Digital Citizenship Week — October 20-24, 2025

You can get a lot of great ideas from Common Sense Education on their Digital Citizenship Week page:

• Digital Citizenship Week calendars, with fun activities and suggested lessons for each day
• AI literacy resources, like AI foundations course for educators, and AI literacy lesson collection for students
• Webinars and events to help build your teaching practice and implement digital citizenship in your classroom
• Family engagement resources to share in your community

Here at Ask a Tech Teacher, we will offer three days of Digital Citizenship resources and lessons. I’ve provided links, but they won’t work until live:

• Digital Citizenship Week: What to Teach When–a video (this one)
• Digital Citizenship Resources–Lots of Them
• 8 Projects to Teach Digital Citizenship–by Grade

We’ll start with a great video (40 minutes) we use in training, available for free today to Ask a Tech Teacher readers. It is a reprint so you may have seen it last year. If not, enjoy!

Digital Citizenship: What to Teach When

Summary

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How to Teach a Tech Lesson

This video is from a series I taught for school districts. It is now available for free to subscribers of Ask a Tech Teacher:

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How do you teach the hard to teach class? Differentiate

This video is from a series I taught for school districts. It is now available for free, here on Ask a Tech Teacher:

Summary

Strategies for teaching challenging classes include student involvement, differentiated instruction, and utilizing technology for engagement.

Highlights

• 📚 Student Input: Encourage students to provide input on learning goals.
• 🖥️ Tech Tools: Incorporate web-based tools for enhanced learning experiences.
• 🔄 Flipped Classroom: Reverse traditional teaching methods to engage students effectively.
• 💬 Back Channel Devices: Use platforms for real-time student feedback during lessons.
• 🤝 Collaboration: Work with other teachers on projects for a cohesive learning experience.
• ✍️ Active Participation: Transform students from passive consumers to active contributors.
• 🎨 Creative Assessment: Move away from static checklists and embrace dynamic evaluation methods.

Key Insights

• 🌍 Understanding Learning Styles: Recognizing that students learn differently allows for tailored teaching approaches. Emphasizing this can create a more inclusive classroom environment.
• 🔧 Encouraging Risk-Taking: Allowing students to explore and troubleshoot fosters independence and problem-solving skills, preparing them for real-world challenges.
• 🎯 Setting Big Goals: Establishing overarching goals rather than granular tasks helps students focus on the essential learning objectives.
• 💻 Emphasizing Digital Citizenship: Teaching students how to use digital tools responsibly equips them for future academic and professional environments.
• 🏆 Value of Mistakes: Demonstrating that mistakes are learning opportunities encourages resilience and promotes a growth mindset among students.
• 💡 Differentiation in Instruction: Adjusting lessons based on individual student needs can re-engage those who may struggle with traditional methods.
• 🕒 Flexibility in Time Management: Allowing students to spend a portion of their time on self-directed projects cultivates creativity and ownership over their learning.

–summarized by NoteGPT

This series includes videos on: (more…)

Click for Updated List

1. Adobe Spark–suite of free tools for creating images, videos, and simple web pages; quick; great for Chromebooks
2. Animoto
3. Canva video creator–How-to video by Richard Byrne
4. Chromebook–use Chromebook’s native video creation tool; watch this video on how; no add-ons or apps.
5. EdPuzzle–edit, quizzify, and add your voice to any video
6. Go animate
7. Headliner–browser-based video editor; ed version; freemium
8. Moovly–free or fee, animated videos
9. PlayPosit–interactive videos
10. Spark video — works on Chromebooks and iOS; add personal narrative, images. Use a story template or start from scratch; creates as slides
11. Unscreen–remove background in videos for free
12. Video Editor--free with Windows 10
13. Vimeo
14. Voki
15. WeVideo–collaborative; record on mobile devices; edit on desktop; works great on Chromebooks
16. Wideo–create videos online
17. Windows 10 organic video editor–how-to video to turn photos into video by Richard Byrne

(more…)

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

What Should You Know About Interactive Storytelling?

