EdTech Classroom

In today's solo show, I'm sharing three common challenges of project-based learning, and ideas on how to avoid them. Episode Webpage: https://edtech-class.com/2022/03/30/common-challenges-of-pbl-and-how-to-avoid-them/ All About Gold Standard PBL:… Read more

In today's episode, I'm sharing ideas for using Mote in the classroom. Episode Webpage / Transcription: https://edtech-class.com/2022/03/16/how-to-use-mote-in-the-classroom/ 60-Days of Mote Unlimited: https://www.mote.com/r/2etnpey EdTech Classroom: Website: https://edtech-class.com/ Instagram: @edtechclass Email:… Read more

In today's solo show, I'm making the case for kindergarten. More specifically, I’m sharing ways that we can incorporate some of the pillars of kindergarten – tinkering, exploration, and play – into every grade level. Press play. Episode Webpage / Transcription:… Read more

We are bringing blogging into the classroom with student blog projects. Press play. Episode Webpage / Transcription: https://edtech-class.com/2022/03/02/bringing-blogging-into-the-classroom-with-student-blog-projects/ EdTech Classroom: Website: https://edtech-class.com/ Instagram: @edtechclass Email:… Read more

In today's episode, we're talking about Design Thinking, and more specifically, prototyping and testing in the classroom. Press play. Episode Webpage / Transcription: https://edtech-class.com/2022/02/24/prototyping-and-testing-in-the-classroom/ Design Thinking Resources: Start Here:… Read more

What does authentic learning *really* mean? Press play. Episode Webpage / Transcription: https://edtech-class.com/2022/02/16/what-does-authentic-learning-really-mean/ Other Resources: https://www.edutopia.org/article/6-ways-guide-students-more-authentic-work-pbl… Read more

In today's solo show, I share ideas for using Google Keep as a teacher and for simple task management. Press play. Episode Webpage / Transcription: https://edtech-class.com/2022/02/09/google-keep-for-teachers-how-to-use-google-keep-for-simple-task-management/ EdTech Classroom: Website: https://edtech-class.com/… Read more

In today's solo show, I'm sharing tips for incorporating technology into project-based learning. Press play. Episode Webpage / Transcription: https://edtech-class.com/2022/02/02/incorporating-technology-into-project-based-learning/ Blog Post about PBL:… Read more

In today's episode, I share ideas for using Google Arts & Culture in the classroom. Press play. Episode Webpage / Transcription: https://edtech-class.com/2022/01/26/using-google-arts-culture-in-the-classroom/ EdTech Classroom: Website: https://edtech-class.com Instagram: @edtechclass Email: myedtechclassroom@gmail.com

In today's episode, I'm sharing my top coding books for elementary students. These computer science picture books help teach fundamental coding and programming concepts. Press play. Episode Webpage / Transcription:… Read more

For our first episode of 2022, I’m sharing some fun STEM activities and challenges based on the Ada Twist, Scientist book series. Press play. Episode Webpage / Transcription: https://edtech-class.com/2022/01/05/ada-twist-scientist-stem-activities-the-questioneers-steam-challenges/ Ada Twist, Scientist:… Read more

The time has come! We’re wrapping up 2021 with my top 5 edtech tools of the year. Press play. Episode Webpage / Transcription: https://edtech-class.com/2021/12/29/edtech-classrooms-year-in-review-top-5-edtech-tools-of-2021/ Last year’s episode:… Read more

Learn how to use Google Sheets as a teacher or educator. Press play. Episode Webpage / Transcription: https://edtech-class.com/2021/12/22/how-to-use-google-sheets-as-a-teacher-or-educator/ EdTech Classroom: Website: https://edtech-class.com Instagram: @edtechclass Email: myedtechclassroom@gmail.com

Happy Holidays! Listen to today's episode for some new ideas for using Google Slides in your classroom. Check out my templates in the episode webpage: https://edtech-class.com/2021/12/15/winter-google-slides-templates-for-teachers/ EdTech Classroom: Website: https://edtech-class.com/ Instagram: @edtechclass Email:… Read more

