The EduGals Podcast

This week, we are starting our book study with chapter 1 of Grading for Equity: What It Is, Why It Matters, and How It Can Transform Schools and Classrooms by Joe Feldman. Specifically, we will dive into what makes grading so difficult to talk about and even harder to change. If you like what you hear, we would love… Read more

In this episode, we delve back into our discussion about the book 'Grading for Equity' by Joe Feldman. The third chapter which we are exploring is titled 'How Traditional Grading Stifles Risk Taking and Supports the Commodity of Grades' and opens up the conversation about belief systems and the prevailing view on… Read more

In this episode, we delve deeper into the Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles, examining the pillar of 'action and expression'. We review the importance of different methods and accommodations that allow students to demonstrate their learning in the most effective manner. We'll also highlight potential… Read more

In this episode, we are discussing the challenges and successes that we have experienced with destreaming in our classrooms. Specifically, we'll chat about the new grade 9 English curriculum, continuing efforts with other destreaming program areas, and how to best support teachers that are implementing destreaming. If… Read more

This week, we are talking all about how we start out using various opening routines in our mastery-based classrooms. Specifically, we will share how we set up our courses and some daily activities you can use with your students to get them ready for learning. If you like what you hear, we would love it if you could… Read more

This week, we are continuing our book study with chapter 2 of Grading for Equity: What It Is, Why It Matters, and How It Can Transform Schools and Classrooms by Joe Feldman. Specifically, we will dive into the history of schools and grading and examine what's changed and what's not changed (which is a lot!). If you… Read more

This week, we are chatting all about station-based learning. This instructional model is frequently used at the elementary level, so our focus for this conversation is how to implement station-based learning in the secondary classroom. If you like what you hear, we would love it if you could share this episode with a… Read more

This week, we are chatting about how Rachel's grading approach is shifting this year. Specifically, we will chat about standards-based grading, how Rachel is applying standards-based grading in her classroom, and where she hopes to be with her grading approaches in this school year. If you like what you hear, we would… Read more

This week, we are chatting about technology use with students and how parents can best support that at home. We will share a little bit of our own struggles as parents and also some ideas that we have as educators to help support families. If you like what you hear, we would love it if you could share this episode… Read more

This week, we are sharing our podcasting process. We'll get into our past and current podcasting practices, as well as the apps and tools that we use and love! Whether you are interested in podcasting for yourself or with your students, this episode is packed full of great tips and tricks to get you started. If you… Read more

This week, we are starting our book study with chapter 1 of Grading for Equity: What It Is, Why It Matters, and How It Can Transform Schools and Classrooms by Joe Feldman. Specifically, we will dive into what makes grading so difficult to talk about and even harder to change. If you like what you hear, we would love… Read more

This week, we are chatting about providing options for comprehension in the classroom. Using the UDL (Universal Design for Learning) framework and representation pillar, we're going to share some different strategies on how we can help students make information accessible, but also how to transform that into knowledge… Read more

In this episode, we are exploring asset vs deficit mindsets in education. We'll go over our observations as well as some of our ideas to shift away from a deficit mindset in our classrooms. If you like what you hear, we would love it if you could share this episode with a colleague or friend. And make sure you… Read more

This week, we are setting our goals for the upcoming school year. We'll chat about both our professional and our personal goals, from mastery-based learning to leadership goals and maintaining a good work-life balance this year. If you like what you hear, we would love it if you could share this episode with a… Read more

This week, we are talking all about how to build buy-in for ungrading in your school community. We'll discuss ungrading buy-in strategies for various different stakeholders such as teachers, admin, parents, and most importantly, students. Let's start talking about ungrading! If you like what you hear, we would love it… Read more

In this episode, we are exploring ways to set up your Learning Management System (LMS) effectively and efficiently to optimize course organization and learning for your students. We'll go over tips, strategies, and ideas for setting up your LMS, whether it is Brightspace, Canvas, Schoology, Google Classroom, or… Read more

In this episode, we are talking all about an amazing, and easy-to-use tool called Canva. We will be diving into the how-tos, ideas for using Canva with your students, features within Canva, and the differences between the types of accounts (free, pro, and education). If you like what you hear, we would love it if you… Read more

This week, we are discussing the why and how of creating effective instructional videos for your classroom. We'll share some considerations for creating videos, as well as tools you might want to use and tips and tricks to help you along the way. If you like what you hear, we would love it if you could share this… Read more

In this episode, we are getting into the debate of which tool we think is better - Google Slides or Google Jamboard. We'll do comparisons of different features and give you our overall impressions and preferences for these two tools. So stay tuned and make sure you listen right to the end! If you like what you hear,… Read more

This week, we are talking about the use of digital portfolios in the classroom. We'll explore why you would want to use portfolios, how to assess or evaluate portfolios, and our best tips and suggestions to make portfolios a success in your classroom. If you like what you hear, we would love it if you could share this… Read more

