As we approach the eagerly awaited spring break in K-12, it's crucial to remember the importance of taking time for yourself to recharge. This time of year holds special significance for me. Just last year, I was in Florida with my family indulging in PAPER books by the water. Little did I know, that break would become a pivotal moment in my life. During that week, I found inspiration to evolve my web show into a podcast, and jotted down words on a Google Doc, which would later blossom into a book!
In a world increasingly dominated by screens, I encourage you to see this break as an opportunity to detach and embrace the offline world, allowing you to recharge and find inspiration. Just as we're instructed to secure our own oxygen masks before assisting others on an airplane, prioritizing our well-being is essential for effectively caring for our students. Here are a few ideas to help you make the most of your well-deserved break:
- Spend time outdoors. Whether it's going for a hike, having a picnic, or simply taking a leisurely stroll.
- Pick up that book you've been meaning to read but never found the time for. Whether it's fiction, non-fiction, or personal development, there is nothing like getting lost in a good book.
- Let your imagination run wild! Engage in creative activities. Whether it's painting, writing, cooking, or crafting.
- Step out of your comfort zone and try something new. Whether it's learning a musical instrument, gardening, or taking up a new sport/workout class.
- Cherish moments with the people that matter most. Whether it's having a game night, cooking a meal together, or simply catching up over coffee.
- Make time for yourself - without children or significant others. This could be simply doing nothing at all. It’s not selfish—it’s necessary for your mental health.
With that said, I'll be taking the next two weeks off from writing newsletters to explore new avenues of creativity and recharge my batteries. Let's see where this break leads us and what we all return with!
Thank you all for your continued support! To mark the one-year milestone of my web show's transformation into a podcast, I'm thrilled to present a very special episode - my very first solo episode!
- I’ll catch you up to speed on some fascinating updates from the field, including college students unraveling the mysteries of an ancient Roman scroll using AI to OpenAI's new features, and much more!
- This episode isn't just about tech - I'll also share insights into how I introduced generative AI to my own students, beginning as early as first grade. The emphasis is on teaching them about AI bias, discrimination, and misinformation right from the very start, empowering them to become detectives of their AI-generated creations.
Mixtape 💿
- Byte-sized knowledge: Did you know that your iPhone has a built-in sound machine?! Try using this as a tranquil escape during spring break!
- Article: AI images and conspiracy theories are driving a push for media literacy education "Learning to identify the growing flood of deepfakes, along with online conspiracy theories, is becoming a rite of passage for students." (NPR)
- Article: Millions of Low-Income Families Set to Lose Internet Subsidies. The Affordable Connectivity Program, a $14.2 billion federal effort to make internet service more affordable, is expected to run out of funding this spring. (The New York Times)
- Podcast: Pivot - Predictions on the Future of Work: In the opening segment of this three-part series by New York Magazine, journalist Kara Swisher and NYU Professor Scott Galloway tackle topics like DEI, vocational training, and the impact of AI on jobs, offering insights into key trends shaping the future of work so we can better prepare students for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. Listen Now: Apple + Spotify
Catch me if you can 🗓️
Spotlight 🔦
Coffee with a Geek: It's always a pleasure speaking with Andrew Wheelock - the person who pushed me out of my comfort zone and onto the big stage for the first time!! 🙃 We discuss Ed Tech and how'd you guess... AI in education. Listen Now: Apple + Spotify
The Generative Age Book 📚
My book The Generative Age: Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Education is now available on Amazon! If you've already bought a copy, thank you! If you're interested in a bulk discount, email me directly by replying to this email.
Wishing you a restful and rejuvenating break ahead!
Alana Winnick
