Author: Jacqui

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, an Amazon Vine Voice, 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.

Teacher-Authors: What’s Happening on my Writer’s Blog

A lot of teacher-authors read my WordDreams blog. In this monthly column, I share the most popular post from the past month.

If you’re a teacher-author, this is a great tip for you:

Q: How do you create the copyright symbol in Word?

A: It’s easier than you think. Hold down the Alt key and press 0169. Use the keypad with the num lock on–don’t use the number row. I could not get this to work until someone pointed out that you must use the keypad. Duh.

This not only works in MS, but lots of other places, ©–like Wordpress. Cool, hunh?

Update: Thanks to L.W. Dixon Jr, I realized I should add the Apple shortkey. It is even easier than PC:

Copyright (©): Option + G

(more…)

How Laser Cutter Brings New Inspiration to the Classroom

STEM education–Science, technology, engineering, and math–sounds intimidating, but is actually one of the most satisfying learning experiences students can participate in. Makeblock (an Ask a Tech Teacher sponsor) has some excellent resources for this field. Today, we’ll discuss:

How Laser Cutter Brings New Inspiration to the Classroom

STEM education is the need of this modern era, which is why teachers look for some interesting ways to teach these subjects and skills. They try to find new activities, games, toys, tools, or anything that can engage students and help them learn without struggling.

A laser cutter can spark creativity among students. They can turn their imagination into reality, which gives them a sense of joy and pride. They can cut and engrave different types of materials and make products and items they like.

Students, as well as teachers, enjoy using a school laser cutter. It is a perfect option for K-12 schools, colleges, universities, DIY enthusiasts, artists, professionals, etc. It is completely safe and easy to use in schools and has the capability to turn learning into fun.

In this article, we will explain the benefits of using a laser cutter for education. We explore what students can make with the machine to uncover their creativity and develop various skills. Moreover, we will also share an ideal laser cutter for schools that empowers students to take their skills to the next level safely and easily. (more…)

Ethics and the Use of AI in Essays

Is using AI in your essay writing unethical and a potential reason your teacher may debate your work’s authenticity? Let’s find out the truth through the Ask a Tech Teacher team:

Ethics and the Use of AI in Essays

AI-driven tools and their use in creative writing, specifically with the purpose of writing essays, have long been a subject of heated debate. The argument against AI-powered tools remains the same: any content produced by artificial intelligence can be viewed as plagiarism. This is the same concern that has been posed about essay writing services and the people who use them. Reading a Scamfighter review is part of my routine, so it is easy to confirm that some writing services are indeed unethical and unprofessional if they use plagiarized content to complete your tasks. However, boundaries become murkier when it comes to AI and its role in writing essays. (more…)

AI and Writing Essays: Pros and Cons, How Will Students Learn to Write if an AI Writes It for Them?

3 Comments

Explore the benefits and drawbacks of AI in essay writing, including its impact on student learning. Unveil the evolving future of writing education with AI through these suggestions from the Ask a Tech Teacher team.

AI and Writing Essays: Pros and Cons, How Will Students Learn to Write if an AI Writes It for Them?

In the fast-changing digital world, integrating AI into education is both a breakthrough and a problem. AI’s influence in essay writing is growing, highlighting both advantages and significant issues. AI algorithms use massive datasets and natural language processing to produce content that replicates student writing styles as teaching tools. This technology will transform education by personalizing learning and meeting various student demands. (more…)

How to Improve Essay Writing Skills–Tips and Strategies

From the three-paragraph essay to one that lives up to the purpose of essays is a big leap both scholastically and skills-wise. Here are four tips from the Ask a Tech Teacher team to get you started:

How to Improve Essay Writing Skills: Abbie Kay from State of Writing Giving Tips and Strategies for Students

Improving essay writing skills is crucial for students aiming to excel academically. Abbie Kay from State of Writing emphasizes that solid writing is about expressing ideas and effectively engaging and persuading your audience. Here, we delve into practical tips and strategies to transform your writing from good to great, ensuring your essays are clear, compelling, and academically rigorous. (more…)

11 Ways to Become a Navy Officer and a Gentleman

This is a new Ask a Tech Teacher series on College and Career with a focus on military options. We’ll start with this how-to on becoming an officer and a gentleman:

As the economy gets worse, a career in the military looks better. They are the rare employer who accepts everyone qualified and doesn’t lay you off. Whether you enlist or become an officer is a personal choice. Each requires specific requirements, commitments and responsibilities. Each has its own unique skill set that either fits the prospective candidate or doesn’t. While the pay is greater, so is the stress and demands associated with the work. Me–I have a Navy Officer daughter and an Army enlisted Signal Corps son. Each picked the path that worked best for them.

