Author: Ruth Okoye

Dr. Ruth Okoye is the Director of K12 Initiatives at The Source for Learning. As a long-time technology coach, Ruth shares ideas and strategies for professional learning and thoughts on how to motivate yourself to “dig deeper” into educational technologies.

History Comes Alive: Using AI and Thinking Routines to Build Student Empathy

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I’ve been reflecting on our OK2Ask session about Thinking Routines and SEL skills. Specifically, with increasing student needs around social-emotional learning, I’ve been thinking about how we can make these routines even more powerful in our classrooms when it comes to learning history. I love using thinking routines because they serve multiple purposes in the … read more »

Partners in Progress: Educators and AI Planning Lessons Together

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As an edtech coach, I know technology doesn’t replace teacher magic but can certainly amplify it. Like many other educators, over the last few years, I’ve been exploring how artificial intelligence (AI) can become a powerful ally in our classrooms—especially in language arts instruction. Let’s be honest: AI can feel intimidating. But what if we … read more »

Empower Your Classroom with Thinking Routines, Part 2: Technology-Enhanced Implementation Strategies

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In part one of this series, we discussed how impactful and scalable thinking routines are for instruction. Now, I’ll share practical implementation strategies using tech tools. Thinking Routines can be enhanced with various digital resources, ranging from simple digital forms to collect student responses to AI-powered learning experiences. Here are a few examples: Coaches, there … read more »

Empower Your Classroom with Thinking Routines, Part 1: A Quick Guide

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As edtech coaches, we’re constantly looking for impactful and scalable strategies. Recently, at a PLN meeting, the challenge was to design a media literacy activity that could be completed in just 5 minutes. My immediate thought was to leverage the power of Thinking Routines – specifically, a quick, adaptable form to guide students in analyzing … read more »

Let’s Talk About: Media Literacy

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As an educator, it’s essential to grasp the significant role CNN plays in the ‘CNN Effect,’ a term coined to describe the profound impact of CNN on the news industry. Since its inception in June of 1980, CNN has transformed news delivery, shifting from periodic updates to 24-hour coverage. This shift has made real-time information … read more »

Let’s Talk About: 4 Activities for Oral Language Practice

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As teachers, we have the unique opportunity to witness the transformative power of authentic spoken communication practice in our students. This not only cultivates essential language skills but also nurtures confidence, creativity, and learner agency. Today, let’s embark on a journey of exploration with four cross-curricular engaging activity ideas that harness student voice while fostering … read more »

Let’s Talk About: Tech for Littles

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As we observe National Kindergarten Day, let’s consider instructional approaches for our littlest learners. The annual observance reminds us of the unique needs of our primary students and the importance of creating supportive learning environments. Among the various approaches, one strategy stands out – the intentional integration of literacy work with other content.  Literacy experiences … read more »

Let’s Talk About Tech Tools for ELA Workstations

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After seeing all of the Read Across America posts this past week, I decided to focus my post this month on reading. I want to share some ideas on using technology to support reading instruction in ways that follow strategies and the science of reading framework. The science of reading framework includes the latest research … read more »

Let’s Talk About: Oral Language Development

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Oral language development is a crucial part of the Science of Reading. The science tells us that while phonics, decoding, and sight recognition (the lower strands on Scarborough’s Reading Rope) are foundational, students will only become fluent readers with appropriate language development. Language skills help students to understand and discuss texts. Weaving oral language development … read more »

Let’s Talk About: Maria Montessori

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This school year, the TeachersFirst team has explored the notion of women as change-makers throughout history. In our quest to equip educators with enriching resources, we’re adding resource materials and lesson ideas that share the work of some of these leaders. Today, we’ll look at the inspiring journey of Maria Montessori—a true pioneer in the … read more »