Posts

Showing posts from 2023

How to Make Teaching A Long-Term Career: What Works

"In today's episode, we're thrilled to have Jay Schroder, author of "Teach From Your Best Self, A Guide to Thriving in the Classroom." With this in mind, we dive into a critical yet often-neglected aspect of teaching—teacher well-being. Join us as we explore high-impact, low-effort teaching strategies crucial for bringing your best self to the classroom and forging a sustainable, rewarding career. Sponsor: Modern Classrooms Project will help you bring engaging, exciting teaching to your classroom with their free online course and community. Go to  coolcatteacher.com/modern  right now to sign up for the Modern Classrooms essential course for free where you will learn about the strategies, research, and resources that can drive student-centered, self-directed learning in your classroom. They can show you how to use technology to unlock deeper student relationships with your students. So many people ask me how to respond to Artificial Intelligence and my response i...

Charting New Territories in PD: The Whitsby Story with ASCD

Welcome to a treasure from my ISTE 2023 vault. This is a podcast for all education trailblazers seeking the cutting edge of professional growth. As a teacher committed to improving teaching and improving our professional development, I'm thrilled to share this conversation about how professional development can and is improving.  Sponsor: Modern Classrooms Project will help you bring engaging, exciting teaching to your classroom with their free online course and community. Go to  coolcatteacher.com/modern right now to sign up for the Modern Classrooms essential course for free where you will learn about the strategies, research, and resources that can drive student-centered, self-directed learning in your classroom. They can show you how to use technology to unlock deeper student relationships with your students. So many people ask me how to respond to Artificial Intelligence and my response is always, that we need to shift our pedagogical practices into the classroom to the...

Cool Cat Teacher's AI Insight: 10 Ways I'm Using AI Today

Welcome to today's episode, where I will bridge the gap between AI in my classroom and your ears! If you've been following my blog, you know I want to bring practical, innovative teaching strategies to life. But today, I'm doing things a bit differently on the show for an extended episode with me, your host, Vicki Davis. Sponsor: Modern Classrooms Project will help you bring engaging, exciting teaching to your classroom with their free online course and community. Go to coolcatteacher.com/modern right now to sign up for the Modern Classrooms essential course for free where you will learn about the strategies, research, and resources that can drive student-centered, self-directed learning in your classroom. They can show you have to use technology to unlock deeper student relationships</strong> with your students. So many people ask me how to respond to Artificial Intelligence and my response is always, that we need to shift our pedagogical practices into the classr...

A Very Useful Guide to Virtual Classroom Collaboration

In this episode, we welcome Billy Krakower, a nationally recognized educator with 16 years of experience and a passion for bringing technology and creativity into the classroom. As a current STEM teacher in North New Jersey and a Google Certified Trainer, Billy focuses on implementing cutting-edge instructional design and co-authors "Connecting Your Students with the Virtual World."  We'll uncover practical, engaging strategies for integrating the four Cs -- Critical Thinking, Creativity, Collaboration, and Communication -- into your teaching. From engaging mystery location calls to the innovative use of Google Art and Culture for creative exploration and the impactful use of AI in education, Billy shares actionable techniques to transform your classroom into a hub of global learning and collaboration. Sponsor: This show is sponsored by Microsoft. Check out their  new AI Course . All opinions are my own.  Check out this episode!

The Cycle of Experimentation: A New Approach to Educational Innovation

In today's episode, we're joined by Dr. Justin Reich, an associate professor at MIT and the author of 'Iterate: The Secret to Innovation in Schools.' We dive deep into teachers' crucial role in driving innovation and improvement in education. Suppose you've ever wondered how to bring meaningful change to your school or classroom. In that case, this episode offers actionable insights into teacher leadership, classroom experimentation, and the power of doing less to achieve more. Sponsor:  Modern Classrooms is sponsoring a free webinar with Dr. Justin Reich, today's guest, on November 14, 2023. Don't worry, you can also listen to the recording. In this webinar, guests will dive deep into the strategies that drive meaningful change in instructional approaches and student learning, and learn the hallmarks of top-notch professional development experiences that support educators along the path toward classroom innovation. Join our experts, DC-based principal ...

