Tech Tidbits December 23, 2025

 TECH TIDBITS: 

A technology blog supporting the SAU16 staff.  

a blog by Sandy Blanc 

(SAU16 Software Implementation and Training Specialist)

Image created with Gemini Nano Banana

Google GEMINI and GEMS!  

Let's talk about Google's Gemini! 

According to our Future Ready: AI and Cyber Ed Day Survey that was given as an exit ticket on October 10, 2025, 116 out of 337 staff have tried Gemini. That is 34% of the staff surveyed. 

Today, I would like to give you an overview of Gemini and hopefully a reason to test it out and see you what you think! 

Lets get into it;

How do I get to Gemini? 

1. You will find it in the "waffle" like you see in the image right.
2. OR you can simply type in https://gemini.google.com. 
3. NOTE: You cannot delete any searches from Gemini using our school domain (sau16.org) account. 

Video Overview (23:18):

The below video is an overview of the layout of Gemini, Tools (Guided Learning, Canvas, Image Creation, Deep Research), and Gems.  There are some really fun ideas in the video - especially around the Canvas tool! Please take a moment to watch. Thanks! 

• Unlocking Google Gemini for Educators: Tools, Tips, and Classroom Ideas (Click to view) 

After watching the video, here are a few of the resources that were referenced (click to view them);

• SAU 16 UDL Lesson Assistant GEM (NOTE: this is only accessible by SAU 16 Staff) 
•  This was the output for the prompt about Grade 9 Photography and Ansel Adams that I used an example for the UDL Gem. 

• Gemini Canvas App Examples (this is a link to the Google Site that I created to show the examples of apps created by Canvas).

• Introduction to Gemini - A Google Workspace for Education AI Tool (A slide presentation with more details about Gemini, the Storybook example, and some great resources at the end of the presentation). 

Tech Tidbits December 09, 2025

  TECH TIDBITS: 

A technology blog supporting the SAU16 staff.  

a blog by Sandy Blanc 

(SAU16 Software Implementation and Training Specialist)

Image created with ChatGPT

Google Gem: 

STAFF: 

SAU 16 Technical Support Assistant 

What is a Google Gem? 

Google Gemini has a feature that allows you to create "Gems". Gems are essentially an custom AI assistant that is based on the data, prompting, and guidance you give it. You can create specific gems to assist with tasks, similar to having an AI agent. 

(Stay tuned for the next tidbit on how to use Gemini and create Gems!)

What type of data has been added to the SAU 16 Technical Support Assistant Gem? 

The SAU 16 Technical Support Assistant contains data from the Technical Services knowledge base articles in Incident IQ (tutorials and how to's), information about the department (technology support in each of our schools), all of the information linked on the "SAU 16 Staff Technology" sheet (that you see in your bookmarks, under "SAU 16 Bookmarks), links to our software status pages (to see if their are issues with software from the company), information for new staff on how to get started with technology, Tech Tidbits (blog by Sandy Blanc), and more! The data base will continue to grow on the Gem as we add more knowledge base articles and receive feedback from users.  

What does the SAU 16 Technical Support Assistant do? 

Start by watching this short video tutorial! CLICK HERE open the video.

How do I get to the SAU 16 Technical Support Assistant Gem? 

NOTE: The Gem has permissions for SAU16 staff only. 

Click the link: https://gemini.google.com/gem/1Ofw37fZ2XcippbEktDimo6_QFjPNsSDu?usp=sharing 

Tech Tidbits Monday, November 24, 2025

 TECH TIDBITS: 

A technology blog supporting the SAU16 staff.  

a blog by Sandy Blanc 

(SAU16 Software Implementation and Training Specialist)

Image created with Gemini (Nano Banana) 

(How did I make this image? I uploaded an image of myself into Gemini (Tools- Create Image), and prompted to create a cartoon-like image of the person in the attached photo, with a computer that shows "NotebookLM" and add a Thanksgiving theme. This was the first try!) 

NotebookLM

Hello! I know it is been a while since my last Tech Tidbit!  I am ready to pick up where I left off! I have been finding my way in my new role this year, which includes supporting staff with software training (including, but not limited to, AI). Please reach out to me if you would like support! 

