Frances O'Donnell

Screenshot of a digital handwriting practice interface

Physically writing in an AI filled world! (Benefits of digital notetakers)

I remember studying for the Leaving Cert with a refill pad, multiple pens and coloured highlighters. I would read what I needed to learn, rewrite/paraphrase it, then colour code the different points (good old rote learning!). In later years I would go to staff meetings and jot down notes, or scribble diagrams; sometimes these would make sense to others, other times they would only talk to me. However, I also distinctly remember being annoyed when people would hand me a paper with important information – nine chances out of ten, this paper would get lost before I took the time to grab a photo of it (and think to myself, why didn’t you just email this to me).

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Can GenAI transform old PowerPoints into engaging learning videos? A comparison of Lumen5 and NotebookLM

Lumen 5 vs NotebookLM Videos: Can GenAI revamp outdated PowerPoints into engaging videos?

As I continue to explore, challenge, navigate and get frustrated (and or excited) over all things GenAI, I continue to believe people should know which tools are available and make informed decisions about whether they may be useful. The critic in me believes big tech companies are earning billions while influencing how we think and

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AI Presentation Generators Canva, SlideSpeak, GammaApp and CoPilot.

Creating Presentations with AI: Canva, SlideSpeak, Gamma and Copilot Compared

Any educators out there who do not need to create slide presentations? I doubt it! Historically, I have delivered presentations which were content focussed over visually appealing (or unfortunately accessible!). Times have changed, and generative AI is one of these changes.  Can generative AI help us get the right structure, help us write clear content,

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Come join the CESI conference Saturday 1st March. Navigating Digital Futures. In Gaelcholáiste Luimnigh.

CESI Conference 2025: The Power of Bringing Primary, Secondary, Further, and Higher Education Together

Each year, the CESI conference brings together teachers, lecturers, education professionals, and other tech-related personnel to form what I describe as a “community of camaraderie.” What sets CESI apart is its accessibility (it’s not as expensive as other conferences, and it’s held on a Saturday, eliminating work logistics) and its inclusivity (welcoming everyone from primary

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