This week, we are talking all about grading in a mastery-based learning classroom. We'll share our learning as well as guiding principles to keep in mind as you consider grading practices in your mastery-based structured classroom. If you like what you hear, we would love it if you could share this episode with a… Read more

In this episode, we are sharing our summer reading list for teachers. We'll go over what we are currently reading, recommendations for reading, as well as what we want to read ourselves this summer. If you like what you hear, we would love it if you could share this episode with a colleague or friend. And make sure… Read more

This week, we are helping you harness the power of cognitive principles to elevate your teaching practice. In this final instalment of our book study, we'll explore how we can leverage all of our learning from Daniel Willingham's book "Why Don't Students Like School" to help us become the best teachers that we can be.… Read more

This week, we are chatting about how to help students to make the most sense of language and symbols in the classroom. Using the UDL (Universal Design for Learning) framework and representation pillar, we are exploring ways to provide support and reduce barriers to language and symbols. If you like what you hear, we… Read more

This week, we are chatting about how technology has (or hasn't really) impacted student learning. We're talking about how technology affects the learning and cognitive processes of our students, as well as the pros and cons of new technology and adopting these in the classroom. If you like what you hear, we would love… Read more

This week, we are sharing our favourite formative assessment tools. Formative assessment is essentially how we are assessing students for what they know while they are learning it in an ongoing format. There are so many great EdTech tools available to provide feedback to your students while they are learning, so we… Read more

In this episode, we are joined by a special guest from the Vancouver School Board, Jessica Liew, to chat about shifting our grading practices in the classroom. We'll get into all things assessment, focusing on standards-based grading, growth mindsets, and proficiency scales. Get ready to get nerdy about assessment! If… Read more

This week, we are chatting about why teachers are feeling so tired as well as identifying some strategies to cope and survive the rest of this school year. The exhaustion this school year is real so we are sharing different approaches we are taking to make it to summer in one piece! If you like what you hear, we would… Read more

This week, we are getting an update on Katie's project with Living Hyphen. She will be sharing updates on her dual language book project-based learning. The book has printed and officially launched! If you like what you hear, we would love it if you could share this episode with a colleague or friend. And make sure… Read more

This week, we are chatting all about the 100-point scale, why it is biased towards failure, and what we can do instead to make our grading a bit more biased-resistant. If you like what you hear, we would love it if you could share this episode with a colleague or friend. And make sure you subscribe so that you don’t… Read more

This week, we are tackling the topic of our different types of learners and how we can support our learners who are a little bit more slow in the classroom. We'll go over the difference between cognitive ability and cognitive styles, as well as intelligence and how all of our students can build their intelligence in… Read more

This week, we are chatting about how to boost student perception using multiple modalities. Using the UDL (Universal Design for Learning) framework and representation pillar, we are exploring ways to provide options for perception in the classroom. If you like what you hear, we would love it if you could share this… Read more

This week, we are chatting all about specifications (or specs) grading. This is an alternative grading strategy that focuses on mastery of learning by defining specific requirements for what students need to meet. If you like what you hear, we would love it if you could share this episode with a colleague or friend.… Read more

This week, we are chatting about Living Hyphen, an organization that explores the experiences of hyphenated Canadians. Katie is sharing how her work with this organization is being used in her ESL classroom, by creating identity texts using a project-based learning (PBL) approach. If you like what you hear, we would… Read more

This week, we are chatting about leadership in schools. We discuss both formal and informal leadership opportunities that you can become involved in with your school community to begin your journey as a leader. If you like what you hear, we would love it if you could share this episode with a colleague or friend. And… Read more

This week, we are diving further into the book "Why Don't Students Like School?" by Daniel Willingham. Specifically, we are exploring ideas of understanding abstract ideas, practice that works, and thinking like the experts. If you like what you hear, we would love it if you could share this episode with a colleague… Read more

This week, we are chatting about learner variability in the context of Universal Design for Learning (UDL). Learner variability is not just simply learning styles; we'll define what learner variability is as well as the various strategies that we can use in the classroom to support all of our learners. If you like… Read more

In this 50TH episode of the podcast, we'll be discussing podcasting in the classroom. We'll get into the why behind podcasting as well as the prep & tools you need to get started. If you like what you hear, we would love it if you could share this episode with a colleague or friend. And make sure you subscribe so that… Read more

This week, we are chatting all about leading change in education. Whether you are in a formal leadership position or an informal role, change is uncomfortable and messy. We've got some great tips and strategies on what you can do to lead change in your school community. If you like what you hear, we would love it if… Read more

This week, we are tackling the skill of self-regulation. As the third and final part of the engagement section of the Universal Design for Learning (UDL) framework, self-regulation is an area that doesn't get a lot of focus on in the classroom. We unpack this section of the UDL framework as well as chat about… Read more

