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Day 24 - AI as Creator

10/16/2025

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Turn ideas into reality with AI video creation tools like HeyGen.
Welcome to Day 24 of the 30-Day AI in the Classroom Challenge!
Today, we move from planning with AI to creating with it. Imagine giving your students the power to turn a written idea into a professional-quality video in minutes. ​With tools like HeyGen, learners can craft compelling narratives, present research, or bring historical figures to life — all while strengthening the essential skills of creating, communicating, collaborating, and critical thinking.
Creation is where learning becomes visible. When students design and produce AI-generated videos, they move beyond memorization and demonstrate a deeper understanding of content and standards. A well-designed video allows them to synthesize information, explain processes in their own words, and connect ideas across disciplines — showcasing mastery through authentic performance tasks rather than just traditional assessments.
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Why It Matters

Creating with AI isn’t “one more thing” to add to your lesson plan — it’s the Future Ready Studio activity that brings learning to life. During Learning Studios, students can develop and refine their videos over several consecutive days, using AI tools as creative partners in their learning journey.
This approach helps:
  • Authenticate learning by allowing students to apply their knowledge to real-world communication tasks.
  • Demonstrate mastery of standards through storytelling, explanation, and visual presentation.
  • Promote higher-order thinking as students plan, script, design, and evaluate their own work.
  • Build 21st-century skills — collaboration, creativity, communication, and critical thinking — in a purposeful, engaging context.
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AI video creation empowers students to take ownership of their ideas and share them with authentic audiences. When learners use tools like HeyGen to create, they aren’t just learning about content — they’re using AI to show what they know.

Daily Challenge

This week’s theme--AI as Creator—invites students to move from consuming information to producing knowledge.Using HeyGen, students can transform written reflections, research, or explanations into short AI-generated videos that communicate understanding in creative and authentic ways.
Rather than seeing this as something extra to add, think of it as the Future Ready Studio activity built directly into your rotation model. Students can complete the project over two to three consecutive days of Learning Studios, moving through a purposeful creative process that mirrors higher-order thinking:
Challenge Steps for Students:
  1. Plan: Identify a concept, topic, or standard you’ve mastered this week.
  2. Write: Create a short script explaining or demonstrating your understanding.
  3. Create: Use HeyGen to generate a short video (30–60 seconds).
  4. Reflect: Share your video and write one sentence about how AI helped you communicate your learning.

Optional Extension:
Encourage students to develop an “AI Explainer Series.” Each week, they create one short video summarizing what they learned in a subject area — building a portfolio of understanding over time.
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Teacher Tip
​
If HeyGen is not available in your district, students can still apply their learning and showcase understanding through other creative video tools. The goal is to help students record their thinking and authentically demonstrate mastery of the standard during Learning Studios — not to focus on the tool itself.
Alternative Options:
  • 🎥 Padlet: Use the video post option to record short reflections or analyses.
  • 📽️ Canvas Studio: Have students upload or record videos directly within your LMS for easy feedback.
  • 🎬 Canva: Leverage the video presentation feature for students to narrate slides and explain their analysis.
  • 💻 WeVideo: Encourage full video editing for students who want to add visuals, background music, or text overlays.
No matter which platform you choose, the emphasis remains the same — students are creating to show what they know.

Daily Download

Your download includes:
  • Sample Studio setup guide for AI as Creator
  • Sample directions for students
  • Checklist for responsible AI use
  • Optional rubric for creativity and clarity
Your browser does not support viewing this document. Click here to download the document.

Bonus AI Prompts

Try these prompts in your classroom or PD sessions:
  • “Generate a script for a 45-second video explaining why perseverance matters in learning.”
  • “Turn this paragraph into a friendly classroom news update.”
  • “Rewrite this research summary in the voice of a museum tour guide.”

Next Steps

Share your favorite HeyGen-powered student creation on social media using #AIintheClassroomChallenge and tag @MarciaKish.

Tomorrow, we move from creation to collaboration — exploring how AI can connect learners through shared ideas.

Enhance Student Engagement and Ownership by signing up for one of our workshops. 
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The AI in the Classroom Starter Kit is Here!

