10 Innovating Ed Tech Ideas to Try in 2023
@TheMerrillsEDU share 10 Ed Tech ideas that you have to try this coming year! Whether it’s animating drawings into characters, collaborating on docs, or assessing - we’ve got something for you!
If you’re looking for something new to try in the new year, you have come to the right place! We’ve compiled a list of ten innovating ed tech ideas that you can try RIGHT NOW! Check them out below!
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Meta Demo Lab & Canva
Meta Demo Lab is a website that will take your drawings and automatically animate them. The key is that the drawings need to be completed on white paper. Once you run through the process of creating your animation, you can download the file as an MP4. But, this is where the magic starts. Take your MP4 file and upload it to a video project in Canva. Once the video uploads, remove the background using Canva’s Background Remover tool. Replace the background with a new element of photo from Canva, and now your drawing is in an entirely different place. We’ve used this idea to have our students illustrate story book characters or historical figures and then animate them back into the setting or moment in time. Click here or the image below to visit the Meta Demo Lab website!
Immersive Reader & Microsoft Edge
Microsoft takes accessibility very seriously, and this new feature in Microsoft Edge is a prime example. This shortcut / hack allows users to turn on Immersive Reader for any Edge web page In the address bar, add "read:" in front of any link. For example, if you’re using Microsoft Edge and visit our website using this link:
read:https://www.themerrillsedu.com
Then, Immersive Reader will be able to read aloud the content of the website to you!
360Schools
360schools is a unique immersive 360° / VR education service designed for teachers and their students. This website brings hundreds of thousands of incredible 360° panoramas to your students. Educators and students can search for specific locations, share content, and even embed the 360 images into a website or LMS. There are even a few guided tours which will take users from point to point in images. For some amazing results, search “underwater” or “The Alamo!” Click here or on the image above to learn more and sign up for an account today!
Adobe Animate from Audio
Adobe’s Animate from Audio is a part of its Animate app. The difference between the two is that Animate from Audio is a free online converter and you won’t need to download the Animate app, or have an Adobe account. This can be done right within your web browser! Click here or the image to the right to visit the Animate from Audio website. Your first task is to select a character. Once you’ve done this, you can choose from a variety of backgrounds (tip: if you choose green, you can remove the background and upload it to Canva to drop your character into a background of your choice). The last option is the size. Once you’ve configured your project, just hit the record button and follow the steps to save your work. It’s that easy!
Canva Docs
Canva Docs is a visual-first document creator that allows you to design documents supercharged with videos, images, graphics, charts, and graphs. It lets you bring the same color, movement, and eye-catching visuals you usually reserve for presentations to your documents. So, now your students’ word documents don’t have to be boring! Another thing to love about Canva Docs is the ability to collaborate quickly and efficiently. Now, your students can brainstorm, write, create, and design their projects without ever having to leave Canva. Learn more about Canva docs by clicking here or the image to the right!
Animal Crossing Digital Room Transformation
Chances are if you’re an Elementary teacher, your kids are obsessed with the game Animal Crossing. So, we wanted to figure out a way to integrate this into the classroom. If you’re unfamiliar with the game, it basically works by using a character to walk around an island performing tasks, catching fish & bugs, and then selling them to a store in return for “bells,” or money. Then, you can use the bells to purchase items to put into your house. So how does this translate into the classroom? Well, if you’re looking for a classroom management idea or if you’re learning about map skills, this is for you! Students can use the ABD card to accumulate bells. The catalogue will allow them to purchase items using their bells. The items purchased can go into their house - which they have picked out on the class map. Check out the explanation in our video above, or download each item below!
Each student gets an ABD card. Students can earn “bells” by completing tasks or doing jobs around the classroom. Click here or the image above to download the ABD card!
Students use their bells from the ABD card to purchase items from the catalogue. We recommend sharing this template on your LMS, then your students an copy / past the items to their own homes. Click here or the image above to download the catalogue!
Students use Canva to create their own room (as a blank presentation slide). Then, have them share their slide to you. Next, have them pick out a house from the map. Then, hyperlink their slide to the master copy of the class map. Click here to or the image above to download the map template!
Microsoft Word - Share Link for Review Mode
Writing in the 21st Century looks different. Students are still using paper and pencil, but the possibilities no longer stop there. Now students of all ages are able to publish their writing to share with broader audiences. Microsoft Word has used accessibility features like dictation, Immersive Reader and more to help make this happen. But, educators know that sometimes students like to rush the process a bit. Enter “Share Link for Review” mode. When a student is working on a Word document, they can generate a share link which will allow for review. Then, they can share the link with the teacher who will then be able to leave comments or suggest revisions. Check out the video from Mike Tholfsen to the right for more information!
Microsoft Forms: Insert Images in Multiple Choice Questions
Let’s face it…Multiple choice assessments aren’t our favorite way of assessing, but there are times where we must use it. Microsoft Forms is a great way to generate a quick assessment, and now you can add images in multiple choice selections. This means you can add a picture to each answer selection, giving clear and concise expectations to your students. Learn how it all works by clicking the image to the right or right here!