This week, we are chatting all about Chat GPT, an AI (artificial intelligence) chatbot. We'll give you our initial thoughts and reactions to Chat GPT, as well as what this might mean for education and our classrooms. If you like what you hear, we would love it if you could share this episode with a colleague or… Read more

This week, we are diving further into the book "Why Don't Students Like School?" by Daniel Willingham. Specifically, we are exploring ideas of critical thinking, memory, and the importance of background knowledge in remembering key ideas and concepts. If you like what you hear, we would love it if you could share this… Read more

This week, we are chatting all about change with mastery learning in our classrooms! Specifically, we'll reflect on where we are at in our implementation journey as well as what changes we are going to make moving forward into the new semester. If you like what you hear, we would love it if you could share this… Read more

This week, we are exploring the sustaining effort and persistence aspect of the Universal Design for Learning (UDL) framework. We'll go over the four key checkpoints within effort and persistence as well as explain how you can start to implement some ideas in your classroom. If you like what you hear, we would love it… Read more

This week, we are starting a new book talk series! We are chatting about our learning and reflections on chapter 1 from Daniel Willingham's book, Why Don't Students Like School? There are lots of great brain-based and scientifically-backed ideas for your classroom in this book! If you like what you hear, we would love… Read more

This week, we are back and reflecting on the 2022 year. We'll chat about what we've struggled with and what we've learned as well as what our goals are for the new year. If you like what you hear, we would love it if you could share this episode with a colleague or friend. And make sure you subscribe so that you don’t… Read more

This week, we are diving deeper into the UDL (Universal Design for Learning) framework by exploring multiple means of engagement in the classroom. Specifically, we are focusing our discussion on how to spark excitement and curiosity in the classroom. If you like what you hear, we would love it if you could share this… Read more

In this episode, we are exploring the ways that you can leverage technology to support the English language learners in your classroom. We'll cover tech tools such as Google Read&Write and Mote, as well as some general tips and strategies for designing an inclusive and safe learning environment for your students. If… Read more

This week, we are chatting all about specifications (or specs) grading. This is an alternative grading strategy that focuses on mastery of learning by defining specific requirements for what students need to meet. If you like what you hear, we would love it if you could share this episode with a colleague or friend.… Read more

This week, we are reflecting on our experiences with de-streaming in our classrooms so far in this school year. We will share our progress, our wins and challenges, and, most importantly, resources to help guide you along with this journey! If you like what you hear, we would love it if you could share this episode… Read more

This week, we are chatting about learner variability in the context of Universal Design for Learning (UDL). Learner variability is not just simply learning styles; we'll define what learner variability is as well as the various strategies that we can use in the classroom to support all of our learners. If you like… Read more

This week, we are chatting about how chaotic this school year has been so far. We will share some of the different things that are making it feel so crazy, and we'll also brainstorm some ways that we can improve our daily teaching lives. If you like what you hear, we would love it if you could share this episode with… Read more

This week, we are chatting all about why UDL (Universal Design For Learning) is a great approach to designing classrooms that make learning accessible for all students. We are focusing on the big picture in this episode by going over what UDL is and isn't, how it's different from choice or differentiation, and… Read more

This week, we are back with an update on how mastery-based learning is going in our classrooms. We'll chat about our successes and challenges with mastery-based learning and provide some helpful tips and tricks along the way! If you like what you hear, we would love it if you could share this episode with a colleague… Read more

This week, we are chatting all about station-based learning. This instructional model is frequently used at the elementary level, so our focus for this conversation is how to implement station-based learning in the secondary classroom. If you like what you hear, we would love it if you could share this episode with a… Read more

This week, we are sharing our favourite formative assessment tools. Formative assessment is essentially how we are assessing students for what they know while they are learning it in an ongoing format. There are so many great EdTech tools available to provide feedback to your students while they are learning, so we… Read more

This week, we are celebrating the 100th episode of the EduGals podcast. We have handed over the reins to two amazing guests, Stephen Hurley and Doug Peterson, to interview us about our journey with podcasting and the future of EduGals! If you like what you hear, we would love it if you could share this episode with a… Read more

This week, we are discussing various strategies, tips, and ideas for digital teacher organization. As we embark on a new school year, this is a great time for you to get organized and develop some systems to help keep you on track. We'll talk about digital planning, Google Drive, Google Calendar, Canva, Slides Mania,… Read more

This week, we are sharing our favourite new Google features. There have been so many great updates to Google tools over the past few months and we are excited to share new features that we are excited about in Google Classroom, Gmail, Calendar, Meet, Docs, Forms, and Drive. If you like what you hear, we would love it… Read more

This week, we are sharing some tips and tricks to gear up for the new school year. We'll discuss reminders, considerations, and EdTech tools you might use as you get started with your planning. If you like what you hear, we would love it if you could share this episode with a colleague or friend. And make sure you… Read more

