10 Tips for Building Better Learning Goals

Goals are not just the foundation; they are the roadmap for effectively planning a UDL lesson. They often serve as a roadmap, providing students with a clear direction for their learning journey. They answer the essential question: "What will I be able to know or do by the end of this lesson/unit/course?"

Goals are often derived from broader academic standards designed to help students develop essential skills and knowledge over the long term. For example, a science goal might be "Students will be able to explain the water cycle and its impact on weather patterns." This aligns with a specific science standard that emphasizes understanding core environmental processes.

Clear learning goals are not just tools, they are powerful tools for educators and students. They provide a sense of purpose, allowing students to track their progress and celebrate their achievements. Students who understand the "why" behind their learning become more engaged and motivated to reach their full potential.

With this in mind, here are ten tips for building better learning goals. Click here for access to the PDF with active links. 




Matt Bergman (2024)





4 Ways to Use Brisk AI in Teaching

I recently came across an AI tool called Brisk, which operates as a Chrome Extension that you can use to inspect student work, detect AI, and generate content! Brisk has four important features:

1. Create 

Teachers can used Brisk to create lesson plans, exemplars, quizzes, and more! Note: There is a free and a paid version of this tool, so some of the paid features are identified by a lock icon. 

Library of features


2. Inspect

Teachers can use the Inspect feature to see a video history of the creation of a Google Doc, which is perfect for identifying potential plagiarism issues by copy and paste. In addition, there is an AI detection tool that identifies potential use of AI in the assignment. 


 

3. Change Reading Level

Did you know that you can change the reading level and language of a Google Doc? This is perfect for providing students with differentiated options for reading a text. 

Change reading level box


4. Give Feedback 


Need a tool for providing better feedback to students? Brisk provides a variety of options for providing the right type of feedback for students. I personally like the Glow and Grow option! 


Feedback styles box

Conclusion

Brisk is a simple, but powerful tool that teachers can use to save time, increase efficiency, and provide valuable feedback through a variety of means. It saves you time, while increasing your effectiveness as a teacher. Check it out today! 




Speechify: An AI Text-to-Speech Game Changer

Did you know that AI can be a useful tool for increasing accessibility in the classroom?

You may have had a student who has struggled with reading comprehension and needs additional scaffolding and support, such as an audio version of a text. Although this accommodation is helpful, it can be time-consuming and sometimes challenging to manage as a teacher.


Speechify: An AI Text-to-Speech Game Changer!

Luckily, there are various tools out there that can convert text-to-speech; however, I want to share with you a free AI tool called Speechify that is changing the way that we can support students. I like the application for various reasons.



First, it is available in multiple formats and across multiple devices as a web application, Chrome Extension, Mac application, and more.

Secondly, Speechify provides users with text-to-speech support in Google Docs, websites, email, Canvas, PDFs, images, and more. One of the most powerful tools is its ability to take a screenshot and read from it! For example, I took a screenshot of a Google Slide, and it read it to me!

Finally, I love that it provides both free and paid versions, which is economically feasible for students who may not have the financial resources to access.


Video Tutorial on Speechify's Text-to-Speech Feature

Want to learn more? Check out this free video tutorial for more!



The First Five is an SEL Gamechanger!

Although many of us see the value of building relationships with our students, researching, planning, and implementing Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) activities can be time-consuming. 

The First Five is a daily resource designed to make educators' lives easier! Just sign up, and it will be delivered to your email inbox, filled with practical ideas that can be implemented in the first five minutes of class. Whether you are a primary or secondary educator, you will receive 18 new activities and ideas daily that focus on connecting with students, self-care, and character development.

Still not sure? You can take a look at today's First 5 for yourself. Simply choose whether you are a primary or secondary teacher to see! 


Each First Five contains nine vetted SEL activities. Simply select the best option in your classroom that day and go! It's literally that easy. For example, check out today's check-in activity: 



Check out the video below for more information: 





Quillbot: An Amazing AI Tool for Writing Support and Paraphrasing

Quillbot is an artificial intelligence tool aimed at helping users improve their writing. Unlike generative AI tools like Chat GPT, users provide the original text to Quillbot, and it supplies suggestions, much like spelling and grammar checkers in word processing tools. However, QuillBot can be used to help users with a variety of tasks, such as paraphrasing, grammar and plagiarism checking, summarizing, and translating.


Writing is a valuable exercise in translating thoughts and ideas into language; however, many of our students struggle with writing because they are intimidated, uncertain, and confused about the writing process. Quillbot is designed to provide students with helpful suggestions aimed at refining their original ideas.





In addition, Quillbot can be used to rephrase reading passages that students have difficulties understanding. For instance, imagine that students are struggling with understanding a particular reading passage. They could use Quillbot to rewrite content in a way that makes sense.




Audio Note: Using AI to Organize Your Notes and Ideas!

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is more than Chat GPT writing prompts, driverless cars, and chatbots. In fact, one of the biggest benefits of AI is that it can help us organize our thoughts more effectively. Take for instance a new AI application I recently came across called Audio Note



What is Audio Note? 

Audio Note allows you a place to record voice notes (up to one minute on the free version) or provide text notes (unlimited in the free version), then use AI to rewrite in whatever format you need. You can currently use AI to rewrite your thoughts as a(n):

  • Note
  • List
  • Email
  • Journal
  • Tweet 
  • Linked In


How to Use it With Students? 

When I look at Audio Note, I see endless possibilities for helping students. Imagine a student who vigorously typed and copied down your class notes from a recent lecture, but they are still struggling with everything or trying to put it all together. With Audio Note, they could use AI to organize and rewrite their notes, making studying a breeze.




Update

 Hello Learn Lead Grow Readers!

A few weeks ago, I had mentioned that I was planning on retiring from blogging. The outpour from you has been amazing! 

After much thought and consideration, I have decided to continue blogging on a limited basis. I appreciate your support!

Matt

10 Tips for Building Better Learning Goals

Goals are not just the foundation; they are the roadmap for effectively planning a UDL lesson. They often serve as a roadmap, providing stud...