If the text in your Outlook inbox seems too small, you can increase the size of the sender names, subject lines, and message information without changing the size of everything on your computer.
Here is how to do it in the classic desktop version of Outlook for Windows.
Make the Outlook Inbox Font Bigger
Open Outlook.
Select the View tab.
Click View Settings.
Select Other Settings.
Click Row Font.
Choose the font size you would like.
Click OK.
Continue clicking OK until you return to your inbox.
Your inbox should immediately display the larger text.
Row Font vs. Column Font
Outlook gives you several font options.
If you want to increase the size of the sender name, subject, and message information, choose Row Font.
Column Font controls the headings at the top of the message list.
What About the New Outlook?
The new version of Outlook handles this differently.
In new Outlook:
View → View Settings → Mail → Layout → Text size and spacing
You can then choose Small, Medium, or Large.
A Simple Outlook Accessibility Tip
This is a small setting, but it can make Outlook much easier to use, especially on high-resolution monitors where the default text can sometimes appear too small.
How to Create a Rubric with Gemini in Google Classroom
Google Classroom now makes it easier for teachers to create rubrics with the help of Gemini.
Instead of starting a rubric from scratch, Gemini can generate criteria based on your assignment and the skills you want students to demonstrate. You can then review and edit the rubric before adding it to your assignment.
How to Generate a Rubric with Gemini
Open Google Classroom and select your class.
Go to Classwork.
Create a new Assignment.
Add your assignment title and instructions.
Find Rubric and select Generate new.
Choose the appropriate grade level and number of performance levels.
Describe the knowledge or skills you want students to demonstrate.
Select Generate criteria.
Review and edit the criteria Gemini creates.
Generate and save your finished rubric.
That's it!
Gemini gives you a starting point, but I recommend reviewing the criteria, descriptions, performance levels, and point values before using the rubric with students.
Example
For my example, I created a simple 8th-grade persuasive writing assignment.
I asked Gemini to create a rubric based on students' ability to:
Clearly state an opinion
Support the opinion with relevant reasons and evidence
Organize ideas logically
Use correct grammar, spelling, and punctuation
Within seconds, Gemini created rubric criteria that I could review and customize.
Watch the Video
In the video above, I walk through the entire process so you can see exactly where to find the new Gemini rubric generator and how it works.
What If I Don't See "Generate New"?
Your access to Gemini features in Google Classroom can depend on your Google Workspace for Education account and your school's settings.
If you don't see the option, check with your Google Workspace administrator to see whether Gemini in Classroom is enabled.
Have you tried Gemini in Google Classroom? What Google Classroom or Gemini feature would you like to see me cover next?
Time to Talk Tech Simple, practical technology tips and tutorials.
How to Change the Default Font Size in Outlook 2024
If you use Microsoft Outlook 2024 and want to change the default font or font size for your emails, you can do it in just a few steps.
Once you change the setting, Outlook will automatically use your preferred font when you create new email messages.
How to Change the Default Font in Outlook 2024
Open Microsoft Outlook 2024.
Click File in the upper-left corner.
Select Options.
Click Mail.
Select Stationery and Fonts.
Under New mail messages, click Font.
Choose your preferred font, font style, and font size.
Click OK.
Click OK again to save your Outlook settings.
That's it! The next time you create a new email, Outlook should automatically use your new font settings.
Change the Font for Replies and Forwarded Emails
You can also change the font Outlook uses when you reply to or forward an email.
Go back to:
File → Options → Mail → Stationery and Fonts
This time, select Font under Replying or forwarding messages.
Choose the font and size you want and click OK to save your changes.
Using the New Outlook?
These instructions are for Outlook 2024 / Classic Outlook for Windows.
If you are using Microsoft's New Outlook, the steps are different. I'll have a separate tutorial showing you how to change the default font in New Outlook.
For more quick and practical technology tutorials, check out more tips here on Time to Talk Tech and subscribe to the Time to Talk Tech YouTube channel.
🌍✨ Translate Your Google Slides Instantly with Canva! 🚀📖
As educators, we often need to translate our lesson materials to ensure accessibility for all students. Whether you're working with English Language Learners (ELLs) or providing multilingual resources, translating your Google Slides manually can be time-consuming. Luckily, Canva offers an incredibly easy way to translate your slides into almost any language!
In this guide, I'll walk you through a simple method to take any Google Slide deck and seamlessly translate it using Canva.
Why Use Canva for Translating Google Slides?