This week, we are talking all about how to build buy-in for ungrading in your school community. We'll discuss ungrading buy-in strategies for various different stakeholders such as teachers, admin, parents, and most importantly, students. Let's start talking about ungrading! If you like what you hear, we would love it… Read more

We are talking all about how to leverage tech tools to build community in your (hopefully) face-to-face classroom. We'll link different tools to our four whys of community building: collaboration, communication, social-emotional learning, and safe & inclusive environments. If you like what you hear, we would love it… Read more

This week, we are chatting all about different classroom strategies that we can use to support our English language learners (or multilingual learners). We'll explore a variety of strategies to support learners at varying levels of language learning in our classrooms. Katie is super pumped for this episode since… Read more

This week, we are chatting all about mastery-based grading in skills-based curriculum areas. We've got a packed episode where Rachel is reflecting on her thought processes and Katie helps with problem-solving some challenges with mastery-based grading. If you like what you hear, we would love it if you could share… Read more

This week, we are chatting all about our why and what brings us joy in education. We'll reflect on our educational journeys and talk about how we've made decisions that have impacted our career pathways. Reminding ourselves of where we find joy is one way that we are preparing ourselves for new challenges in the next… Read more

In this blast from the past, we are digging into the HOW of ungrading. In part 2 of this 2 part series, we are talking about different strategies and ideas to get started with ungrading in the classroom. It can feel pretty overwhelming to get started, so tune in to listen to some easy ways to dive into ungrading… Read more

In this blast from the past, Katie and I explore the ways to set up your Learning Management System (LMS) effectively and efficiently to optimize course organization and learning for your students. We reviewed tips, strategies, and ideas for setting up your LMS, whether it is Brightspace, Canvas, Schoology, Google… Read more

This week, we are chatting all about our reading, learning, and relaxing plans for the summer. It's been a tough year and we are ready for a break! We'll go over some great books to read, summer course that we might be taking (or not taking), and how we plan to recharge ourselves to get ready for the new school year.… Read more

This week, it's all about cleaning up our digital lives to get organized and ready for summer (and the new school year)! We are chatting about tips and tricks to organize your Google Drive, learning management systems (LMS) such as Google Classroom, Brightspace, Canvas, or others, and your other digital and local file… Read more

This week, we are chatting about all things descriptive feedback. We're exploring what descriptive feedback is, how you can tailor descriptive feedback to boost student learning, and general tips and strategies to make descriptive feedback easy and manageable to implement in your classroom. If you like what you hear,… Read more

This week, we are sharing a short reflection on the latest edition to Google Docs - dropdown chips! This new feature has a lot of great applications for the classrooms, including rubrics, student-facing pacing trackers, and so much more. If you like what you hear, we would love it if you could share this episode with… Read more

This week, we are reflecting on our excitements, challenges, and worries as we think forward to the new school year in September. We're chatting all about our latest projects and how we're implementing them into our classrooms in the fall as well as some of the struggles we have had so far with this process. If you… Read more

This week, we are discussing the NEW format of the Google Certified Educator exams (Level 1 and Level 2), as well as Google's other certification programs (Trainer, Coach, Innovator). We'll get into some great ideas on how to prepare yourself for the certifications, as well as our best advice on which of the other… Read more

This week, we are chatting all about why UDL (Universal Design For Learning) is a great approach to designing classrooms that make learning accessible for all students. We are focusing on the big picture in this episode by going over what UDL is and isn't, how it's different from choice or differentiation, and… Read more

This week, we are bringing you our 10 favourite approaches to get started with ungrading. We are focusing on those strategies that are easy to adapt to the needs of your classroom so that it is easy for you to get started! Just keep in mind that there is no right or wrong way to ungrade, so find the strategies that… Read more

In this episode, we are chatting all about trauma-informed pedagogy. While we are not trauma certified ourselves, we have picked up several strategies and tips along the way to help support students who have experienced trauma. If you like what you hear, we would love it if you could share this episode with a… Read more

In this episode, we are joined by a special guest from the Vancouver School Board, Jessica Liew, to chat about shifting our grading practices in the classroom. We'll get into all things assessment, focusing on standards-based grading, growth mindsets, and proficiency scales. Get ready to get nerdy about assessment! If… Read more

In this episode, we are talking all about how to leverage audio in the classroom. We'll cover podcasting (of course!) and also so many other ways that we can use audio with our students. Topics include word walls, feedback, audio instructions and more! If you like what you hear, we would love it if you could share… Read more

In this episode, we are tackling a difficult topic - how to collaborate and deal with those challenging colleagues. Let's address the elephant in the room, while we share some tips and strategies to help you move forward. The struggle is real, so let's work on making the most of the situation and find the positive! If… Read more

In this episode, we are talking about how to get ready for destreaming. In Ontario, all grade 9 courses will be destreamed next year. This is top of our minds in thinking about our planning for the upcoming school year, so we're going to share our best tips, strategies, and ideas to get ready! If you like what you… Read more

