Chromebook Conundrum

The Friday Five

TGIF Teacher Newsletter #161

Become a Supporter

With energy levels waning and the end of the school year around the corner, I’ve started giving myself pep talks. Here’s one from this past week: why we should attempt to finish strong.

In this week’s newsletter, I'm sharing resources that confirm what I've been seeing in the classroom. Many students struggle to focus on their Chromebooks, and AI in the classroom creates new challenges.

Is your experience similar? Share your thoughts in an email reply.

Reflection Questions:

1. How has technology both enhanced and challenged your professional practice in the past year? Consider specific instances where it has either streamlined your work or created new obstacles to overcome.
2. In what ways can you better balance the use of AI and other technological tools while ensuring deep learning and critical thinking remain central to your teaching or work approach?
3. How might you intentionally incorporate music or other creative elements into your daily routine to enhance both your personal well-being and professional effectiveness?

The Friday Five

1 - Chromebook Conundrum

According to a recent EdWeek Research Center survey, school-issued laptops and tablets have become a significant classroom distraction. 56% of educators reported that off-task behavior on these devices significantly impacts learning time. This ranks higher than cellphone distractions (38%) and is second only to disruptions from other students (61%).

While most districts have implemented 1-to-1 computing environments since 2020, educators are showing mixed feelings about their impact. Though 53% still see a positive effect on student learning, concerns about classroom management have increased, with 27% reporting negative impacts compared to 20% in 2019.

Teachers report challenges ranging from excessive monitoring requirements to students using devices for gaming instead of learning, while also acknowledging the technology's benefits for student preparation and educational possibilities.

The situation is complex as these devices, unlike cellphones, which are increasingly restricted in schools, are essential for digital learning materials and online testing.

2 - Think For Themselves

More and more university students are using AI to help with their schoolwork, which has teachers worried that students may not learn to think for themselves.

Teachers are concerned that when students use AI to do their work, especially in subjects like history and literature, they miss out on developing important skills like coming up with their own ideas and building strong arguments. As students get used to having AI do their thinking for them, universities might find it harder to teach these valuable skills.

This problem isn't limited to higher education. Middle and high school teachers are noticing similar trends, with students increasingly turning to AI for homework help and essay writing. At these important developmental stages, when young minds should be learning fundamental critical thinking and writing skills, the reliance on AI tools could have lasting negative impacts on their academic growth.

If this continues, students might choose the easy way out instead of putting in the effort to learn and grow as thinkers.

What can teachers do?

• Design assignments that require personal reflection and experience - Since AI struggles with personal insights, create assignments that require students to connect course material with their own experiences and observations.
• Emphasize the learning process over final product - Help students understand that developing critical thinking skills through the writing process is more valuable than just producing a finished essay.
• Create in-class writing exercises - By incorporating more supervised writing activities, teachers can ensure students develop their thinking and writing skills rather than relying on AI for homework completion.

3 - Music Power

Music is a powerful force that deeply impacts our brains and emotions. It triggers the release of dopamine and activates multiple neural networks responsible for memory, movement, and emotional processing.

In every human culture, music serves essential functions beyond entertainment, including social bonding, emotional regulation, and therapeutic applications.

Research demonstrates its effectiveness in treating various mental health conditions, enhancing cognitive development, and providing emotional support. Whether through intentional listening, playing an instrument, or participating in group musical activities, incorporating music into daily life offers significant psychological and physiological benefits, making it a valuable tool for personal well-being and social connection.

Here are practical ways to incorporate music for your well-being:

Create Intentional Listening Times

• Set aside 15-20 minutes daily for focused music listening
• Choose music that matches your desired emotional state

Use Music for Productivity

• Play background music during work tasks
• Create different playlists for different activities (focus, creativity, relaxation)

Make it Social

• Join a local music group or choir
• Share playlists with friends or colleagues - This is my wake-up call to get going on the Teacher Commuter playlist.
• Attend live music events. I’m excited about attending a Neil Young concert later this summer.

Integrate Music into Daily Routines

• Start your day with energizing music
• Use calming music during stress-relief breaks
• Play music during exercise or commuting

Active Engagement

• Learn a musical instrument
• Practice mindful listening to complex pieces
• Try musical meditation exercises

4 - After Silence

“After silence, that which comes nearest to expressing the inexpressible is music.” ― Aldous Huxley

5 - Teacher Commuter Playlist - Rich Girl by Lake Street Dive

Choose Your Own Adventure

• Read more, you’ll live longer.
• Do you keep a “Teacher Wins” folder?
• How to Use Choice Boards to Engage Early Finishers and Differentiate Learning

Why Edify Recommendation

• If you're ready to double down on social emotional learning Kikori offers a service worth checking out. "At Kikori, we believe that all children, youth and adults (children at heart!) deserve access to high quality education. Through our social mission, we hope to help educators, facilitators, therapists, and corporate trainers around the globe discover and implement meaningful activities with participants."

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