Shows
Alcoa ConnectsThe Importance of Adapting Teaching with TechnologyWe're constantly striving to give our students the best learning experiences possible. In today's fast-paced world, that means embracing technology not as a separate entity, but as a vital part of our teaching toolkit. The digital landscape is where our students live, learn, and will work, and adapting our methods to leverage technology isn't just a trend – it's essential for preparing them for the future.2025-07-2112 minAlcoa ConnectsRevolutionize Your Classroom with Gemini in Google Classroom!Are you ready to discover a game-changing tool that can lighten your workload and spark new levels of creativity in your teaching? Get ready to meet Gemini in Google Classroom, a powerful suite of generative AI tools designed specifically with teachers in mind!2025-07-1507 minAlcoa ConnectsWhy Locking Your Computer Screen MattersWe know your classrooms are bustling hubs of learning, discovery, and sometimes, organized chaos! In the midst of managing lessons, answering questions, and putting out the occasional (metaphorical) fire, it's easy to overlook something seemingly small but incredibly important: locking your computer screen when you step away.2025-05-2104 minAlcoa ConnectsHow Apple's Desktop "Spaces" Can Revolutionize Your Teaching WorkflowWe all know the feeling of having countless windows open, making it tough to find what you need. Spaces lets you group related tasks and applications onto different virtual desktops.2025-05-1305 minAlcoa ConnectsWhy a Professional Email Signature Matters for K-12 EducatorsEmail is a primary mode of communication for educators. From connecting with parents and guardians to collaborating with colleagues and administrators, your inbox is a hub of important information. Amidst the flurry of messages, one small detail can make a big difference in how you're perceived: your email signature.2025-05-1207 minAlcoa ConnectsThink Twice Before Hitting "Reply All"If you're a teacher, chances are you've experienced this firsthand. One of the biggest culprits of email overload is the infamous "Reply All" button.2025-05-0904 minAlcoa ConnectsHandle that Laptop with Care!Walking around with your laptop cover open might seem like a harmless habit, but it can actually pose some significant risks.2025-05-0904 minAlcoa ConnectsWhy Due Dates in Google Classroom MatterSetting clear due dates for assignments in Google Classroom is crucial for effective learning and management. 2025-05-0904 minAlcoa ConnectsThe Importance of Regularly Checking EmailTo ensure effective communication and minimize disruptions to your workday, it's crucial to make checking your emails a regular habit, particularly at the beginning and end of the school day.2025-05-0904 minAlcoa ConnectsGoogle Chat: A Game-Changer for School Staff CommunicationIn today's fast-paced educational environment, effective communication among staff members is essential for ensuring a smooth and efficient operation. Traditional methods like email and phone calls can be time-consuming and often lead to miscommunication. That's where Google Chat comes in. This powerful tool offers a range of features that can streamline communication, improve collaboration, and enhance overall school efficiency.2025-05-0904 minAlcoa ConnectsWhy Teachers Should Keep Their Websites UpdatedIn today's digital age, a teacher's website has become an essential tool for communication and organization. It serves as a central hub for students, parents, and colleagues to access important information and resources. Maintaining an updated teacher website is crucial for fostering a positive and effective learning environment.2025-05-0904 minAlcoa ConnectsAI: A Teacher's New Best FriendArtificial intelligence (AI) has been making waves in various industries, and education is no exception. Educators are increasingly exploring ways to leverage AI to enhance their teaching practices and streamline their workload. We discuss how AI can be a valuable tool for teachers.2025-05-0905 minAlcoa ConnectsWhy Flip Your Classroom?In today's digital age, technology has transformed the way we learn and teach. One powerful tool that educators can leverage to enhance their instruction is screen capture utilities. By recording their lessons, teachers can create valuable resources that benefit both students and themselves.2025-05-0905 minAlcoa ConnectsThe Golden Rule of School Devices - Keep Your Personal Life Separate!There is a real temptation to sign into personal services like iCloud, FaceTime, and iMessage on district-provided devices and computers. We get it – convenience is king! Here us when we say, taking this seemingly small step can open up a whole can of worms down the line. This should be avoided at all costs.2025-05-0805 minAlcoa ConnectsWhy Organize Your Gmail Inbox?In today's digital age, email has become an essential communication tool for teachers. It's a constant stream of information, from student questions and parent concerns to administrative announcements and professional development opportunities. A cluttered and disorganized inbox can quickly become overwhelming, leading to missed messages, decreased productivity, and increased stress.2025-05-0804 minAlcoa ConnectsVersion History: A Time-Saving Tool in Google WorkspaceThe version history feature in Google Workspace products is an invaluable tool that allows users to track and manage changes made to their documents, spreadsheets, presentations, and drawings. This feature is particularly helpful for teachers and students who often collaborate on projects and need to keep track of different iterations and revisions.2025-05-0803 minAlcoa ConnectsDitch the Paper: Why Teachers