In this episode, we are exploring asset vs deficit mindsets in education. We'll go over our observations as well as some of our ideas to shift away from a deficit mindset in our classrooms. If you like what you hear, we would love it if you could share this episode with a colleague or friend. And make sure you… Read more

This week, we are getting reflective and talking about the current state of education during this crazy school year. We're covering a range of topics including pandemic teaching and surviving the year, looking at careers outside of education, and the political climate of teaching. If you like what you hear, we would… Read more

This week, we are diving into microlearning and how you can leverage this corporate learning strategy in the classroom. We've got a lot of great ideas and tools that you can use to start thinking about microlearning applications in your classroom. If you like what you hear, we would love it if you could share this… Read more

This week, we are diving into the Google Workspace to discuss how you can leverage Google tools for your mastery-based classroom. We've got a lot of great ideas and examples for ways that you can start using Google apps to support mastery learning in your classroom. If you like what you hear, we would love it if you… Read more

This week, we are talking about the idea of having multiple opportunities for students to demonstrate learning. We're curious as to why the one-and-done mentality still persists in education these days and how we might begin to address resistance and shift mindsets and culture to a system that values learning over… Read more

This week, we are joined by three amazing guests from the Modern Classrooms Project (MCP). Toni Rose Deanon, Debbie Menard, and Lisa Doty are all project managers at MCP and are sharing their experiences with implementing the model, their favourite edtech tools, and some really great tips and strategies to get started… Read more

This week, we are talking about the use of digital portfolios in the classroom. We'll explore why you would want to use portfolios, how to assess or evaluate portfolios, and our best tips and suggestions to make portfolios a success in your classroom. If you like what you hear, we would love it if you could share this… Read more

This week, we are sharing our reflections and our goals for the new year. We'll go over both personal and professional goal setting as well as our personal reflections on the past year. If you like what you hear, we would love it if you could share this episode with a colleague or friend. And make sure you subscribe… Read more

This week, we are discussing how to incorporate voice and choice in EdTech in our classrooms and how to avoid the silo. We'll get into voice and choice of EdTech tools for both teachers AND students as well as share some ideas around collaborating with colleagues to learn new EdTech tools. If you like what you hear,… Read more

This week, we are digging into the HOW of ungrading. In part 2 of this 2 part series, we are talking about different strategies and ideas to get started with ungrading in the classroom. It can feel pretty overwhelming to get started, so tune in to listen to some easy ways to dive into ungrading ideas. If you like what… Read more

This week, we are digging into the WHY of ungrading. In part 1 of this 2 part series, we are talking about our observations around assessment and evaluation as well as why we think ungrading is a conversation that needs to happen in education. If you like what you hear, we would love it if you could share this episode… Read more

This week, we are discussing new and innovative approaches to professional learning. During COVID, professional learning has taken quite a backseat. So we'll go over our current struggles we're experiencing as well as possible ideas and solutions to bring back and reimagine what professional learning could look like… Read more

This week, we are exploring 10 EdTech tools for curating any instructional videos that you might have created for the classroom. We'll go through pros and cons of each tool as well as the variety of ways that you can use the tools to get your instructional videos organized. If you like what you hear, we would love it… Read more

This week, we are discussing the why and how of creating effective instructional videos for your classroom. We'll share some considerations for creating videos, as well as tools you might want to use and tips and tricks to help you along the way. If you like what you hear, we would love it if you could share this… Read more

This week, we are talking all about grading in a mastery-based learning classroom. We'll share our learning as well as guiding principles to keep in mind as you consider grading practices in your mastery-based structured classroom. If you like what you hear, we would love it if you could share this episode with a… Read more

This week, we are talking all about mastery-based grading and structures in your classroom. We'll go over what mastery-based learning can look like, how to implement it, and challenges you might experience along the way. If you like what you hear, we would love it if you could share this episode with a colleague or… Read more

This week, we are looking at the latest updates to Screencastify. We’ll cover the newest features of interactive questions, analytics, and the brand new watch page. We’ll also get into some ideas of how you might use these new features in your classroom. If you like what you hear, we would love it if you could share… Read more

This week, we are discussing various types of negativity found in the education setting. We'll dive into the different sources of negativity and how to recognize them in your school and classroom communities. We reflect on our experiences and discuss some strategies and ways to deal with this type of negativity. If… Read more

This week, we are discussing various strategies, tips, and ideas for digital teacher organization. As we embark on a new school year, this is a great time for you to get organized and develop some systems to help keep you on track. We'll talk about digital planning, Google Drive, Google Calendar, Canva, Slides Mania,… Read more

We are talking with a special guest this week, Caitlin Kemp, all about what to keep and what to ditch from virtual learning. Caitlin is an Ontario secondary educator with a wealth of experience from virtual teaching last year, and is starting this school year face-to-face again. If you like what you hear, we would… Read more

