Every month, subscribers to our newsletter get a free/discounted resource to help their tech teaching.

Over the next few weeks, we will be sharing details on our blog (Ask a Tech Teacher) about Structured Learning resources to get your new school year started. These are often collected into back-to-school survival kits. Purchase one of those with the coupon code:

Back-to-school Special Survival Kits

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Get 20% off listed price.

Offer expires Sept. 15, 2024

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Here are the most-read posts for the past month:

1. The Future of Online Learning: Benefits and Strategies for Educators
2. How to Teach Financial Literacy Using Real-World Examples
3. How Virtual Information Sessions Are Changing K-12 Education
4. Incorporating Monthly Giving Projects into STEM Curriculum: Inspiring the Next Generation of Philanthropists
5. How Cloud Security Empowers Online Learning Platforms
6. How to Help Students Run a Genius Bar
7. June is Internet Safety Month
8. World Environment Day: Living Responsibly with Nature
9. 11 Online Resources About Animation

Here’s a preview of what’s coming up (these may change as scheduling adapts to reader needs): (more…)

Navigating the internet is akin to exploring a lively city with its exciting opportunities and hidden dangers, where good digital citizenship provides the legal guidelines that ensure safe and respectful interactions. Imagine if your child or students are trying to explore that glitz safely? Here are tried-and-true ideas from the Ask a Tech Teacher team that provide good starting points to develop habits of vigilance when using the internet:

• create strong passwords
• two-factor authentication
• secure devices
• antivirus software
• avoid phishing scams
• more

Top 13 Digital Citizenship Tips For Enhancing Online Safety

Navigating the internet can be a bit like wandering through a bustling city, exciting but full of potential pitfalls. Good digital citizenship is all about making smart, safe, and respectful choices online, helping you make the most of this incredible resource while allowing billions of others to do the same.

As such, there are a handful of universally agreed-upon principles and best practices for being a good digital citizen. Here are the top 13 tips from the same, mainly pertaining to enhancing your online safety and well-being. (more…)

It is important for children to know how to be safe while navigating the digital landscape. It’s easy when teachers present cybersecurity topics properly. Here are ideas from the  Ask a Tech Teacher team:

How to Explain Cybersecurity for Children

Cybersecurity plays a crucial role in our daily lives and will continue to gain importance. Educators can prepare students to protect themselves online. Of course, they should introduce online security topics in an age-appropriate manner.

Each successful teacher can make a big difference. Lousy cybersecurity practices or lack of knowledge about them often affect more than one person at a time. When they teach about safety online, they may affect not only the lives of their students but society as a whole.

Here is how to explain cybersecurity for children as an educator. (more…)

Essay writing is a crucial skill for academic and professional success because it teaches clear, logical, and persuasive communication. The Ask a Tech Teacher team has come up with 10 practical tips to enhance your essay writing abilities, covering aspects like thesis development, structure, evidence, transitions, and proper grammar:

Mastering the Art of Essay Writing

Do you find essay writing daunting? You’re not alone. Many students struggle with this essential academic task. But what if I told you there’s a way to make it easier and more enjoyable? In this blog post, we’ll unlock the secrets to successful essay writing and share 10 proven tips to help you level up your writing game.

Writing essays is an essential skill for both students and academic writers. Achieving high grades, personal development, and future professional success all hinge on strong essay writing abilities. This guide will delve into the elements that create an effective essay and offer 10 practical tips to sharpen your writing skills. Becoming a proficient Essay Writer can make a significant difference in your academic and professional life. By mastering these techniques, you can enhance your ability to produce compelling, well-structured essays. By the end of this post, you’ll possess the tools needed to excel in crafting essays that stand out. (more…)

How Digital Study Techniques Improve Exam Preparation

Studying for exams can often feel like this huge, monumental task that causes not only stress but existential anxiety. But it doesn’t have to be this way – yes, the pressure is real, and yes, you may have an immensely demanding study schedule, but with the right tools and strategies, you can turn this daunting challenge into a manageable experience. Maybe even a rewarding one (yes, you read that right).

Here are some of the best digital study techniques that can make your study sessions more effective and help you ace all your exams.

