Unpacking Education & Tech Talk For Teachers

Latest Episodes:

Student Time Management Apr 18, 2023

Show notes

In today's episode, we'll review four strategies that you can use to teach your students time management skills. Visit AVID Open Access to learn more.

Supporting Students Through a Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS), with Dr. Katie Novak Apr 12, 2023

Show notes

“How do we create the conditions that all students need, and by connection, that all teachers need so that they can be successful in meeting the needs of all kids?” asks Dr. Katie Novak, coauthor of a forthcoming book, In Support of Students: A Leader's Guide to Equitable MTSS.

In this episode, Dr. Novak helps us explore this important question through the lens of a multi-tiered system of supports (MTSS). She discusses not only the key components of a successful MTSS system but also how school systems need to be changed in order to attain the vision of meeting every student’s needs. Visit AVID Open Access to learn more.

Manage Your Digital Learning Environment Apr 11, 2023

Show notes

In today’s episode, we'll review three areas of your students' digital learning environment that they should become proficient in, so they can efficiently manage the learning resources in your classroom. Visit AVID Open Access to learn more.

The Shift to Student-Led: UDL and Blended Learning, with Dr. Katie Novak Apr 05, 2023

Show notes

In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Katie Novak, an internationally renowned education consultant, author, adjunct professor, former teacher, and former assistant superintendent of schools. We discuss the topic of her newest book, cowritten with Dr. Catlin Tucker, The Shift to Student-Led: Reimagining Classroom Workflows with UDL and Blended Learning. This work explores the unique intersection of Universal Design for Learning and blended learning as a way to design learning that is both student-centered and student-led.

Dr. Novak says, “My work is predominantly focused on deconstructing one-size-fits-all models for teaching and learning, and I do that through the lens of trying to universally design instruction.” She adds, “Universal design is essentially how we recognize barriers to one-size-fits-all and then provide pathways, so everyone has what they need to be successful.” Throughout our conversation, Dr. Novak details how these two approaches work together. She says, “Blended learning allows you to operationalize the research base as universal design because it gives us a frame for how we can provide all of these different pathways but also have opportunities to work with small groups of students—to help them self-assess, to determine if the choices they’re making are in fact serving them as learners.” Visit AVID Open Access to learn more.

Digital Study Spaces and Routines Apr 04, 2023

Show notes

In today’s episode, we'll review five tips that students and families can use to set up effective digital study spaces and routines at home. Visit AVID Open Access to learn more.

The Future of the Educational Landscape: CTE, STEM, and CS, with Ty Stevenson Mar 29, 2023

Show notes

This episode was recorded live at the 2022 AVID National Conference in Orlando, with special guest, Ty Stevenson, Product Manager at AVID Center and Project Manager of the AVID/Code.org Regional Partnership. Ty helps us unpack a vision for the future of education, which includes career and technical education (CTE); science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM); and computer science (CS). We discuss the importance of exposing students to these career possibilities at a young age and helping them develop related skill sets. We also explore the value and impact of personalizing learning in your schools.

Ty leaves us with lots to think about, including such reflections as, “Modeling, self-belief, seeing myself in somebody else’s experience is absolutely crucial. . . . Do our students see ourselves in these jobs that are available to them, and do they think it’s possible? Do they think they have the opportunity or even the ability? What are we doing to purposefully create those environments where they can have that vision?” Visit AVID Open Access to learn more.

Global Collaboration Mar 28, 2023

Show notes

In today’s episode, we'll explore ways to connect your students to digital pen-pals and learning partners outside of your physical classroom. Visit AVID Open Access to learn more.

AI, ChatGPT, and Education, with Angela Maiers Mar 22, 2023

Show notes

“The divide between the haves and the have-nots, the skilled and the unskilled, the educated and the non-educated has not been technology,” says our guest, Angela Maiers. “The divide is literacy. Literacy represents power and privilege.” ChatGPT is one of the newest examples of disruptive technology to become mainstream, and it will require our students to develop a new set of literacy skills. This will be critical since early indications suggest that artificial intelligence (AI) and tools like ChatGPT will likely impact many aspects of daily life, including jobs, news, and education. This infusion will require not only new literacy skills but also a new understanding and new ways of approaching learning.

Angela Maiers joins us on this episode to unpack this potentially confusing topic and help educators take steps toward using AI and ChatGPT in ways that benefit them, their students, and humanity.
Visit AVID Open Access to learn more.

Virtual Guest Speakers Mar 21, 2023

Show notes

In today’s episode, we'll explore resources to help you find virtual guest speakers to bring to your classroom. Visit AVID Open Access to learn more.

Project-Based Learning, with A.J. Juliani Mar 15, 2023

Show notes

In this episode, educator, thought leader, and best-selling author A.J. Juliani joins us to talk about all thing project-based learning. He discusses the benefits of PBL, examples of PBL in practice, and practical ways to get started implementing this student-centered approach to learning in your classroom.

A.J. says, “Project based learning is the type of learning we do the rest of our lives, just not necessarily in school. It’s titled PBL, but it’s just how we learn in real life. Right? We have challenges. We have questions. We have inquiry. We have all these things sustained over a period of time. That’s what PBL is, and I’m all about it.”

Visit AVID Open Access to learn more.