Big Ideas in Education

Latest Episodes:

Ep 212: Revolutionizing Document Management in Schools with Marshall Simmonds Apr 04, 2024

Show notes

This week, Ryan is joined by Marshall Simmonds, the Vice President of Sales for Scribbles Software, a prominent provider of K-12 software solutions. Marshall talks about the challenges schools face with document management, discussing issues like uploading and searching documents efficiently. Marshall also talks about the limitations of commercially available document storage platforms in the K-12 setting and highlights recent updates to the ScribOnline system to overcome document management hurdles. Tune in!
Don't just listen, join the conversation! Tweet us at @AcademicaMedia or with the hashtag #BigIdeasinEducation with questions or new topics you want to see discussed.
Hosts: Ryan Kairalla (@ryankair)
Producer: Ross Ulysse

Ep 211: AI in Math Education; Lockerless schools Mar 25, 2024

Show notes

This week, Sarah talks about the integration of AI in mathematics, emphasizing its applications in the field and alignment with educational values and goals. This approach allows educators to be at the forefront of utilizing AI to enhance learning experiences. Ryan talks about the trend in schools across the country toward the removal of lockers. New school constructions are opting for locker-free designs in favor of collaborative spaces furnished with modern furniture conducive to student group projects. Tune in!
Don't just listen, join the conversation! Tweet us at @AcademicaMedia or with the hashtag #BigIdeasinEducation with questions or new topics you want to see discussed.
Hosts: Ryan Kairalla (@ryankair); Sarah Boulos Fye (@readwithfye)
Producer: Ross Ulysse

Ep 210: Exploring Project-Based Learning for Engaging and Effective Instruction Mar 18, 2024

Show notes

This week, Ryan sits down with Telannia Norfar, a National Board Certified math teacher and the curriculum director of PBL Works. Telannia shares her insights on the benefits and effectiveness of project-based learning, highlighting what she enjoys most about it. Telannia also talks about how educators can reimagine math through this approach, offering valuable resources to enhance the impact of math lessons. Tune in!
You can find out more about our guest work by visiting www.pblworks.org
Don't just listen, join the conversation! Tweet us at @AcademicaMedia or with the hashtag #BigIdeasinEducation with questions or new topics you want to see discussed.
Hosts: Ryan Kairalla (@ryankair)
Producer: Ross Ulysse

Ep 209: Empowering Creative Minds Through Virtual Filmmaking with Chad Lewis Mar 11, 2024

Show notes

This week, Ryan sits with Chad Lewis, the Director of Technology at Tampa Preparatory School in Florida. Chad talks about the key aspects of virtual filmmaking and explores the role of artificial intelligence in the creative process. Chad also talks about the future of films and shares advice for schools eager to set up similar programs on their campus. Tune in!
Don't just listen, join the conversation! Tweet us at @AcademicaMedia or with the hashtag #BigIdeasinEducation with questions or new topics you want to see discussed.
Hosts: Ryan Kairalla (@ryankair)
Producer: Ross Ulysse

Ep 208: Personal essays in language arts classes; CPR training in schools saves lives Mar 04, 2024

Show notes

This week, Ryan talks about giving students more opportunities for personal essay writing throughout their K-12 careers to improve writing skills and present a valuable opportunity for teachers to get to know their students better. Sarah talks about a traumatic experience at school, underscoring the critical importance of CPR training and the implementation of life safety education within schools. Tune in!
Don't just listen, join the conversation! Tweet us at @AcademicaMedia or with the hashtag #BigIdeasinEducation with questions or new topics you want to see discussed.
Articles:
https://www.edutopia.org/article/importance-personal-essay-high-school?utm_source=Twitter&utm_medium=Social&utm_campaign=Winter+24&utm_id=Winter24&utm_term=student+personal+essay&utm_content=practitioner
https://www.local10.com/news/local/2023/12/15/pembroke-pines-teen-who-suffered-cardiac-arrest-returns-to-school-to-meet-staff-who-saved-his-life/
https://www.projectadam.com/ProjectADAM/Our-Team
Hosts: Ryan Kairalla (@ryankair) ; Sarah Boulos Fye (@readwithfye)
Producer: Ross Ulysse

Ep 207: Khan Academy partnership to increase math scores; Effective Teacher Feedback Feb 26, 2024

