As you may have heard, the Tech Integration Specialist positions, held by the Tech Integration team that writes this blog, Beth Halbach, Ben Knaus, Kate Johnson, and Wendy Wolfe, have been excessed for the 2025-2026 school year. This means that this will be our final post on the MPS Tech Diaries blog. It’s bittersweet to […]
Author: bethhalbach
Authentic Learning in an AI World
AI has a growing presence in education. It’s becoming increasingly likely that students will use AI tools to assist them with assignments. Therefore, it’s essential for us, as educators, to adapt our teaching strategies and design assignments that promote authentic learning and are less susceptible to being completed solely through AI. Fortunately, tools like Google Gemini […]
Introducing Google Gemini for Teens in Minneapolis Public Schools
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly reshaping our world, and we are committed to equipping students with tools and knowledge to thrive. Recognizing that AI is not just a future concept; it’s a present reality our students are already navigating. To ensure they do so responsibly and effectively, and in alignment with our MPS AI guidance, […]
Recharging Your Classroom with a Mid-Year Device Check Up
We’re halfway through the year, and by now, our students are hopefully comfortable using their iPads or Chromebooks. But let’s be honest, sometimes that comfort can lead to complacency (and maybe a few cracked screens!). It’s the perfect time for a mid-year refresh, focusing specifically on device care and digital citizenship. A little preventative maintenance […]
Translating Web Content with Google Lens
Have you ever discovered an excellent digital resource for your students, only to find that language barriers stand in the way? It’s a common challenge: you’ve got a fantastic website or web-based tool, but the usual translation aids like Google Translate Extension or Read&Write Extension don’t work with certain web tools. This roadblock can be […]
Enhancing Reading Accessibility: Getting Started with Chrome’s Reading Mode
Imagine a classroom where every student, regardless of their reading abilities, can access and comprehend digital content with ease. In today’s classroom, ensuring all students have equal access to learning materials is crucial. Our MPS student Chromebooks offer a range of built-in accessibility features that can significantly improve the learning experience for students with diverse […]
Fall Challenge: Prep for Conferences with Seesaw!
We are excited to offer a fall challenge that encourages use of Seesaw: Use Seesaw to share student learning at conferences and be entered into a drawing for a chance to win! Details: We hope this help you to have great fall conferences!
Exciting Seesaw Updates for 2024-2025: Enhancing Learning for Students!
Exciting Updates from Seesaw: Fall 2024 As educators, we constantly seek tools to enhance our teaching practices and foster student engagement. Seesaw has recently rolled out some exciting updates that will enhance learning and offer some amazing tools to differentiate content and give insights to your student’s learning. As a reminder, all K-5 MPS teachers […]
Tech Tip Tuesday: MPS Approved Digital Tools
Tech Tip Tuesday! We are on the home stretch! There is less than one month left of the school year! In this last month of school, you might be looking for some fresh resources to keep students engaged. Consider using a new digital tool with students! Today’s Tech Tip Tuesday shows how to find what […]
Guiding Students in Navigating the AI Revolution
Recently, we explored the exciting topic of Artificial Intelligence (AI) with tools for teaching where we highlighted how generative AI is transforming the educational landscape by automating administrative tasks, tailoring lesson plans, and tracking student progress. Our journey continues as we turn our focus to AI use with students! In the future, the ability […]