If you’ve decided that you prefer the officer path to the enlisted, here are your options: (more…)

Quality of education in Florida private schools for foreigners.

The quality of education inprivate schools in Florida for international students is quite diverse and offers numerous opportunities for a high-standard educational experience. Many private schools in Florida provide specialized programs that cater to the needs of international students, ensuring they receive an education that can facilitate access to global universities and professions.

Florida’s private schools offer a diverse range of educational environments and programs that cater to various needs and preferences. These schools are known for their strong academic programs, which often include Advanced Placement (AP) courses, International Baccalaureate (IB) programs, and specialized arts and sciences curricula. Many Florida private schools also boast robust athletic programs and state-of-the-art facilities.

For example, private schools like Windermere Preparatory School offer the International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma, known for its rigorous standards and international recognition. Schools like these typically boast advanced facilities and a curriculum designed to enhance student development in various areas including STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics), and often have partnerships with prestigious institutions like MIT and Juilliard to provide top-tier educational experiences.

Furthermore, schools such as Score Academy in Wellington focus on a family-oriented environment where students from all academic levels can thrive. These schools often adjust their curriculum to meet individual student needs and offer a variety of course levels including honors and AP courses. They aim to foster intellectual curiosity and cultural sensitivity, which are crucial for international students adapting to a new educational system.

For instance, schools like Canterbury School in Fort Myers and Gulliver Preparatory School in Pinecrest provide comprehensive programs that support not just academic excellence but also the overall development of students including arts and sports. Both schools have received high ratings from parents and students for their nurturing environments and commitment to preparing students for college. (more…)

How Low-Carb Diets Fuel High-Achieving Students

Have you ever considered that your diet could be the secret weapon in your quest for academic success? It’s not just about fueling late-night study sessions or grabbing a quick bite between classes. What if the foods you choose could directly enhance focus and memory retention?

Low-carb diets are more than just a trend; they’re transforming high-achievers into unstoppable forces in classrooms and beyond. From stabilizing mood to managing weight effectively, let’s delve into how cutting down on carbs can ignite your educational journey.

5 Ways Low-Carb Diets Fuel High-Achieving Students

Unlock the academic prowess within you by exploring how a low-carb diet could energize your studies.

Here are five transformative benefits to consider for brain power and beyond.

1. Enhanced Focus and Energy

Maintaining razor-sharp focus and boundless energy has always been the secret sauce for high-achieving students. It’s no surprise that what you eat plays a pivotal role in the academic equation.

A low-carb diet, rich in fats and proteins, stands out as a powerhouse for cognitive performance. They can also increase your energy, but most studies focus on short term effects.

But why does this matter for someone hitting the books? Let’s break it down:

Stamina During Exams: A stable release of glucose provides prolonged energy.
Consistent Performance: With fewer blood sugar spikes, you won’t crash.
Reaction Times: Quicker mental responses can help to understand complex ideas.

Opting for meals that sustain rather than drain elevates your learning potential and sets a cornerstone for overall well being amidst the academic pressures. (more…)

The psychology of motivation: Strategies for engaging students

2 Comments

The psychology of motivation: Strategies for engaging students

Motivation plays a role not only in people’s choice to get involved in their goals but also in their behavior, persistence, and, ultimately, success. It is imperative for educators to be aware of the essence of motivation in education in order to create a stimulating environment where students can learn and develop. Through understanding motivation, educators will discover various sophisticated techniques to attract attention and instill a love for learning among students for life.

What does motivation entail?

Motivation is a phenomenon built on the idea of the action of inside and outside factors that together influence an individual to act in the achievement of his/her aims. Experts in psychology have comprehensively analyzed motivation. As a result, they have presented different theories and components which shape the way humans behave. A learner can be driven by two major types of motivation, the extrinsic and intrinsic types, each with its unique characteristics and ramifications on the learning process. (more…)