This is the last episode in our Design Thinking mini-series. Today's episode is all about Design Thinking in 5th grade. Press play. Episode Webpage / Transcription: https://edtech-class.com/2021/12/08/design-thinking-in-the-5th-grade-classroom/ Design Thinking in 4th Grade:… Read more

In the fifth episode of our Design Thinking mini-series, I'm sharing ideas for implementing this approach in your 4th grade classroom. Press play. Episode Webpage / Transcription: https://edtech-class.com/2021/12/01/design-thinking-in-the-4th-grade-classroom/ Combining Systems Thinking and Design Thinking:… Read more

In this week's solo show, we continue our Design Thinking mini-series by looking at strategies for implementing this approach in your Third Grade classroom. Press play. Episode Webpage / Transcription: https://edtech-class.com/2021/11/17/design-thinking-in-the-3rd-grade-classroom/ EdTech Classroom: Website:… Read more

In this week's solo show, we continue our Design Thinking mini-series by looking at strategies for implementing this approach in your Second Grade classroom. Press play. Episode Webpage / Transcription: https://edtech-class.com/2021/11/10/design-thinking-in-the-2nd-grade-classroom/ EdTech Classroom: Website:… Read more

New mini-series on Design Thinking at different grade levels. This is #2! Learn how to implement Design Thinking in the 1st grade classroom. Press play. Episode Webpage / Transcription: https://edtech-class.com/2021/11/03/design-thinking-in-the-1st-grade-classroom/ EdTech Classroom: Website: https://edtech-class.com/… Read more

New mini-series! Design Thinking at different grade levels! Learn how to implement Design Thinking in the Kindergarten classroom. Press play. Episode Webpage / Transcription: https://edtech-class.com/2021/10/29/design-thinking-in-the-kindergarten-classroom/ Another Design Thinking Episode You Might Like:… Read more

October is Dyslexia Awareness Month, so I am re-sharing Episode 29: If Technology is to be Revolutionary, We Need Everyone at the Table with Jeannette Washington, M.Ed. In this episode, I chat with Jeannette Washington, M.Ed., whose work focuses on the intersection of dyslexia advocacy, technology, and social justice.… Read more

In today's solo show, I share ideas for how you can teach the Sustainable Development Goals through a Systems Thinking lens. Press play. Episode Webpage: https://edtech-class.com/2021/09/29/using-systems-thinking-to-tackle-the-sustainable-development-goals-sdgs/ Systems Thinking Episodes:… Read more

In today's solo show, I discuss strategies for combining the Systems Thinking and Design Thinking approaches to teaching and learning in the classroom. Systems Thinking helps students identify problems. Design Thinking helps students solve those problems. Press play. Episode Webpage / Transcription:… Read more

In today's solo show, I talk about Systems Thinking and how I implement this approach to teaching and learning in my elementary classroom. Press play. Episode Webpage / Transcription: https://edtech-class.com/2021/09/15/systems-thinking-in-the-elementary-classroom/ EdTech Classroom: Website: https://edtech-class.com/… Read more

In today's solo show, I share my 5 favorite edtech tools for design thinking in the classroom. Press play. Episode Webpage / Transcription: https://edtech-class.com/2021/09/08/edtech-tools-for-design-thinking/ EdTech Classroom: Website: https://edtech-class.com/ Instagram: @edtechclass Email:… Read more

In today's solo show, I'm sharing ideas for teaching empathy through the design thinking process. Press play. Episode Webpage and Transcription: https://edtech-class.com/2021/09/01/teaching-empathy-through-design-thinking-in-the-elementary-classroom/ Design Thinking Blog Posts: Design Thinking in the Elementary… Read more

So many of you seemed to love my podcast episode about Design Thinking, so I'm sharing another project idea in today's episode! In today's solo show, I share an in-depth project example for how to incorporate design thinking to build classroom community for back to school. Press play. Episode Webpage / Transcription:… Read more

