Unpacking Education & Tech Talk For Teachers

Latest Episodes:

Writing To Learn Apr 08, 2025

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In today’s episode, we'll explore tech-enriched strategies to facilitate writing to learn. Visit AVID Open Access to learn more.

Student Motivation, with Tyler Rablin Apr 02, 2025

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In this episode, Tyler Rablin, author of Hacking Student Motivation, joins us to examine the role that assessment plays in student motivation. He emphasizes the importance of rethinking traditional grading and assessment practices to better foster student success. He shares his experience with a brilliant but struggling student, Tiff, who inspired him to focus on growth rather than averaging scores. Rablin advocates for unpacking standards, using learning progressions, and providing meaningful feedback to help students see their progress. He also discusses the role of AI in enhancing feedback while maintaining personal connections with students. Practical steps are shared to help educators implement these strategies. Visit AVID Open Access to learn more.

Snorkl Apr 01, 2025

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Explore Snorkl, an AI feedback tool.

Information and News Literacy, with Brittney Smith Mar 26, 2025

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In this episode, Brittney Smith from the News Literacy Project discusses the importance of news and information literacy in today's digital age. She emphasizes the need for students to critically evaluate the credibility of information and understand the role of journalism in the information sharing process. Brittney highlights strategies like pausing before sharing, lateral reading, and training social media algorithms to filter credible content. She also discusses the differences between misinformation and disinformation, as well as the impact of artificial intelligence on news literacy. The News Literacy Project offers various free resources, including their Checkology interactive lessons, SIFT educator publication, and RumorGuard platform, to help educators effectively teach these skills. Visit AVID Open Access to learn more.

Canva Whiteboard Mar 25, 2025

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Explore Canva Whiteboard, a robust digital canvas and workspace.

Elevating Educational Design With AI, with Dr. Catlin Tucker Mar 19, 2025

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In this episode, Dr. Catlin Tucker discusses her new book, Elevating Educational Design with AI, co-authored with Dr. Katie Novak. Tucker emphasizes the importance of using AI as a design thought partner rather than a replacement for human teaching. She outlines a framework for integrating AI into lesson planning, focusing on backward design, universal design, and personalized learning. Tucker highlights the benefits of AI in creating flexible pathways, designing rubrics, and fostering resilience in students. She stresses the need for educators to craft effective AI prompts, evaluate AI-generated content, and maintain human connection in the classroom. Tucker also recommends tools like School AI and NotebookLM for enhancing educational design. Visit AVID Open Access to learn more.

Interactive Slideshows: Simple Tech, Complex Thinking Mar 18, 2025

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In today’s episode, we'll explore using interactive slideshows to teach computer science and critical thinking. Visit AVID Open Access to learn more.

Lost in Translation: Rethinking Language Tools in Education, with Rena Clark Mar 12, 2025

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In this episode, Rena Clark, an Instructional Technology Facilitator and one of our Unpacking Education podcast cohosts, shares insights from the work that she's currently engaged in with language acquisition and translation tools. She discusses how the overreliance on translation tools in education can inadvertently hinder language acquisition and literacy. While she says that there's a time and place for translation tools in schools, it’s important to recognize that these tools can also increase cognitive load and communicate translations inaccurately. Rena emphasizes the importance of intentional, small-dose use of translation tools and advocates for good teaching practices, such as visual aids, simplified language, and peer support. She suggests empowering students to use translation tools responsibly and leveraging AI for better translations. Visit AVID Open Access to learn more.

Corgi Graphic Organizers Mar 11, 2025

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In today’s episode, we'll explore Corgi, a free, interactive graphic organizer tool from CAST designed for teachers and students. Visit AVID Open Access to learn more.