Teachers First - Thinking Teachers Teaching Thinkers

Register to view this on-demand OK2Ask professional learning workshop from October 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.

Explore AI prompt templates that make artificial intelligence accessible and practical for every K-12 classroom. In this interactive workshop, you'll discover how structured prompting frameworks can transform complex AI interactions into straightforward, reliable tools for creating engaging learning experiences. We'll focus on free AI platforms that can help you turn these prompt templates into differentiated materials, assessment ideas, and creative learning activities--all while maintaining pedagogical best practices. Whether you're completely new to AI or looking to streamline your prompting process, this session will equip you with simple, effective templates you can use immediately to enhance your instruction. As a result of this session, teachers will: 1. Apply AI prompt templates to create instructional materials for their specific classroom needs. 2. Use structured AI prompts to generate differentiated learning activities that serve diverse student populations. 3. Refine AI-generated content to ensure pedagogical effectiveness and alignment with learning objectives. This session is appropriate for teachers at all technology levels.

tag(s): artificial intelligence (217), OK2Askarchive (71), professional development (271)

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 (271), teaching strategies (52)

Register to view this on-demand OK2Ask professional learning workshop from May 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.

Take your Canva skills to the next level by harnessing the power of AI to create more engaging and interactive instructional materials. In this workshop, you'll discover how Canva's AI Magic features can streamline your lesson preparation, generate creative content, and enhance student learning experiences. Learn to use AI-powered tools for text generation, image creation, and design enhancement while maintaining pedagogical effectiveness. As a result of this session, teachers will: 1. Master Canva's AI Magic tools (Magic Design, Magic Edit, and Magic Write) to enhance instructional materials. 2. Create differentiated learning resources using AI-assisted features while maintaining instructional integrity. 3. Develop practical strategies for incorporating AI-enhanced Canva projects into existing lesson plans and assignments. This session is appropriate for teachers at all technology levels.

tag(s): artificial intelligence (217), creating media (15), OK2Askarchive (71), professional development (271)

Register to view this on-demand OK2Ask professional learning workshop from August 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.

Save time and enhance your teaching practice with your new AI teaching assistant: Microsoft Copilot! In this hands-on workshop, you'll learn effective prompt engineering techniques you can use to generate lesson ideas, create differentiated materials, and develop scaffolded assessments aligned with learning objectives in minutes. Complete collaborative activities where you'll experiment with practical integration strategies that leverage Copilot as a teaching assistant while maintaining instructional integrity and addressing the unique needs of diverse learners. This session goes beyond basic operations to emphasize critical AI literacy, ethical considerations, and how to guide students in responsible AI use. Join us to discover how this powerful AI tool can transform your workflow while building essential skills for an AI-integrated educational landscape. As a result of this session, teachers will: 1. Craft effective prompts to generate differentiated classroom resources that meet diverse student needs. 2. Evaluate and refine AI-generated content while maintaining instructional integrity. 3. Design activities that develop student AI literacy and responsible use practices. This session is appropriate for teachers at all technology levels.

tag(s): artificial intelligence (217), Microsoft (54), OK2Askarchive (71), professional development (271)

Register to view this on-demand OK2Ask professional learning workshop from August 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.

Create assessments that engage all learners while providing meaningful feedback. This interactive workshop introduces versatile, free tools from ClassTools.net that can help you transform assessments with minimal prep time. Through guided activities, you'll design experiences that accommodate different learning styles while maintaining curricular alignment. You'll create your own ClassTools project you can implement immediately, along with strategies for formative and summative assessment that make learning accessible and engaging for all students. As a result of this session, teachers will: 1. Use ClassTools to design assessment experiences that differentiate for learner variability and promote student agency. 2. Implement formative and summative assessment strategies that provide actionable feedback through game-based approaches. 3. Create at least one ready-to-use ClassTools project aligned with specific learning objectives and student needs. This session is appropriate for teachers at all technology levels.

tag(s): assessment (134), OK2Askarchive (71), professional development (271)

Register to view this on-demand OK2Ask professional learning workshop from August 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.

Assessment is one of the most time-intensive and critical aspects of teaching--but artificial intelligence (AI) is changing that equation. In this dynamic workshop, we'll explore how education-focused AI tools can help you design more varied, accessible, and meaningful assessments that support student growth while saving valuable planning time. You'll gain hands-on experience with free, web-based AI resources that generate customized formative checks, rubrics, authentic performance tasks, and differentiated feedback aligned to your specific learning goals. Discover how to thoughtfully integrate these tools into your assessment strategies to meet diverse learner needs, encourage student reflection, and provide more timely guidance. Leave with practical strategies for balancing the efficiency of AI with your professional expertise to create assessment experiences that elevate student agency and engagement. As a result of this session, teachers will: 1. Design AI-enhanced assessments that align with standards while addressing diverse learning needs. 2. Use AI tools to create customized rubrics and feedback to make differentiation more manageable. 3. Develop strategies for thoughtfully integrating AI into assessment practices while maintaining instructional integrity. This session is appropriate for teachers at all technology levels.

tag(s): artificial intelligence (217), assessment (134), OK2Askarchive (71), professional development (271)

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 (271)

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.