Should Embrace Chromebook AssignmentsTechnology has transformed the way we learn and work. Chromebooks, with their portability, affordability, and ease of use, have become increasingly popular in educational settings. By transitioning from traditional pen and paper assignments to Chromebook-based tasks, teachers can enhance student engagement, promote digital literacy, and streamline the grading process.2025-05-0805 minAlcoa ConnectsYouTube Shorts: A New Frontier for Engaging StudentsMore and more these days, students are constantly consuming short-form content on platforms like TikTok and Instagram Reels. YouTube Shorts, a similar platform launched by YouTube, offers a unique opportunity for educators to engage students in the learning process in a fun and engaging way.2025-05-0804 minAlcoa ConnectsWhy Teachers Should Ditch Microsoft Word for Google DocsTechnology has revolutionized the way we work and collaborate. For educators, Google Docs offers a powerful and versatile tool that can streamline their workflow and enhance student engagement. While Microsoft Word has long been a staple in many classrooms, it's time to consider the benefits of switching to Google Docs.2025-05-0804 minAlcoa ConnectsRich Text Formatting: More Than Just Bold and ItalicRich text formatting, often overlooked in the digital age, is a powerful tool that enhances the readability, clarity, and visual appeal of your text. By using various formatting options, you can convey meaning, structure, and emphasis effectively.2025-05-0804 minAlcoa ConnectsPassword Managers: Your Digital FortressRemembering complex, unique passwords for each account can be a daunting task. Thankfully, password managers offer a secure and convenient solution.2025-05-0805 minAlcoa ConnectsTech Savvy Teachers: Why Continuous Learning is EssentialTechnology has become an integral part of our daily lives, including the classroom. As teachers, staying up-to-date with the latest technological advancements is crucial to provide students with a relevant and engaging learning experience.2025-05-0803 minAlcoa ConnectsLinking Your Gradebook to Google Classroom: A Teacher's GuideAs a teacher, managing grades can be a time-consuming and error-prone task. However, by linking your gradebook to Google Classroom, you can streamline the process, improve communication with students and parents, and enhance overall classroom organization.2025-05-0804 minAlcoa ConnectsGoogle Chat for Professional K-12 CommunicationIn our fast-paced world, staying connected with colleagues, students (where appropriate), and parents is crucial. For many of us, our go-to for quick updates has become text messaging. But what if I told you there's a better, more organized, and more professional tool right at your fingertips? It's time to say goodbye to endless text threads and embrace the streamlined efficiency of Google Chat.2025-05-0711 minAlcoa ConnectsThe Importance of Accessibility Features on ChromebooksChromebooks have become increasingly popular in educational settings due to their affordability, portability, and ease of use. However, for students with disabilities, even the most user-friendly devices can present challenges. That's where accessibility features come into play. These built-in tools can significantly enhance the learning experience for students with a wide range of abilities, ensuring everyone a chance to succeed.2025-05-0705 minAlcoa ConnectsProtecting Your School's Tech SecurityAs educators, we rely on technology to enhance our teaching and learning experiences. However, with increased reliance on digital tools comes the responsibility to protect our school's network and student data. One simple yet crucial step in safeguarding our systems is to log out of our computers and devices at the end of each day.2025-05-0704 minAlcoa ConnectsThe Untapped Power of QR Codes in Your ClassroomIn our ever-evolving educational landscape, finding innovative ways to engage students, streamline workflows, and connect the physical and digital worlds is paramount. Enter the humble yet mighty QR code. Often overlooked or relegated to marketing materials, this little square of black and white holds a surprising amount of potential to transform your classroom and enhance the learning experience.2025-05-0615 minAlcoa ConnectsWhy Google Chrome Tab Groups are a Teacher's Best FriendOur digital lives are often a chaotic landscape of open tabs. Lesson plans, grading rubrics, student work, research articles, educational videos – the list goes on! Sound familiar? If your Chrome browser often resembles a digital explosion, then it's time to discover a game-changer: Tab Groups.2025-05-0611 minAlcoa ConnectsWhy an Up-to-Date School Website Profile MattersYou pour your hearts and souls into shaping young minds every single day. From crafting engaging lessons to offering unwavering support, you're the backbone of our schools. Let's discuss something that might feel like another task on your already full plate, but trust me, it's a powerful tool for connection: your profile page on the school website.2025-05-0605 minAlcoa ConnectsWhy Feigning Tech Illiteracy Hurts Us AllWe've all felt the pressure of new technologies being integrated into our classrooms and administrative tasks. And while genuine tech challenges are a reality, there's a subtle – and sometimes not-so-subtle – trend of using a perceived lack of tech skills as a convenient shield. The "Oh, you know me and computers!" or "Technology just isn't my strong suit" can become a go-to phrase to sidestep new platforms, digital assignments, or online communication expectations.2025-05-0609 minAlcoa ConnectsThe Untapped Power of the Help MenuWe live in a world increasingly