Tom Larson - Alcoa City Schools
Alcoa Connects
The official podcast from the Alcoa City Schools Technology Department in Alcoa, TN.
Author
Tom Larson - Alcoa City Schools
Category
Podcast website
Latest episode
Jan 12, 2026
Where to listen?
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Episodes
Version History: A Time-Saving Tool in Google Workspace 08.05.2025 3:57
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.
Ditch the Paper: Why Teachers Should Embrace Chromebook Assignments 08.05.2025 5:06
Technology has transformed the way we learn and work. Chromebooks, with their portability, affordability, and ease of use, have become increasingly popular in educational settings. By transitioning from traditional pen and paper assignments to Chromebook-based tasks, teachers can enhance student engagement, promote digital literacy, and streamline the grading process.
YouTube Shorts: A New Frontier for Engaging Students 08.05.2025 4:26
More and more these days, students are constantly consuming short-form content on platforms like TikTok and Instagram Reels. YouTube Shorts, a similar platform launched by YouTube, offers a unique opportunity for educators to engage students in the learning process in a fun and engaging way.
Why Teachers Should Ditch Microsoft Word for Google Docs 08.05.2025 4:17
Technology has revolutionized the way we work and collaborate. For educators, Google Docs offers a powerful and versatile tool that can streamline their workflow and enhance student engagement. While Microsoft Word has long been a staple in many classrooms, it's time to consider the benefits of switching to Google Docs.
Rich Text Formatting: More Than Just Bold and Italic 08.05.2025 4:35
Rich text formatting, often overlooked in the digital age, is a powerful tool that enhances the readability, clarity, and visual appeal of your text. By using various formatting options, you can convey meaning, structure, and emphasis effectively.
Password Managers: Your Digital Fortress 08.05.2025 5:44
Remembering complex, unique passwords for each account can be a daunting task. Thankfully, password managers offer a secure and convenient solution.
Tech Savvy Teachers: Why Continuous Learning is Essential 08.05.2025 3:55
Technology has become an integral part of our daily lives, including the classroom. As teachers, staying up-to-date with the latest technological advancements is crucial to provide students with a relevant and engaging learning experience.
Linking Your Gradebook to Google Classroom: A Teacher's Guide 08.05.2025 4:22
As a teacher, managing grades can be a time-consuming and error-prone task. However, by linking your gradebook to Google Classroom, you can streamline the process, improve communication with students and parents, and enhance overall classroom organization.
Google Chat for Professional K-12 Communication 07.05.2025 11:52
In our fast-paced world, staying connected with colleagues, students (where appropriate), and parents is crucial. For many of us, our go-to for quick updates has become text messaging. But what if I told you there's a better, more organized, and more professional tool right at your fingertips? It's time to say goodbye to endless text threads and embrace the streamlined efficiency of Google...
The Importance of Accessibility Features on Chromebooks 07.05.2025 5:26
Chromebooks have become increasingly popular in educational settings due to their affordability, portability, and ease of use. However, for students with disabilities, even the most user-friendly devices can present challenges. That's where accessibility features come into play. These built-in tools can significantly enhance the learning experience for students with a wide range of abilities,...
Protecting Your School's Tech Security 07.05.2025 4:24
As educators, we rely on technology to enhance our teaching and learning experiences. However, with increased reliance on digital tools comes the responsibility to protect our school's network and student data. One simple yet crucial step in safeguarding our systems is to log out of our computers and devices at the end of each day.
The Untapped Power of QR Codes in Your Classroom 06.05.2025 15:09
In our ever-evolving educational landscape, finding innovative ways to engage students, streamline workflows, and connect the physical and digital worlds is paramount. Enter the humble yet mighty QR code. Often overlooked or relegated to marketing materials, this little square of black and white holds a surprising amount of potential to transform your classroom and enhance the learning experience.
Why Google Chrome Tab Groups are a Teacher's Best Friend 06.05.2025 11:54
Our digital lives are often a chaotic landscape of open tabs. Lesson plans, grading rubrics, student work, research articles, educational videos – the list goes on! Sound familiar? If your Chrome browser often resembles a digital explosion, then it's time to discover a game-changer: Tab Groups.