In today's episode, I interview Brittany Gaffney, an Instructional Technology Specialist in New York who works with and supports over 50 districts. Brittany shares ideas for incorporating edtech into your back-to-school plans, as well as her own experiences as both an edtech coach and former classroom teacher. Press… Read more

In today's solo show, I share a Responsive Classroom Book List for teachers and educators. These books are my favorite back-to-school resources. Press play. Episode Webpage / Transcription:… Read more

A high schooler did WHAT?! As teachers, we know how incredible and talented our students are, and Ahmed Muhammad is exactly that: an incredible and talented recent high school grad who is already making a difference in the world. Chances are, you’ve already heard of Ahmed. He has gone viral online several times now… Read more

In today’s solo show, I’m focusing on just one of the many classroom practices at the heart of the Responsive Classroom approach: Morning Meeting. During Morning Meeting, which occurs at the start of the school day, everyone in the classroom – teachers and students alike – gather in a circle for twenty to thirty… Read more

In today's episode, I interview Jordan Campbell and Ashlynn Schindler from CoderZ. We talk about all things CoderZ, including their products, resources, and offerings. We also chat about 21st century skills like problem-solving and computational thinking. Press play. Episode Webpage and Transcription:… Read more

In today's episode, we discuss the Gold Standard PBL model, developed by PBLWorks. Press play. Episode Webpage and Transcription: https://edtech-class.com/2021/07/08/all-about-gold-standard-pbl-a-teachers-guide-to-the-pblworks-project-based-learning-framework/ PBLWorks: https://www.pblworks.org/ Other PBL Episodes:… Read more

TPACK, or Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge, is a framework for the integration of technology in the classroom. The TPACK framework is a helpful guide to providing students with a high-quality educational experience, when technology is incorporated in the classroom. Press play. Episode Webpage:… Read more

In today's solo show, we discuss the SAMR tech integration model. We talk about different ways technology is used in the classroom: substitution, augmentation, modification, and redefinition. Press play. Episode Webpage:… Read more

In today's solo show, we explore the design thinking process and how design thinking projects can be used in elementary school classrooms. Even if you aren't an elementary school teacher, today's episode will still have applicable takeaways for ideas on how you can implement design thinking with your students,… Read more

Today we are celebrating the first birthday of the EdTech Classroom Podcast! Press play. Episode Webpage: https://edtech-class.com/2021/06/09/edtech-classroom-podcast-turns-one/ EdTech Classroom: Website: https://edtech-class.com/ Instagram: @edtechclass Twitter: @edtech_class Email: myedtechclassroom@gmail.com

In today's episode, I'm sharing my Summer 2021 Book List for Teachers. Press play. Episode Webpage: https://edtech-class.com/2021/06/02/edtech-classroom-summer-2021-book-list-for-teachers/ Book Links: Tasks Before Apps:… Read more

In today’s episode, I’m sharing some tips and strategies for boosting student engagement using game-based learning and gamification. We’ll be talking about the differences between gamification and game-based learning, the benefits of game-based learning, examples from K-12 classrooms, and recommendations on getting… Read more

In today's solo show, I'm sharing strategies for how to use podcasts in your classroom. I share recommendations for whole class vs. independent listening models and, of course, so much more. Press play. Episode Webpage: https://edtech-class.com/2021/05/19/how-to-use-podcasts-in-your-classroom/ Interview with Sara Lev:… Read more

In today's episode, I chat with Spencer Sharp, elementary STEM teacher, host of the Innovative Teacher Podcast, and "Sharp the Builder." Spencer built the STEM program at his school from the ground up, and he is a current classroom teacher who also builds STEM curriculum for teachers all over. We chat about all things… Read more

