The Tech Edvocate

Top Menu

  • Advertisement
  • Apps
  • Home Page
  • Home Page Five (No Sidebar)
  • Home Page Four
  • Home Page Three
  • Home Page Two
  • Home Tech2
  • Icons [No Sidebar]
  • Left Sidbear Page
  • Lynch Educational Consulting
  • My Account
  • My Speaking Page
  • Newsletter Sign Up Confirmation
  • Newsletter Unsubscription
  • Our Brands
  • Page Example
  • Privacy Policy
  • Protected Content
  • Register
  • Request a Product Review
  • Shop
  • Shortcodes Examples
  • Signup
  • Start Here
    • Governance
    • Careers
    • Contact Us
  • Terms and Conditions
  • The Edvocate
  • The Tech Edvocate Product Guide
  • Topics
  • Write For Us
  • Advertise

Main Menu

  • Start Here
    • Our Brands
    • Governance
      • Lynch Educational Consulting
      • Dr. Lynch’s Personal Website
      • Careers
    • Write For Us
    • The Tech Edvocate Product Guide
    • Contact Us
    • Books
    • Edupedia
    • Post a Job
    • The Edvocate Podcast
    • Terms and Conditions
    • Privacy Policy
  • Topics
    • Assistive Technology
    • Child Development Tech
    • Early Childhood & K-12 EdTech
    • EdTech Futures
    • EdTech News
    • EdTech Policy & Reform
    • EdTech Startups & Businesses
    • Higher Education EdTech
    • Online Learning & eLearning
    • Parent & Family Tech
    • Personalized Learning
    • Product Reviews
  • Advertise
  • Tech Edvocate Awards
  • The Edvocate
  • Pedagogue
  • School Ratings

logo

The Tech Edvocate

  • Start Here
    • Our Brands
    • Governance
      • Lynch Educational Consulting
      • Dr. Lynch’s Personal Website
        • My Speaking Page
      • Careers
    • Write For Us
    • The Tech Edvocate Product Guide
    • Contact Us
    • Books
    • Edupedia
    • Post a Job
    • The Edvocate Podcast
    • Terms and Conditions
    • Privacy Policy
  • Topics
    • Assistive Technology
    • Child Development Tech
    • Early Childhood & K-12 EdTech
    • EdTech Futures
    • EdTech News
    • EdTech Policy & Reform
    • EdTech Startups & Businesses
    • Higher Education EdTech
    • Online Learning & eLearning
    • Parent & Family Tech
    • Personalized Learning
    • Product Reviews
  • Advertise
  • Tech Edvocate Awards
  • The Edvocate
  • Pedagogue
  • School Ratings
  • Financial Aid for Traditional Students: Everything You Need to Know

  • The 5 Best WiFi Cards for Windows PCs

  • The 6 Best Prepaid Phone Plans

  • The 5 Best Sites to Buy Cheap Downloadable PC Games

  • The 6 Best Lightweight Linux Distros

  • The 6 Best TV Remote Apps to Control Your TV With Your Phone

  • The 5 Best Password Managers

  • The 5 Best Free Translation Apps

  • The 15 Things to Do When Your WiFi Is Not Working

  • The 15 Best Deep Web Search Engines to Find What Google Can’t

FeaturedFresh
Home›Featured›Alexa, How Can You Help Us? Exploring AI in the Classroom

Alexa, How Can You Help Us? Exploring AI in the Classroom

By Matthew Lynch
October 29, 2018
0
Spread the love

Science fiction is becoming reality with smart speakers priced low enough that they’re showing up in some homes and classrooms. Are you ready to make Alexa your digital classroom assistant? Here are some ways “she” can help:

  • Save time on simple tasks like setting a timer or flipping a virtual coin to make a heads/tails choice.
  • Spell or define a word to help a student with a writing assignment.
  • Look up simple facts like the capital of a state or country.
  • Type answers for a student with dysgraphia through voice dictation.
  • Read a Wikipedia article to a student who needs reading support.
  • Check student answers on a math assignment.
  • Play nature sounds for a relaxing break between lessons.

