AI Tools Discussion for Guam ESL Teaching

Canva is a user-friendly, online design tool suitable for non-designers who want to create visual content quickly and simply. It offers a wide range of templates, affordability, and team collaboration features, though it lacks the advanced precision and export capabilities of professional software. Using Canva in an ESL curriculum provides an engaging and visually appealing way to enhance language skills. However, its large selection of templates and technical requirements can occasionally distract students from authentic language learning. Canva AI serves as a highly visual and effective tool for ESL learners. Its primary benefit is easing the anxiety of language learning through multimodal support features such as automatic text translation, AI-generated voice output, and image prompts. However, it requires oversight to ensure students actively produce language and do not rely exclusively on the AI. PROS -Canva can assist with reducing cognitive overload. Visuals and graphic org...

  Diffit for Teachers is an AI Tool that at first glance looks a lot  like ChatGPT.  The picture above shows what the interface looks like.  Just like other online AI Tools there is a prompt where you give directions for what the tool will produce.  There is also the ability to attach files for the AI brain to utilize in the creation of the products you require.  There is a free account option available making it an attractive option for teachers to utilize.  The strength of Diffit for Teachers is that it is specialized in the creation and adaptation of instructional materials.  Where ChatGPT is an all-purpose AI tool it may take multiple refinements to get a product that meets your needs.  If adapting texts for your ESL students is something you struggle with, Diffit for Teachers allows for you to adapt texts to desired grade level English or even other languages.  See the attached video to see how easy it is! Pros - Specialized design ...

 What is Copilot? Copilot Link Copilot is an AI tool produced by Microsoft. It helps with brainstorming ideas, creating written content, analyzing data, generate images according to data that is provided. It is available through apps on different computer processing software and is also integrated into Microsoft Office. In education, it can help students provide writing support regarding essay drafts and the research process. Copilot can support teachers by assisting with lesson planning, creating visuals and slides, and helping with grading rubrics.  Pros:  Provide learning support - simplifying concepts when needed  Feedback - regarding step-by-step math procedures or brainstorming  Help alleviate teacher workload - help support with lesson plan creation, rubrics, assignments Content - visuals, quizzes, stories Digital literacy  Microsoft 365 Integration   Cons:  Over-reliance on AI  Accuracy  Lack of critical thinking for student...

 Hafa Adai!  I am one of the Guam Education Professionals contributing to this blog.  I began my teaching career at the age of 22 teaching ELA at George Washington High School.  Existential crisis set in and I left to pursue a career in the private sector managing a bar and growing a small magic performance business.  Life brought me back to the teaching profession and I have spent the last 9+ years with Guam's Second Chance Program servicing JP Torres Success Academy.  My next assignment will be at John F. Kennedy High School.  Educational technology has brought the modern classroom to places I would never have imagined as a kid.  So happy to be here sharing ideas and collaborating with my colleagues.  Enjoy my picture next to a set of encyclopedia.  Anyone old enough to remember using these?

Hello, I'm Leonie Sagun, school counselor for 20 years but have worked for the Department of Education for 29 years. I started as a school social worker and now as a school counselor. I really love working with students because I am able to support them in every aspect of their school life. The best part though was working with my credit recovery adult students because I was able to assist them in getting their diplomas! This is success when you know you have helped them get their diplomas so that they can further their careers whether to apply for a higher education at GCC or UOG or workforce! Technology is essential in my career because we are now in the digital age! As a school counselor, we also provide lesson plans and go in the classroom. Part of that job is to ensure we are up to date with latest technology because technology is a TOOL!

Greetings, everyone!  My name is Zaira Araos-Pangelinan. I am happily married to a Guam Behavioral Health and Wellness Center Care Coordinator. I also have a very energetic toddler who loves the outdoors. I have six fur babies and about 20 fish in a tank. I am seasonally a " plant-tita ". I have a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing and a Master's degree in Teaching. I have been in the field of education for the past decade and have served at Astumbo Middle School and Okkodo High School. I am currently a Business Electives teacher at Okkodo High School. I have a strong passion for learning about anything and everything, whether that's learning about plants or Dave Ramsey's saving methods.   Here's a picture of some members of the Electives Department at Okkodo High School: Thank you for reading! 

Hafa Adai! My name is Dr. Rosemarie Cruz, and I am a secondary social studies teacher with a passion for fostering engaging, informative classroom environments. I hold a master's in Curriculum and Instruction and a doctorate in Administration and Supervision with an emphasis on Educational Leadership. I have spent the past 10 years teaching at JP Torres Success Academy, during which I developed a strong commitment to student growth and academic excellence. Currently, I am awaiting my next teaching assignment for the 2026-2027 school year. I strongly believe in integrating technology into my lessons, as it significantly enriches students’ learning experiences and equips them with practical skills that will be invaluable in their future endeavors.