We sent out a survey to staff after the October 10, 2025 In-Service- Future Ready: AI and Cyber Ed Day. One of the most eye opening statistics was that out of 337 staff that filled out our survey, only 5 have tried NotebookLM!  This data reinforced the need for me to get out the information to staff on this tool. 

How do I get to NotebookLM? notebooklm.google.com

What is NotebookLM? 

NotebookLM is a Google tool that is an AI-powered research and learning assistant. NotebookLM works with the documents you provide, helping you (and students) organize, summarize, and ask questions about your own materials.

• NotebookLM is source grounded- only referring to the data you upload, therefore greatly reducing risk for hallucinations. 

What is NotebookLM used for? 

This is a video explainer created by NotebookLM from a Notebook I made about How to use NotebookLM. (The video is 6:31).  

What are ways that staff and students can utilize NotebookLM?

• Staff
• Create study guides
• Generate lesson plan supports (summaries, essential questions, audio/video)
• Build professional learning notebooks
• Differentiate material for students
• Build FAQ's for students or staff
• Summarize policy changes, new laws, or large files. 

Pro tip: I uploaded the SAU 16 Professional Development Master Plan and created a SAU 16 Professional Development Notebook to help me digest the requirements and pieces of the recertification process. 

• Students
• Study companion
• Generate practice questions
• Organize research projects
• Extract key vocabulary from text
• Study for assessments
• Convert class notes into other formats (audio, mind map, video)
• Learn new concepts 

How do I use NotebookLM? 

(Click HERE to view Video Tutorial 10:32)

For more navigating tips, please look over the NotebookLM Slides (click to view). 

Tech Tidbits May 5, 2025

 TECH TIDBITS: 

   A technology blog supporting the SAU16 staff.  

by Sandy Blanc      

(Image created with ChatGPT)

Google Vids! 

It has been a busy year, and it's been a while since I have shared a Tech Tidbit, but I'm excited to be back with a new Google tool called Google Vids. 

Google Vids is a tool to create videos, screencasts, and even podcasts. It works similarly to WeVideo, allowing you to insert stock photos, videos, music, and gifs. You can record, upload a video, add text, transitions, etc. 

The best part? 

It is available to all staff and students through our existing Google Workspace for Education licensing. The videos are saved directly to Google Drive, just like a Google Doc, or any other Google tool.

(Please note: Google Vids has AI enhanced features that work with Gemini, however, to use the features it requires a paid upgraded license that we do not have. These enhanced features are not needed to create videos or podcasts). 

Lets get started! 

You can access Google Vids at https://vids.google.com/ (or simply type vids.new into the browser).

1. Start a new video (click the plus sign on the landing page).

2. You can select a template, record video (and record screen if necessary), or upload media (photos, videos, sound) from your computer. 

3. If you do not want to use a template or need to record anything ahead of time, you can close out the image right by clicking on the "X" in the right corner to start with a clean slate. 

4. Video tutorial below! (10:07) 

Tech Tidbits February 20, 2024

TECH TIDBITS: 

   A technology blog supporting the SAU16 staff.  

by Sandy Blanc      

School AI: Let's open up the conversation! 

I have eagerly awaited the opportunity to share information with you about Artificial Intelligence (AI) through a digital tool that is covered by a signed Data Privacy Agreement (DPA). That day has arrived! SAU16 has officially signed a DPA for a tool known as SchoolAI. My purpose is to use the upcoming Tech Tidbits to introduce you to the fundamentals of AI, considerations to keep in mind, and ways you can leverage AI in your role.

While I am thrilled about the potential of Artificial Intelligence and its ability to support teaching and learning, I am also mindful of the crucial issue of data privacy (please refer back to my last blog post, "Revisiting Student Data Privacy (NH RSA 189:66-68A)"). I acknowledge the existence of numerous workshops, YouTube video tutorials, and peers utilizing a variety of AI tools, all of which can be enticing to explore. However, it is essential to be vigilant about student data privacy when using these tools. Ask yourself, "does this tool have a signed Data Privacy Agreement (DPA)"? 