Canva isn't just a design tool—it’s a powerhouse for educators! If you have an educator account (which is free for teachers), you can access Canva's full suite of features, including the built-in Translate function. This allows you to convert your Google Slides into another language in just a few clicks, all while keeping the original formatting intact.
Step 1: Import Your Google Slides into Canva
Sign in to Canva – If you don’t have a Canva for Education account, sign up for free.
Go to “Projects” – On the left-hand side of the Canva homepage, click on Projects.
Click “Add New” – Select Import from an App.
Choose Google Drive – If you haven’t connected your Google account, Canva will prompt you to grant access.
Select Your Slide Deck – Find your Google Slides presentation, click on it, and upload it into Canva.
Step 2: Use Canva’s Translate Tool
Open Your Imported Slides – Once your slide deck is uploaded into Canva, open it like any other Canva project.
Go to “Apps” – On the left-hand toolbar, hover over Apps, then scroll down to Translate.
Select a Language – Choose the language you want to translate your slides into (e.g., Spanish, French, or any other available option).
Choose What to Translate
Entire Slide Deck – Translate all slides in one go.
Selected Text Only – If you only want to translate certain parts, you can specify which text boxes to convert.
Adjust Translation Settings
If you duplicate pages, you’ll get both English and translated versions side by side.
If you turn off duplication, the entire deck will be fully translated into the new language.
Click “Translate” – Watch as Canva works its magic, converting your entire slide deck!
Step 3: Export and Share
Once your slides are translated, you have two options:
Download & Upload to Google Drive – Click Share > Download > Save as PowerPoint (.pptx), then upload it back to Google Slides.
Share Directly from Canva – Simply copy the Canva view-only link and share it with students and colleagues.
Why This Matters for Educators
Using Canva’s translation tool saves hours of manual work while maintaining your slide deck’s original design. This is especially useful for: ✅ Supporting ELL students with translated lesson materials ✅ Collaborating with multilingual educators ✅ Providing accessible content for families who speak other languages
With this easy trick, you can bridge language gaps and make learning more inclusive—all in just a few clicks!
📌 Must-Have Google Chrome Extension for Teachers! 🏫✨ Add to Google Classroom
Managing digital assignments just got easier with the Add to Google Classroom extension! If you're a teacher who regularly assigns resources in Google Classroom, this extension simplifies the process with just a few clicks. Best of all, it works with any site, not just Google Docs or Slides—you can quickly add articles, videos, and other online content directly to your classroom.
Getting Started
First, install the extension by selecting Add to Chrome and then Add Extension. Once installed, don’t forget to pin it for easy access. This ensures the extension stays visible on your toolbar, ready when you need it.
How It Works
Whenever you’re on a webpage, document, or resource you want to assign, the Add to Google Classroom button lets you quickly share it without navigating away from your workflow. Here’s how:
Open the webpage or document you want to assign.
Click the Add to Classroom extension.
Choose your class and select an action (e.g., create an assignment, ask a question, or post material).
Fill in assignment details, including the title, instructions, and points.
If sharing a document, select Make a copy for each student (if applicable), then hit Assign.
Once assigned, students can access the link directly from Google Classroom. The extension ensures correct sharing permissions are applied automatically, preventing access issues.
Why Use It?
Saves Time – Assignments are created in just a few clicks.
Works with Any Website – Share articles, videos, interactive tools, and more.
Seamlessly Integrates – Works with all Google Classroom features like due dates, grading, and student responses.
If you're looking for a simple way to enhance your Google Classroom workflow, this extension is a game-changer. Try it out and see how it can streamline your digital classroom!
Got questions? Feel free to reach out. Happy teaching!
🎤📽️ AI Presentation Generator Instantly Create Exportable Slides from Any Content! 📊✨
Creating presentations can be time-consuming, but what if there was a tool that could generate a complete slide deck in under a minute? Enter MagicSchool.ai’s Presentation Generator, a game-changer for educators looking to streamline lesson planning.
How It Works
This AI-powered tool allows users to input a topic, standard, content, or objective, and it will instantly create a structured presentation—no images, just well-organized slides. The built-in Prompt Assistant even suggests refinements, such as analyzing the impact on society and technology or ensuring key elements like three discussion questions are included.
In a quick demonstration, a PDF on the American Revolution was uploaded, and within 45 seconds, the tool generated 20 slides, covering key points and even including interactive elements.