Use Time-Management Tools

Let’s start with the basics: time management. To make sure your every study session is as productive as it can be, you need to learn to manage your time effectively. Meaning, when it’s time to study, you need to make every minute count.

Digital tools like calendar apps like Google Calendar or even Outlook, as well as task managers like Trello or Todoist, can help you organize your study schedule. Likewise, apps like Pomodoro can help you get more focused when studying by splitting your study sessions into 25-minute stretches of work and 5-minute breaks.

Invest in Quality Online Study Resources

There’s no reason to study like a monk – the internet is full of diverse study materials that cater to different learning styles, including yours. Websites like Khan Academy or Quizlet provide access to lectures, practice tests, and flashcards among other things.

For example, with Quizlet, you can create digital flashcards and practice tests tailored to your syllabus. If you’re preparing for a really demanding exam, like the bar exam, online resources like Quimbee offer everything you need to pass it. 

Say you want to prepare effectively for the North Carolina bar test – they have multiple full-length practice MBEs and thousands of MBE practice questions, plus offer personalized feedback from an attorney for practice essays to help you succeed. Of course, all of the course material can be studied from your computer. (more…)

Sophia Birk, a digital nomad currently living in Poland, is an international member of the AATT team of educators and a math aficionado. Here are her thoughts on navigating key topics in GCSE Maths:

From Fractions to Functions: Navigating Key Topics in GCSE Maths

The General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) exams are a major ordeal for students and teachers. For our learners, the issue revolves around earning the best marks  – the highest grades. For teachers, preparing students for GCSE success is the greatest concern.

Maths is one of two compulsory GCSE subjects. It’s also a life skill that, woefully, far too few are well-versed in, according to statistics. Maths teachers aim to ensure learners leave school with well-developed numeracy capabilities. The GCSE exam certifies their efforts.

These papers test students over everything they learned in maths classes, from primary school through secondary education. Thus, pupils have much to revise ahead of their exams. This article presents the six key topics that feature on the exam, and what each topic covers. (more…)

Writing a great research paper involves more than just retelling what you’ve read. The foundation of any good paper is solid research. Here are five essential research techniques Ask a Tech Teacher contributor, Philip Richardson, suggests for college students that can also apply to high school research projects:

Top 5 Research Techniques for Your College Papers

Writing a killer college paper takes more than smashing your fingers on your keyboard until you get up to the required word count. At the center of any decent academic effort is a heaping pile of solid research. Wernher von Braun, a famous physicist and rocket engineer, once said: “Research is what I’m doing when I don’t know what I’m doing”, and he has a point!

Solid research lays a great foundation for any piece of writing. But to be able to research like a pro, you need to know basic research techniques – specific methods and strategies used to gather, analyze, and interpret data effectively for academic, scientific, or commercial purposes. Regardless of whether your paper explores the mating habits of night-flying insects or the socioeconomic implications of space tourism, your methods for research can make or break your paper. Here are five time-tested research secrets that can land you awesome grades, make your professors nod appreciatively, and maybe even bring a smile to your face while you are at it. (more…)

Creative writing techniques can make essays more engaging and original while maintaining the required objective structure. A member of the Ask a Tech Teacher team, when preparing an essay example for her class on the impacts of social media on mental health, used freewriting to brainstorm ideas and created a vivid opening scene describing a teenager’s day (she teaches High School), highlighting moments of social media interaction and their emotional effects. This approach not only captured students’ attention but structured arguments more clearly.

Check out these key strategies to improve essay writing, pulled from the creative genres:

Improve Your Essays Using Creative Writing Techniques

If you feel like all ideas avoid you and you can’t come up with an engaging writing style for your essay, rest assured you aren’t alone. Students all over the world struggle with writer’s block, low inspiration levels, and so on. However, it’s possible to use creative writing ideas to help you come up with a unique essay.

Creative writing focuses on originality and encourages you to use your imagination to express ideas uniquely. However, essays are more objective, as they require facts and evidence to support your claims. Still, you can use a smart combination of both, and this article explains how.

