a robot teaching other small robots in Central Park

Gemini AI: Google Gmail Integration

This is part of my larger series on Gemini in Google Workspace as well as the broader conversation on AI tools for education. I have been reticent to share much here on the generative AI explosion with so many folks diving headfirst into tools or into fears. And there have suddenly become so AI in … Continue reading Gemini AI: Google Gmail Integration

a robot teaching other small robots in Central Park

Generative AI Tools for Education: SchoolAI

This is part of my larger series on education tools using AI as well as the broader conversation on AI tools for education. I have been reticent to share much here on the generative AI explosion with so many folks diving headfirst into tools or into fears. And with so many ethical and equity considerations, … Continue reading Generative AI Tools for Education: SchoolAI

a robot teaching other small robots in Central Park

Gemini AI: Google Docs Integration

This is part of my larger series on Gemini in Google Workspace as well as the broader conversation on AI tools for education. I have been reticent to share much here on the generative AI explosion with so many folks diving headfirst into tools or into fears. And with so many ethical and equity considerations, … Continue reading Gemini AI: Google Docs Integration

CS Teachers Conference photos

24 Lessons Learned from the CS Teachers Conference

This weekend was ever New York City Computer Science (CS) Teachers' Conference, a day of presentations by CS teachers and partners with a gallery of presenters, breakout sessions, keynote speakers (like Chris Emdin), CS authors, and activities all organized by the Computer Science for All team. It was a wonderful opportunity for teachers to connect, … Continue reading 24 Lessons Learned from the CS Teachers Conference

Hands-On Computer Science: Robotics in the Classroom 2.0

In the past, I have shared how hands-on learning empowers students to learn actively in ways that challenge them to solve real problems rather than with contrived word problems or worksheets that lack rigor and incentive. It is effective in early childhood learning and at the elite levels of MIT's Media Lab. It is particularly … Continue reading Hands-On Computer Science: Robotics in the Classroom 2.0

Updates to Apple Education From An Apple Distinguished Educator

Background In their recent keynote, Apple touted their 40 years empowering educational initiatives through their technology. It started with the success of the Apple IIs in classrooms through the early 80s and then in 1984, the Macintosh was touted as a worthwhile but expensive hub for creativity which made it popular at universities. There were stumbles along the way … Continue reading Updates to Apple Education From An Apple Distinguished Educator

50+ Useful EdTech Tools

One of the great things about working in District 75 in New York City is that we have regular bi-monthly meetings where the tech liaisons from our 60+ (and 100s of sites/buildings) schools get together to share and learn. We recently had the opportunity to talk about what tools are benefitting us most in the … Continue reading 50+ Useful EdTech Tools

Everything Is Awesome: 5 Ways to Learn With Legos

Despite how painful it can be when you step on them barefoot or how frustrating it can be when you can't find the right piece, LEGOs are still one of my favorite toys because they are simultaneously simple and capable of vast complexity and creativity. Last year my district (NYC's District 75) began their participation in FIRST® … Continue reading Everything Is Awesome: 5 Ways to Learn With Legos

7 Ways to Celebrate CS Ed Week

Computer Science Education Week is coming up December 4th through 10th and it’s time to think about how you can celebrate the Hour of Code with your students. The CSTA (Computer Science Teachers Association) has partnered with Code Studio (a.k.a. Code.org) and Family Code Night to start a movement to expand CS education in schools throughout … Continue reading 7 Ways to Celebrate CS Ed Week

students on iPads

Computer Science With Apple

When Apple released Swift Playgrounds last year they were announcing to everyone that they wanted to have a hand in training the next generation of coders, app developers,  and creative problem solvers. They have since expanded that effort dramatically with their Everyone Can Code initiative that provides tools and a curriculum for computer science instruction for the … Continue reading Computer Science With Apple