Exporting & Editing Options
Once generated, presentations can be edited within the tool or exported to Microsoft PowerPoint for further refinement. While exporting directly to Google Slides sometimes encounters issues, the workaround of downloading as a PowerPoint file and then re-uploading to Slides works smoothly.
Why Educators Should Try It
Saves time – No more manually structuring slides.
Customizable – Add objectives, refine prompts, and ensure key elements are included.
Flexible export options – Use PowerPoint or Google Slides.
MagicSchool.ai’s Presentation Generator is a powerful tool that supports lesson planning with efficiency and ease. Give it a try, and let technology do the heavy lifting while you focus on engaging your students!
Create a Flippity Video Game for Review with ChatGPT! 🎮🔥
Keeping students engaged during review activities can be a challenge, but Flippity makes it easy to turn a standard quiz into an exciting, interactive game! In this post, we'll walk through how to set up a Flippity multiple-choice game and introduce a time-saving script that will help you quickly generate questions and answers.
What is Flippity?
Flippity is a free tool that converts Google Sheets into a variety of educational games. The multiple-choice game is one of the most engaging options, allowing students to answer questions in a fast-paced, arcade-style format.
Step-by-Step: Creating a Flippity Multiple-Choice Game
1. Get the Flippity Template
Visit Flippity and select the Instructions tab under the multiple-choice game.
Click Make a Copy to generate your own editable Google Sheet.
2. Quickly Generate Questions with This Script
Instead of manually typing questions and answers, use the following script to generate structured quiz data in seconds. Simply paste this prompt into an AI chat:
Prompt: *"Can you provide me with questions and answers that I can place in a Google Sheet? Please ask me for the topic and how many questions. Structure the data so that:
The question is in Column A
The correct answer is in Column B
An incorrect answer is in Column C
Another incorrect answer is in Column D"*
Example Input: "Fourth Grade Multiplication, 15 questions."
The AI will generate the questions and answers, which you can then copy and paste directly into the Flippity Google Sheet.
3. Copy & Paste into the Flippity Template
Highlight the AI-generated content and press Ctrl + C to copy.
Open your Flippity Google Sheet and paste (Ctrl + V) it into the corresponding columns.
4. Publish Your Game
Click File > Share > Publish to Web.
Select Publish, then copy the provided link and paste it into the designated cell in the Google Sheet.
Your game is now live and ready to play!
How the Game Works
Once launched, students will see falling asteroids with multiple-choice options. Their goal is to select the correct answer before the asteroid reaches the bottom. ✅ Correct answer → Earns 10,000 points ❌ Wrong answer → Loses a life, but keeps points
Customization Options
Adjust the game speed for different skill levels.
Let students create their own games to reinforce learning.
Use the type-in mode for an extra challenge.
Why Use Flippity?
✅ Fast & Easy: No coding needed—just fill in a spreadsheet! ✅ Engaging: Turns review into an interactive challenge. ✅ Student-Created Content: Encourages ownership of learning.
Flippity’s multiple-choice game is a fun and effective way to make review sessions more dynamic. Try it out, and let the learning (and gaming) begin!
Have questions? Reach out—I’d love to hear how you’re using Flippity in your classroom! 🚀
🌈🎨 Flippity's Color by Number A Fun and Engaging Way to Review! 📝💡
Looking for a creative and engaging way to review content with students? Flippity’s Color by Number feature is a fantastic option that transforms traditional review questions into an interactive, self-checking activity. This tool takes a simple question-and-answer format and turns it into a visually engaging learning experience.
Getting Started with Flippity Color by Number
Flippity provides a variety of free, Google Sheets-based templates that allow educators to create interactive learning activities with ease. The Color by Number tool allows students to reveal an image piece by piece as they answer questions correctly.
To get started:
Select Your Image – Flippity provides default images, like a smiley face, but you can switch it to something more engaging. For example, you can replace it with a dog, baseball, or any other available option by pasting the image URL into cell C2 of the template.
Make a Copy of the Template – Click on "Make a Copy" to generate your own editable version of the Color by Number template.
Enter Your Questions and Answers – Input your questions and corresponding answers into the template. This step is crucial, as the accuracy and clarity of the questions will directly affect how well students engage with the activity.
Generate and Publish Your Activity – Select File > Share > Publish to the Web, and copy the published link.
Get Your Activity Link – Paste the link into Flippity, and your interactive Color by Number activity is ready to go!
