Happy Friday, Reader!
Before we close the laptop this week, let’s look at a few ways to bring good ideas into the work we already do. There’s a new place to work with Claude, some practical Google resources to explore, and a book about how educators and organizations keep learning.
I also have a special family milestone to share with you at the end.
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💡 Did You Know?
Claude can work inside Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides
Claude has a Google Workspace add-on that brings a sidebar into your open document, spreadsheet, or presentation. You can ask it about the file or request edits without copying the content into a separate chat.
To explore it:
- Open the Claude listing in Google Workspace Marketplace.
- Install it if your account and administrator allow it.
- Open a Google file and choose Extensions → Claude → Open Claude.
Try it with a non-sensitive practice document: ask Claude to turn your own workshop outline into a short checklist, then review the result. The add-on is in beta and requires an eligible paid Claude plan. Check your school’s AI and privacy policies before using school information.
📚 From My Bookshelf
Still Learning by Allison Rodman
In Still Learning: Strengthening Professional and Organizational Capacity, Allison Rodman presents a framework for developing educators and organizations through five disciplines: attunement, alignment, perspective, collective efficacy, and organizational learning.
What stands out to me is the idea that building educator capacity isn’t just about offering professional development. It’s also about how people listen, work together, and learn as an organization.
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📰 From My RSS Reader
Two useful Google reads
John Sowash’s October Google EDU update rounds up developments for educators, including the planned transition from Gemini Gems to Skills. If your team has built reusable Gems, it’s a useful prompt to check what may change for your account and timeline.
Ditch That Textbook’s 25 practical ways teachers are using Gemini Notebook offers ideas for turning existing materials into study guides, catch-up resources, and more. Pick one source and one student need to start—and check the generated material against the original before sharing it.
🎙️ From TeacherCast This Week
Connect your tools—and build on work you already have
If you’re curious about Gemini Connected Apps, start with a non-sensitive practice file and one specific question. My guide to Gemini Connected Apps for teachers explains what to check about account eligibility and permissions before you begin.
Already have a slide deck that could become a video? My Google Slides to Google Vids guide explores how to build on an existing presentation rather than starting with a blank screen. Check that Vids is available for your account and review the finished video before sharing it.
🎁 From TeacherCast’s NEW Free Educational Resources Center
Looking for a next step? Two free resources connect with this week’s ideas:
- From Capture to Captivating: a classroom project kit for turning one idea into a three-slide presentation, with an optional video extension.
- Google Vids & AI Toolkit: resources for developing instructional videos with Google Vids and Gemini.
Explore the Free Educational Resources Center. The resource pages ask for an email signup to deliver the downloads; if you’ve already requested one, use your existing delivery email rather than signing up again.
💭 One Thing I’m Thinking About
A special thank-you
I’d like to take a moment to share something pretty special with you.
Many of you know that I’m the proud father of triplets. This weekend, the triplets turn 13 years old!
I want to say thank you to everyone on this list for supporting me, my family, and the triplets. It’s been an amazing 13 years, and I’m incredibly proud of them and their accomplishments.
Thank you for being part of our journey. What’s one moment you’re grateful for this week? Hit reply and let me know.
Have a wonderful weekend,
Jeff Bradbury
Your Digital Learning Coach
Simplified Systems. Strategic Insights. Greater Impact!
