Teachers First - Thinking Teachers Teaching Thinkers

Register to view this on-demand OK2Ask professional learning workshop from April 2025. Educators seeking recertification credit must watch the recording, complete the feedback survey, and pass the assessment. For details, read the Registration & Credit Options section on the registration page.

HyperDocs have evolved beyond simple digital worksheets into powerful, flexible learning experiences that transform classroom instruction. In this workshop, participants will discover how to leverage HyperDocs as versatile instructional tools that support diverse learners, empower student voice, and facilitate the integration of cutting-edge technology. Learn how to design interactive, differentiated lessons that maximize student engagement and learning potential and gain new insights into using AI to streamline lesson planning and support multilingual learners. As a result of this session, teachers will: 1. Understand the core principles and benefits of using HyperDocs in instruction. 2. Identify effective design strategies by exploring sample HyperDocs and templates. 3. Learn techniques for integrating AI tools to assist in HyperDoc creation. This session is appropriate for teachers at all technology levels.

tag(s): Google (21), OK2Askarchive (71), teaching strategies (52)

Find TeachersFirst's time tested tech tips from the trenches to help technology-based lessons run smoothly. These ideas will prevent many "disasters" before they happen. Of coure, technology has a mind of its own, but hopefully you can outsmart it!

tag(s): classroom management (106)

Register to view this on-demand OK2Ask professional learning workshop from July 2025. Educators seeking recertification credit must watch the recording, complete the feedback survey, and pass the assessment. For details, read the Registration & Credit Options section on the registration page.

Many educators use Google Chrome daily, but browsing only scratches the surface of what this powerful tool can do. In this engaging session, you'll discover built-in Chrome features that streamline research, simplify classroom management, enhance accessibility, and boost your productivity. Learn how to harness Chrome's native tools for everything from organizing tabs and creating custom searches to capturing screenshots and translating content on the fly. These practical techniques work on any device running Chrome, making them perfect for educators in diverse technology environments. Whether you're a tech-savvy teacher looking to optimize your workflow or someone who wants to reduce digital frustration, you'll walk away with immediately applicable skills that enhance both your efficiency and instructional effectiveness. As a result of this session, teachers will: 1. Apply Chrome productivity techniques to organize information and manage digital workspaces. 2. Use built-in accessibility and reading tools to support diverse student needs. 3. Implement Chrome's overlooked gems to enhance instructional delivery and model digital literacy. This session is appropriate for teachers at all technology levels.

tag(s): Accessibility (8), Google (21), OK2Askarchive (71), professional development (270)

Register to view this on-demand OK2Ask professional learning workshop from October 2024. Educators seeking recertification credit must watch the recording, complete the feedback survey, and pass the assessment. For details, read the Registration & Credit Options section on the registration page.

Learn how to use the free Book Creator app in your classroom! This engaging hands-on workshop will guide you through the basics of the app and help you make the most of your free account. Together, we'll explore various strategies to differentiate and scaffold student work, ensuring that all learners can succeed. We'll also discover innovative ways to integrate Book Creator into digital storytelling projects, enhancing creativity and engagement in your classroom. As a result of this session, teachers will: 1. Master Book Creator's features and functionalities. 2. Differentiate instruction and scaffold student work with Book Creator. 3. Apply learning by creating hands-on Book Creator projects. This session is appropriate for teachers at all technology levels.

tag(s): digital storytelling (150), Formative Assessment (42), OK2Askarchive (71), professional development (270)

Register to view this on-demand OK2Ask professional learning workshop from July 2024. Educators seeking recertification credit must watch the recording, complete the feedback survey, and pass the assessment. For details, read the Registration & Credit Options section on the registration page.

In the digital age, effective research skills are paramount for academic success. Microsoft Edge offers a suite of innovative tools designed to enhance the research experience for students. In this session, we will guide you through the latest features of Microsoft Edge and how you can use them to streamline the research process. From leveraging advanced search capabilities to seamless organization, you'll learn how Edge can empower your students to search smarter, curate resources efficiently, and synthesize information effectively. As a result of this session, teachers will: 1. Explore Microsoft Edge's search features. 2. Learn to leverage Immersive Reader and Learning Toolkit to support diverse learners. 3. Understand the basics of collaborative features that allow students to work together within the browser. This session is appropriate for teachers at all technology levels.

tag(s): digital literacy (22), Microsoft (54), OK2Askarchive (71), professional development (270), Research (78)

Register to view this on-demand OK2Ask professional learning workshop from July 2025. Educators seeking recertification credit must watch the recording, complete the feedback survey, and pass the assessment. For details, read the Registration & Credit Options section on the registration page.