Practical, Awesome AI: Unlocking the Power of Bing Chat Enterprise

In today's show, I talk with Mark Sparvell about a tool that has become essential to my lesson planning and work in my AP Computer Science Principles course: Bing Chat Enterprise. If your school has Microsoft Office 365 A3 or A5 licenses, you can activate this feature. It's an amazing tool that saves time and stands out with its robust privacy features, ensuring the security of student data while offering powerful AI functionalities to streamline tasks for teachers and administrators. This show is sponsored and includes some advertorial content. It's only my second podcast this year featuring such content, which I choose to do only when the product is one I personally use, and when it's both newsworthy and beneficial for educators. The show is unscripted, and all opinions are my own. Enjoy! ✏️Note from Vicki: I'm back! For those of you who noticed a slight absence, I had corrective 👁️ eye surgery and now can see so clearly. However, the journey to get here was o...

Breaking Down Barriers: How to Make Math Accessible for All Students

Dr. Lydia Gonzalez, author of "Bad at Math: Dismantling Harmful Beliefs That Hinder Equitable Mathematics Education," talks about the societal norms that make it acceptable to be "bad at math" and how these beliefs can be detrimental to learning. Dr. Gonzalez emphasizes the importance of broadening our understanding of math and its relevance in everyday life. We also discuss the critical role of relationships and a growth mindset in effective teaching, particularly in math subjects that many find intimidating. Let's explore how to dismantle harmful beliefs in math education and create a more equitable learning environment. Snow notes and transcript: https://www.coolcatteacher.com/e819 Sponsor: This show is sponsored by Microsoft. Check out their  new AI Course . All opinions are my own. Once a year, I have a newsworthy topic that I accept that has advertorial content. This is the show for 2023 with Microsoft. 00:00:00 - 00:00:33 : Introduction John D. int...

The IEP Journey: The Heart of Special Education Planning

In today's episode, we sit down with Stephanie DeLussey, a dual-certified veteran special education teacher, IEP coach, and author of the upcoming book "The Intentional IEP." Stephanie shares her unique insights into the often daunting process of writing Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). She emphasizes the importance of collaboration between parents and teachers, and offers practical tips to make the IEP process more effective and less stressful for everyone involved. Read the full transcript and show notes at: https://www.coolcatteacher.com/e818 Sponsor: This show is sponsored by Microsoft. Check out their  new AI Course . All opinions are my own. Once a year, I have a newsworthy topic that I accept that has advertorial content. This is the show for 2023 with Microsoft. Show Outline: Introduction Timestamp: 00:00:00 - 00:01:00 In this episode, Vicki Davis sits down with Stephanie DeLussey to discuss the importance of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs)...

Encouragement in Education: Why It's More Crucial Now Than Ever

In this uplifting episode, we're joined by Todd Nesloney, a seasoned educator and advocate for authentic leadership in schools. If you've ever questioned your worth or impact as an educator, this conversation is a must-listen. Todd delves into the transformative power of vulnerability, the importance of emotional intelligence, and why every single person in a school setting is a leader in their own right—offering actionable insights that could reignite your passion for teaching. Read the full transcript; show notes: https://www.coolcatteacher.com/e817   Sponsor: This show is sponsored by Microsoft. Check out their  new AI Course . All opinions are my own. Once a year, I have a newsworthy topic that I accept that has advertorial content. This is the show for 2023 with Microsoft. Introduction and Guest Background [00:00:00:02 - 00:00:37:23] Introduction of the podcast and today's guest, Todd Nesloney, who is the Director of Culture and Strategic Leadership for the Texa...

The Future is Now: Preparing Our Youngest Scholars for a Digital World

Early exposure to technology can help children develop digital literacy skills. Around 70% of kindergartners can use educational apps on tablets or smartphones. But it stands to reason that we must help students know how to effectively use these tools so they do not hinder and that they help  But do they know how to use technology effectively? And how much is too much? Not all technology use is good , and overuse can hold students back. Use should be appropriate, tied to classroom content areas, and guided. With over 70% of US parents concerned about too much screen time for littles, they have a valid concern. And especially with littles, the time should be limited. Debbie Tannenbaum gives us guidance on the practical, balanced use of technology for children in kindergarten through second grade. If you want to know how to start helping little ones learn about technology, this podcast resource is for you to get started. Debbie Tannenbaum, a veteran teacher and tech coach, ...

