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Hi Reader!

This month, I'm taking a look back at some of the big updates, developments, and edTech trends from 2024. I will also peer into my crystal ball 🔮 to consider what might be on the horizon for 2025.

Did teaching & learning improve in 2024? Make sure you respond to my poll below! 👇

🎦 Watch on YouTube | ✍️ Read the blog post | 🎧 Listen to the Podcast​

1. AI Tools for Teachers - 2024 saw a HUGE expansion in AI powered tools for teachers. Back in January I shared a list of some of my favorites and although it’s not even a year old, this list is already out of date!

2. AI Image Generation gets (a lot) better - The ability to create an image from a description was amazing, but the results were frequently quite terrifying! 😱 AI image generation has gotten a LOT better. Ideogram.ai is still my favorite, but Gemini is getting a lot better.

3. Bard Becomes Gemini - It’s been almost exactly one year since Bard became Gemini. Over the past year Google has improved its AI model and added lots of new features including the ability to upload documents and create custom Gems, additional privacy protections, and more access for students.

4. NotebookLM blows us away - By far the most shocking AI-powered tool I used in 2024 has been NotebookLM. The ability to quickly summarize tremendous amounts of information is amazing. And then I saw a demo of the “audio summary” feature. If you haven’t seen it. Do it now!

5. AI Detection Debate - Do AI detectors work? It’s a complicated question. This was one of the most controversial topics of 2024. OpenAI says no. Turnitin.com says yes. I did my own research and a LOT of you had thoughts to share!

6. Chromebook Plus devices take off - More and more schools are providing professional-grade Chromebooks to teachers! These devices answered many of the complaints teachers had about Chromebooks and include lots of cool new features.

7. Premium gets better - While Google released a LOT of new products and features this year, the vast majority of them are only available to EDU Plus districts. Like it or not, the premium tier has been Google’s focus for this year. Moving forward, fundamental (free) districts are going to feel left behind.

8. Updates for the Drive editors - Google Docs got several new updates including tabs, custom building blocks, and hand-writing fonts. Google Slides got the ability to Remove image backgrounds, and Sheets received several AI-focused updates.

9. Updates for Google Classroom - Our favorite classroom management tool got lots of great updates including student groups ($), interactive YouTube videos ($), and a cool integration with Read Along ($), and new grading options.

10. A new tool for Google Drive - For the first time in nearly a decade, Google added a new tool to Google Drive. Google Vids ($) is a video creation tool that shares a lot of similarities with Google Slides. It also features a strong AI integration for districts with the Gemini upgrade.

Was education improved in 2024?

All these edTech trends, features, and new tools are fine and well, but did they actually improve classroom instruction? Are we helping students build basic skills, pursue their interest, and aim for their goals?

I'm reminded of the opening lines of A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens:

The rapid expansion of AI in education feels like a blessing and a burden at the same time. There are many opportunities, but many new challenges. Having now lived and taught through the introduction of the internet, cell phones, laptops, and social media, it's hard not to be a bit pessimistic about the introduction of new "magical tools."

What I know for certain is that all technology must be shaped and molded by dedicated, caring teachers. Together we can turn these challenges into new opportunities for growth and learning.

One of the ways that you can sharpen your skills is by working to become a Google Certified Educator. Join me for the winter Google Certification Academy (starts Jan. 21) and I'll guide you through the process!

Merry Christmas and happy New Year!

John R. Sowash

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John R. Sowash is a former HS biology teacher and principal who helps teachers use technology to improve instruction. You can pick up a copy of his book, read his blog, or invite him to come and visit your school​