Why This Prompt is Essential
To create a well-structured and engaging Color by Number activity, using the right format for questions and answers is crucial. The following prompt ensures that the data is structured correctly in a Google Sheet and is ready for easy pasting into the Flippity template:
Can you provide me with questions and answers that I can place in a Google Sheet? Please ask me for the topic and how many questions. Structure the data so that:
The question is in Column A
The correct answer is in Column B
An incorrect answer is in Column C
Another incorrect answer is in Column D
A third incorrect answer is in Column E Please make sure to:
Place the final output in a code block
Ensure there is no text wrapping
Keep all text in regular format without extra formatting
Do not respond to me saying question 1, question 2, etc.
Using this prompt guarantees that the question-and-answer structure aligns perfectly with Flippity’s template, preventing formatting issues and making setup seamless. It also ensures that each question includes multiple-choice answer options, which can help students reinforce their learning by considering both correct and incorrect responses.
How It Works for Students
Students answer each question, and if their response is correct, a section of the image is revealed in color. Incorrect answers may distort the image, encouraging students to reflect on their responses and try again. This immediate feedback loop makes it a great formative assessment tool.
Why Use Flippity Color by Number?
Self-Paced & Engaging – Students can work at their own speed while receiving instant feedback.
Versatile Across Subjects – This tool can be used for math, science, history, language arts, and even foreign language practice.
Easy to Set Up – With just a Google Sheet and a few clicks, you have an interactive review ready to go.
Final Thoughts
Flippity’s Color by Number is a fantastic way to bring a game-like experience to review sessions. Whether used for independent practice, small group activities, or whole-class engagement, it makes learning both effective and fun. Try it out using the structured prompt above, and let me know how it works for your classroom!
🎯 Effortless Jeopardy-Style Review Game Creation with ChatGPT 🎮✨ Generate Engaging Trivia for Any Topic in Minutes! 🚀
Gamifying learning is a great way to keep students engaged, and setting up a Jeopardy-style quiz game has never been easier! This guide walks through how to use Google Sheets, Flippity, and ChatGPT to quickly generate and format quiz questions. Whether preparing for a test or just adding fun to lessons, this method saves time while ensuring an interactive experience.
Step 1: Generating Questions with ChatGPT
Instead of manually creating every question, ChatGPT can do the heavy lifting with the right prompt. The following structured prompt ensures the generated questions fit perfectly into the Flippity Quiz Show template:
Flippity Game Setup Prompt - **** please be sure to copy this prompt ****
Instructions: Before generating the setup, ask for the topic of the game.
Categories and Format:
The game should include six main categories in a single row at the top.
Each question should appear directly below its respective category in the first available row.
Each answer should be placed directly below its corresponding question in the same column.
Questions and answers should alternate within each category column.
Final Category:
The seventh category should be titled "Final" (not "Final Jeopardy").
This category should contain only one question and one answer related to the topic.
The Final question should be the most challenging one related to the topic.
The answer should be placed directly below the question, following the same alternating format as other categories.
Formatting Requirements: ✅ Do not include labels such as "Question 1" or "Answer 1." ✅ The output should contain only:
One row with the six category titles + "Final"
Alternating questions and answers below each category
One Final question and answer in the "Final" category ✅ Structured for direct pasting into a Google Sheet:
No extra line breaks
No additional spaces
No misalignment due to text wrapping ✅ The entire setup must be enclosed inside a code block for easy copying and pasting.
Using this prompt ensures a fully formatted, game-ready quiz setup without any manual adjustments.
Step 2: Setting Up the Flippity Quiz Show Template
Now that the quiz content is ready, it needs to be placed into the Flippity Quiz Show template:
Visit Flippity.net and select Flippity Quiz Show
Click on Instructions, then Make a Copy of the provided template
Step 3: Adding Questions to Google Sheets
Open the copied Flippity template
Click on cell B2
Paste the ChatGPT-generated content (Ctrl + V or Command + V on Mac)
All questions and answers should now be properly structured within the template!
Step 4: Publishing and Sharing the Game
To make the game live and accessible:
Click File → Share → Publish to the web
Select Publish, then Copy the generated link
Paste this link into Row 3 of the Flippity template
Now, the game is fully functional!
Step 5: Playing the Quiz Show
With everything set up, the quiz show is ready to be played. The interface allows for:
Up to four teams to participate
Customizable settings, such as hiding the timer or shuffling questions
Clicking on any question to reveal the answer
Final Category play, where students tackle the toughest question
Why Use This Method?
This Flippity + ChatGPT workflow makes it incredibly easy to create an interactive quiz game in minutes. Using a structured approach ensures that all formatting is correct, eliminating the need for manual adjustments. Whether used for test reviews, subject-specific challenges, or engaging classroom activities, this setup saves time while maximizing engagement.