Minecraft EDU
There are many possibilities with Minecraft EDU, but some of our favorite activities have been where students have created unique features in their worlds. For example, while learning about local Native American tribes, the students re-created their villages and included explanations for the different landmarks. Another class favorite was when the students created theme park rides and the experience had to include the plot and theme from the story. If you’re looking for a history idea, check out the museum template idea featuring information from World War I - where the students included important artifacts and information. Check out examples from all three below!
Students created theme park rides and the experience had to include the plot and theme from the story.
While learning about local Native American tribes, the students re-created their villages and included explanations for the different landmarks.
This is a museum template idea featuring information from World War I - where the students included important artifacts and information.
Osmo Words
Osmo Words has been around for a while, but educators are catching on to the fact that you can create your own custom Osmo Words Albums. The process isn’t as difficult as you think, and can be done in just several clicks. Here’s how:
Go to your myWords dashboard.
Click on Create New Album, and you will be automatically taken to the new album page.
Click on Add Title (or on Untitled Album) to add your album title.
Click on Add Image to upload a picture (or to take one, if you are using your tablet or phone). You can also drag multiple files to upload images in a batch.
Hover your cursor over the image you have just added and click the Edit button.
Type your chosen word in the Add Word field and select a difficulty. If you want some of the letters to appear as given on the screen, you can put them in parentheses. A(NT) will show as _NT, for example. Add a couple more words; the more the merrier!
Return to your album homepage to add as many images and words as you wish.
-- Please follow us on social media and tag us with how you’re using these ideas in your classroom! 👓👗
For more tips, tricks and lesson ideas for making learning more interACTIVE, check out our books The InterACTIVE Class and Flipgrid in the InterACTIVE Class on Amazon!
How to Use the Elgato Stream Deck in the Classroom
Elgato’s Stream Deck is a simple and powerful tool that commits an action once a button is pressed. Quickly play a sound effect, animated GIF and much more! Introducing this into the classroom is can take your engagement through the roof. Learn how it all works in this blog post!
Elgato’s Stream Deck is a tool that streamlines productivity. Coming in as many as 32 and as little as 6 buttons, users can efficiently launch apps, play sounds, mute / unmute, trigger GIF’s and videos and much more - all with just one press of a button. This all sounds fantastic - if you’re a gamer or streamer. But, what about teachers? How can we integrate this tool into our classrooms? Learn how more below!
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Which Stream Deck is best for me?
Elgato’s Stream Deck comes in several different sizes: 32 buttons, 15 buttons and 6 buttons. The prices range from $250 (32 buttons) to $80 (6 buttons). There’s also an option to turn your mobile device into a Stream Deck using Elgato’s app.
When deciding which is best for you, it’s important to note that there are an infinite number of actions that can be assigned to each stream deck. For example, if you’re working with the 6 button stream deck, users can create folders inside of folders to organize their actions. This features is available on every Stream Deck, so there’s always room for more!
So, which one is best for me? That depends…If you’re looking for more control, you’ll definitely want a bigger deck. More buttons = more options. If you’re looking for something small (pocket sized) and see yourself using the same actions all the time, then the Mini may be right for you. Speaking from experience, we prefer the larger sizes because you don’t have to assign actions to all the keys if you don’t want to - but at least they’re there if you do! Click below to purchase:
Elgato Stream Deck Mini (6 Buttons)
Elgato Stream Deck (15 Buttons)
Elgato Stream Deck (32 Buttons)
Elgato Stream Deck Mobile (app w/ 15 Buttons)
Once you’ve decided on which stream deck is right for you, check out Elgato’s starter guide right here!
Where Can I Find Sound Effects and GIF’s for my Elgato Stream Deck?
So, you’ve got your deck and you understand how the software works. But, where can you find sound effects and GIF’s to use? Here are a few places we recommend!
SuperLuigiBros.com
Looking for video game sound effects? Check out SuperLuigiBros.com for a collection of Mario Kart effects. No account required!
Free SFX
Free SFX requires you to sign up for a free account. But, once you’ve created your account, you can easily access tons of free sound effects that can be downloaded directly to your device.
Free Sound
Free sound also requires you to create an account before you can download, but doing so will give you access to tons of free sound effects!
Zapsplat
Zapsplat doesn’t require an account to download files. Users can select a sound effect, then Zapsplat generates a file link to download.
Giphy
Giphy is home to countless GIF’s, all of which are available to use for free. GIF’s can be downloaded (right click, save image as), but the true magic comes from making your own. This can be done right within the site. We also recommend checking out Giphy’s stickers - which have transparent backgrounds.
Tenor
Another fantastic website that features countless GIF’s! Like Giphy, users can create their own GIF’s in Tenor by uploading content and using the sites GIF creator tools.
How Can I Use the Elgato Stream Deck in My Classroom?
