PODCAST

Alcoa Connects

Tom Larson - Alcoa City Schools

The official podcast from the Alcoa City Schools Technology Department in Alcoa, TN.

technology

All Episodes

00:11:37

NotebookLM in Google Classroom

Alcoa Connects ·

2025/11/06

NotebookLM, now integrated with Google Classroom as an AI-powered teaching and learning companion, is primed and ready to take your instruction to the next level! Grounded entirely in your own curriculum. Whether it's lecture notes, readings, or primary sources, NotebookLM is designed to foster interactive, multimodal, and guided learning experiences.

00:12:19

How GEMINI GEMS Can Transform Your Classroom!

Alcoa Connects ·

2025/10/21

Are you constantly on the lookout for innovative ways to engage your students, personalize learning, and make complex concepts shine? What if I told you there's a powerful, yet surprisingly simple, tool that can help you do just that? Enter GEMINI GEMS!

00:06:15

How Google Calendar Bookings Transform Teacher...

Alcoa Connects ·

2025/09/08

As educators, we know that time is a precious commodity. Between lesson planning, grading, and actually teaching, finding extra minutes feels like discovering a hidden treasure. That's why streamlining communication and scheduling is crucial. Enter Google Calendar's appointment and booking page feature – a game-changer for teachers looking to reclaim their time and sanity.

00:12:04

AI in the Classroom: It’s Time to Adapt, Not Avoid

Alcoa Connects ·

2025/09/08

AI is no longer a futuristic concept; it's a present reality in education. As educators, our role is to not only use these tools but to understand their profound impact.

00:12:27

The Importance of Adapting Teaching with Technology

Alcoa Connects ·

2025/07/21

We're constantly striving to give our students the best learning experiences possible. In today's fast-paced world, that means embracing technology not as a separate entity, but as a vital part of our teaching toolkit. The digital landscape is where our students live, learn, and will work, and adapting our methods to leverage technology isn't just a trend – it's essential for preparing them for the future.

00:07:45

Revolutionize Your Classroom with Gemini in Google...

Alcoa Connects ·

2025/07/15

Are you ready to discover a game-changing tool that can lighten your workload and spark new levels of creativity in your teaching? Get ready to meet Gemini in Google Classroom, a powerful suite of generative AI tools designed specifically with teachers in mind!

00:04:01

Why Locking Your Computer Screen Matters

Alcoa Connects ·

2025/05/21

We know your classrooms are bustling hubs of learning, discovery, and sometimes, organized chaos! In the midst of managing lessons, answering questions, and putting out the occasional (metaphorical) fire, it's easy to overlook something seemingly small but incredibly important: locking your computer screen when you step away.

00:05:48

How Apple's Desktop "Spaces" Can Revolutionize Your...

Alcoa Connects ·

2025/05/13

We all know the feeling of having countless windows open, making it tough to find what you need. Spaces lets you group related tasks and applications onto different virtual desktops.

00:07:59

Why a Professional Email Signature Matters for K-12...

Alcoa Connects ·

2025/05/12

Email is a primary mode of communication for educators. From connecting with parents and guardians to collaborating with colleagues and administrators, your inbox is a hub of important information. Amidst the flurry of messages, one small detail can make a big difference in how you're perceived: your email signature.

00:04:32

Think Twice Before Hitting "Reply All"

Alcoa Connects ·

2025/05/09

If you're a teacher, chances are you've experienced this firsthand. One of the biggest culprits of email overload is the infamous "Reply All" button.

00:04:14

Close that Laptop Lid When Walking!

Alcoa Connects ·

2025/05/09

Walking around with your laptop cover open might seem like a harmless habit, but it can actually pose some significant risks.

00:04:59

Why Due Dates in Google Classroom Matter

Alcoa Connects ·

2025/05/09

Setting clear due dates for assignments in Google Classroom is crucial for effective learning and management.

00:04:24

The Importance of Regularly Checking Email

Alcoa Connects ·

2025/05/09

To ensure effective communication and minimize disruptions to your workday, it's crucial to make checking your emails a regular habit, particularly at the beginning and end of the school day.

00:04:13

Google Chat: A Game-Changer for School Staff...

Alcoa Connects ·

2025/05/09

In today's fast-paced educational environment, effective communication among staff members is essential for ensuring a smooth and efficient operation. Traditional methods like email and phone calls can be time-consuming and often lead to miscommunication. That's where Google Chat comes in. This powerful tool offers a range of features that can streamline communication, improve collaboration, and enhance overall school efficiency.

00:04:52

Why Teachers Should Keep Their Websites Updated

Alcoa Connects ·

2025/05/09

In today's digital age, a teacher's website has become an essential tool for communication and organization. It serves as a central hub for students, parents, and colleagues to access important information and resources. Maintaining an updated teacher website is crucial for fostering a positive and effective learning environment.

00:05:04

AI: A Teacher's New Best Friend

Alcoa Connects ·

2025/05/09

Artificial intelligence (AI) has been making waves in various industries, and education is no exception. Educators are increasingly exploring ways to leverage AI to enhance their teaching practices and streamline their workload. We discuss how AI can be a valuable tool for teachers.

00:05:11

Why Flip Your Classroom?

Alcoa Connects ·

2025/05/09

In today's digital age, technology has transformed the way we learn and teach. One powerful tool that educators can leverage to enhance their instruction is screen capture utilities. By recording their lessons, teachers can create valuable resources that benefit both students and themselves.

00:05:17

The Golden Rule of School Devices - Keep Your...

Alcoa Connects ·

2025/05/08

There is a real temptation to sign into personal services like iCloud, FaceTime, and iMessage on district-provided devices and computers. We get it – convenience is king! Here us when we say, taking this seemingly small step can open up a whole can of worms down the line. This should be avoided at all costs.

00:04:39

Why Organize Your Gmail Inbox?

Alcoa Connects ·

2025/05/08

In today's digital age, email has become an essential communication tool for teachers. It's a constant stream of information, from student questions and parent concerns to administrative announcements and professional development opportunities. A cluttered and disorganized inbox can quickly become overwhelming, leading to missed messages, decreased productivity, and increased stress.

00:03:57

Version History: A Time-Saving Tool in Google Workspace

Alcoa Connects ·

2025/05/08

The version history feature in Google Workspace products is an invaluable tool that allows users to track and manage changes made to their documents, spreadsheets, presentations, and drawings. This feature is particularly helpful for teachers and students who often collaborate on projects and need to keep track of different iterations and revisions.

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Alcoa Connects

All Episodes

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