9/7/2025

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Teachers don’t need another initiative piled on top of their already full plates. What they do need are practical, ready-to-use strategies that save time, reduce stress, and open doors to more meaningful teaching and learning.
That’s exactly why I created the AI in the Classroom Starter Kit. This resource is designed as your step-by-step guide to making AI a powerful partner in your teaching. Instead of sifting through endless tools and trying to figure out what works, the Starter Kit gives you a clear path forward. Inside, you’ll find:
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Buy Now
  • Real classroom examples that show how AI can support instruction without replacing the human touch.
  • Printable templates and planning guides that make it easy to apply ideas immediately.
  • Pro Tips from Marcia—insider strategies I’ve tested with educators across the country.
  • Resource Spotlights that highlight vetted AI tools aligned with teaching needs.
  • A 90-Day AI Action Plan to help you build confidence and momentum step by step.
The Starter Kit is now available on Amazon in both paperback and Kindle formats, so you can start exploring today.
And because I know that sometimes the hardest part is simply getting started, I’ve put together a free 30-Day Challenge that pairs perfectly with the book. Each day offers a quick, classroom-ready way to try AI tools and strategies. Think of it as a jump-start companion to your Starter Kit—helping you turn ideas into action one small step at a time.
If you’re ready to save time, personalize learning, and reimagine what’s possible for your students, grab your copy of the AI in the Classroom Starter Kit today. This isn’t just another book—it’s a teacher-friendly roadmap to make AI work for you, not the other way around.

Why This Book?

AI in education is moving fast. Teachers are overwhelmed by new tools, uncertain about best practices, and wary of adding “one more thing.” The AI In the Classroom Starter Kit is designed to cut through the noise. It doesn’t overwhelm you with theory or endless app lists—it focuses on authentic classroom use cases that actually work.
Inside, you’ll find:
  • ✅ Ready-to-use templates for lessons, exit tickets, and projects
  • ✅ Step-by-step strategy labs that guide you through real classroom applications of AI
  • ✅ Curated AI tools with educator-friendly explanations (no tech degree required)
  • ✅ Pro Tips from Marcia — practical hacks that actually save you time
  • ✅ Research-based insights from Gallup, Barbara Bray, and more
This isn’t theory. It’s classroom-tested, teacher-approved, and designed for immediate impact.
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Inside the AI In The Classroom Starter Kit

The book is organized into three main sections, each designed to help you move from exploration to confident implementation:
  • Getting Started with AI in Education
    Understand what AI is (and isn’t), explore myths and realities, and learn guardrails for safe, responsible use.
  • Personalizing Learning with AI
    Practical strategies for tailoring instruction to diverse learners, with tools like Diffit.me, Llama Tutor, and more.
  • Building Momentum: The 90-Day Action Plan
    A structured roadmap to move from experimenting with AI to embedding it in your teaching practice—without feeling overwhelmed.
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Each section includes templates, reflection prompts, and “Pro Tips” you can apply immediately.

The Bonus 30-Day Challenge

As a companion to the book, the free 30-Day Challenge is designed for teachers who want to dive in with short, daily actions. From testing a new tool to reflecting on classroom practices, these mini-challenges help you build confidence with AI while keeping things simple and practical.

Follow Along and Join In On The Fun

Join in the 30-Day Challenge anytime.  Click to grab your Challenge Card and resources, then follow along with other educators using the hashtag #Kish30DayAIChallenge.
Starting today (September 8th), we’re sharing a new AI-powered tool, strategy, or concept every day across TikTok, Instagram, LinkedIn, X, and Facebook. Each one connects back to the Starter Kit, giving you multiple ways to try things out and see results right away.
Think of the blog + 30 day challage as a daily spark of inspiration — and the Starter Kit as your desk-side guide to go deeper.
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​Who Is It For?

  • Classroom Teachers who want to personalize learning without doubling their workload
  • Instructional Coaches looking for ready-to-use frameworks for PD sessions
  • School Leaders building AI readiness in their schools or districts

Ready to Jump In?

The AI in the Classroom Starter Kit is more than just a book—it’s a teacher-friendly roadmap to making AI work for you. Whether you’re brand-new to AI or already experimenting, this guide will help you save time, boost student engagement, and personalize learning in ways that truly matter.
👉 Grab your copy of the AI in the Classroom Starter Kit here
📅 Don’t forget: follow along with our 30-Day AI Challenge starting today on social — each post is a quick win you can use tomorrow.
Together, let’s make AI a tool for authentic learning, personalization, and student engagement.