Try it out and bring some game-show excitement into the classroom!
📺✨ Want a summary of a YouTube video?🎥🔍 🚀 Try Summarize Tech for quick insights! 📝⚡
Ever found yourself needing a quick summary of a long YouTube video? Whether it's a lecture, a government meeting, or a live event, watching the entire video might not always be the most efficient option. That's where Summarize.Tech comes in!
How It Works
Using Summarize.Tech is incredibly simple:
Copy the URL of the YouTube video you want summarized.
Paste it into Summarize.Tech.
Click Submit and wait for the magic to happen.
Within seconds—sometimes up to 30 seconds for longer videos—the tool generates a concise summary, giving you a quick overview of the video's key points.
Why Use It?
Saves Time – Get the main ideas without watching the entire video.
Great for Research – Quickly scan through multiple videos for relevant information.
Easy to Use – No complicated setup, just paste and go.
If you often find yourself needing quick takeaways from YouTube videos, Summarize.Tech is a handy tool to keep bookmarked. Give it a try and streamline your video-watching experience!
🌟 Google's Hidden Gem 🌟 🖱️✨ One-click printing 🖨️, sharing 📤, translating 🌍, and so much more! 🚀🔧
Ever wished you could copy a link, create a QR code, or print a webpage with just one click? Google Chrome has a hidden feature that lets you do exactly that! With a few simple steps, you can customize your Chrome toolbar to make your browsing experience more efficient.
How to Enable Chrome’s Shortcut Toolbar
Open a new tab in Chrome.
Click Customize Chrome in the bottom right corner.
Scroll down until you see the Toolbar section.
Toggle on the options you want to enable, such as Forward, Incognito Mode, and other tools.
Once enabled, these icons will appear directly on your browser, making them accessible with a single click.
Key Features to Speed Up Your Workflow
Now that your shortcut toolbar is active, you can take advantage of these handy tools:
Copy Link – Quickly copy any webpage URL to share or save.
Create a QR Code – Generate a QR code for any webpage, perfect for sharing with others.
Translate with Google Lens – Instantly translate an entire webpage into another language.
Print with One Click – Instead of using Ctrl + P, simply click the print icon to get a hard copy immediately.
Reading Mode – Remove distractions and focus on the text of an article.
Send to Your Devices – Seamlessly transfer a webpage from your computer to your phone or tablet.
In the video, Brad demonstrates these features by visiting ESPN. He copies a link, generates a QR code, translates a page, and prints content—all in just a few clicks. If you frequently perform these actions, enabling this shortcut toolbar can save you valuable time.
Final Thoughts
Chrome’s hidden shortcuts allow you to streamline common tasks and improve your workflow. Whether you’re a teacher sharing resources, a student organizing research, or just someone who loves efficiency, these features are worth exploring.
Want a quick walkthrough? Check out the full video here: Watch on YouTube.
Have any questions? Feel free to reach out. Happy browsing!
🗣️ Speak, Don't Type! How to Use Dictation in Outlook on the Web to Write Emails ✉️🎤
Certainly! Here's a blog post based on your video transcript:
How to Send an Email Using Your Voice in Outlook on the Web
Ever find yourself wanting to send an email but not in the mood to type it all out? Good news—Outlook on the web has a built-in dictation tool that lets you compose emails using just your voice! Here’s how you can do it.
Step 1: Start a New Email
First, open Outlook on the web and click New Mail. Enter the recipient’s email address, add a subject, and move to the body of the email where you'll dictate your message.
Step 2: Find the Dictation Tool
At the top of the email editor, you'll see several tabs like Home, View, and Help. Click on Message, and look for the microphone icon—this is the dictation tool.
Step 3: Grant Microphone Permissions
If you’re using dictation for the first time, Outlook will prompt you to allow microphone access. Click Allow to proceed. Once set up, you're ready to start speaking!
Step 4: Start Dictating
Click the microphone icon and begin speaking. Outlook will convert your words into text in real time. If you make a mistake, you can either edit manually or click the microphone again to make corrections.
For example, if you need to add punctuation, you can say:
"Hello everyone period" → Outlook will insert "Hello everyone."
If something is missed, you can click back in the email, place the cursor where needed, and continue dictating.
Step 5: Send Your Email
Once your email looks good, simply hit Send—just like any other email.
Why Use Voice Dictation?
