—coauthors of You've Got This: Finding Happiness and Success in Your First Years of Teaching. You'll hear practical strategies for supporting new teachers through classroom management, routines, relationship-building, and tech habits that reduce stress instead of adding to it. If you want clear, compassionate guidance for supporting new teachers as they build confidence and sustainable success, this episode has you covered! Show notes: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Hn83DBJq7eLQ4UXZz9RePaYvCeLi5dqcGTwXmnfI17s/edit?tab=t.0 Sponsored by my quick reference guide Using AI Chatbots to Enhance Planning and Instruction: https://amzn.to/42Xzds0 Follow Suzanne Dailey on social: https://x.com/DaileySuzanne Follow Robert Dunlop on social: https://x.com/robdunlopEDU Follow Monica on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/classtechtips/  Take your pick of free EdTech resources: https://classtechtips.com/free-stuff-favorites/   

In this episode, I welcome back Tim Needles, STEAM teacher, K–12 Technology Integration Specialist, and ISTE author, to explore the intersection of art, technology and student voice in the classroom. You'll also hear why concepts should drive tool selection, how digital tools democratize creativity, and ways technology supports faster iteration, critique, and reflection. If you want practical strategies for using tech to amplify student storytelling and advocacy without losing the heart of the creative process, this episode has you covered! Show notes: https://classtechtips.com/2026/05/01/technology-and-student-voice-bonus/ Sponsored by Jotform: http://jotform.com/enterprise/education/ Follow Tim Needles on social: https://x.com/timneedles Follow Monica on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/classtechtips/  Take your pick of free EdTech resources: https://classtechtips.com/free-stuff-favorites/   

In this episode, I share how AI can help teachers tackle time-consuming tasks and reclaim valuable time during the school day. You'll also hear practical examples for using AI to format materials, draft lesson plans, and organize resources more efficiently. If you want to save time while staying focused on what matters most for your students, this episode has you covered! Show notes: https://classtechtips.com/2026/04/28/ways-to-use-ai-368/ Sponsored by my new ASCD deck of cards, Purposeful EdTech Tips: https://ClassTechTips.com/cards Follow Monica on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/classtechtips/  Take your pick of free EdTech resources: https://classtechtips.com/free-stuff-favorites/   

In this episode, I welcome back Dr. Chaunté Garrett, CEO and Founder of Empowering Learners and Leaders to Excel, to discuss supporting the whole child through academic, social, and physical safety in a tech-heavy world. You'll also hear practical insights on choosing technology intentionally, amplifying student voice, and approaching AI with a mindset of growth instead of pressure. If you want clear strategies for supporting the whole child while balancing innovation with human-centered teaching, this episode has you covered! Show notes: https://classtechtips.com/2026/04/24/supporting-the-whole-child-bonus/ Sponsored by Jotform: https://jotform.com/enterprise/education/ Follow Dr. Chaunté Garrett on social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drncgarrett/ Follow Monica on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/classtechtips/  Take your pick of free EdTech resources: https://classtechtips.com/free-stuff-favorites/   

In this episode, I'm joined by Dr. Nneka McGee, strategic advisor and AI education expert, to explore how we can prepare young learners for an AI world through developmentally appropriate, unplugged learning experiences. You'll also hear practical examples and simple conversation-based activities that help children build foundational AI literacy skills like pattern recognition, prediction, and critical thinking—without using generative AI tools. If you want to confidently introduce AI concepts to early childhood and elementary students in meaningful, age-appropriate ways, this episode has you covered! Show notes: https://classtechtips.com/2026/04/21/ai-world-367/ Sponsored by my new ASCD deck of cards, Purposeful EdTech Tips: https://ClassTechTips.com/cards Follow Dr. Nneka McGee on social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nnekamcgee/ Follow Monica on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/classtechtips/  Take your pick of free EdTech resources: https://classtechtips.com/free-stuff-favorites/