Unleash the power of digital storytelling in your classroom! In this hands-on workshop, you'll discover how this powerful instructional strategy amplifies student voice, deepens learning, and develops essential digital literacy skills. We'll focus on the crucial first stages of the storytelling process: ideation, research, scripting, and storyboarding. Through practical demonstrations of cutting-edge tools and collaborative activities, you'll gain the confidence to implement digital storytelling strategies that engage diverse learners, meet curriculum standards, and foster authentic learning experiences. Whether you teach science, language arts, social studies, or another subject, you'll leave with actionable strategies to help your students become masterful digital storytellers. As a result of this session, teachers will: 1. Design engaging digital storytelling projects that align with curriculum goals and support diverse learners. 2. Apply effective strategies for guiding students through ideation, research, scripting, and storyboarding. 3. Evaluate and select appropriate digital tools for the early phases of the storytelling process. This session is appropriate for teachers at all technology levels.

tag(s): digital storytelling (151), OK2Askarchive (71), professional development (271), stories and storytelling (65)

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.

Effective vocabulary instruction is essential for academic success, but many students struggle to move terminology from short-term exposure to long-term retention. This workshop combines Marzano's research-based vocabulary strategies with engaging digital tools to create learning experiences that deepen understanding and application. You'll explore free, web-based resources that support concept development, visual representation, and self-assessment. Whether you're tech-savvy or still developing your skills, you'll leave with practical, classroom-ready activities to strengthen vocabulary instruction and boost student achievement. As a result of this session, teachers will: 1. Apply Marzano's six-step vocabulary acquisition model and use appropriate digital tools to move terminology from short-term to long-term memory. 2. Use free web-based tools to design interactive vocabulary activities that promote student collaboration and engagement. 3. Implement tech-enhanced formative assessments that provide immediate feedback on vocabulary comprehension. This session is appropriate for teachers at all technology levels.

tag(s): OK2Askarchive (71), professional development (271), reading strategies (87), vocabulary (241), vocabulary development (96)

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.

Explore how artificial intelligence (AI) can streamline your teaching workflow and enhance instructional design. During this hands-on workshop, you'll learn practical strategies for using AI to automate time-consuming tasks like assessment creation and feedback generation while maintaining pedagogical control. Discover how to leverage AI as a thought partner for lesson planning, differentiation, and creating materials that engage diverse learners. Leave with ready-to-implement techniques for using AI to reclaim your time for what truly matters--building meaningful connections with students. As a result of this session, teachers will: 1. Implement AI-powered strategies to streamline administrative tasks, provide timely feedback, and create differentiated learning materials. 2. Evaluate and select appropriate AI tools based on instructional needs, ethical considerations, and pedagogical best practices. 3. Design AI-enhanced learning experiences that prioritize student agency and critical thinking while addressing diverse learning needs. This session is appropriate for teachers at all technology levels.

tag(s): artificial intelligence (217), OK2Askarchive (71), professional development (271)

This blog post celebrates the power of student voice and offers four creative, cross-curricular activities designed to strengthen oral language skills across grade levels. Teachers can engage students through collaborative storytelling using Padlet, art description with Adobe Animate, living history monologues via Vocaroo, and scientific presentations on Presentio.us. Each activity blends speaking, creativity, and content knowledge while providing flexible differentiation for elementary through high school students, including multilingual learners. With a focus on expressive communication, vocabulary development, and higher-order thinking, these strategies help students become confident, articulate communicators across subjects.

tag(s): blogs (71), digital storytelling (151), multilingual (71), vocabulary development (96)

Register to view this on-demand OK2Ask professional learning workshop from May 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.

Take your Canva skills to the next level by harnessing the power of AI to create more engaging and interactive instructional materials. In this workshop, you'll discover how Canva's AI Magic features can streamline your lesson preparation, generate creative content, and enhance student learning experiences. Learn to use AI-powered tools for text generation, image creation, and design enhancement while maintaining pedagogical effectiveness. As a result of this session, teachers will: 1. Master Canva's AI Magic tools (Magic Design, Magic Edit, and Magic Write) to enhance instructional materials. 2. Create differentiated learning resources using AI-assisted features while maintaining instructional integrity. 3. Develop practical strategies for incorporating AI-enhanced Canva projects into existing lesson plans and assignments. This session is appropriate for teachers at all technology levels.

tag(s): artificial intelligence (217), creating media (15), OK2Askarchive (71), professional development (271)