Having invested many hours in exploring new AI tools, testing their capabilities, and evaluating the pros and cons, I am genuinely fascinated by AI. I recognize and commend the efforts of teacher pioneers who have embraced AI in various schools, actively contributing to the integration of new technology. Before we delve into the world of AI, it's worth mentioning that SAU16 is in the process of drafting guidelines for teachers as we progress further into the integration of AI in classrooms.

What is Artificial Intelligence?

I found it pertinent to seek assistance from SchoolAI in addressing this question. Upon opening the SchoolAI application, I navigated to the "Tools" section and chose "Build your own." Within the "instructions" field, I entered the request, "Please explain artificial intelligence in common language," and subsequently selected "generate." The resulting explanation crafted by SchoolAI is as follows: Understanding Artificial Intelligence.

It is crucial to exercise caution when utilizing AI tools. A "Limitations" warning is visibly present at the bottom of the tool I employed. It is advisable to verify information for accuracy, be mindful of potential biases in content, and recognize that machine learning has a limited knowledge base beyond 2021.

Additionally, Common Sense Education has developed a series of AI Literacy Lesson Plans tailored for Grades 6-12. These lessons serve as valuable resources for enhancing your own understanding of AI or can be integrated into your lessons to help students comprehend AI concepts and consider potential biases in AI.

How can AI be used in the Classroom? 

To comprehend the potential applications of AI in your classroom, I'd like to revisit the SAMR model for those familiar with it. Developed by Dr. Puentedura in 2010, the SAMR model offers an understandable framework for contemplating technology integration and its intended objectives. The ultimate aim is to strive for advancements "above the line" and leverage AI to transform the learning experience in your classroom.

I recommend watching the video titled "What is the SAMR Model?" and reviewing the accompanying diagram created by Common Sense Education to gain a comprehensive understanding of the SAMR model. This visual aid and explanatory resource will facilitate your grasp of how AI aligns with different levels of technology integration in education.

SchoolAI- Let's get started! - Click to view directions on SchoolAI "Spaces"

Tuesday Tech Tidbits January 09, 2024

 TUESDAY TECH TIDBITS: 

   A technology blog supporting the SAU16 staff.  

by Sandy Blanc      

Revisiting Student Data Privacy

(NH RSA 189:66-68A)

Happy New Year! As we enter 2024, it's an opportune moment to revisit the subject of student data privacy, particularly in the context of New Hampshire laws, and its implications for SAU16 staff. While this may be familiar territory for many, it's worth noting that there have been some minor adjustments in our SAU16 flowchart for assessing the need for a "DPA" (Data Privacy Agreement). Overall, it's crucial to review, comprehend, and stay informed about this information. This becomes even more pertinent as we delve into new technology integrations, especially with the arrival of Artificial Intelligence (AI).

On June 18, 2018, New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu signed House Bill 1612 (HB 1612), which took effect on August 11, 2018. The legislation aimed to establish minimum standards for the protection of students' and employees' data. It mandated the New Hampshire Department of Education to define these standards, drawing from best practices for local agencies. HB 1612 was signed into law and became New Hampshire RSA 189:66-68a.

• Section: 189:65 Definitions
• Section: 189:66 Data Inventory and Policies Publication
• Section: 189:67 Limits on Disclosure of Information
• Section: 189:68 Student Privacy
• Section: 189:68-a Student Online Personal Information
• NH RSA 359-C:20 Notice of Breach

What does this mean for SAU16? 

Our district is obligated to safeguard students' personally identifiable information (PII). This protection involves verifying that websites, applications, and extensions used in schools adhere to the guidelines outlined in the New Hampshire Student Data Privacy Agreement (DPA). The Student Data Privacy Consortium (SDPC) aids school districts by working with companies, facilitating the signing of the DPA, and maintaining a record of applications that have either signed the DPA, been rejected, or have amendments to their approval.