About the Author

Marcia Kish is an instructional coach, professional development leader, and author dedicated to helping teachers create engaging, student-centered classrooms. With over 20 years of experience working alongside educators, she specializes in blended learning, small-group instruction, and practical strategies that empower both teachers and students.
Her latest resource, the AI in the Classroom Starter Kit, brings her hands-on approach to the fast-changing world of artificial intelligence in education. Marcia’s workshops, starter kits, and coaching sessions have supported educators across the country in making learning more personalized, authentic, and impactful.
Connect with Marcia on Instagram, LinkedIn, or at BlendedLearningPD.com and aiintheclassroom.com
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Cellphone Bans and Tech Balance: Finding the Sweet Spot in Schools

8/14/2025

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Across the country, more districts are adopting stricter cellphone restrictions during the school day. From locking devices in magnetic pouches to implementing “phone-free zones,” the goal is clear: improve focus, reduce distractions, and create healthier learning environments.
But there’s a twist—while phones are increasingly banned, reliance on school-issued devices like Chromebooks is at an all-time high. Classwork, homework submissions, and even assessments now often happen on screens. This raises an important question: How can schools balance technology’s benefits with its potential for distraction?
"Banning phones reduces distractions, but without digital citizenship, students may simply trade one screen for another."
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​The Case for Cellphone Restrictions

Educators point to several benefits of limiting phone access:
  • Reduced distractions – Students spend less time texting, scrolling, or gaming during lessons.
  • More face-to-face interaction – Without phones, socializing often shifts back to in-person conversations.
  • Better mental health – Reduced exposure to social media during the day can lower anxiety and improve self-esteem.
Some early-adopting schools report fewer classroom disruptions and a calmer, more engaged student body after implementing bans.

The Chromebook Conundrum

Here’s the irony—while phones are locked away, Chromebooks are everywhere. Students might still drift off task, toggling between assignments and entertainment sites. This complicates the conversation: if the goal is focus and productivity, we can’t ignore that laptops can also be digital playgrounds.
This is where digital citizenship comes into play. Device restrictions alone can’t prepare students for the real world; teaching them to manage technology responsibly is equally important. Lessons in media literacy, self-regulation, and purposeful tech use should go hand-in-hand with any restrictions.
"The real goal isn’t to ban technology—it’s to help students use it well."

A Hidden Connection: Chronic Absenteeism

There’s another challenge quietly intersecting with this trend--chronic absenteeism, which now affects 20–30% of students in many districts. While cellphone policies and absentee rates might seem unrelated, both highlight the broader struggle to keep students engaged in school.
If students feel school is relevant, supportive, and interactive, they are more likely to show up. Over-restrictive environments without meaningful engagement may risk alienating learners, while balanced policies that combine structure with digital creativity can foster a sense of belonging.

Toward a Balanced Approach

To truly support student growth and engagement, schools may need to:
  • Set clear, consistent device expectations that differentiate between phones and academic tools.
  • Pair restrictions with digital citizenship education to prepare students for life beyond school walls.
  • Design engaging, tech-infused lessons that make purposeful use of Chromebooks while minimizing temptation.
  • Address absenteeism with relationship-driven strategies—mentorship, project-based learning, and flexible pathways that make students want to attend.
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"A well-balanced tech policy can do more than reduce distractions—it can build lifelong skills."

Final Thought

Cellphone bans might be part of the solution, but they’re not the whole answer. A holistic strategy that blends focused learning, responsible tech use, and student engagement can do more than just reduce distractions—it can help build the lifelong skills students need to thrive in a digital world.

📢 Ready to Put Balanced Tech Strategies Into Action?
(Practical support for creating focused, engaging, and purposeful tech use in your classroom)

1. AI in the Classroom Starter KitA practical guide packed with tools, examples, and strategies for integrating AI into your teaching in ways that save time, personalize learning, and boost student engagement.
2. Getting Started with Learning StudiosStep-by-step support for designing four-station learning environments that balance small group instruction, independent practice, digital content, and collaboration—perfect for managing tech use with intention.
3. Ongoing Coaching & Professional DevelopmentFrom one-time workshops to multi-session coaching cycles, I work alongside educators to build sustainable blended learning practices that increase focus, engagement, and student ownership.
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📩 Let’s Connect!
Explore the Starter Kit, launch learning studios, or bring in coaching to make your classroom a model of balanced, effective tech use.
📧 Email: [email protected]
🌐 Website: BlendedLearningPD.com
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    Author

    Marcia Kish is a Blended Learning Specialist, Instructional Coach, and author of The 12 Elements of Student Engagement and Ownership Field Guide, dedicated to helping educators create dynamic, student-centered classrooms.

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