Project-based Learning with A.I. and Improving Friendships

Project based learning can be enhanced using AI tools in this unique way that has students do comparative tasks as they compare their work and that done by ChatGPT.   In this episode, we dive deep into the transformative world of project-based learning! Our special guest, Or-Tal Kiriati from Tel Aviv, Israel, shares her innovative approach to integrating artificial intelligence and human experiences into multidisciplinary projects. From exploring the duality of human nature through literature (and a super amazing way to teach Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde) to teaching friendship skills in a digital age, Or-Tal's projects offer a fresh perspective on education. Learn from her techniques in her language arts classroom to see how you can engage your students, encourage critical thinking, and make learning an adventure! Show transcript, notes: https://www.coolcatteacher.com/815 Show Sponsor:  Are you looking for engaging NGSS-aligned science lessons designed to improve critical th...

How to Use Data Driven Instruction in the Classroom

Today we'll dive deep into the transformative power of data analytics for your classroom! Think data is just for statisticians or administrators? Think again! Today, we're joined by Victoria Setaro, an expert in making data analytics approachable and actionable for everyday teachers like you. We'll explore how you can harness the power of both 'cold' and 'warm' data to not only understand your students better but also to significantly improve their performance. From tackling chronic absenteeism to boosting math proficiency rates, data-driven instruction is a game-changer. So if you want to elevate your teaching and empower your students, this episode is a must-listen. Stay tuned! Transcript and Show Notes: https://www.coolcatteacher.com/e814 Show Sponsor  EVERFI Want to prepare your students for career and life success but short on time? Busy teachers use  EVERFI’s standards-aligned, research-based digital lessons , recently awarded with the ISTE Seal for...

Genius Hour 2.0 with Lauren Lavelle

In this episode of the 10 Minute Teacher podcast, host Vicki Davis sits down with Lauren Lavelle to discuss the transformative educational approach known as Genius Hour. Recorded live at ISTE, the conversation delves into how Genius Hour has been revamped and integrated into the sixth-grade curriculum, offering students a full-year exploratory course that goes beyond traditional learning. Vicki and Lauren also touch on the importance of generational connectedness in education, emphasizing how mentors and older students can offer invaluable perspectives. Additionally, the episode explores the role of blogging in the Genius Hour process, serving as a tool for reflection and continuous improvement.  Full transcript and show notes:  https://www.coolcatteacher.com/e813   Show Sponsor  EVERFI Want to prepare your students for career and life success but short on time? Busy teachers use  EVERFI’s standards-aligned, research-based digital lessons , recently awarded w...

AI in VR and AR with Rachelle Dené Poth

How are augmented reality and virtual reality merging with artificial intelligence? What does it mean for the classroom? In this show, AR/VR guru Rachelle Dené Poth delves deep into the transformative potential of Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), and Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the classroom. Fresh from her appearance on the ISTE mainstage, Rachell highlights the surging interest in immersive and emerging technologies. She encourages teachers to shift their mindset from apprehension to curiosity and eagerness to learn something new. As the landscape of education technology rapidly changes, Rachelle shares some ideas of what the future of classroom learning could look like. Listen to this Spanish teacher talk about using these awesome tools in her classroom and in classrooms around the world.  Full transcript and show notes: https://www.coolcatteacher.com/e812   Show Sponsor  EVERFI Want to prepare your students for career and life success but short o...