SAU16 is a member of the Student Data Privacy Consortium (SDPC). The SDPC was developed in response to NH RSA 189:66-189:68a. New Hampshire requires the protection of student personally identifiable information (PII). RSA 189:68a defines PII below, 

(a) and is descriptive of a student or otherwise identifies a student, including, but not limited to, information in the student's educational record or email, first and last name, home address, date of birth, telephone number, unique pupil identifier, social security number, financial or insurance account numbers, email address, other information that allows physical or online contact, discipline records, test results, special education data, juvenile dependency records, grades, evaluations, criminal records, medical records, health records, biometric information, disabilities, socioeconomic information, food purchases, political affiliations, religious information, text messages, documents, other student identifiers, search activity, photos, voice recordings, or geo-location information."

How does a SAU16 staff member know if they can use an application or not with students?

If staff wish to utilize an application with students, it is imperative that they verify whether the application involves the use of student personally identifiable information (PII) and confirm that the application has a signed data privacy agreement in place. 

To view current applications and the status for SAU16, you can start by looking at;

SAU16 DPA Status - From the Student Data Privacy Consortium 

• The technology department created a SAU16 Student Data Privacy Agreement flow chart to help you navigate using technology with students in the classroom. 

• UPDATED Student DPA Flow Chart 2023

Tuesday Tech Tidbits December 19, 2023

 TUESDAY TECH TIDBITS: 

   A technology blog supporting the SAU16 staff.  

by Sandy Blanc      

How to Save Your Data in ONE Safe Place!

What? 

    Let's be honest, the tech space is flooded with a plethora of options for storing/saving data nowadays. In addition to the computer's hard drive, there's a myriad of online platforms like Drive, OneDrive, Dropbox, iCloud, and many more (with the added complexity of varying spaces based on the signed-in account). On top of that, there are external hardware alternatives like thumb drives, external hard drives, DVDs, and CDs. The options seem endless. The confusion of where to save files is complicated by data security, backup, and organization. 

    Where can I put all of the SAU16-related files to keep them in a safe, backed-up location, that I can access? 

• The answer is Google Drive! 

Before I get into the specifics of how you can do this, let's talk about WHY you should keep Google Drive as your central location for SAU16 files. Depending on what device you use in SAU16, you will be faced with where to save your documents. The most common devices we use are Macs, PCs, and Chromebooks. 

• You can access your files from ANY device in Drive. 

• You may or may not know that on a Chromebook or Mac, there is NO backup for anything saved onto your hard drive (downloads, documents, and DESKTOP).
• So, if anything happens to your device, you could lose your files if you save them there! 
• There is a backup "H Drive" on a PC, but there is no guarantee that backup will stay available in the coming years.   

Device Type	Where can you save data?	Is the data BACKED up?
Chromebook	• Hard Drive- Downloads (Files Folder)	NO
	• Google Drive	YES
	• Other online storage options	YES
MacBook	• Hard drive (Desktop, Downloads, Documents)	NO
	• Google Drive	YES
	• One Drive (Microsoft)	YES
	• Drive for Mac	YES
	• Other online storage (DropBox, etc.)	YES
PC	• Hard drive (H: Drive - Home Folder)	YES
	• Google Drive	YES
	• One Drive (Microsoft)	YES
	• Other online storage	YES
	• Drive for Mac/PC	YES

As you can see from the data above, saving to your computer hard drive is NOT a good idea. The next option is cloud storage (online storage). 

• The consideration with cloud storage is how much storage space is available for you? Depending on the platform and plan it varies. 

Google Drive:

• For many years SAU16 had "unlimited" storage through the Google Enterprise/Education license we pay for. However, in 2021 Google changed its policy for storage and set limits of storage for our domain. The Google Drive space our domain has allotted to us should be sufficient for your work needs. 

• You should always make an effort to tidy up what you store in your SCHOOL Google Drive account. Videos and images take up the most space in general. 

Office 365: 

• If you use Microsoft Office 365 (the online version of Microsoft Word, Excel, etc.), then the data is stored in One Drive (One Drive is NOT Google Drive, it is Microsoft's online drive). I discourage saving SAU16 documents in different locations as they can become misplaced, or you forget where it is. 

Do not get the accounts mixed up! 

• Another point about Google Drive: I have seen staff/students signing into TWO accounts at work (one sau16.org and one personal account). What you may not know is that sometimes your personal account may be signed into on Docs, but not Drive for example. So, if you create something in Docs, it may be misplaced as it will be automatically saved to your personal Drive account. This is not a good practice for data privacy concerns and for the organization of files in general. 

