Congratulations and welcome to teaching! As you start your professional journey, Tech & Learning is here to support you with experience and expertise from our team and advisors, who have substantial time in front of a class doing what you’re about to do. We know it can be daunting, and a little scary, but we’re here to help you succeed with this new teacher starter kit.
To help build your teaching toolbox, we offer this regularly updated assortment of resources, tips, and advice from education professionals such as yourself for using AI and edtech, implementing digital tools, navigating technology in the classroom, and just approaching teaching altogether.
Also please consider joining the Tech & Learning online community here, where you can share feedback on our articles and engage in discussions with other educators.
AI
My Student Was Submitting AI Papers. Here’s What I Did – Many educators have been thrust into a brave new world of modern teaching that they have not been trained for and to which an appropriate response is unclear.
12 AI Tools Beyond ChatGPT That Can Save Teachers Time – AI tools that educators can use to save time.
3 Teaching Resources for Learning More About AI – Teaching resources for understanding how AI technology works and how it might impact society.
Best Free AI Detection Sites – We test these free AI detection sites to help teachers find tools to detect the use of AI.
Best Free AI Image Generators – We test the best free AI image generators for schools.
AI Lesson Plan Tips – Best practices and tips for when you’re developing AI lesson plans.
Developing AI Pedagogical Practices – A new classroom technology, such as AI, requires new pedagogical approaches.
Navigating AI Biases in The Classroom – As students learn to use generative AI, it’s important to recognize and navigate the biases present.
Help me Write: Google Docs New AI Writing Tool Explained for Teachers – The Help me write tool is built into Google Docs for select users, providing ease of access that could make AI writing even more widespread.
Duet AI for Google Workspace: How to Use It for Teaching – Duet AI brings the power of AI into Docs, Sheets and more Google tools to make life easier.
4 Ways to Use ChatGPT to Prepare for Class – ChatGPT has a lot of potential to help educators with class prep.
5 Ways to Teach with ChatGPT – Ways to effectively teach with ChatGPT and avoid student misuse of the technology.
Using ChatGPT Plugins – Adding ChatGPT plugins are simple and can help you teach more effectively.
How to Prevent ChatGPT Cheating – ChatGPT has a lot of potential for teaching, say educators, but it can also be used to cheat. Here are strategies to prevent ChatGPT cheating.
Tech & Learning’s AI Hub – Check here for the latest articles about AI and education.
Professional Development
5 Pieces of Advice for New Teachers – Asking questions and making sure to give yourself time off are among the advice veteran and award-winning educators offer for new teachers.
11 Edtech Tips for New Teachers – Advice to help new teachers implement digital tools into their classrooms and instruction.
5 Google Classroom Tips From Its Developers – The Google Classroom product manager and adaptive learning project manager at Google share tips for utilizing the popular learning management system.
6 Google Scholar Tips From Its Co-Creator – Google Scholar can be a great tool for teachers and their students. Here’s how to get the most out of it.
5 Edtech Books Every New and Seasoned Teacher Should Read – These edtech books support professional learning for teachers in all academic areas and grade levels.
10 Effective Online Learning Practices – How to prepare for effective remote and distance learning.
5 Summer Professional Development Ideas – Summer is the perfect time to take advantage of great learnings and have enough time to put those learnings into practice in your planning for next school year.
Top Sites for Educator PD – Professional development is an ongoing process for any educator. Looking for the best ways to impart knowledge to students and staying current with the latest learning trends is critical.
How To Become a Google Certified Educator – The Google Certified Educator program offers the chance for teachers to gain practical PD while earning a badge to demonstrate their edtech expertise.
Providing New Teachers with Remote PD and Modeling – Strategies to support new teachers with technology as they navigate these trying times and remote learning.
4 Lessons From Remote Learning – Despite its challenges, remote learning has changed in-person learning for the better, says one Kansas City educator.
How to Write in Plain Language for Teaching – Using plain language for school websites and family communication is an effective way to assure understanding, especially when translation is involved.
7 Things to Know About Being an Online Teacher – Online teachers should be open to learning new technology and be excited to provide individualized feedback to students.
Teacher Burnout: Recognizing and Reducing It – Signs of teacher burnout include emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and a feeling of no longer being effective at your job. It’s important to listen to these feelings and make changes.
I Took CASEL’s Online SEL Course. Here’s What I Learned – CASEL’s new online SEL course takes 45-60 minutes to complete and provides a lot of information in an efficient manner.
Class & Classroom Management
5 Tips for Talking to Social Media-Addicted Teens – Talking to social-media addicted teens requires meeting them where they communicate, according to Nicole Rice, author of Does Your Teen Talk? No, But They Text, Snap, and TikTok
Classroom Engagement: 4 Tips From Students for Teachers – Four students share their advice for teachers looking to create more engaging and impactful classes.
5 Tips for Implementing Active Learning – Active learning provides ways to get your students engaged without needing to revamp how you teach.
Growth Mindset: 4 Ways to Implement it In Class – Growth mindset works for specific students in specific instances but educators should be careful when implementing it.
Busting the Myth of Learning Styles – The idea that different students have different learning styles pervades education, but cognitive scientists say there is no evidence learning styles exist.
3 Ways You & Your Students Can Use Microproductivity – Breaking down large tasks into smaller, easier-to-complete ones can save time and help educators and students tackle daunting projects.
Implementing Authentic Exploratory Research into Teaching – Authentic exploratory research provides an opportunity for reality-based learning.