In today's solo show, we're getting organized! It's time to declutter and organize your Google Drive. Press play. Episode Webpage: https://edtech-class.com/2021/05/05/teacher-spring-cleaning-how-to-organize-your-google-drive/ EdTech Tool of the Week: code.org EdTech Classroom: Website: https://edtech-class.com/… Read more

In today's episode, I chat with Nishat Firdous Jehan Ali, dedicated and experienced educator, about empowering students to become lifelong learners and global citizens. We discuss strategies to develop meaningful learning experiences, and Nishat shares impactful anecdotes from her own experience teaching 4th grade and… Read more

In today’s solo show, I share step-by-step directions on how to implement Genius Hour in your elementary classroom - from start to finish. I covered this topic almost a year ago during Episode 03, but I’ve refined my thoughts and ideas in today’s episode. Welcome to Round 2. I’m excited to share my learnings with you.… Read more

In today’s episode, I chat with Mike Rutherford, founder of gotLearning and creator of the first Collaborative Learning System. We talk about learning conversations, qualitative data, and the future of edtech. Press play. Episode Webpage and Transcription:… Read more

In today’s solo show, I do a quick but deep-dive into a project I have done with students. This project incorporates 21st century skills, like collaboration, communication, and problem-solving. Press play. Episode Website and Transcription:… Read more

In today's episode, I chat with Ivan Cestero, Head of Experience Design for MYX. MYX is a higher education company that combines online and experiential learning in residential campuses around the world. MYX helps students develop the skills and mindsets for life success, from self-discovery to moral leadership to… Read more

In today's episode, I'm sharing 9 ways you can use Google Forms with students. Be sure to check out the free templates on the episode webpage! Episode Webpage and Transcription: https://edtech-class.com/2021/03/24/9-ways-to-use-google-forms-in-your-classroom EdTech Tool of the Week: https://bookcreator.com/ EdTech… Read more

On Friday March 13, 2020, students and teachers left the classroom for what many of us believed would be a short period of virtual learning. Now, just over a year later, the field of education has changed drastically. It's been a year. The reality is that this past year has shined light on a lot of problems in our… Read more

A couple of weeks ago, Google Workspace for Education shared a number of updates during their “Learning with Google Event” that are coming to educators in 2021, and in today's episode, I’m focusing on the updates to Google Classroom. Press play. Episode Transcription:… Read more

Top 5 Hybrid and Hyflex Tips for Teachers Lately I have gotten the same question from teachers over and over again, and now that I have been living this hybrid experience for a little while, I feel like I can appropriately answer the question and give some advice. The question I have been receiving is… “What… Read more

Episode 32: How to Use Google Jamboard during Morning Meeting Today I’m sharing three different ideas on how you can use Google Jamboard with your students during Morning Meeting. I’m also sharing templates for these activities that you can use for free! Activity Links and Episode Webpage:… Read more

Today I chat with my Instagram friend, Naomi Meredith. We talk about everything from STEM teaching and tech integration at the elementary level to truffle mac and cheese cardboard boxes. Press play. Naomi Meredith is a former classroom teacher turned current K-5 STEM teacher. After being in the elementary classroom… Read more

PBL in the Math Classroom with Telannia Norfar In today’s episode, I chat with THE expert on PBL in the math classroom, Telannia Norfar. We discuss everything from bigger ideas in PBL to immediate strategies that you can implement in your classroom tomorrow. Press play. Resources Mentioned: https://hqpbl.org/ Episode… Read more

Episode 29: If Technology is to be Revolutionary, We Need Everyone at the Table with Jeannette Washington, M.Ed. In today's episode, I chat with Jeannette Washington, M.Ed., whose work focuses on the intersection of dyslexia advocacy, technology, and social justice. Jeannette has worked as a speech and language… Read more

Today I chat with Jodi Miller, PhD student at Johns Hopkins University and creator of WellCheq. WellCheq is a web-based tool that gives students a voice and provides teachers with insight into the wellbeing of their learners. Teachers can check-in with students and support their social emotional needs with WellCheq.… Read more