Beyond specific tasks, voice-activated devices can help students look for answers on their own before asking the teacher for help. The “ask three before me” rule that prompts students to leverage peers before turning to the teacher can become “ask three and Alexa.”

More broadly, some teachers consider the use of smart speakers in the classroom one more way to improve students’ digital fluency and prepare them for life in a world with technology all around them.

How do you set up a smart speaker in your classroom?

Alexa runs on Amazon’s Echo, Dot and Tap devices. Smart speakers are available from other companies as well. Setting up one of these devices in the classroom is a simple as connecting it to the school’s Wi-Fi and asking a question.

Once your smart speaker is online, there are a variety of skills you can activate through the free Alexa app. These skills apply to all aspects of the K-12 curriculum and more are being added all the time. Your smart speaker can run a spelling bee, quiz students on arithmetic or provide the class with information on the NASA Mars Rover mission.

What are the drawbacks of using a smart speaker?

These devices are programmed to listen to questions and respond to them. They’re always listening and privacy is a frequent concern. Also, there have been instances where their use has led to problems like the six-year-old girl who had Alexa purchase an expensive dollhouse and cookies for Christmas. Smart speakers aren’t yet able to differentiate between voices, so they can’t provide students with a different level of authorization than the teacher. Students will need instruction on what Alexa can be used for and what type of questions to ask.

Should you make the leap to a smart speaker in your classroom? Some feel this technology is inevitable. Its use will only continue to spread. It may be time to get your students familiar with this technology now.

Previous Article

An Insider’s View into the Edtech Market ...

Next Article

AI Comes to the Classroom: Preparing Students ...

Matthew Lynch

Related articles More from author

  • Assistive TechnologyFeaturedFresh

    Assistive Technology to Help a Student with Asperger’s Syndrome Succeed Academically

    November 23, 2018
    By Matthew Lynch
  • Early Childhood & K-12 EdTechEducation LeadershipFeaturedFresh

    The Responsibilities of Leading with Technology

    January 6, 2019
    By Matthew Lynch
  • Early Childhood & K-12 EdTechFeaturedFresh

    What Are the Opportunities and Challenges of Digital Learning?

    November 27, 2018
    By Matthew Lynch
  • Early Childhood & K-12 EdTechFeaturedFresh

    How to Build a Fiercely Loyal Community Around Your Edtech Product

    February 19, 2019
    By Matthew Lynch
  • Early Childhood & K-12 EdTechFeaturedFresh

    Using Amazon Alexa for the Science Classroom

    November 6, 2018
    By Matthew Lynch
  • Early Childhood & K-12 EdTechFeaturedFresh

    How to Use Videos to Support Science Experiences

    October 31, 2018
    By Matthew Lynch

Search

Login & Registration

  • Register
  • Log in
  • Entries feed
  • Comments feed
  • WordPress.org

Newsletter

Signup for The Tech Edvocate Newsletter and have the latest in EdTech news and opinion delivered to your email address!

  • Recent

  • Popular

  • Comments

  • Financial Aid for Traditional Students: Everything You Need to Know

    By Matthew Lynch
    March 31, 2023
  • The 5 Best WiFi Cards for Windows PCs

    By Matthew Lynch
    March 30, 2023
  • The 6 Best Prepaid Phone Plans

    By Matthew Lynch
    March 30, 2023
  • The 5 Best Sites to Buy Cheap Downloadable PC Games

    By Matthew Lynch
    March 30, 2023
  • The 6 Best Lightweight Linux Distros

    By Matthew Lynch
    March 30, 2023
  • 7 Ways Technology Is Impacting Modern Education

    By Matthew Lynch
    March 4, 2017
  • 20 Top Virtual Reality Apps that are Changing Education

    By Matthew Lynch
    March 11, 2017
  • Why Mobile Technology Enhances Instruction

