Wednesday, May 24, 2023

May 2023 - Instructional Technology Newsletter

Artificial Intelligence Is Here (and I don't think it's going away)

But rather than bore you with opinions and lessons and such; I asked Chat GPT for 10 summer vacation ideas for teachers in Northwest Indiana. Here you go.

  1. Beach Getaway: Enjoy the sandy beaches and refreshing waters of Lake Michigan at Indiana Dunes State Park or Warren Dunes State Park in Michigan.
  2. Camping: Take a camping trip at Indiana Dunes National Park, Potato Creek State Park, or Tippecanoe River State Park.
  3. Visit a State Park: Explore the natural beauty of Indiana at one of the many state parks, such as Turkey Run State Park, Shades State Park, or Chain O' Lakes State Park.
  4. Hiking and Biking Trails: Take a scenic hike or bike ride along the miles of trails available at Indiana Dunes State Park, Oak Savannah Trail, or Prairie Duneland Trail.
  5. Outdoor Recreation: Go fishing, boating, or kayaking at Bass Lake, Lake Maxinkuckee, or Pine Lake.
  6. Local Attractions: Visit local attractions such as the Albanese Candy Factory and Taltree Arboretum and Gardens.
  7. Explore a New City: Take a day trip to nearby cities such as South Bend or Indianapolis.
  8. Local Festivals: Attend local festivals such as the Porter County Fair, Valparaiso Popcorn Festival, or the Chesterton Art Fair.
  9. Farmers Markets: Visit the many farmers markets in the area, such as the Chesterton European Market, Valparaiso Farmers Market, or Michigan City Farmers Market.
  10. Historical Sites: Learn about the history of the area by visiting historical sites such as the Barker Mansion, Chellberg Farm, or the La Porte County Historical Society Museum.
Not to be outdone, here are the results from a similar query performed on Google Bard. There are some similarities with the Chat GPT results, but also a few new ones.
  1. Visit the Indiana Dunes National Park (link provided above). This park is home to stunning sand dunes, forests, and wetlands. There are plenty of activities to enjoy, such as hiking, biking, swimming, and fishing.
  2. Go to the beach. There are many great beaches in northwest Indiana, such as Lake Michigan Beach, Porter Beach, and Beverly Shores. You can relax on the sand, swim in the lake, or build sandcastles.
  3. Visit a museum. There are many great museums in northwest Indiana, such as the Hammond Museum of Industry and Technology (is this a real place?) and the Indiana Dunes Museum. You can learn about history, art, science, and more.
  4. Go to a sporting event. There are many professional and college sporting events held in northwest Indiana, such as the Chicago Cubs, the Chicago White Sox, and the Indiana Pacers (not in season). You can cheer on your favorite team and enjoy a day of fun.
  5. Go to a concert. There are many concerts held in Indiana, featuring a variety of musical genres. You can see your favorite band or artist live in concert.
  6. Go to a festival. There are many festivals held in northwest Indiana throughout the summer, such as the South Shore Summer Music Festival, the Porter County Fair (link provided above), and the LaPorte County Fair. You can enjoy food, music, dancing, and more.
  7. Go to a movie. There are many movie theaters in northwest Indiana, showing the latest blockbusters and independent films. You can catch a new movie or see a classic film.
  8. Go to a play. There are many theaters in northwest Indiana, producing a variety of plays and musicals. You can see a live performance of your favorite play or musical.
  9. Go to a comedy show. There are many comedy clubs near northwest Indiana, featuring a variety of comedians. You can laugh your head off at a live comedy show.
  10. Go to a restaurant. There are many great restaurants in northwest Indiana, serving a variety of cuisines. You can enjoy a delicious meal with friends or family.