In Episode 26, I interviewed Sara Lev, TK teacher and PBLWorks National Faculty. Sara and her TK students created their own podcast. For today’s bonus episode, you’ll hear directly from Sara’s students. Press play. Show Notes: https://edtech-class.com/2021/01/20/the-rainbow-builders-podcast/ EdTech Classroom Website:… Read more

Episode 27: EdTech Classroom’s Year in Review: Top 5 EdTech Tools of 2020 It's time for the first annual EdTech Classroom Year in Review. I'm sharing my top 5 edtech tools of 2020. It's the moment you didn't even know you were waiting for. And it's here. Press play. Other “Top EdTech Tools” Lists: House of #EdTech… Read more

Episode 26: PBL in Early Childhood with Sara Lev, TK Teacher and PBLWorks National Faculty Today's episode of the EdTech Classroom Podcast is with Sara Lev, Transitional Kindergarten Teacher and National Faculty for PBLWorks. You might notice something different about the intro of today's episode. I don't *normally*… Read more

Episode 25: Bringing Learning Alive with Jane Chadsey (CEO) and Sara Nachtigal (Director of Teaching and Learning) from Educurious I chat with Jane and Sara from Educurious on all things project-based learning, high-quality PBL curriculum, and student-centered learning. Resources Mentioned: https://educurious.org/… Read more

Fostering Self-Empowered Learners and Critical Thinkers with Chris Lehmann, CEO and Principal of Science Leadership Academy Chris and I discuss his work for Science Leadership Academy, Inquiry Schools, and discuss all things edtech and inquiry-based education. ** Reuploaded and fixed intro audio ** Resources Mentioned… Read more

The Special Sauce of PBL with Mike Kaechele, PBL & SEL Teacher, Coach, & PBLWorks National Faculty Mike Kaechele: Twitter @mikekaechele http://michaelkaechele.com/ Facebook Page: SEL in PBL Resources Mentioned: PBLWorks: https://www.pblworks.org/ High Tech High: https://www.hightechhigh.org/ Expeditionary Learning:… Read more

In today's episode, I chat with Shane Krukowski, Co-Founder and COO of Headrush. We talk about all things PBL, learning management systems, and so much more. This is by far my FAVORITE episode to date. Press play. -- Headrush Related: Headrush in 5min: https://www.headrushlearning.com/5-minute-overview Task Board… Read more

Imagine a carnival filled with making, tinkering, and creating. Sounds pretty awesome, right? That's just one of the many projects that Dr. Leah Hanes implements as CEO and Chief Juggler of the Two Bit Circus Foundation. In today's episode, Dr. Leah and I chat about makerspaces, STEAM education, hands-on learning, and… Read more

Crossover Episode Alert! Today's episode is a crossover episode with Dr. Sam Fecich from the EduMagic Podcast. We share ten edtech tips for new teachers (and veteran teachers, too!). Press play. Resources Mentioned: Common Sense Media Screetime:… Read more

Kids learn by making, by playing, and by doing things with their hands. Today's episode of the EdTech Classroom Podcast is all about a human-centered approach to teaching, learning by doing, and keeping it simple with PBL. https://edtech-class.com/ instagram.com/edtechclass myedtechclassroom@gmail.com

I am OBSESSED with today's episode. I mean... how cool is it to have the opportunity to learn about education in other countries? I've learned so much from listening to our experts in today's episode. Tune in to listen to my conversation with Pamela Alba and Alejandra Escovar all about STEAM in the Dominican Republic.… Read more

Teaching with technology brings up a whole new territory for teachers, and one area that’s important to consider is student privacy. In today’s episode of the EdTech Classroom Podcast, I discuss strategies for protecting student privacy and promoting digital citizenship in the virtual classroom. EdTech Classroom:… Read more

Tune in to listen to the very first crossover episode on the EdTech Classroom Podcast. I sit down with Chris Nesi from House of #EdTech (my favorite edtech podcast). We chat about all things related to education technology, project-based learning, and supporting student SEL needs. Press play. Resources Mentioned:… Read more