How to Address School Shootings With Your Class – Listening to students and providing a safe space for sharing their concerns is key when discussing school shootings.
Best Practices for Trauma-Informed Teaching – While trauma-informed care is part of many therapeutic plans of school counselors, teachers see students on a daily basis so it is often necessary to embrace and employ trauma-informed approaches to teaching.
5 Lessons for Teachers from Ted Lasso – How the optimistic soccer coach models some good behavior for teachers.
5 Teaching Tips from The Coach and Educator Who Inspired Ted Lasso – Basketball coach and math teacher Donnie Campbell, one of the inspirations for Jason Sudeikis’ Ted Lasso, shares his strategies for inspiring young people in the classroom and on the court.
5 Ways to Engage Reluctant Readers – How technology and student choice can help engage reluctant readers.
Websites, Apps & Digital Tools
Best Tools for Teachers – If you’re new to teaching or looking to learn more about digital tools for teachers such as Zoom, TikTok, Minecraft, Microsoft Teams, or Flipgrid — and all the related apps and resources — here’s where to get started. We cover the basic features for each one, plus provide tips and advice to get the most out of your experience.
Edtech Lesson Plans – Designed to provide a template for implementing specific popular digital tools into your instruction and classroom, these free lesson plans include Flip, Kahoot!, Wakelet, Boom Cards, TikTok, and many more.
Google Education Tools & Apps – Google Classroom is the most popular digital tool in education, due to its cost (free!) and the multitude of easy-to-use apps and resources related to it. Many school systems rely on it because of its accessibility, ease of use, and flexibility.
Best YouTube Sites and Channels for Education – Safe-viewing tips and education-focused channels to help take advantage of the fantastic free educational videos YouTube provides.
Top Flipped Classroom Tech Tools – Flipped educators shared their favorite resources for their flipped classrooms.
Fact-Checking Sites for Students – Student research sites and apps that are safe and unbiased, and specialize in debunking claims and providing objective, researched analysis.
First Day of Class: 5 Edtech Tools That Can Make it More Engaging – These interactive apps will help keep your students active and engaged as they get to know you, each other, and what to expect this year.
Top Sites and Resources to Support LGTBQ+ Students – It’s estimated that nearly two million American youth aged 13-17 identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender. These students are at relatively high risk for becoming the targets of bullies, violence—and even committing suicide.
Best Digital Icebreakers – Ease into the new school year is with fun and engaging digital icebreakers.
Tech & Learning Reader Favorites – These top Tech & Learning articles explore the latest ideas, resources, and tools for teachers and students.
Teacher Tech & Devices
Best Desktop Computers For Teachers – Get the ultimate education-focused desktop computer that’s ideal for teachers.
Best Laptops for Teachers – Get the best laptop for teachers both in class and for remote learning.
Best Tablets for Teachers – The ultimate tablets for use by teachers in class and for remote learning.
Best Laptop Docking Stations For Teachers – Get the ideal laptop dock for teachers working between remote and classroom lessons.
Best Webcams for Teachers – The best webcams for education, be it for teachers or students, can make all the difference.
Best Ring Lights For Remote Teaching – Create the perfect lighting for video teaching to give the best remote learning experience.
Best Headphones for Teachers – The best headphones for teachers in remote learning situations can make a huge difference to the quality of a lesson.
Best Laptop Cases for Teachers – The best laptop cases for teachers could offer freedom of movement without sacrificing tech.
Best Hardware for Teachers – Computers, monitors, webcams, headphones, and other edtech hardware for your in-person or online classroom.
Edtech Tips & Troubleshooting
How Do I Livestream a Class? – To livestream a class it’s easier than ever before and here’s what you need to know to get started right now.
How Do I Screencast a Lesson? – A screencast is, essentially, a recording of your computer screen — and you — with audio narration over the top.
How Do I Create a YouTube Channel? – If you want to create a YouTube channel for your class, this is everything you need to know.
How To Teach Like An Influencer – Students spend more and more time online, so using digital tools to successfully engage and educate can be useful.
Why Do My Webcam and Microphone Not Work? – Webcam and microphone not work? This is how you can get up and running.
Why Can’t I Print from My Computer? – If you’ve asked why can’t I print from my computer, it’s time to take a breath of relief as we reveal all you need to know.
How Can I Extend My Laptop Battery Charge for a Full School Day? – If you’ve asked ‘How can I extend my laptop battery charge?’, you’ve come to the right place.
Using Virtual Reality (VR) to Enhance Existing Lessons – Virtual reality can enhance educational experiences and is a powerful way to foster student engagement.
Teaching a VR Lesson: 5 Questions to Ask – Before teaching a VR lesson or an AR lesson, there are some questions teachers should ask themselves.
How to Set Up Virtual or Augmented Reality in Schools for Free – While the relatively new technologies may seem expensive and complex initially, either can be very accessible.
Showing Movies & Videos in Class – Using films, documentaries, and video clips can be a good way to deepen lessons and build engagement, but there are pitfalls to avoid.
Video Lectures: 4 Tips for Teachers – Creating short and engaging video lectures for students is a growing trend at education institutions.
4 Tips for Hosting School Webinars – Webinars should be as interactive as possible and allow for hands-on practice.
Zoom/Video Conferencing Best Practices – Researchers at Stanford University and the University of Gothenburg find those who look at the camera are viewed more favorably by other Zoom/video conference participants.
Creating A Roblox Classroom – By creating a Roblox classroom, teachers can provide opportunities for collaboration, creativity, and more.