driven by technology. From interactive whiteboards to online learning platforms, digital tools are becoming integral to our classrooms and our professional lives. While the potential of these tools is immense, the learning curve can sometimes feel steep.2025-05-0608 minAlcoa ConnectsThe Power of Connection: Why Google Classroom's Guardian Summaries are a Game-ChangerAs educators, we wear many hats. We're curriculum designers, facilitators of learning, motivators, and often, the vital link between school and home. Staying connected with parents and guardians is crucial for student success, but let's be honest, finding the time for consistent and meaningful communication can feel like another task piled high on an already overflowing desk.2025-05-0608 minAlcoa ConnectsEducator's Guide to Avoid Phishing ScamsYou dedicate your lives to shaping young minds and fostering a safe learning environment. But in today's digital age, the threats to that safety extend beyond the classroom walls and into your inboxes. We're talking about email phishing scams, and unfortunately, teachers are increasingly becoming prime targets.2025-05-0605 minAlcoa Connects10 Essential Tech Resources for EducatorsThe modern classroom is a dynamic space where technology plays a crucial role in enhancing learning experiences. As educators, we're constantly seeking tools that can streamline our workflows, engage students, and foster a collaborative environment. Here are ten of the best tech resources designed to empower teachers:2025-05-0613 minAlcoa ConnectsEmpowering Educators, Enriching Learning: Why GoGuardian is Your Classroom AllyIn today's dynamic educational landscape, technology offers incredible opportunities for engagement and personalized learning. However, it also presents unique challenges in maintaining focus, ensuring safety, and understanding student progress in real-time. This is where classroom management software like GoGuardian steps in, transforming the way educators interact with their students and manage their digital learning environments.2025-05-0613 minAlcoa ConnectsUnleash the Power: Beyond YouTube with Your Promethean ActivPanelWe've all been there. You've got a shiny new Promethean ActivPanel in your classroom, a powerful tool designed to revolutionize teaching and learning. But, let's be honest, how often does it end up just being a giant screen for YouTube videos? While those videos can be a great resource, your ActivPanel is capable of so much more! It's time to break free from the "YouTube trap" and unlock the true potential of this interactive powerhouse.2025-05-0605 minAlcoa ConnectsDitch the Paper Sign-Up: How Google Calendar Bookings Transform Teacher OrganizationAs educators, we know that time is a precious commodity. Between lesson planning, grading, and actually teaching, finding extra minutes feels like discovering a hidden treasure. That's why streamlining communication and scheduling is crucial. Enter Google Calendar's appointment and booking page feature – a game-changer for teachers looking to reclaim their time and sanity.2025-05-0606 minAlcoa ConnectsChromebooks: The Ideal Teacher Device for Google Workspace SchoolsFor school districts deeply integrated with Google Workspace for Education, the choice of teacher-issued devices becomes crucial. While Apple computers have their merits, enterprise-level Chromebooks often emerge as the superior choice, offering a seamless, efficient, and cost-effective experience.2025-05-0605 minAlcoa ConnectsGemini AI: A Teacher's Time-Saver and Student BoosterAs educators, we're constantly seeking innovative ways to enhance student learning, streamline our workflows, and personalize instruction. Enter Google Gemini AI, a powerful tool with the potential to revolutionize the K-12 classroom. While still evolving, Gemini offers a range of benefits that can significantly impact both teachers and students.2025-05-0606 minAlcoa ConnectsDesktop Chaos: Why You Should Reconsider Your File StorageYour desktop, once a clean digital canvas, can quickly become a cluttered mess. While it may seem convenient to save everything to your desktop, this practice can lead to a host of problems.2025-05-0607 minAlcoa ConnectsToo Many Tabs: A Digital Declutter for TeachersAs educators, we're constantly juggling multiple tasks, often relying on our trusty web browsers to keep us organized. However, the convenience of opening numerous tabs can quickly turn into a digital clutter that can hinder productivity and even harm our devices.2025-05-0604 minAlcoa ConnectsThe Importance of Digital HygieneOur computers and electronic devices have become indispensable tools in our daily lives, especially for educators. However, the constant use of these devices can lead to a buildup of dust, grime, and other contaminants that can negatively impact their performance and longevity. We explore how to keep it clean!2025-05-0605 minAlcoa ConnectsOrganize Your Teaching Life with Google KeepAre you a teacher drowning in a sea of sticky notes, to-do lists, and random ideas? Fear not! Google Keep is here to save the day. This simple yet powerful tool is a teacher's dream come true, helping you stay organized and efficient.2025-05-0605 minAlcoa ConnectsEd Tech Skills for EducatorsAn overview conversation on the importance of teachers developing their Ed Tech skills.2025-05-0603 minAlcoa ConnectsUnderstanding Device Usage PoliciesA quick-summary conversation on the importance of following proper usage procedures for district-issued technology devices.2025-05-0605 minAlcoa ConnectsA Teacher's Guide to Google ContactsAn overview discussion of the Google Contact app focussing on basic functions and best practices.2025-05-0604 min