Using voice dictation can be a huge time-saver, especially if you:
✅ Prefer speaking over typing
✅ Want to compose emails hands-free
✅ Need accessibility-friendly tools
Outlook's dictation feature is a simple yet powerful tool to improve workflow efficiency. Try it out, and let me know if you have any questions!
📺 How to Watch & Share YouTube Videos 🎥 Ad-Free 🚫🛑 (Easy & Legal!)
Hi everyone! If you’ve ever wanted to share a YouTube video but were worried about ads popping up at the wrong moment, you’re not alone. Whether you're an educator, presenter, or just someone looking for a cleaner viewing experience, there are two simple tricks you can use to share YouTube videos without distractions.
1. The Popup Trick
This method allows you to open a YouTube video in full screen with no ads or related content. Here’s how:
Find the YouTube video link. It will look something like this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=abcdefg
In the URL, after the word watch, insert _popup. Your link should now look like this: https://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=abcdefg
Hit Enter, and the video will open in full-screen mode with no ads!
2. The Embed Mode Trick
Another quick way to create an ad-free experience is by using YouTube’s embed format.
Take your video link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=abcdefg
Remove everything after youtube.com/ until you get to the video ID (the part after v=).
Replace it with embed/, so your final URL looks like this: https://www.youtube.com/embed/abcdefg
Open this link in a new tab, and just like that—no ads!
Test It in an Incognito Window
To make sure your modified links work properly, try pasting them into an incognito window. You’ll see that both methods open the video cleanly without advertisements, making them perfect for classroom use or professional presentations.
These quick tricks help keep your videos distraction-free, making them easier to share with students, colleagues, or anyone else who needs a seamless viewing experience.
📄❌ "Unknown Error"? Fix That Scanned PDF with PDF Candy! 🍬✅
Hi everyone, this is Brad!
Have you ever tried uploading a scanned PDF to ChatGPT, hoping to analyze or discuss its contents, only to be met with a frustrating "Unknown Error" message? You’re not alone! This common issue occurs when AI tools struggle to recognize scanned documents as actual text. Fortunately, there’s a simple workaround using PDF Candy.
Why Does This Happen?
When you scan a document and save it as a PDF, the file often consists of images of text rather than actual selectable text. AI tools like ChatGPT rely on readable text to process the document, so if it’s just an image, it won’t work properly.
How to Fix It Using PDF Candy
To resolve this issue, we’ll use PDF Candy to convert the scanned PDF into readable text. Here’s how:
Go to PDF Candy – Visit PDF Candy and select the OCR PDF tool.
Upload Your Scanned PDF – Click Add File and select your document.
Start the OCR Process – Scroll down and ensure OCR (Optical Character Recognition) is selected. This tool extracts text from scanned documents.
Wait for Processing – Give it a moment. Processing times vary depending on the document size.
Download the Converted PDF – Once finished, download the new PDF, which now contains selectable and readable text.
Re-upload to ChatGPT – Go back to ChatGPT, click the Upload button, and select your newly converted PDF.
Success!
Your document should now be readable by ChatGPT, allowing you to engage with its content as intended.
Final Thoughts
If you ever run into this Unknown Error again, just remember this quick fix with PDF Candy. It’s a fast and easy way to make sure your scanned PDFs are AI-friendly.
Hope this helps! If you have any questions, feel free to reach out.
Boosting Student Activity with the Brisk Extension
Engaging students with online resources can sometimes be a challenge, but the Brisk extension provides a powerful way to boost student activity and interaction with digital content. Whether you’re working with a historical article on the Revolutionary War or any other subject, Brisk helps transform passive reading into an active learning experience.
Why Use Brisk for Student Engagement?
Brisk isn’t just about simplifying texts or pulling key vocabulary—it offers interactive features that encourage students to actively engage with content. The Boost Student Activity tool allows educators to generate structured learning tasks, create interactive prompts, and even monitor student participation in real-time.
How to Set Up Brisk for Student Activity
Choose Your Content – Select a webpage or article relevant to your lesson. If you want students to have a printed copy, use Ctrl + P to save it as a PDF and print.
Activate the Brisk Extension – Click the Brisk icon and select Boost Student Activity from the menu.
Customize the Activity – Choose from available options like Tutor Mode and set the reading level (e.g., 6th grade).
Generate and Share – Once Brisk creates the activity, you can preview, edit, and share the link or QR code with your students.
What Students See
The article appears alongside learning objectives to guide their reading.