We are talking all about how to leverage tech tools to build community in your (hopefully) face-to-face classroom. We'll link different tools to our four whys of community building: collaboration, communication, social-emotional learning, and safe & inclusive environments. If you like what you hear, we would love it… Read more

In part 2 of this 2 part series, we are going over our EdTech Toolkit from A to Z. We'll cover apps starting with N to Z this week. We've got lots of great ideas and uses for these tools as you are thinking about the new school year! If you like what you hear, we would love it if you could share this episode with a… Read more

In part 1 of this 2 part series, we are going over our EdTech Toolkit from A to Z. We'll cover apps starting with A to M this week followed by N to Z next week. We've got lots of great ideas and uses for these tools as you are thinking about the new school year! If you like what you hear, we would love it if you could… Read more

In this episode, we are talking all about teacher burnout and how to find your motivation when you are still exhausted from the last school year. We were inspired by a tweet by Pernille Ripp , and will talk about how we can reset for the new school year. We will talk about our experiences, and will share some ideas… Read more

In this episode, we are exploring ways to set up your Learning Management System (LMS) effectively and efficiently to optimize course organization and learning for your students. We'll go over tips, strategies, and ideas for setting up your LMS, whether it is Brightspace, Canvas, Schoology, Google Classroom, or… Read more

In this episode, we are exploring the ways that you can leverage technology to support the English language learners in your classroom. We'll cover tech tools such as Google Read&Write and Mote, as well as some general tips and strategies for designing an inclusive and safe learning environment for your students. If… Read more

In this episode, we are sharing our summer reading list for teachers. We'll go over what we are currently reading, recommendations for reading, as well as what we want to read ourselves this summer. If you like what you hear, we would love it if you could share this episode with a colleague or friend. And make sure… Read more

This has certainly been a tough year in education, so this week, we wanted to talk about learning opportunities for the summer to help get you rejuvenated, excited, and prepared for the upcoming school year. We'll share learning around Google certifications, Modern Classrooms Project, other EdTech certifications, and… Read more

In this episode, we are exploring how to prepare ourselves for the Google Certified Educator Level 2 Exam. Both of us need to complete our recertification this month so we're reflecting about our past experiences with this exam as well as our strategy for preparation. If you like what you hear, we would love it if you… Read more

In this episode, we are joined by a special guest, Jake Miller, the host of the Educational DuctTape Podcast. We'll discuss his experiences as a tech coach as well as an educator back in the classroom during this crazy school year. We've got lots of great tips and ideas for building community and relationships with… Read more

In this 50TH episode of the podcast, we'll be discussing podcasting in the classroom. We'll get into the why behind podcasting as well as the prep & tools you need to get started. If you like what you hear, we would love it if you could share this episode with a colleague or friend. And make sure you subscribe so that… Read more

In this episode, we are joined by an amazing guest, Tony Vincent. We'll chat about digital drawing skills and creativity in the classroom using Shapegrams. We'll also go over some tips and tricks to using Google Drawings effectively and efficiently. If you like what you hear, we would love it if you could share this… Read more

In this episode, we are talking all about destreaming education. We'll get into why academic streaming needs to go, as well as share out some potential solutions and approaches on how to successfully destream your courses. If you like what you hear, we would love it if you could share this episode with a colleague or… Read more

In this episode, we are diving into the topic of what virtual schools could be post-pandemic. We'll share some ideas on how virtual schools could work going forward and how we should plan for it effectively. This stemmed from a post on Twitter where the Ontario Government is proposing that virtual models are here to… Read more

In this episode, we are featuring a special guest, Fonz Mendoza, from My EdTech Life. Fonz is an Instructional Technologist from South Texas. Fonz is sharing his Google Innovator journey with us as well as his goals around his show. We were guests on Fonz's show almost a year ago and we really wanted to highlight this… Read more

In this episode, we are discussing the challenges of asynchronous learning in this crazy virtual/hybrid teaching world. We'll dive into our thoughts about what asynchronous learning should look like ideally as well as the reality that we are facing here in Ontario this year. Thanks so much to @DougPete and… Read more

In this episode, we are ramping up your productivity with our favourite keyboard shortcuts. Keyboard shortcuts can save you so much time, especially as they add up over days, weeks, and months. We'll go over the keyboard shortcuts that we know and love to help you save some of your precious time and sanity! If you… Read more

This week we are talking all about Google Drive. We are going to share strategies on how you can organize and clean up your Google Drive, especially with the new storage updates with Google Workspace! If you like what you hear, we would love it if you could share this episode with a colleague or friend. And make sure… Read more

In this episode, we are getting into the debate of which tool we think is better - Google Slides or Google Jamboard. We'll do comparisons of different features and give you our overall impressions and preferences for these two tools. So stay tuned and make sure you listen right to the end! If you like what you hear,… Read more

In this episode, we are discussing how to effectively collaborate with your colleagues using a variety of virtual tools. Collaboration is key in education, so we want to make sure that you have some great ideas and strategies to help you collaborate with other educators in this crazy school year. We'll dive into video… Read more

