Shifting Schools: Conversations for K12 Educators

Latest Episodes:

The 'sexy broccoli' episode with Dr. Michael Greger Apr 27, 2025

Show notes

This week we speak with internationally renowned physician and nutritionist, and New York Times bestselling author Dr. Michael Greger about his upcoming book, THE HOW NOT TO AGE COOKBOOK: 100+ Recipes for Getting Healthier and Living Longer is afully illustrated cookbook filled with recipes to make you healthier as you age.

In The How Not to Age Cookbook, decades of scientific research are put to use in over a hundred recipes that will leave readers feeling nourished for years to come. Each of these simple, nutrition-packed dishes (like chickpea and tempeh breakfast burritos, edamame bisque, pinto bean spread, or mushroom hummus wraps) uses ingredients that have been proven to promote a healthy lifespan drawing on inspiration from the places around the world where people traditionally live the longest.

Grounded in the latest nutrition science, The How Not to Age Cookbookis chock-full of delicious meals, snacks, and beverages that will keep the body both nourished and youthful. In addition to discussing interventions to regulate the eleven aging pathways, Dr. Greger will also share tricks for taking unpalatable powders and tips on how to cook legumes on the stovetop.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Healthspan and Cooking 03:00 The Role of Legumes in a Healthy Diet 05:51 Practical Tips for Healthy Eating on the Go 08:58 The Gap in Medical Nutrition Education 12:13 The Importance of Communication in Nutrition 14:54 Marketing Healthy Eating and Social Influences 18:01 The Social Aspect of Healthy Eating

Thank you to our show sponsor:

https://www.neulight.io/?utm_source=shiftingschool&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=fallsponsorship&utm_id=1

Five challenges for fostering media and algorithmic literacy with friends and family Apr 21, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, Tricia Friedman discusses the importance of algorithmic literacy in media literacy, introducing a free guide designed for families and friends to engage in co-learning activities over the summer. The guide emphasizes emotional health and community engagement through various challenges that encourage participants to explore media's impact on their lives and relationships.

Grab the link to the free guide:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1yA8cP21EaM7mTUqEH_7BfyxWnEbRZQdr/view?usp=sharing

Thank you to our show sponsor:

https://www.neulight.io/?utm_source=shiftingschool&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=fallsponsorship&utm_id=1

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Media Literacy and Algorithms 01:12 Attunement Informed Media Literacy 04:33 Engaging Challenges for Media Literacy 08:25 Conclusion and Call to Action

The AI and Social Media Link Apr 14, 2025

Show notes

Jeff Utecht and Aaron Makelky discuss the integration of AI in education, focusing on how teachers can effectively leverage technology to enhance student learning. Aaron shares his journey as a high school social studies teacher and how he began using AI tools like ChatGPT in his classroom. They explore the importance of teaching AI literacy, the need for structured learning environments, and the challenges of ensuring equitable access to technology for all students. The conversation emphasizes the significance of prompt engineering and the various levels of AI integration in assignments, ultimately advocating for a more informed and adaptable approach to technology in education. In this conversation, Jeff Utecht and Aaron Makelky explore the evolving landscape of education, particularly focusing on the integration of AI and digital tools in learning environments. They discuss the historical context of search tools, the importance of teaching students to leverage technology effectively, and the need to redefine traditional notions of cheating in the context of AI. The conversation emphasizes the necessity for educators to adapt to new technologies and prepare students for a future where these tools are commonplace.

Aaron Makelky is a husband, father, teacher, tech enthusiast, and leader. Passionate about helping professionals learn AI skills. Over 15 years of instructional experience, simplifying complex topics and making learning approachable and enjoyable. Expertise as an AI Integration Consultant guiding individuals, schools, and law, and SMB through the evolving world of artificial intelligence.

Focused on streamlining workflows, enhancing content creation, and building foundational understanding of AI. Committed to making technology accessible, human-centered, and effective for everyone.

Content creator with a track record of engaging tens of millions through videos, blog posts, and social media content. Known for experimenting with new ways to connect and inspire others. (Thanks TikTok for the viral videos).