A chat feature allows interaction, but messages are visible to the teacher.
Students engage by answering key questions, such as identifying major historical events.
Real-Time Monitoring & Teacher Controls
One of Brisk’s standout features is the Monitor Activity function. Teachers can:
✅ View student responses in real-time.
✅ Pause individual students if needed.
✅ Disable chat for specific students.
✅ Download an activity report (CSV format) for easy assessment.
Why This Matters
Using Brisk ensures students aren’t just skimming an article—they're engaging with the material, applying critical thinking, and staying accountable for their learning. Plus, with built-in monitoring, teachers can provide instant feedback and adjust instruction accordingly.
Final Thoughts
Brisk’s Boost Student Activity feature is a game-changer for tech-enhanced learning. Whether you're using it for history, science, or literature, it helps bridge the gap between reading and interactive learning. Try it out, and if you have any questions, let’s connect!
🎙️📚 Be the Storyteller! Narrating with Vooks' Storyteller Mode 🎥✨
In a world where digital storytelling continues to evolve, Vooks offers an exciting feature called Storyteller Mode that allows educators and parents to bring stories to life in their own voices. If you love reading aloud and want to create a personalized narration of a book, this feature is a game-changer.
Getting Started with Storyteller Mode
With Vooks Storyteller Mode, you can record yourself reading a book page by page or all at once. Here’s how it works:
Select a Book – Choose from a variety of illustrated stories.
Start Recording – You’ll have options to record each page individually or the entire book at once.
Review and Submit – Playback your narration, make any changes, and finalize your recording.
Share with Others – Once completed, you can share your narrated story with up to 50 people at a time via email, making it easy to distribute to students, parents, or fellow educators.
Why Storyteller Mode is a Great Tool
Engagement – Students can hear a familiar voice narrating the story, which can help with comprehension and engagement.
Personalized Learning – Teachers can create custom read-alouds for their classrooms, reinforcing literacy skills in an interactive way.
Final Thoughts
Vooks' Storyteller Mode brings a fresh approach to digital storytelling, making it easier than ever to create engaging, personalized read-aloud experiences. Whether you're an educator looking to enhance literacy instruction or a parent wanting to share a bedtime story in your own voice, this feature provides a simple yet effective way to make reading more interactive.
Have you tried Vooks Storyteller Mode? Let me know how you use it in your classroom or at home!
📊🔥 Visualize Numbers as 🎭🎯 Emojis in Google Sheets! 🚀📈
When it comes to engaging students in math and data visualization, sometimes a little creativity goes a long way. In a recent video, Brad demonstrates a fun way to make numbers more interactive by incorporating emojis into a spreadsheet. This approach not only makes data more visually appealing but also helps students develop a stronger connection to numerical concepts.
Setting Up the Spreadsheet
The core idea behind this technique is to sum up task values while dynamically displaying emojis that correspond with those values. Here's a quick breakdown of how it works:
Summing Tasks – The spreadsheet is set up with names and task values. Using a simple SUM function, students can input numbers, and the total updates automatically.
Adding Emojis with Formulas – Instead of just showing numbers, emojis are introduced using a custom function. This makes the output more engaging.
The formula format follows:
=RT("emoji", CellReference)
In this example, Sherlock Holmes is represented with a magnifying glass emoji, and Gandalf gets a wizard emoji.
The Magic of Wrapping and Formatting
To ensure the emojis display correctly, the text wrapping feature is enabled. This allows the emojis to expand with the values, making the spreadsheet both functional and visually appealing.
By applying this approach, students not only practice math skills but also engage with a more interactive and personalized learning experience. Whether it's using magnifying glasses for problem-solving or wizards for powerful calculations, adding emojis brings a fresh perspective to working with data.
Why This Matters
Visualizing numbers with symbols and images has long been a powerful teaching strategy. By integrating emojis into spreadsheets, students can:
Enhance Comprehension – Associating numbers with images helps in better recall and understanding.
Boost Engagement – A simple sum function might be dull, but when linked with recognizable characters and symbols, it becomes an interactive learning experience.
Encourage Exploration – Students can experiment with different emojis, connecting math with creativity.
Try It Out!
If you're looking for a simple yet effective way to make spreadsheets more exciting, give this method a try. Whether you're working with young learners or just want to spice up data entry, emojis can be a game-changer.
Have any questions or ideas on how to expand this?