Top Writing Techniques For Better Essays

First things first, creative writing, as the term self-explains, is about producing original fiction. In simple words, it’s all about writing for entertainment or fun. However, it doesn’t mean that you can’t use techniques for creative writing to improve your essays.

We’ve prepared a few valuable tips that you can use to improve your essay. Some of these ideas may fit your writing style and help create high-quality essays and impress your teachers.

Create An Outline Or Plan

It’s a must to have a plan when you’re writing anything — unless it’s a grocery store list, although even then, you must consider what you should buy. Begin by organizing your initial thoughts and ideas because this approach helps you organize your ideas clearly and guarantees you cover all necessary points.

Start with the main topic or thesis, and write it down at the top. Then, list the key points you want to discuss in your writing. Arrange these points in a logical order. Make sure each point connects smoothly with the next. This way, your writing will be clear and understandable. Include examples or facts for each key point.

A clear outline saves time and helps you stay focused as you don’t go off-topic. This method will make your points stronger and provide clarity to your readers.

Look for help when needed

It is fine to seek a logical answer to the question, “Who or what can write essay for me?’, and the answer can be an AI generator. You may need inspiration and guidance from AI, which has a vast database on your topic and training to write in an academic style. Such assistance shouldn’t be considered cheating since you are just looking for support.

Use generated paper to learn and improve your writing skills, and forget about the countless hours spent rewriting several drafts.

Think About The Audience

Always consider who will read your work and think about their interests, needs, and expectations. This approach helps you tailor your content to engage and inform them effectively. If you are writing for a teacher or professor, remember they might be grading several essays. Thus, make your work stand out by being clear, concise, and original. Avoid unnecessary jargon and complicated language; instead, aim for clarity and simplicity.

Use a mix of sentence structures to keep your writing dynamic and interesting. This method helps maintain the reader’s attention. Edit your work so it’s engaging and free of errors or typos, as a well-edited piece shows respect for your audience and enhances your credibility as a writer.

Freewriting

Freewriting is an excellent technique if you need ideas. Sit down with a blank page (or an open laptop) and start writing whatever comes to mind. Don’t worry about grammar, spelling, or relevance at this stage, as the goal is to let your thoughts flow freely.

This method helps you unlock your subconscious and generate ideas you haven’t even thought about. This isn’t a new technique or approach as it was developed back in 1973 by Peter Elbow. Set a timer for ten minutes and write non-stop until the timer goes off.

A “Killer” Opening

A killer opening will capture the attention of your reader. Think about the beginning of a great book or movie. It grabs your attention and makes you want to know more. Your writing should do the same.

Start with something more unique and unexpected, although appropriate, as it’s your essay, not a blog post. Maybe describe a vivid image (your topic or problem) or ask a question that makes the reader think. You want them to be curious and eager to keep reading.

Avoid Ambiguous Endings

An ambiguous ending in fiction can be appropriate and great, although some readers won’t be satisfied. However, an ambiguous ending in an essay won’t be appreciated by your professors.

Readers should finish reading your work knowing exactly what you wanted to say. Avoid leaving them with more questions than answers. Your conclusion should summarize your main points and reinforce your argument or narrative.

Think about the message you want to leave with your reader. It’s important to tie up any loose ends and double-check that your arguments explain every question or suggest an answer to every problem.

Improve Your Writing With Detail

Details make your writing come alive in fiction but also help create a unique essay. Details often prove that you know your topic, especially if you’re providing unique examples from your experience or from your understanding.

When you add detail, it keeps your readers engaged. Instead of skimming through dry facts, they get to enjoy a richer narrative. Whether you’re writing an essay, a story, or a report, add relevant details. They enrich your work and make it more compelling.

In essays, details can help illustrate your points and make your arguments more convincing. For example, if you’re writing about a technology or mechanism that guarantees great results, add details about how it was implemented in real life. Or at least suggest how it should be used in a real scenario. Just be careful not to overdo it. Too many details can overwhelm your reader, so keep in mind that balance never hurts anyone.

Proofread And Edit

Proofreading and editing are a must for everyone, regardless of their type of written work. You can’t expect your first draft to be perfect, but that’s when editing comes into play. Even famous authors like Stephen King emphasize the importance of editing. He advises writers to “kill your darlings,” meaning you should be willing to cut out parts of your writing that don’t add value.