Show notes

This week, Sarah talks about a Khan Academy partnership due to learning loss which provides intensive mathematics professional development for educators, where teachers receive additional support, professional development, and weekly virtual mentorship sessions to improve mathematic instruction. Ryan talks about the importance of “feedback on feedback,” in which principals or session leaders prioritize following through on the information they receive from teachers to create a more functional workplace and a greater sense of belonging. Tune in!
Don't just listen, join the conversation! Tweet us at @AcademicaMedia or with the hashtag #BigIdeasinEducation with questions or new topics you want to see discussed.
Articles:
https://www.eseanetwork.org/sched/E24/session/computer-assisted-learning-mentoring-and-the-future-of-personalized-instructionred
https://www.edutopia.org/article/school-administrators-feedback-process
Hosts: Ryan Kairalla (@ryankair); Sarah Boulos Fye (@readwithfye)
Producer: Ross Ulysse

Ep 206: Ending Legacy Admissions; Black History Month ideas for teachers Feb 12, 2024

Show notes

This week, Ryan talks about the legislative landscape as some lawmakers push for a ban on college admissions preferences for "legacies"—students with familial ties to alumni or donors of the institution. Sarah talks about resources available to commemorate Black History Month, encouraging everyone to engage in research to further amplify their understanding of this significant cultural celebration. Tune in! 
Don't just listen, join the conversation! Tweet us at @AcademicaMedia or with the hashtag #BigIdeasinEducation with questions or new topics you want to see discussed.
Articles:
https://asalh.org/festival/
https://thenewtropic.com/miami-floridas-black-history/ https://www.miamiandbeaches.com/things-to-do/history-and-heritage/miamis-african-american-caribbean
https://www.the74million.org/article/virginia-dems-call-for-immediate-ban-on-legacy-admissions/
Hosts: Ryan Kairalla (@ryankair)
Producer: Ross Ulysse

Ep 205: Navigating the Path of College Financial Planning with Ann Garcia Feb 05, 2024

Show notes

This week, Ryan sits with Ann Garcia, certified financial planner and the author of “How to Pay For College”. On this episode, Ann talks about her work in the area of financial planning and effective communication strategies for students navigating the complexities of college financing. Ann also talks about common mistakes families make when saving for college and guidance that schools should provide to help students seeking scholarship opportunities. Tune in!
You can also find out more about our guest’s work by www.thecollegefinanciallady.com
Don't just listen, join the conversation! Tweet us at @AcademicaMedia or with the hashtag #BigIdeasinEducation with questions or new topics you want to see discussed.
Hosts: Ryan Kairalla (@ryankair)
Producer: Ross Ulysse

Ep 204: Capturing your students’ attention; Critical thinking in elementary schools Jan 29, 2024

Show notes

This week, Ryan talks about how teachers can use neuroscience to help capture their student’s attention when introducing new topics to them in class. Sarah talks about critical thinking as a powerful tool designed to elevate the learning experience in the classroom through five instructional approaches to foster deeper thinking in students. Tune in!
Don't just listen, join the conversation! Tweet us at @AcademicaMedia or with the hashtag #BigIdeasinEducation with questions or new topics you want to see discussed.
Articles:
https://www.edutopia.org/article/strategies-capture-students-attention
https://www.edutopia.org/article/critical-thinking-framework-for-elementary-school
Hosts: Ryan Kairalla (@ryankair); Sarah Boulos Fye (@readwithfye)
Producer: Ross Ulysse

Ep 203: Fighting chronic absenteeism; Cell phones in schools Jan 22, 2024

Show notes

This week, Sarah talks about the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on chronic absenteeism rates and shares an innovative approach to tackle this issue through insightful home visits. Ryan talks about the use of cell phones in schools and how educators are navigating the challenges associated with limiting their usage in the classroom. Tune in! Don't just listen, join the conversation!
Tweet us at @AcademicaMedia or with the hashtag #BigIdeasinEducation with questions or new topics you want to see discussed.
Articles:
https://www.edweek.org/leadership/do-cellphone-bans-work-educators-share-their-experiences/2023/11?utm_source=tw&utm_medium=soc&utm_campaign=edit https://www.propublica.org/article/school-absenteeism-truancy-education-students
Hosts: Ryan Kairalla (@ryankair) Producer: Ross Ulysse

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