Lately, a lot of teachers have been asking me: what tech tools work really well for PBL? So, today's episode is about exactly that! My top three tech tools for project-based learning. Press play. Listen to my other episodes on PBL: Episode 2: Strategies for Implementing PBL in your Classroom Episode 3: How to Plan and… Read more

Do you have a tech problem? Is your webpage not loading? Is your computer showing the spinning beach ball of death? There's nothing more frustrating than a tech issue, especially when teaching remotely. Today's episode is all about my top troubleshooting tips for teachers. These tips, tricks, and strategies are… Read more

Today’s episode is all about my biggest tech advice for distance learning and teaching. So... Are you ready? Are you ready to hear this Earth-shattering advice? Press play. https://edtech-class.com/ Instagram @edtechclass

In this week's episode of the EdTech Classroom Podcast, I speak with Abby Brody, founder and CEO of Mind the Gap. We discuss gap years, project--based learning, and higher education. As a former elementary school teacher and current startup CEO, Abby provides insight into what the future of higher education might look… Read more

Teachers are planners. We're expert planners, even! But, how the heck can we plan for the 2020-21 school year when we have no earthly idea what we're even supposed to be planning? Today’s episode is about exactly that: how to plan for the school year in an age of uncertainty. You'll leave this episode with 3 concrete… Read more

Goooood morning friends! Or, afternoon, or evening, or whatever time of day you might be listening. Morning Meeting is the bread and butter of school. It sets students up with the social-emotional and academic skills they need to thrive. But with all this uncertainty about next school year, you might be wondering: how… Read more

Listen up! Today's episode of the EdTech Classroom Podcast is giving you concrete tips on how you can implement authentic project-based learning in your classroom, uncertainty and all. With these tips and ideas, you'll leave today's episode feeling more confident and prepared for the 2020-21 school year, whether… Read more

Today we’re bringing you a BONUS episode of the EdTech Classroom Podcast all about becoming a Google Certified Educator Level 1. I share my review of the training and exam, as well as my general advice based on my experience. This episode walks you through some tips on studying for and completing the exam. Plus, I… Read more

In today's episode, I sit down with Greg Mittleider, computer science educator and edtech consultant, to chat about all things computer science, project-based learning, and entrepreneurship. Greg brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to our conversation, having worked as a CS educator at Harvard University and… Read more

When was the last time you played? Not with your children or with your students, but when was the last time that YOU played? In today's episode, we continue discussing innovative ideas for professional development this summer. More specifically, we discuss why teachers need to incorporate play and exploration into… Read more

In today's episode, we decide to say goodbye to "sit-and-get" professional development. PD doesn't have to be boring. It can be collaborative, engaging, exciting, and so much more. We provide 3 suggestions for practical, applicable professional development for teachers. Want to connect? Email me at… Read more

In today's episode of the EdTech Classroom Podcast, I sit down with Andrew Bannish, an edtech expert from BrainCo Tech. We discuss authentic learning, project-based learning, STEM education, and so much more. For more information about Andrew, you can connect with him on LinkedIn… Read more

Welcome to Episode 3 of the EdTech Classroom Podcast. We’ll be discussing how to plan and implement Genius Hour in your classroom today. In this episode, I walk you through the planning step-by-step, so you can have the exact roadmap you need to begin self-guided projects and 20% Time in your classroom today. This… Read more

Welcome to Episode 2 of the EdTech Classroom podcast. I am so excited for today’s episode because we are going to be discussing my very favorite topic in education: project-based learning. More specifically, I share strategies for implementing project-based learning in both your virtual and physical classrooms. To… Read more

Welcome to the first episode of the EdTech Classroom podcast. Today I share my Summer 2020 Book List for Teachers.I created this book list a few weeks ago to help teachers stay inspired and motivated this summer. This list was curated with distance learning and coronavirus in mind. Recent events, including the murder… Read more