When editing, be honest with yourself and ask if each part of your text truly contributes to your work. If it doesn’t, remove it. After finishing your draft, take a break before you start editing, as this approach helps you see your work with fresh eyes and catch mistakes you might have missed earlier. Make sure you plan enough time for editing so you can review your work to hand it in on time.

Know Everything About Your Writing

Professional writers will tell you that they know exactly what their characters had for dinner on a certain day, or what their favorite color is, and so on. Obviously, this trick can’t be applied directly to essay writing, but you can use the general idea of understanding what you type.

When you’re sitting in front of a computer and typing on the keyboard, don’t do so mindlessly. You must understand each word and sentence. Moreover, you should have a complete understanding of the topic and separate terms within that topic. In that case, your writing will turn out to be professional as it will be clear that you know what you’re writing about.

Consider Peer Feedback

Getting feedback from peers can greatly improve your writing. Writers often ask friends or colleagues to review their work, as this method helps identify any mistakes or areas that need improvement. Peer feedback can highlight things you might overlook, like plot holes, spelling errors, or unnecessary details.

Once you’ve edited your work, ask someone you trust to read it. They can offer a new perspective and catch errors you missed. It’s best if this person isn’t in your class to avoid giving them any ideas for their own work. Remember, constructive criticism is meant to help you improve, so don’t be too upset or angry.

Use A Notebook For Ideas

Keeping a notebook can come in handy for writers since you never know when inspiration will strike. Obviously, in our digital era, you can use your phone or tablet as long as you’re comfortable with typing from these portable devices. However, some people quite enjoy the idea of old-fashioned notebooks. They can add to the general creative process and make it more enjoyable.

This notebook doesn’t have to be just for one project. Use it to store all your ideas, even those that don’t fit your current work. You might think of a brilliant idea while shopping or on your way to class. They might be useful for future essays or stories. Keeping your ideas organized and accessible can help you find inspiration whenever you need it. Plus, the process of reviewing old notes can lead to coming up with new ideas and improving your writing skills.

In summary: Essay writing is challenging and requires analyzing data and providing one’s thoughts on the topic. It’s even more difficult when you can’t find a proper way to express your thoughts in writing. This article explores creative writing tips that can help come up with essay ideas, engage the reader, and generate a unique work.

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Jacqui Murray has been teaching K-18 technology for 30 years. She is the editor/author of over a hundred tech ed resources including a K-12 technology curriculum, K-8 keyboard curriculum, K-8 Digital Citizenship curriculum. She is an adjunct professor in tech ed, Master Teacher, webmaster for four blogs, freelance journalist on tech ed topics, contributor to NEA Today, and author of the tech thrillers, To Hunt a Sub and Twenty-four Days. You can find her resources at Structured Learning.

It’s summer, time for teachers to recharge their cerebral batteries. That could mean reading, going on field trips, spending time with online PLNs, or taking calls from family members who usually end up at voice mail. For many, it means attending conferences like ISTE June 24th or the NEA Aspiring Ed Conference June 29th to learn the newest ideas in AI, Chromebooks, Robotics, and more. If you aren’t a veteran conference attendee, you may wonder what to bring. That’s a fair question considering learning is no longer done sitting in auditoriums nodding off to the wisdom of a guest speaker behind a podium. These days, you might be asked to scan a QR code and visit a website, access meeting documents online, interact digitally, or use a backchannel device to share your real-time thoughts with the presenter.

Besides a toothbrush and aspirin, what should you take to your upcoming conference? Here are five tools that will make you look and act like the Diva of Digital:

Map App

Some conferences take multiple buildings spread out over several blocks, and depending upon the number of attendees, your hotel may not be around the corner from the Hall. Have a Maps app on your smartphone or iPad. All you do is tell it where you’re going, ask for directions.

Conference App

Most conferences have one. I find these more useful than the conference website. They are geared for people who are manipulating a digital device one-handed, half their attention on the phone and the rest on traffic, meaning: they’re simple and straightforward. Test drive it so you know where the buttons are, then use it to find meeting rooms, changes in schedules, and updates.

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