This week we are exploring the world of Google Arts and Culture, a hidden gem created by Google that often gets forgotten. We will share what you can find on this app, and how you can use it with your students. If you like what you hear, we would love it if you could share this episode with a colleague or friend. And… Read more

In this episode, we are diving into Google Read&Write, an amazing Chrome extension that enhances accessible learning for all students. We'll go over the features and share some ideas on how you can use this incredible tool with your students. If you like what you hear, we would love it if you could share this episode… Read more

In this episode, we are bringing you part 2 of our two-part series all about how to use Google Meet effectively for synchronous learning in your classroom. This week, we'll go over some awesome ideas and strategies for you to really leverage the power of Google Meet to engage all of your learners in synchronous… Read more

In this episode, we are diving into Google Meet and how to leverage the power of video conferencing with synchronous learning. In part 1 of this 2-part series, we'll go over the basics of Google Meet as well as share some handy tips and tricks to help make the most of your synchronous learning time. If you like what… Read more

In this episode, we are bringing you an overview of all the amazing features and uses of Wakelet, a powerful curation tool. We will go over how to get started as well as how to maximize use of Wakelet in the classroom. If you like what you hear, we would love it if you could share this episode with a colleague or… Read more

In this episode, we are bringing you our top 10 EdTech certification recommendations for the 2021 school year. Certifications are great for you to pursue self-directed professional learning, and it doesn't hurt that you usually get a pretty awesome badge to go along with it! If you like what you hear, we would love it… Read more

This week, we are bringing you a second episode all about Screencastify. A lot has changed since remote learning first started last spring, so we wanted to revisit this tool, share some updated features, and explore some ways to use this tool with your students. If you like what you hear, we would love it if you could… Read more

In this episode, we are exploring the integration of Google Assignments into the Brightspace Learning Management System (LMS). Google Assignments helps you to easily distribute and grade student work with the same look and feel of Google Classroom. With Google Assignments, you can distribute templates to your… Read more

In this episode, we are talking all about an amazing, and easy-to-use tool called Canva. We will be diving into the how-tos, ideas for using Canva with your students, features within Canva, and the differences between the types of accounts (free, pro, and education). If you like what you hear, we would love it if you… Read more

In this episode, we are diving into the idea of building self-paced tech professional development (PD) programs designed for teachers. We are diving into set up options, buy in, and tools to support the development of these professional learning programs. If you like what you hear, we would love it if you could share… Read more

This week, we are talking all about how to mark and grade in a paperless world. With no-touch and no-share policies this year, we have to get creative about how we do our assessments using digital formats instead of paper. We are going to talk about related hardware, as well as tools such as annotation in Brightspace,… Read more

In this episode, we are talking all about EdPuzzle. We will go over the basics, and then we will share how you can use this tool to create engaging lessons for your students. If you like what you hear, we would love it if you could share this episode with a colleague or friend. And make sure you subscribe so that you… Read more

This week we are talking all about a fun, creative and educational tool called Book Creator. We will go over the various features of the tool, as well as some different ways that you can use it with your students. If you like what you hear, we would love it if you could share this episode with a colleague or friend.… Read more

This week, we are talking all about how to approach assessment and evaluation in hybrid learning. There are so many challenges that we face, including how to manage multiple cohorts and ensure academic integrity when students are completing assessments at home. So we will go over some suggestions for how to get away… Read more

This week, we are talking all about how to balance hybrid learning. It's been such a challenging year so far to engage both cohorts of students, both face-to-face and online, at the same time. So we will go over some suggestions for how to structure large learning blocks, flipped learning, and differentiation for your… Read more

This week we are going to talk about that feeling you get as a teacher sometimes. That feeling that you don’t know enough, or that you just aren’t good enough. This feeling is actually something called “imposter syndrome,” and it is far more common in education than you think! If you like what you hear, we would love… Read more

This week we talk about our top 10 productivity Chrome extensions for educators. We also give some honourable mentions and include our favourite fun extensions as a bonus! Please make sure that if you are recommending any extensions to students that you verify the privacy policies and data that these extensions… Read more

This week, we are talking all about the Google Sites, and how this tool can be used in the classroom, both virtually and in-person. We will go through all of the awesome ways that you can insert content and build pages into your site, as well as some great uses for Google sites with your students in the classroom. If… Read more

This week, we are talking all about the Google Jamboard app, and how this tool can be used in the classroom, both virtually and in-person. We will go through the features available on the Jamboard frame, and how it differs based on the device you are using. If you like what you hear, we would love it if you could… Read more

This week we are talking about Digital Citizenship and how we, as educators, can protect our students’ data and privacy as we head into a new school year. We are often so quick to accept permissions on any/all apps that we add to our phones, tablets, etc. It is time that we start to really think about what we are… Read more