    By Matthew Lynch
    December 14, 2016
  • 7 Roles for Artificial Intelligence in Education

    By Matthew Lynch
    May 5, 2018
  • Digital Literacy is the Most Important Lifelong Learning Tool

    By Matthew Lynch
    December 30, 2017
  • Where to Find Dyslexia Support for Adults - Case Training Services | Registered Charity #1051587
    on
    August 2, 2022

    11 Must-Have Apps and Tools for Dyslexic Students

    […] recorders Electronic flashcards ...
  • What Types Of Posts Can You Make In Google Classroom? - The Tech Edvocate - Gossip ...
    on
    July 31, 2022

    How to Integrate Google Classroom with the Power of YouTube

    […] of your posts. ...
  • Answers to Frequently Asked Questions About Google Classroom - The Tech Edvocate - Gossip Buz
    on
    July 31, 2022

    Answers to Frequently Asked Questions About Google Classroom

    […] Answers to Frequently ...
  • 10 Important YouTube Channels For Teachers - Kiiky Wealth
    on
    July 29, 2022

    10 Incredibly Useful YouTube Channels for Teachers

    […] Thetechedvocate.org – 10 Incredibly ...
  • Teaching Learners Digital Content Curation Skills - Fab Lab Connect
    on
    June 30, 2022

    Teaching Learners Digital Content Creation Skills

    […] Read More… […]

EdTech Policy & Reform

  • Curriculum & InstructionEdTech Policy & ReformEducation Leadership

    Why We Should Leave Behind the Cookie-cutter Education

    Spread the loveChange appears to be the only “constant” factor in the educational field. However, what happens when a more significant shift becomes necessary? To provide students with the best ...
  • Adaptive LearningCurriculum & InstructionDigital & Mobile TechnologyDigital Age TeachersEarly Childhood & K-12 EdTechEdTech & InnovationEdTech Policy & ReformInstructional Technology

    Exploring New Ideas: Student-Driven Remote Learning

    Spread the loveRemote learning is taking its toll on our students. They miss the social side of school. Not seeing their classmates or teachers is leading to nervousness, anxiety, and ...
  • Digital & Mobile TechnologyEdTech & InnovationEdTech Policy & Reform

    Implementing Education Technology by Pursuing Technology Education

    Spread the loveTechnology is used for many great things in our world. It’s a powerful tool when used correctly. As such, this powerful tool can be used to transform learning.  ...
  • EdTech Policy & Reform

    How Much Bias Is Okay in Your School?

    Spread the loveThe algorithm has proven itself to be a handy tool when it comes to solving education problems. It’s also not without bias.  You may be wondering how some ...
  • EdTech Policy & ReformFeaturedFresh

    Edtech Should Complement Good Pedagogy, Not Attempt to Replace It

    Spread the loveThe newest generation of edtech is downright amazing; it’s no wonder that various education stakeholders might be a little excited about its potential to transform education. However, edtech ...

EdTech Startups & Businesses

  • EdTech Startups & BusinessesOnline Learning & eLearning

    How to Use System Restore in Windows 11

    Spread the loveWindows 11, the latest operating system from Microsoft, provides users with many advanced features and services. One of the most useful features of Windows 11 is “system restore.” ...
  • EdTech Startups & Businesses

    Trends That Will Help Your EdTech Startup Succeed

    Spread the loveIf you want to thrive in the destiny of learning and self, shorten, tailor, and gamify. The bulk of EdTech businesses believes that digitizing conventional learning methods and ...
  • EdTech Startups & Businesses

    How to Sell Your Edtech Product

    Spread the loveDevelop a profile of the perfect consumer, target clients that meet that description, and plan on a long sales cycle. Selling to schools takes a different sales process ...
  • EdTech Startups & Businesses

    Edtech Companies Can Learn What Not to Do From Delta Airlines

    Spread the loveIt seems that edtech companies still have a lot to learn about their business models and practices. With that being said, there is a lot they can learn ...
  • EdTech Startups & Businesses

    Understanding the Fundamentals of a Sales Script in Your Customer Interaction Journey

    Spread the loveSales scripts are crucial to any business and can be the main difference in achieving the set targets. A well-written sales script that factors in customers from different ...