Are your teaching ideas scattered across sticky notes, emails, and random documents? Discover how to make Google Keep your digital command center for organizing thoughts, tracking tasks, and streamlining your professional workflow. This engaging one-hour session explores how Keep's versatile features--from collaborative notes to location-based reminders--can transform both your personal productivity and instructional approach. You'll learn practical strategies for using Keep to collect instructional resources, provide student feedback, manage classroom tasks, and model effective digital organization for your students. Join us to explore how this underutilized Google Workspace tool can help you reclaim your time and mental space for what matters most: creative, meaningful teaching. As a result of this session, teachers will: 1. Implement Google Keep's core features to capture and organize teaching resources across devices and Google applications. 2. Design efficient organizational systems by using labels, color-coding, and reminders to streamline instructional workflows. 3. Apply collaborative features to enhance student feedback, resource sharing, and classroom management practices. This session is appropriate for teachers at all technology levels.

tag(s): Google (21), OK2Askarchive (71), organizational skills (83), professional development (270)

Register to view this on-demand OK2Ask professional learning workshop from September 2025. Educators seeking recertification credit must watch the recording, complete the feedback survey, and pass the assessment. For details, read the Registration & Credit Options section on the registration page.

Turn your classroom routines into powerful learning experiences with EduProtocols! Similar to the routines you create for classroom management, EduProtocols are instructional routines you apply to lesson content, creating a predictable framework that allows both you and your students to focus on deep learning rather than figuring out "what to do." In this workshop, you'll discover how three versatile EduProtocols--Iron Chef, Sketch & Tell, and Thin Slides--can reshape engagement and provide meaningful student choice in your classroom. These free, flexible strategies work across all grade levels and subject areas, making them perfect for educators in any setting. As a result of this session, teachers will: 1. Understand and apply the strategic purpose of EduProtocols as instructional routines that enhance learning. 2. Plan to implement three specific EduProtocols with appropriate technology tools in their content area. 3. Design differentiated applications of EduProtocols that provide student choice and accommodate diverse learning needs. This session is appropriate for teachers at all technology levels.

tag(s): OK2Askarchive (71), professional development (270), teaching strategies (52)

Register to view this on-demand OK2Ask professional learning workshop from July 2025. Educators seeking recertification credit must watch the recording, complete the feedback survey, and pass the assessment. For details, read the Registration & Credit Options section on the registration page.

Move from concept to creation in this hands-on workshop! Work with a customizable template designed for educational settings and learn to adapt it for your instructional needs. Master essential site-building skills--from creating intuitive navigation to embedding interactive elements--while implementing accessibility features that support all learners. Regardless of your technology comfort level, you'll leave with a functional site framework that's ready for classroom implementation. As a result of this session, teachers will: 1. Create a well-structured site with effective navigation that aligns with learning objectives. 2. Incorporate multimedia elements to enhance student engagement. 3. Apply accessibility best practices to ensure equitable access for all users. This session is appropriate for teachers at all technology levels.

tag(s): Google (21), OK2Askarchive (71), professional development (270)

Register to view this on-demand OK2Ask professional learning workshop from July 2024. Educators seeking recertification credit must watch the recording, complete the feedback survey, and pass the assessment. For details, read the Registration & Credit Options section on the registration page.

Unlock the potential of visual learning in your classroom with Microsoft Designer, a user-friendly graphic design tool powered by artificial intelligence (AI). This workshop will help you incorporate engaging instructional images into your teaching toolkit. Discover how to easily transform ideas into captivating visuals that can enhance learning experiences for students of all ages. Whether you're a seasoned tech enthusiast or just beginning your digital journey, this workshop will equip you with the skills and confidence you need to harness the full potential of Microsoft Designer. As a result of this session, teachers will: 1. Learn to use Microsoft Designer's interface and tools. 2. Explore prompt templates and how to use them to generate images. 3. Design engaging and informative visuals to enhance your lessons. This session is appropriate for teachers at all technology levels.

tag(s): artificial intelligence (216), images (258), Microsoft (54), OK2Askarchive (71), professional development (270)