Vicki A. Davis's Blog, page 15
February 19, 2024
Podcast: Hero at the Classroom Door
From the Cool Cat Teacher Blog by Vicki Davis
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Imagine standing at the doorway of possibility, where every greeting and every look holds the potential to uplift a child's spirit. This heartfelt episode is guided by the unwavering believe that every student deserves to be seen and heard – truly seen – in a world where we often rush past the small, yet important moments. You’ll learn about what I call – “look-listening”...
January 23, 2024
4 Entrepreneurial Mindset Secrets Every Teacher Needs to Empower Learning
From the Cool Cat Teacher Blog by Vicki Davis
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The entrepreneurial spirit isn't confined to the world of business – it can thrive in every classroom, every day. It aligns seamlessly with dynamic project-based learning and captivates students through engaging classroom projects. In this episode, we're joined by Stephen Carter, author of ‘Teaching the Entrepreneurial Mindset.' Stephen delves into the four pivotal a...
January 22, 2024
Why We Teachers Try Anyway
From the Cool Cat Teacher Blog by Vicki Davis
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Teaching is hard.
And over time, it can become very easy to let frustration and history cause you to stop trying.
I know, I know. Yoda says, “Do or do not, but there is no try.” However, in this case, Yoda was wrong.
In teaching, we certainly have many things we try.
We try to reach every child.We plan lessons that reach many senses — hearing, sight, speaking, interacting, and touching with their ha...
January 16, 2024
Hero at the Classroom Door
From the Cool Cat Teacher Blog by Vicki Davis
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Kindness.
We need more of it in the world today. Just meeting needs.
And sometimes, people just need to be seen.
They need to hear their name called.
Have someone look them in the eye. Not a passing glance but to really look at them. Not a creepy-stalky weird look – just a normal human being “I see you” kind of look.
The kind of look that also listens.
So, when you say hello and say their name and...
January 15, 2024
The Rise of eSports in Education: Breaking New Ground
From the Cool Cat Teacher Blog by Vicki Davis
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If you want to know how to start an eSports program in your school. Or if you want to know why so many schools are getting eSports programs, this episode is a must-listen for you. Welcome to another episode of the 10 Minute Teacher Podcast, where today we're diving into the game-changing world of scholastic esports.
Our guest, Danielle Johnson, Executive Director of t...
January 12, 2024
The Problem with AI Prompt Feedback (and How to Solve It)
From the Cool Cat Teacher Blog by Vicki Davis
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My students are writing a collaborative writing document following the principles I share in my book Reinventing Writing. But now I want to integrate AI feedback. Yesterday I demonstrated how to get AI feedback.
But something odd happened.
The kids kept coming to me for feedback. I would point them to AI but they just wanted me to do it. Why? They even wanted me to put it in AI for them.
So the purpose of ...
January 11, 2024
How Do I Know What Is Real? How to Fight Misinformation in An Age of Lies
From the Cool Cat Teacher Blog by Vicki Davis
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Yesterday, the World Economic Forum's “Global Risks Report 2024” ranked AI-derived misinformation as a top global risk ahead of climate change, war, and economic weakness. NPR reported this morning that Taiwan is struggling with misinformation as its presidential election happens this Saturday. According to CNBC, the United States has the NSA and FBI preparing to combat deepfakes and misinformation as the US prepare...
January 10, 2024
How I Start Teaching AI to Middle and High Schoolers
From the Cool Cat Teacher Blog by Vicki Davis
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When we start discussing AI, they don't know it. Some teachers are curious about how to teach about AI. Maybe this glimpse into the resources and methods I use with my 9th graders (and later in the semester, 8th grade) will give you some ideas. You won't find this in a textbook (yet), but there are some excellent resources if you're looking. While I have released a full podcast on how I'm using AI in my classroom, l...
January 8, 2024
28 Questions to Ask Yourself As You Plan Your Year (and Some Free Forms!)
From the Cool Cat Teacher Blog by Vicki Davis
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As we start this year, each of us is in different circumstances. I rebel against anyone with a “one size fits all” plan that works for everybody. Each of us has a different approach to life and planning. As I do my planning, I spend time learning from others. You can also plan your year in a new way as I share what I do.
Over the past twenty years, I've created an ann...
December 30, 2023
How I Created 3 Awesome Automations with AI
From the Cool Cat Teacher Blog by Vicki Davis
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The ChatGPT Tech Support Advisor Custom GPT is stellar. Because it can write the code for you and also because I have specific things about my own personal setup that shouldn't be shared for protective reasons, I've summarized what I've done with it.
⚠️A Caveat: Be warned that you can mess up your computer if you don't somewhat understand tech-speak and how your computer works. But if you're pretty good with com...
