Tech Time '26

Stop, collaborate, and listen! We’re rewinding the tape to show you the freshest features in Google Classroom, including Gemini and Read Along. Learn how to keep it real, save major time, and make these tools your new BFFs so you can get back to being all that and a bag of chips.

Presentation: https://canva.link/udbjyauy860vah5
Google Classroom Code: https://classroom.google.com/c/ODYxNDcyMzg1NTU1?cjc=uviyyvot

In the modern classroom, Artificial Intelligence is more than just a search tool—it’s a powerful partner for language development. This session explores how students can use Gemini AI to strengthen their academic vocabulary, syntax, and critical thinking through the art of 'Prompt Engineering.' Rather than using AI to replace student effort, attendees will learn how to teach students to use precise language to 'coach' the AI toward high-quality outputs.

The 45-Minute MakeoverThis session is all about taking your PreK–2nd grade tasks from a "to-do" list to a total ensemble using AI. Let's give your daily routine an iconic upgrade in three ways:
Assemble a "Digital Closet": Build custom Google Gems to instantly generate STEAM-based centers, draft IEP goals and more.
Avoid "Way Harsh" Communication: Use AI to turn rough notes into warm, professional parent letters or phone scripts.
The "Rollin’ with My Homies" Podcast: Use NotebookLM to turn ECE research or district PDFs into easy-listening audio for your commute.

"Don’t just work harder; work with more brilliance. Let’s turn your repetitive tasks into a collection of precious Gems that save you time and elevate your craft."

---

💎In the fast-paced world of modern education, teachers are often like diamond miners—constantly digging through data and tasks to find those rare moments of brilliant student engagement. Join Angela and Jessica as they pull back the velvet curtain on Google Gemini, specifically focusing on the most "sparkling" feature for educators: Gems.

💎Think of a "Gem" as a custom-cut diamond: a personalized AI assistant shaped to your exact specifications. While standard AI can be a rough stone, a Gem is polished to understand your unique teaching style, your specific curriculum, and your students' needs. In this session, we will move beyond basic prompting and explore how to build a curated jewelry box of custom AI experts that live right inside your Google Workspace.

💎What We’ll Explore:

• The Lapidary Lab (Creating Your First Gem): We’ll demonstrate how to "cut and polish" a Gem by providing specific personas—transforming Gemini into a Socratic Tutor, a Lesson Plan Architect, or a Differentiation Specialist.
• Setting the Stones (Context & Files): Learn how to embed "jewels" of information by uploading your own rubrics, syllabi, and reading materials to ensure your Gem reflects your classroom's unique "brilliance."
• The Multi-Faceted Classroom: Discover 5 specific "Gem Settings" every teacher needs, from the "Feedback Emerald" for rapid grading support to the "Inquiry Sapphire" for sparking deep classroom discussions.
• Sharing the Luster: A first look at how to safely share these Gems with students via Google Classroom, providing them with a 24/7 "Learning Coach" that never loses its shine.

---

Description written with Google Gemini

The 45-Minute MakeoverThis session is all about taking your PreK–2nd grade tasks from a "to-do" list to a total ensemble using AI. Let's give your daily routine an iconic upgrade in three ways:
Assemble a "Digital Closet": Build custom Google Gems to instantly generate STEAM-based centers, draft IEP goals and more.
Avoid "Way Harsh" Communication: Use AI to turn rough notes into warm, professional parent letters or phone scripts.
The "Rollin’ with My Homies" Podcast: Use NotebookLM to turn ECE research or district PDFs into easy-listening audio for your commute.

Ready to bring the videos that you use in your classroom videos to life and boost student engagement? In this hands-on session, you’ll explore how to transform any video into an engaging, interactive learning experience. Learn how to find the perfect video, embed purposeful questions, and add interactive elements that meet every learner’s needs from grades K-12. You’ll also discover how to use real-time student data to guide instruction and celebrate progress. You’ll leave with a ready-to-use video lesson you can launch in your next class.