12+ Quick Ways to Streamline Lesson Planning - 356

In this episode, I share five creative ways to use NotebookLM for teachers to go beyond basic Q&A and enhance lesson prep. You'll also hear real-world examples of using audio debates, slide decks, infographics, data tables, and cinematic videos in the classroom. Tune in for actionable ideas to create engaging, customizable learning materials with AI. Show notes: https://classtechtips.com/2026/04/14/notebooklm-for-teachers-366/ 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 Allison Rodman, educator, founder of The Learning Loop, and ASCD author, for rethinking professional development in the age of AI and moving beyond one-size-fits-all PD. You'll also hear how AI can support more personalized, high-impact professional learning through better pre-session insights, intentional prompt design, and thoughtful guardrails. If you want professional development that respects educators' time and leads to meaningful changes in practice, this episode has you covered! Show notes: https://classtechtips.com/2026/04/10/rethinking-professional-development-bonus/ Sponsored by Jotform: http://jotform.com/enterprise/education/ Follow Allison Rodman on social: https://x.com/thelearningloop 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. Cathy Collins, library media specialist and author of Teaching News Literacy in the Age of AI, about helping students navigate today's information landscape. You'll also hear practical five-minute verification routines, hands-on activities for spotting AI-generated content, and strategies that work across all subjects. If you want to build students' critical thinking and news literacy skills without specialized training or extra time, this episode has you covered! Show notes: https://classtechtips.com/2026/04/07/news-literacy-365/ Sponsored by my new ASCD deck of cards, Purposeful EdTechTips: http://www.ClassTechTips.com/cards Follow Dr. Cathy Collins on social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/collinscathy/ 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 Caroline Haebig, ISTE author and Coordinator of Teaching and Learning, for a chat about practical and responsible examples of AI in education that support teachers and students. You'll also hear concrete classroom use cases, guidance on acceptable AI use, and strategies for designing AI prompts through a cognitive science lens. If you want to move beyond the hype and apply examples of AI in education to strengthen instruction and student learning, this episode has you covered! Show notes: https://classtechtips.com/2026/04/03/examples-of-ai-in-education-bonus/ Sponsored by Jotform: https://jotform.com/enterprise/education/ Follow Caroline Haebig on social: https://www.facebook.com/caroline.haebig 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 teachers can use AI tools as digital drafting partners to provide faster feedback for students. You'll also hear practical prompt examples and strategies for creating consistent, skill-aligned comments and quick formative assessments. If you want to streamline your feedback routines without losing instructional control, this episode has you covered! Show notes: https://classtechtips.com/2026/03/31/faster-feedback-for-students-364/ 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'm joined by Heather Turbeville, education-focused team member at Jotform, to unpack what's working, what's not, and where AI is headed in education based on new EdTech trends data. You'll also hear insights on how educators are using AI for productivity, why tool integration matters more than ever, and what teachers want from digital tools moving forward. If you want to make smarter decisions about EdTech and AI that actually support your workflow and your school community, this episode has you covered! Show notes: https://classtechtips.com/2026/03/27/edtech-trends-bonus-2/ Sponsored by Jotform: http://jotform.com/enterprise/education/ 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 language arts and journalism teacher Chayanee Brooks about using digital storytelling to strengthen student literacy skills and transform students into active creators. You'll also hear about how to utilize accessible digital tools like smartphones and iMovie, how to structure multi-month video projects that meet academic standards, and practical steps from brainstorming to final production. If you want to start digital storytelling in your classroom and help students share their voices through video, this episode has you covered! Show notes: https://classtechtips.com/2026/03/24/student-literacy-skills-363/ Sponsored by my quick reference guide Using AI Chatbots to Enhance Planning and Instruction: https://amzn.to/42Xzds0 Follow Chayanee Brooks on social: https://x.com/BrooksChayanee 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 sit down with Julie Willcott, STEM/AI Education Specialist, to unpack the most important emerging AI trends in education for 2026 and what educators should keep on their radar. You'll also hear what's shifting beyond classroom lessons—like how AI is reshaping teacher communication, increasing "human-in-the-loop" vetting of AI-created materials, and accelerating more natural, conversational tutoring experiences. If you want to stay ahead of AI's fast-moving changes with practical insights you can use right away, this episode has you covered! Show notes: https://classtechtips.com/2026/03/20/ai-trends-bonus-2/ Sponsored by Jotform: http://jotform.com/enterprise/education/ Follow Julie Wilcott on social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-willcott/ 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 creative ways to bring spring into your classroom decor while integrating EdTech tools for interactive learning experiences. You'll also hear ideas for using AI-generated images, QR codes, and student-created videos to make bulletin boards and displays more engaging. If you want to refresh your classroom with techy, spring decorations that enhance student learning, this episode has you covered! Show notes: https://classtechtips.com/2026/03/17/spring-decorations-362/ 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 Dr. Robert Dillon, educator and author, about what play-based learning really looks like and why curiosity, exploration, and playful energy matter at every grade level. You'll also hear concrete examples of how learning environments, reflection, and guided play can support academic goals, student engagement, and social-emotional growth without over-structuring the experience. If you want to rethink learning spaces and bring more joy, focus, and discovery into your classroom or school, this episode has you covered! Show notes: https://classtechtips.com/2026/03/13/play-based-learning-bonus/ Sponsored by Jotform: http://jotform.com/enterprise/education/ Follow Dr. Robert Dillon on social: https://x.com/drrobertdillon Follow Monica on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/classtechtips/  Take your pick of free EdTech resources: https://classtechtips.com/free-stuff-favorites/