Cool Cat Teacher Blog is at coolcatteacher.com

What are some creative ways to design assignments that prevent AI cheating? Professor Laurel Aguilar-Kirchhoff is working to adjust her assignments for the English Language Learners teachers. She changed their midterm essay to a storyboard.  We also talked about how she has changed discussion forum posts, which seem to be heavily written via AI. She likes the new method much better. Many educators ask how effective AI detectors are in identifying AI-generated content. They aren't. AI detectors don't work. However, there are some signs that we discuss in this podcast that we've noticed when AI is being used. However, as we educators grapple with AI, we have to stop trying to find detectors (none of which work) and start working towards meaningful projects and sharing what works. I hope this show helps start the conversation with you at your school. Show notes: https://www.coolcatteacher.com/e856   Check out this episode!

Yes, everyone is talking about AI. However, how do the concerns about AI apply to our classrooms today? Tom Mullaney talks about concerns with: The Eliza effect—where people attribute human characteristics such as trust and credibility to text-generating computers—can be dangerous when combined with the biases and inaccuracies inherent in large language models. It is vital for educators to understand this as we talk about AI with students. There are concerns about using AI as "guest speakers" even for something seemingly "harmless" like "the water cycle." Concerns with humanizing AI. Discussing the "On the Dangers of Stochastic Parrots" paper by Dr. Emily M. Bender et all which discusses the ethical issues and harms of large language models, including bias and environmental racism. Debunking the myth that AI will have values and beliefs. Practical applications of AI in the classroom The challenges of citing generative AI in the classroom....

In this show, I sit down with Eric Sheninger, CEO of Aspire Change EDU and author of "Disruptive Thinking in Our Classrooms." Together, we explore the evolving landscape of student engagement in 2024. Eric and I discuss how to truly engage students. First, Eric talks about moving from compliance to engagement and how that is crucial for student learning. He shares his relevance of thinking framework. Eric also shares his opinion about AI and how it can be a valuable tool but also what it is not and his concerns. He talks about the focus for principals and how they should provide feedback and the role of principal observations in schools. Show Notes: https://www.coolcatteacher.com/e854 Sponsor: Juicemind - https://www.juicemind.com/ As I taught coding this year in AP Computer Science Principles, I found JuiceMind so useful. Not only do they have the team coding tools we educators need (since Replit was discontinued) but they have Kahoot-like games where students can write c...

Procrastination comes to us all. And sometimes, we just don't have enough time. Today we unpack how we deal with procrastination, which is often tackling it head on. But also learning to say no is part of the equation. This show is for anyone who has looming tasks and is struggling to focus to get them done. Show notes and full transcript: https://www.coolcatteacher.com/e853   Sponsor: EVERFI Everyone remembers THAT teacher. The study hall teacher who walked you through your first college application. The social studies teacher who taught you what taxes were AND how to file them. The math teacher who used student loans to show you how interest worked. YOU can be that teacher---and EVERFI wants to help you make that kind of impact with FREE digital lessons for K thru 12 students. From budgets and banking to credit and savings, you’ll find a financial literacy topic that’s right for your classroom. And especially during April, Financial Literacy Month, there’s no better time to equ...

In a world constantly demanding excellence and innovation, it is easy to overlook a fundamental truth: the way we treat each other has profound implications on our productivity, motivation, and overall well-being. So many educators juggle dual responsibilities of nurturing young minds and meeting their own family's needs. This balance is particularly challenging for many women in education. Creating environments where everyone is valued is vital to strengthening our schools. Dr. Tracee Perryman, author of Elevating Women Leaders: Stories of Strength, Survival, and Success, discusses the importance of understanding and addressing women's unique needs and motivations. Our conversation aimed to inspire and guide listeners, help women advocate for themselves, express their needs (before they resign with no notice), and be assertive in ways that help.   Show notes and full transcript: https://www.coolcatteacher.com/e852 Sponsor :  EVERFI  Everyone remembers THAT teacher. ...

A.J. Juliani, author if the upcoming book Meaningful & Relevant: Engaging Learners in an Age of Distraction (will be posted here when it is live), talks about how this generation has changed, the hinge of history now upon us and what it means to be an excellent educator in this age with his four ingredients of what creates a meaningful learning experience. His powerful examples help us understand what we can become to engage and transform our classrooms in positive ways (and keep what works.) His talk will inspire and encourage you. Show notes, transcripts and links.: https://www.coolcatteacher.com/e851 Sponsor: EVERFI Everyone remembers THAT teacher. The study hall teacher who walked you through your first college application. The social studies teacher who taught you what taxes were AND how to file them. The math teacher who used student loans to show you how interest worked. YOU can be that teacher---and EVERFI wants to help you make that kind of impact with FREE digital less...

April is a busy month. Here are some of the tools and tips for you to explore as you prepare your lessons for this month! I talk about some great books, how I'm using the Elgato teleprompter, eclipse resources anyone can use anywhere in the world, Earth Day, financial literacy month, Arbor Day, some excellent professional development resources and a webinar I'm doing on AI in learning, resources for promoting student safety in automobiles, and, of course, some valuable test prep resources. I hope you find ideas for your classroom in this episode.   Show Notes: https://www.coolcatteacher.com/e850   Sponsor: Everyone remembers THAT teacher. The study hall teacher who walked you through your first college application. The social studies teacher who taught you what taxes were AND how to file them. The math teacher who used student loans to show you how interest worked. YOU can be that teacher---and EVERFI wants to help you make that kind of impact with FREE digital lessons for...