• To avoid confusion, either do NOT sign into both, OR use an "incognito window" to sign into your personal account to keep the two separate and avoid confusion.

How to use an Incognito Window in Drive: Go to the 3 dots- select "New Incognito Window", then go to mail.google.com or whatever application you want to sign into your personal account. 

Install Google Drive on your Mac or PC to remove multiple steps of saving any document to your Google Drive account

•   Installing Drive for Mac or PC sets up a sync between your Macbook/ PC and your SAU16 Google Drive folder that copies your files between the two locations. In the event of a hard drive failure, your data is safe in your Google Drive. Here is a brief summary of this application.

How do I install Google Drive on my Mac or PC? 

1. Go to https://www.google.com/drive/download/

2. Install Drive to Mac or PC onto your computer (remember if you are on a Mac, go to "Self-Service" and promote yourself to Admin so you can install it). 

3. Once installed, you will see the Google Drive installed in Finder on the left side (on a Mac). 

If you are downloading or saving a file (from ANY application)- you can go to “Save As” and then select Google Drive for Desktop (as you see left). That will save directly to your Google Drive. If you create Google documents, such as Docs, Slides, Sheets, etc., they automatically save to Drive.

File format when you upload to Google Drive: By default, our Google Drive accounts are UNCHECKED to "Convert uploads to Google Docs Editor Format". This means if you are using Microsoft Word and you "save to Drive" (the downloaded Google Drive for Mac or PC OR the online version of drive), your document format will NOT be changed. 

* You can access the below settings and more by going to Google Drive and clicking on the settings wheel.  

 

Happy Holidays! 

Tuesday, November 14, 2023

 TUESDAY TECH TIDBITS:  

by Sandy Blanc      

Google Chrome's new Side Panel feature! 

     Have you updated your Chrome Browser to at least version 118? If you did, you will see the new "Side Panel" feature in Google Chrome in the upper right side of the screen. 

Need help updating the Chrome OS on a Macbook? 

1. How to Update Chrome OS on a MacBook (click to view)

What can you do in the new Side Panel? 

• Appearance- You can customize the look of Google Chrome
• Bookmarks- Edit, sort, add, remove, and search bookmarks with ease! (Love this feature!)
• Reading List- Easily access, add, and remove tabs to your reading list. 
• History- You can review your search history to easily be able to get back to where you were earlier in the day (if you did not bookmark it!). 

Here is a short overview of how it works! (4:14)

Tuesday Tech Tidbits- October 31, 2023

TUESDAY TECH TIDBITS:  

by Sandy Blanc      

Goodbye, Google JamBoard- Hello FigJam! 

Google Jamboard is an interactive whiteboard tool. Google Jamboard will no longer be available after December 31, 2024. Starting on October 1, 2023, you are no longer able to create new or edit any existing Jams in Jamboard. However, all is not lost! There is a great alternative tool called FigJam for Education! It is free for education, and has a signed DPA! Hooray! 

You can use FigJam to create engaging interactive lessons, brainstorm, diagram, set up meetings, and more by leveraging some really neat technology features that FigJam offers;

• Tons of templates to work from
• Set a timer for responses
• Use sticky notes (with signature) to keep track of who's ideas are whos
• Integrate videos, Google Docs, and Webpages right into your FigJam
• Interactive reactions (such as stickers and emojis)
• Figma (a design platform) and Figjam (online whiteboarding) work seamlessly together

How to get started:

1. Go to https://www.figma.com/education/ 

2.  Follow this video , "How to set up your Figma Education Plan" by Figma (video 2:20). 

3. How do I move my Jamboard files into FigJam? 

• How to download Jamboard files and upload into FigJam by Sandy Blanc (video 1:09)

4.  I highly recommend that you watch this thorough video of all of the tools and functions of FigJam, "Transition from Jamboard to FigJam" A Teacher's Guide to Your New Favorite Classroom Whiteboard", by Figma (video 9:36). 

5.  I recommend once your account is set up, open "FigJam Basics" and walk through each one that will be teaching you all of the tools and tricks of how to use it.