In this episode, we talk about choice boards. Choice boards are a great option for those in a hybrid or remote learning/teaching environment. Differentiation is built right into this format, which give students more options, and allowing them to demonstrate their learning in way in which they feel the most comfortable… Read more

In this episode, we talk about some great digital activities to start off a new school year. We recognize that we are all starting the school year differently – face to face, remote, or even a hybrid model that involves both! These activities will help you to get to know your students, build community and get your… Read more

As we gear up for a new school year, we thought it was a good idea to go back and talk about all things Google Classroom. Whether you are remote, in-person, or a hybrid version of the two, there are ways that you can set up Google Classroom so that it is optimized for whatever comes your way. If you like what you… Read more

This episode is Part 2 of our Brightspace Series. If you haven't had a chance to listen to part 1, where we talk about the basics of Brightspace, and how teachers can start out with this program, click here to listen! Today, we are speaking with Tanya Williamson, who is knowledgable about all things Brightspace. She… Read more

In this episode we are talking all about Brightspace by D2L, a Learning Management System (LMS) that many Boards or Districts will be using this coming school year. This week will be all about the basics: how to access your courses, how to sync your G Suite account (or One Drive account), and some useful features to… Read more

This week is Part 2 of our series on Assistive Technology and supporting all learners. Our guest, Judy, has returned to speak a little more about some awesome tools that will benefit all students, particularly those with learning difficulties. In this episode we speak about Fluency Tutor, Book Creator, Screencastify,… Read more

In this episode, we are talking with Judy Sackville, an Assistive Technology Lead in Ontario, all about Special Education and Assistive Technology. She helps to break down what a learner profile is, and how we can approach each profile with practical tips and suggestions. Whether it be differentiation, or assistive… Read more

This week was totally unplanned! We did not anticipate or plan to talk about the return to school, but since it is sounding more and more like a full/normal return to school, we thought it would be a good idea to share our thoughts, reflections and also some of our ideas for how to prepare for the school year. If you… Read more

In this episode, we discuss the Google Certified Educator program. We'll go over some of the benefits of the program and give you some tips to help you be successful on the Level 1 exam. If you like what you hear, we would love it if you could share this episode with a colleague or friend. And make sure you subscribe… Read more

In the second of this two-part podcast, we will be diving deeper into how we as educators can prepare for a new school year, not knowing what it will look like. We will be discussing various blended learning models and how we can apply these models to face-to-face as well as distance learning scenarios. We also talk… Read more

In the first of this two-part podcast, we will be discussing how we as educators can prepare for a new school year, not knowing what it will look like. A pandemic is unpredictable, so it is important to consider the various options for what school could look like in September (or whenever it starts in your district)… Read more

In this episode, we talk about how you can use Google Forms with your students. We discuss the various question types, how to use sections in Forms, as well as how to really take advantage of the features present to increase student learning. If you like what you hear, we would love it if you could share this episode… Read more

In this episode, we are talking about different game or quizzing apps that educators can use to engage their students. The specific platforms we are discussing are: Kahoot, Gimkit, Quizizz and Quizlet Live. Please share this episode with others and subscribe to our podcast using your favourite podcast app. Also be… Read more

In this episode, we discuss the many ways that Google slides can be used with students. We talk about the use of custom slide dimensions, insert audio, themes, and so much more! Please share this episode with others and subscribe to our podcast using your favourite podcast app. Also be sure to visit our EduGals… Read more

In this episode we discuss tips and strategies to help you achieve inbox zero with Gmail. We discuss the use of inbox types, filters, integration with Google Calendar, Google Tasks, and Google Keep, and so much more! Please share this episode with others and subscribe to our podcast using your favourite podcast app.… Read more

In this episode we discuss tips and strategies for using Google tools to get organized and, more importantly, stay organized! We focus on three main tools in G Suite: Google Drive, Google Calendar, and Gmail. We will give you a variety of tips and tricks with these tools to help you manage your time during remote… Read more

In this episode we share some ideas of how to build community with your students in remote learning and online learning environments using digital tools such as Google Meet, Gimkit, Hangouts Chat, G Suite, and more! Please share this episode with others and subscribe to our podcast using your favourite podcast app.… Read more

In this episode we are talking about helpful strategies to simplify and streamline instruction during remote learning. Please share this episode with others and subscribe to our podcast using your favourite podcast app. Also be sure to visit our EduGals website for more detailed show notes. Leave us feedback on our… Read more

In this episode we are talking about how you can use Screencastify, a chrome extension that captures the screen and audio, for remote learning. Please share this episode with others and subscribe to our podcast using your favourite podcast app so you don’t miss out on any of our new content. Please visit the EduGals… Read more

In this episode, we discuss the use of Google Classroom for remote learning. We also introduce ourselves and tell you a bit about who we are as educators. It is our hope that this podcast can help you learn amazing and useful ways to bring technology into your classroom. We'll be honest... we were pretty nervous about… Read more