In this episode of the Ditch That Textbook podcast, Matt and Karly discuss the latest news and updates in education technology. They highlight Google's release of the Gemini AI model and Quizizz's new feature allowing students to refer to videos or documents while answering questions. The big idea for this episode is end-of-semester projects, with Matt suggesting the creation of infographics using tools like Google Drawings or Canva, and Karly recommending student-created quizzes as a way for students to show what they know. They also share tech tips, quick teaching strategies, and a template of the week to support you as we wrap up the semester.

News and updates:

Google releases Gemini AI model
Let your students refer to videos or documents while answering questions. Go to Quizizz AI Create, paste your YouTube link and toggle the "Allow students to watch this video while answering" button to generate a Multi-Part Comprehension Quiz!

The Big Idea: End of Semester Final Project Ideas

Create an infographic: Infographics are very brain-friendly. They create a powerful verbal/visual mix that helps encode information in students’ long-term memory. Plus, they can be fun to create! They can end up being these visually stimulating products of student learning … the kind that students want to share with others!


Utilize one of these 20 Google Applied Digital Skills lessons to get students creating at the end of the semester to showcase their skills.

Tech tips:

Use Magic school tools + Raina the chat bot to create a lesson plan or outline from the resources generated. Check out this video to get to know Raina.
Try a podcast from GZM media in your class! GZM Shows is an awesome resource for teachers looking for podcasts for the classroom. Browse the podcast library and access resources such as lesson plans, discussion guides, and explore boards.

Quick Teaching Strategies:

Use Magic School’s Quote of the Day generator. Write the quote on the board and have your students respond as a bell ringer or exit ticket.
Try a 5 clue challenge!

Template of the Week:

Free time interactive choice board is a compilation or the sites shared in this post 40 sites for students with free time on their hands.
Use the resource as is by sharing the choice board link with your students.
Reuse the Genially template by clicking on this link and then "Reuse this Genially". You will need to be logged into your Genailly account. Learn how to create your free account here.