This all sounds awesome - but how does this translate into the classroom? How can this benefit my students and their learning experience? Like with the Stream Deck, the possibilities are endless. But, here are a few ways that we’re using it in our classrooms:
Engagement
Kids today are able to process information in a much quicker pace than ever before. They are also able to take in information for multiple resources and know exactly what to do with it. This means our students are excellent multitaskers! In a world where sound effects appear right on top of videos that they’re watching, kids need engagement. So, try using the Stream Deck to load up some sound effects. Create buttons for things like “oh, no” or “oops.” Maybe even create one for “money” (when something good happens) or “kerching” (for when something great happens). Then, when those situations arise, be quick with your buttons and press the appropriate one!
Timers
The Stream Deck can play short sound effects and long songs. So, program your Stream Deck with a timer - or song. We try to keep ours at 1 min and 30 seconds. We use this same song for all transitions, clean up, etc. Playing the same song gets the kids familiar with it, so they know exactly how much time they have until the timer / song runs out.
Mini Brain Breaks
Sometimes your students are a bit ansy. If your students have a case of the wiggles, keep them on their toes with the Stream Deck! Teach the kids that when a sound effect or song is played, they can get up and dance. The trick is that they must be back working and on-task once the sound effect of song is over! Check out our example below!
-- Stay tuned for more on how to use Elgato’s Stream Deck in your classroom! Already own one? We’d love to see how you’re using it! 👓👗
For more tips, tricks and lesson ideas for making learning more interACTIVE, check out our books The InterACTIVE Class and Flipgrid in the InterACTIVE Class on Amazon!
When EdTech Meets Children's Lit
Maybe one of the main reasons why I love using picture books in the class is because they are responsive—they are a result of people’s reactions to the world around us. Picture books help me pivot. They help me change up what I am doing to connect with and meet the needs of the students I currently have in the classroom.
Being primarily a teacher of language arts, my lessons often revolve around picture books. And if I am being completely honest, I am a tad obsessed with picture books. I love how we can sit together and read them as a class in a more intimate setting. Illustrations always vary and exposing students to various expressions and emotions through illustrations is always a win-win. But maybe one of the main reasons why I love using picture books in the class is because they are responsive—they are a result of people’s reactions to the world around us. Picture books help me pivot. They help me change up what I am doing to connect with and meet the needs of the students I currently have in the classroom.
A while back I wrote and received a grant from a local organization who works very closely with teachers and schools in our district. Normally when I write grants I steer toward technology and other things for the class that I may not be able to provide my students with on my own. But this grant was different—it was for books! I have always been an advocate—maybe now more than ever—to not only use technology in meaningful ways in my classroom, but also to teach students how to use it responsibly on their own. I just received the order of books and I thought it would be fun to share them with you!
When Charlie loses his ability to be online or access his technology, he becomes frantic and even a tad angry. But, after he gets through his initial feelings, he finds other things to pass the time while learning to connect with the world around him.
Little Chicken gets really caught up with all she can do and buy online. She has innocent fun until her clicking has her meeting a new friend online. Chicken leaves to go meet this new friend only to realize that not everything on the internet is like it appears.
Similar to Chicken Clicking, in this book Popcorn the chicken becomes a bit obsessed with her new “friends” she meets online to the point where she neglects and offends the friends she sees face-to-face. But when her new “online” friends come to meet up, Popcorn ends up needing the help of her real friends to stay safe.
Fourth graders in Mr. Dickinson’s class learn all about finding reliable information online as they work on their presidential fact-finding contest. Students learn that the Internet can provide true facts but not everything there is true!
Technology can be useful and fun, but it can also be used to trick others. Billy Goat and his friend Cyril get caught up in using their words against someone they haven’t met in person. When they finally do meet they are in for a surprise and owe an apology for what they’ve done.
This book isn’t about technology, but I plan to pair it with the book above—Troll Stinks. It shares the theme of how words can hurt and how we need to put time into our interactions with others whether face to face or online.
A bored little mouse takes an iPhone and immediately becomes entranced into a world where all else fades away. He loses sight of what’s around him and possibly misses out on the real fun.
Video game addictions are on the rise and Jasper helps illustrate how kids can balance real life with their game life by gaining control.
This story does a great job illustrating to kids the importance of being responsible when posting texts, tweets, posts and pics. This story helps illustrate to kids how their decisions online will be around forever and helps them learn how to navigate technology that is every changing.
Nerdy Bird and his friend Vulture are very different—Nerdy loves technology but Vulture finds it boring. When Nerdy finds new friends online on Tweetster he has to learn how to balance his new “friends” with his real one.
After receiving a hand-me-down camera phone, the art of selfie taking leads to adventures and photos of everything. But at the end of the day kids needs to recharge their batteries too!
I am looking forward to reading these books with my students, and I will blog in the future as I find fun and engaging ways to integrate them into my ELA standards. You can also head over to our Instagram page @themerrillsEDU and check out our story where I unboxed the books live and shared a little about them. I would love to see any lessons you do with your students so tag me on social media @themerrillsedu with any great lesson ideas or experiences!
Until next time!
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If you are looking for engaging lessons and ideas to make teaching and learning with technology more relevant, check out our book The InterACTIVE Class today!