Connect with him:

https://www.aaronmakelky.com/links

Huge thanks to our show sponsor:

https://www.neulight.io/?utm_source=shiftingschool&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=fallsponsorship&utm_id=1

A new free guide for Earth Day Apr 07, 2025

Show notes

Tricia Friedman discusses the upcoming Earth Day and introduces a free guide aimed at helping educators engage students in sustainability discussions. The SEED guide emphasizes the intersection of AI and sustainability, encouraging a comprehensive approach to environmental education. Additionally, Tricia highlights a student competition for designing a new logo for Shifting Schools, promoting creativity and collaboration among students. The conversation also touches on the Earth Species Project, which uses AI to understand interspecies communication, and the importance of considering the ethical implications of technology in our daily lives.

Ready to download the free guide now?

https://shiftingschools.lpages.co/seed-free-guide/

Ready to learn about the student design competition?

https://www.shiftingschools.com/rebrand

Discussed this week:

Sustainability should be integrated across the curriculum.
AI can help address environmental challenges.
The Earth Species Project explores interspecies communication.
Students should consider the ethics of AI use.
Understanding technology's environmental impact is crucial.
The guide includes resources for various engagement levels.
Reader questions inspired the creation of the guide.
Feedback from educators is encouraged for future resources.

Connect with us:

info (at) shiftingschools.com

The Joy of Learning With Visual Notes Mar 31, 2025

Show notes

In this conversation, Tricia Friedman and Nicki Hambleton discuss the significance of visual note-taking, and why it is increasingly more necessary for our learners. They discuss the process of creating visual notes, the importance of fun in learning, and how visual note-taking enhances listening skills. Nicki shares her experiences and insights on how to overcome hesitation in visual note-taking and its potential connection to wellness initiatives in organizations. Big Ideas

Visual note-taking can help clarify thoughts about AI.
Engaging in fun activities enhances the learning experience.
The process of visual note-taking is as important as the outcome.
Slowing down can lead to deeper understanding and better listening.
Visual notes can serve as a personal archive of thoughts and ideas.
Anyone can learn to create visual notes, regardless of artistic skill.
Simple icons can effectively communicate complex ideas.
Visual note-taking can be a meditative practice.
Different people take away different insights from the same content.
Visual thinking can be integrated into wellness initiatives.

Chapters

00:00 Exploring Attitudes Towards AI Through Visual Notes 05:06 The Importance of Fun in Learning and Note-Taking 10:16 The Art of Listening and Visual Note-Taking 16:10 Overcoming Hesitation in Visual Note-Taking 22:11 Connecting Visual Note-Taking to Wellness Initiatives

Connect with Nicki and find out how she can help your learning organization:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicki-hambleton-436bb086/

https://nihconsultancy.com/

https://www.flickr.com/photos/itsallaboutart/albums/72157635026374032/

Thank you to our amazing show sponsor

https://www.neulight.io/?utm_source=shiftingschool&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=fallsponsorship&utm_id=1

Watching Adolescence? Here's how to talk with...not just about teens Mar 27, 2025

Show notes

In this very short bonus episode, we let you know that we have received a ton of mail about Netflix's new hit show Adolescence.

In light of those requests we put together a brand new free guide to help you use this moment and that show's popularity for media literacy in both the classroom and the home.

Ready for the free guide?

https://shiftingschools.lpages.co/a-media-literacy-moment-with-adolescence-your-free-guide/

Do you have requests for other free guides?

tricia(at)shiftingschools (dotcom)

Multilingual Learners and AI: A Mindset Shift with Dr. Marc Santamaria Mar 24, 2025

Show notes

This conversation explores the transformative impact of AI in education and the legal profession. The speakers discuss how generative AI can assist teachers in lesson creation, enhance student confidence, and streamline legal research. They emphasize the importance of collaboration with AI, the need for educators and lawyers to adapt to new technologies, and the mindset shift required to embrace these changes. The discussion also highlights the potential for AI to improve productivity and foster a culture of sharing knowledge among professionals.