Here’s what I cover:

• What is it?
• How can writers use it?
• Advantages
• Disadvantages

What is interactive storytelling

Interactive storytelling is a growing trend that allows readers to actively participate in shaping the narrative. With advancements in augmented and virtual reality, stories are no longer confined to the pages of a book. Authors can provide immersive experiences and create narratives that respond to reader choices.

Interactive storytelling allows the audience to actively shape the story rather than passively consume it. Unlike traditional storytelling with a fixed plot, interactive stories let users influence the direction, outcomes, and details through their choices and input. It blends creativity with technology, making each telling unique. 81% of marketers agree interactive content grabs attention more effectively and 66% admit it increases audience engagement. I can attest to this popularity. As a teacher, I occasionally asked students to choose from among several story endings or create their own. A good example is Mission USA, a website that uses interactive storytelling to teach historic events such as the American Revolution, Civil Rights, the Great Depression, and more:

Students click into one of the stories and are asked to make decisions similar to those made during that time period and then experience the consequences of their choices–whether the Loyalists or Tories won, how a family survived (or didn’t) the Great Depression, or something else. Here’s a video to explain it:

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kb_te-MmM04?si=v9ZG8x8n6TjCGMgk]

Another example many will remember is Oregon Trail where participants were expected to stock their Conestoga wagon to head to the Oregon territories (or California). Along the way, they made decisions such as whether to purchase mules vs. oxen, how to ford a river, how to cure diseases and injuries, and more. Their selections ultimately determined if they survived.

How can writers use interactive storytelling

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Here are some excellent themed video collections to use in your classroom (click here for updates on the list): (more…)

How to use Digital Quick Writes

This video is from a series I taught for school districts. It is now available for free, here on Ask a Tech Teacher:

–summarized by NoteGPT

Summary

In this video, Jacqui Murray discusses the concept of “quick writes” as a dynamic and engaging way to teach writing in the classroom. Quick writes are short, spontaneous writing exercises that allow students to express their thoughts and ideas without the pressure of formal writing tasks. Murray emphasizes the importance of variety and choice in writing activities, which can cater to students’ different preferences and skills. By integrating technology and allowing students to use a range of mediums—such as audio, visual, and written forms—quick writes not only reinforce writing skills but also enhance problem-solving, creative thinking, and communication abilities. The video outlines practical strategies for implementing quick writes in the classroom, provides examples of tools and techniques, and highlights how these exercises can meet Common Core standards. Overall, Murray advocates for a process-oriented approach to writing, focusing on student engagement and skill development rather than the final product.

Highlights

• ✍️ Dynamic Writing Experience: Quick writes offer an engaging alternative to traditional writing assignments, allowing students to express themselves freely.
• 🌍 Integration of Technology: Incorporating various digital tools enhances the writing experience and fosters creativity among students.
• 🎨 Variety of Mediums: Students can choose from multiple formats—writing, drawing, audio—to communicate their ideas effectively.
• 🕒 Short and Focused: Quick writes typically last 10-15 minutes, encouraging concise and thoughtful expression of ideas.
• 📢 Process Over Product: The focus is on the writing process and student effort rather than the final outcome, promoting a growth mindset.
• 📚 Alignment with Common Core: Quick writes can be tailored to meet various educational standards, making them versatile across subjects.
• 🤝 Collaborative Learning: Sharing and discussing quick writes with peers enhances understanding and communication skills.

Key Insights

• 📅 Flexibility in Timing: Quick writes can be integrated into any part of a lesson, making them adaptable to various subjects and topics. This flexibility allows teachers to connect writing with ongoing projects or discussions, reinforcing the relevance of writing in different contexts.
• 💡 Choice Empowers Students: By providing students with options for how they want to express their ideas—be it through writing, drawing, or using multimedia—teachers can cater to diverse learning styles. This choice not only fosters engagement but also encourages students to take ownership of their learning process.
• 🛠️ Technological Proficiency: Incorporating digital tools and platforms into quick writes helps students become more comfortable with technology. This not only prepares them for future academic challenges but also equips them with essential skills for the modern workforce.
• 🎯 Focus on Skill Development: Quick writes emphasize the importance of developing writing skills through practice rather than perfection. By creating a low-stakes environment where effort and process are prioritized, students are more likely to take risks and experiment with their writing.
• 🤔 Critical Thinking and Problem Solving: Engaging in quick writes requires students to think critically and solve problems quickly, especially when using new technologies or formats. This process aligns with educational standards that emphasize critical thinking as a vital skill for success.
• 📝 Assessment for Learning: Instead of grading the final product, teachers assess students based on their effort and engagement during quick writes. This formative assessment approach allows for ongoing feedback and supports a learning environment focused on growth rather than competition.
• 🎉 Fun and Engagement: Quick writes can be a fun way to break up traditional lessons, making writing enjoyable for students who may otherwise find it daunting. By incorporating games and creative formats, teachers can foster a love for writing that extends beyond the classroom.