Digital Equity

  • Digital Equity

    How to Create an Equitable Digital Culture in K–12

    Spread the loveDigital equity is vital in our schools. After all, it can help close the achievement gap. However, there is one prevalent problem concerning digital equity. That is the problem ...
  • Digital & Mobile TechnologyDigital EquityDigital Literacy

    Teaching Learners Digital Content Creation Skills

    Spread the loveContent curation is nothing new and has always been a coveted skill. It has been this way for hundreds of years — think of art galleries, museums, or ...
  • Digital & Mobile TechnologyDigital EquityEdTech & Innovation

    Promoting Online Access With Hotspots, Laptops, and Planning

    Spread the loveWhen becoming a leader in the field of education, it is important to consider equity. Some students may not have access to devices or the internet from their ...
  • Digital EquityDigital Leadership

    How Can You Assess the Tech Needs of Your Students Outside of School?

    Spread the loveToday, I received an email from the middle school principal in Los Angeles. She explained to me that the school that she ran was in one of the ...
  • Digital Equity

    It Is Time for the Edtech Industry to Stop Denying Its Equity and Race Problem

    Spread the loveThe EdTech industry is dominated by white employees, white leaders, and white entrepreneurs. If you doubt this statement, just attend an Edtech conference. Admittedly, educators and others don’t ...

EdTech Futures

  • EdTech FuturesOnline Learning & eLearning

    StandStand Review: A Beautiful, Easy-to-Use Portable Standing Desk

    Spread the loveStanding desks have become increasingly popular over the years, with many people choosing to incorporate them into their daily routines. The health benefits of standing frequently throughout the ...
  • EdTech FuturesElementary EducationOnline Learning & eLearning

    Sprint Won’t Allow My Phone to Activate

    Spread the loveSprint Won’t Allow My Phone to Activate: What to Do? There are few things more frustrating than purchasing a new phone, only to find out that you can’t ...
  • EdTech FuturesElementary EducationOnline Learning & eLearning

    Spread the Word: Ninite is the Only Safe Place to Get Windows Freeware

    Spread the loveWith the internet being flooded with a plethora of freeware apps and software, it’s not easy to differentiate between the genuine and the potentially harmful ones. This is ...
  • EdTech FuturesElementary EducationOnline Learning & eLearning

    SSD vs. HDD vs. USB Flash Drive: Everything You Need to Know

    Spread the loveFor many years, the Hard Disk Drive (HDD) was the only storage device available, and it was the most reliable and efficient way of storing data, and it ...
  • EdTech Futures

    The Future Of Effective Digital Learning And Its Role In The Education System

    Spread the loveEffective digital learning is the future of education and it is here to stay. With the ever-growing trend of online learning, it is no wonder that effective digital ...

About Us

Since technology is not going anywhere and does more good than harm, adapting is the best course of action. That is where The Tech Edvocate comes in. We plan to cover the PreK-12 and Higher Education EdTech sectors and provide our readers with the latest news and opinion on the subject. From time to time, I will invite other voices to weigh in on important issues in EdTech. We hope to provide a well-rounded, multi-faceted look at the past, present, the future of EdTech in the US and internationally.

We started this journey back in June 2016, and we plan to continue it for many more years to come. I hope that you will join us in this discussion of the past, present and future of EdTech and lend your own insight to the issues that are discussed.

Newsletter

Signup for The Tech Edvocate Newsletter and have the latest in EdTech news and opinion delivered to your email address!

Contact Us

The Tech Edvocate
5322 Markel Road, Suite 104
Richmond, VA 23230
(601) 630-5238
[email protected]

Follow us

Copyright © 2023 Matthew Lynch. All rights reserved.