Connect with Dr. Santamaria

https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcasantamaria/

Chapters

00:00 The Excitement of AI in Education 07:02 Building Confidence in Multilingual Learners 11:47 AI's Impact on the Legal Profession 20:10 Embracing AI: A Mindset Shift 25:04 Connecting and Sharing Knowledge

Thank you to our special sponsor:

https://www.neulight.io/?utm_source=shiftingschool&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=fallsponsorship&utm_id=1

Conflicted about AI? Try being conflicted with AI... Mar 17, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, Tricia Friedman discusses her exploration of AI's potential in enhancing conflict resolution skills. She shares insights from her research and the development of a conflict simulator bot designed to help users practice and improve their conflict navigation abilities. The conversation emphasizes the importance of feedback and collaboration in utilizing AI technology effectively.

Learn more about

Moxie

Consensus AI

and try out the bot mentioned in the episode:

https://chatgpt.com/g/g-67b5feb5a74c8191bb26074523bfc77a-conflict-simulator

BIG IDEAS

AI can assist in developing essential conflict resolution skills.
The term 'soft skills' undermines the importance of these abilities.
Conflict resolution is a critical skill in education.
Research shows that rehearsals improve our conflict management.
Dog play offers valuable lessons in conflict resolution.
The conflict simulator bot allows for role-playing scenarios.
Synthetic voices in AI can be surprisingly realistic.

BIG thanks to our show sponsor:

Neulight

https://www.neulight.io/?utm_source=shiftingschool&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=fallsponsorship&utm_id=1

This is the age of the creator Mar 10, 2025

Show notes

This conversation explores the innovative virtual filmmaking program at Chad Lewis's school, highlighting the integration of technology, AI, and creative collaboration among students. The discussion emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinary learning and the empowerment of students to pursue their passions in a supportive environment.

Takeaways

The virtual filmmaking program started with a new film instructor's initiative. Students learn to use Unreal Engine for virtual production. The program emphasizes storytelling, lighting, and camera angles as foundational skills. AI is transforming media creation and accessibility for students. Collaboration between different departments enhances the learning experience. Students are encouraged to bring their ideas to faculty without fear of rejection. The school culture promotes creativity and innovation among both students and teachers. The accessibility of technology has lowered barriers for students to learn and create. The importance of media literacy in understanding and critiquing content. A focus on the vocabulary of educational goals helps guide technology integration.

Chad Lewis has been the Director of Technology at Tampa Preparatory School in Tampa, Florida since August 2010. He oversees all facets of technology at the school, from network infrastructure and security to educational technology and training.

Learn more:

https://tampaprep.org/about/innovative-spaces/

Learn more about our student logo challenge:

https://www.shiftingschools.com/rebrand

Big thanks to our special show sponsor, learn more about how Neulight can support your community!

https://www.neulight.io/?utm_source=shiftingschool&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=fallsponsorship&utm_id=1

Neurodiversity Celebration Week and AI Mar 04, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, Tricia Friedman introduces the Neurodivergent Nexus Bot in anticipation of Neurodiversity Celebration Week. She discusses the importance of viewing neurodivergence as a strength and shares her experiences using AI for deeper research. The episode highlights the bot's capabilities and encourages listeners to engage with it during the celebration week, while also inviting feedback for future podcast topics.

Ready to try it out?

https://chatgpt.com/g/g-67c60bad02d081919d23e47e9da20e21-neurodivergent-nexus-bot

Please take our summer podcast series survey:

https://us10.list-manage.com/survey?u=27660f931231d00899b80a484&id=a23c5890fd&attribution=false

We are so thanksful to our amazing show sponsor!

https://www.neulight.io/?utm_source=shiftingschool&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=fallsponsorship&utm_id=1

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Neurodiversity Celebration Week

03:02 Exploring the NeuroDivergent Nexus Bot

06:56 Engaging with AI for Neurodiversity

08:34 Feedback and Future Directions

Takeaways