Conclusion

Jacqui Murray’s discussion on quick writes highlights the importance of innovative and flexible writing practices in education. By integrating technology, allowing for student choice, and emphasizing the writing process, educators can create a more engaging and effective writing experience. Quick writes serve as a powerful tool to develop not only writing skills but also critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration—all of which are essential for students in today’s world. Through this approach, teachers can foster a classroom environment that values creativity, encourages exploration, and supports skill development for all learners.

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Gamification of Education

This video is from a series I taught for school districts. It is now available for free, here on Ask a Tech Teacher:

–summarize with NoteGPT

Summary

Jacqui Murray discusses the integration of technology in K-8 education, focusing on gamification to enhance learning.

Highlights

• 🎮 Gamification enhances learning by incorporating game elements into education.
• 💻 Keyboarding skills are essential for students in a technology-driven world.
• 📚 Vocabulary building is crucial across all subjects for comprehension.
• 🌐 Digital citizenship teaches safe online practices for students.
• 🔍 Research skills promote inquiry and curiosity in students.
• 🏗️ Games like Minecraft and Sim City can teach complex subjects effectively.
• 📈 Engaging students through games can improve retention and understanding.

Key Insights

• 🎓 Gamification is a powerful tool that transforms traditional learning into interactive experiences, making education more appealing to students. This approach fosters engagement and motivation, which are essential for effective learning.
• ⌨️ Mastery of keyboarding is critical, as students will be tested on these skills. Teaching proper keyboarding habits at an early age helps ensure students can focus on content rather than mechanics, supporting their overall academic performance.
• 🔠 A strong vocabulary is foundational for academic success. By encouraging students to decode unfamiliar words in context, educators enhance comprehension and prepare them for standardized assessments.
• 🛡️ Digital citizenship education is essential as students navigate online environments. Teaching them about online safety and responsibility ensures they can engage positively and productively in digital spaces.
• 🔍 Encouraging research and inquiry through dedicated projects like Genius Hour fosters a sense of ownership in learning, allowing students to pursue their interests and develop critical thinking skills.
• ⚙️ Education-focused games must have narrative and character development to be effective. When students engage with games that require problem-solving and critical thinking, they learn necessary academic concepts in a fun way.
• 📊 Statistics show that a significant number of people engage with games regularly. Leveraging this interest in gaming can bridge the gap between entertainment and education, creating a dynamic learning environment that resonates with students.

This video is from a series I taught for school districts. It is now available for free, here on Ask a Tech Teacher. It includes videos on: (more…)

Teach Speaking and Listening Skills with Student Presentations

This video is from a series I taught for school districts. It is now available for free to Ask a Tech Teacher subscribers:

Summary

This video discusses using student presentations to enhance speaking and listening skills, aligning with Common Core standards. (more…)

Digital Citizenship Week — October 14–18, 2024

You can get a lot of great ideas from Common Sense Education on their Digital Citizenship Week page:

• Digital Citizenship Week calendars, with fun activities and suggested lessons for each day
• AI literacy resources, like AI foundations course for educators, and AI literacy lesson collection for students
• Webinars and events to help build your teaching practice and implement digital citizenship in your classroom
• Family engagement resources to share in your community

Here at Ask a Tech Teacher, we invite you to watch a great video (40 minutes) we use in training, available for free today to Ask a Tech Teacher readers–

Digital Citizenship: What to Teach When

Summary

(more…)