In today’s digital world, finding high-quality, ad-free reading experiences for students can be a challenge. Enter Vooks, a kid-safe streaming platform that transforms books into animated stories, making literacy engaging and accessible. Whether you're leading a whole-class read-aloud, supporting small-group instruction, or curating a digital library of animated books, Vooks offers a dynamic way to bring stories to life.
Getting Started with Vooks
Signing up for Vooks is a simple process. Educators can log in with their credentials and create a profile, but it’s important to note that a single account is for teacher use only—students would need their own accounts to access the platform independently. Once set up, you can personalize your library by selecting areas of interest and applying content filters as needed.
Exploring the Digital Library
The homepage provides an easy-to-navigate interface where you can browse featured books, new releases, and collections curated by themes or age groups. Each title includes a run time, allowing you to plan accordingly for read-aloud sessions. If a book catches your interest, you can mark it as a favorite or add it to a custom playlist—a handy feature for organizing books by unit, theme, or reading level.
Interactive Features for Educators
One of the standout aspects of Vooks is its built-in activity guides. Many books include downloadable PDFs with activities, discussion prompts, and extension ideas, making it easy to integrate literacy skills into lessons. Whether it’s a bedtime story, an SEL-focused book like I Am Not Scared, or a curriculum-aligned title, these resources support deeper engagement with the text.
Customizing the Experience
For educators looking to personalize the storytelling experience, an upcoming feature in Vooks allows you to record your own narration, replacing the default voiceover. This is an excellent way to add a familiar voice, model fluency, and provide a more personalized reading experience for your students.
Why Use Vooks in the Classroom?
Vooks is an excellent tool for: ✅ Engaging reluctant readers with visually appealing, narrated stories. ✅ Supporting listening comprehension through high-quality audio and animation. ✅ Providing a screen-time alternative that emphasizes literacy. ✅ Enhancing classroom routines, whether through morning read-alouds, literacy centers, or wind-down activities.
Final Thoughts
If you're looking for a safe, ad-free, and engaging way to bring books to life, Vooks is worth exploring. Whether you're introducing a new story, reinforcing comprehension, or simply making reading more interactive, this platform provides valuable tools for educators.
Want to see Vooks in action? Try it out and start building your own digital story collection today!
Hey everyone, this is Brad! Maybe you, a student, or someone you know needs text read aloud. Well, here’s one way to do it—using https://voicegenerator.io/!
How It Works
Paste Your Text – Simply drop in the text you want to be read aloud. You can expand the input box to see everything clearly.
Choose a Voice – The default Microsoft David voice might sound a bit robotic, but you can switch to other options, like Google US English, which tends to sound more natural.
Adjust Settings – Modify the pitch and speed to better match your preference.
Listen and Download – Play back the audio, tweak as needed, and download it for later use.
Here’s a quick example: The robotic voice? Not great. The Google voice? Much better! Once satisfied, just download and use the file as needed.
Give it a try and let me know if you have any questions. Thanks for reading, and take care!
Magic School AI for Writing Feedback A Teacher and Student Perspective
Today, we’re diving into Magic School and how you can use it for writing feedback. If you want more information, just type "Magic School" into my blog search, and you'll find plenty of resources. And as always, if you have any questions, let me know!
Setting Up Writing Feedback in Magic School
Launch a Room
Start by selecting Launch to Students and then Launch New Room.
Name it something simple like Writing Feedback.
Add the Writing Feedback Tool
You can add multiple resources, but for this example, we’re just using one.
Scroll down and select Add for writing feedback.
Customize the Experience
Keep or change the voice settings.
Paste in the writing prompt. (I grabbed an example from Chat.)
Upload a rubric—either one you created or generated through AI.
What Students See
Once set up, students will:
View the assignment and submit their responses.
Receive AI-generated feedback on areas of strength and growth.
Have the option to listen to the feedback, slow it down, or speed it up.
Engage in a back-and-forth conversation to refine their writing.
Encourage students to use a Google Doc first, then copy and paste their work into Magic School. If the feedback feels overwhelming, remind them they can ask the AI to simplify it.
Teacher View
On your end, you’ll:
See students' submissions and their interactions with the feedback tool.
Monitor flagged words (like “stealing”) to ensure appropriate use.
Track progress and provide additional guidance as needed.
Sharing the Room
You can invite students via:
Join URL
Google Classroom
Join Code
Once they join, they acknowledge the prompt, submit their writing, and receive feedback—all within a structured, interactive environment.
This is a fantastic way to empower students in the writing process while keeping feedback meaningful and personalized. Let me know if you have any questions. Thanks for reading!