Why an Up-to-Date School Website Profile Matters 06.05.2025 5:09
You pour your hearts and souls into shaping young minds every single day. From crafting engaging lessons to offering unwavering support, you're the backbone of our schools. Let's discuss something that might feel like another task on your already full plate, but trust me, it's a powerful tool for connection: your profile page on the school website.
"I'm Not Techy": The Harmful Excuse 06.05.2025 9:39
We've all felt the pressure of new technologies being integrated into our classrooms and administrative tasks. And while genuine tech challenges are a reality, there's a subtle – and sometimes not-so-subtle – trend of using a perceived lack of tech skills as a convenient shield. The "Oh, you know me and computers!" or "Technology just isn't my strong suit" can become a go-to phrase to sidestep new...
The Untapped Power of the Help Menu 06.05.2025 8:45
We live in a world increasingly driven by technology. From interactive whiteboards to online learning platforms, digital tools are becoming integral to our classrooms and our professional lives. While the potential of these tools is immense, the learning curve can sometimes feel steep.
The Power of Connection: Why Google Classroom's Guardian Summaries are a Game-Changer 06.05.2025 8:31
As educators, we wear many hats. We're curriculum designers, facilitators of learning, motivators, and often, the vital link between school and home. Staying connected with parents and guardians is crucial for student success, but let's be honest, finding the time for consistent and meaningful communication can feel like another task piled high on an already overflowing desk.
Educator's Guide to Avoid Phishing Scams 06.05.2025 5:16
You dedicate your lives to shaping young minds and fostering a safe learning environment. But in today's digital age, the threats to that safety extend beyond the classroom walls and into your inboxes. We're talking about email phishing scams, and unfortunately, teachers are increasingly becoming prime targets.
10 Essential Tech Resources for Educators 06.05.2025 13:58
The modern classroom is a dynamic space where technology plays a crucial role in enhancing learning experiences. As educators, we're constantly seeking tools that can streamline our workflows, engage students, and foster a collaborative environment. Here are ten of the best tech resources designed to empower teachers:
Empowering Educators, Enriching Learning: Why GoGuardian is Your Classroom Ally 06.05.2025 13:24
In today's dynamic educational landscape, technology offers incredible opportunities for engagement and personalized learning. However, it also presents unique challenges in maintaining focus, ensuring safety, and understanding student progress in real-time. This is where classroom management software like GoGuardian steps in, transforming the way educators interact with their students and man...
Unleash the Power: Beyond YouTube with Your Promethean ActivPanel 06.05.2025 5:18
We've all been there. You've got a shiny new Promethean ActivPanel in your classroom, a powerful tool designed to revolutionize teaching and learning. But, let's be honest, how often does it end up just being a giant screen for YouTube videos? While those videos can be a great resource, your ActivPanel is capable of so much more! It's time to break free from the "YouTube trap&...
Ditch the Paper Sign-Up: How Google Calendar Bookings Transform Teacher Organization 06.05.2025 6:15
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.
Chromebooks: The Ideal Teacher Device for Google Workspace Schools 06.05.2025 5:14
For school districts deeply integrated with Google Workspace for Education, the choice of teacher-issued devices becomes crucial. While Apple computers have their merits, enterprise-level Chromebooks often emerge as the superior choice, offering a seamless, efficient, and cost-effective experience.
Gemini AI: A Teacher's Time-Saver and Student Booster 06.05.2025 6:01
As educators, we're constantly seeking innovative ways to enhance student learning, streamline our workflows, and personalize instruction. Enter Google Gemini AI, a powerful tool with the potential to revolutionize the K-12 classroom. While still evolving, Gemini offers a range of benefits that can significantly impact both teachers and students.
Desktop Chaos: Why You Should Reconsider Your File Storage 06.05.2025 7:19
Your desktop, once a clean digital canvas, can quickly become a cluttered mess. While it may seem convenient to save everything to your desktop, this practice can lead to a host of problems.
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