Teaching with AI: Harnessing the Future without Losing Our Way – An In-Depth Conversation with Pat Yongpradit

Pat Yongpradit from Code.org and TeachAI dives into the challenges, opportunities, and ethical considerations of harnessing future AI technologies. Join us as we navigate the intricate path towards innovation without losing sight of what makes us human with a candid conversations of our concerns and the importance of coming together to create policies that will shape our classrooms.   Artificial Intelligence in schools should present educators, parents, and policymakers with many concerns but there are also opportunities. Pat Yongpradit, in his role with Code.org is also working with the TeachAI initiative. He shares a candid conversation about how teachers can share what they are observing with AI, the benefits, and also some very real concerns he has about artificial intelligence and its impact on humankind.    Show Sponsor EVERFI Want to prepare your students for career and life success but short on time? Busy teachers use EVERFI’s standards-aligned, resear...

AI: The Future of Classroom Efficiency with Mary Howard

What do you do when award-winning teachers tell you there is a way to save time? Mary Howard, author of Artificial Intelligence to Streamline Your Teacher Life: The ChatGPT Guide for Educators shares some quick tips to streamline teacher productivity with ChatGPT. Mary won ISTE's 2018 "Virtual Pioneer of the Year" and was a New York State Teacher of the Year finalist in 2018 and 2020. She is an actual classroom teacher and doesn't "do" hype, but I think she wants to help.  In this show, she shares some ideas for streamlining and discusses the future of AI in VR and AR and how she thinks it can help us use these advanced tools even more. I hope this show helps you think about what you can do today and what is possible tomorrow. Full Show notes, transcript, guest bio, and links to resources at http://www.coolcatteacher.com/e810 Sponsor: This show is sponsored by Microsoft. Check out their  new AI Course . All opinions are my own.  Check out this episode!

The Great Student AI Writing Experiment with Steve Dembo

Are you an educator troubled by the looming question of how AI will impact writing instruction? Look no further. As this experiment unfolds, you'll be interested in his findings' powerful implications on student creativity and expression. Prepare to be inspired, challenged, and equipped to navigate the future of writing in a world where humans and AI learn to work together to communicate in better ways. In this episode, we step into the captivating world of AI and writing with Steve Dembo, a seasoned classroom educator at the forefront of AI integration for years. In this eye-opening podcast, Steve uncovers his ingenious writing experiment that holds the keys to helping us all unlock the true potential of students and AI in writing papers. Show Notes, Transcript, and Video with Captions: https://www.coolcatteacher.com/e809 Sponsor: This show is sponsored by Microsoft. Check out their  new AI Course . All opinions are my own. Once a year, I have a newsworthy topic that I acc...

Revolutionizing Classrooms: How Microsoft's AI is Changing Education

Artificial intelligence is the top conversation among educators everywhere. It was truly a thrill for me, as a classroom teacher, for Lydia Smyers, the Vice President of US Education for Microsoft, to sit down with me at ISTE. As educators, we're at the forefront of this exciting (and scary) change with unprecedented learning opportunities (and threats.) Whether you're new to AI or a seasoned AI-enthusiast, you'll gain invaluable insights into one of the companies on the forefront of AI in education. Brought to you by Microsoft, this podcast offers a glimpse into the future of education and an AI-infused landscape where possibilities are endless (and challenges abound.) Let's do this!  Read the full transcript, show notes, and video here: https://www.coolcatteacher.com/e808   Sponsor: This show is sponsored by Microsoft. Check out their new AI Course . All opinions are my own. Once a year, I have a newsworthy topic that I accept that has advertorial content. This is t...

The Human Side of AI: A Student ChatGPT Experience

As we continue with the series, '80 Days of AI and AI,' after a much-needed summer break, this interview with my student, William, marks a return to the learning journey. But this journey is not just for me and my students. This learning journey is ours as educators venturing into this rapidly changing area of AI.  In  April, William Price, one of my senior students, shared his proposal for a capstone project. William was curious: what would happen if he pit ChatGPT against the assignments from our Computer Science class. The question? Could this AI perform as well, or possibly even outperform the human students/ And if so, which assignments would it excel in, and where would it fall short? William returned to our classroom just a week after graduation to share what he learned, his honest observations about this new tool, and what his generation is saying about it. While many are talking about the role of AI in education, as a classroom teacher with my students, we are tak...

Promoting Real World Change and Success in Schools Today with Misa Sato

Today, we spotlight Misa Sato, an award-winning assistant principal who recently earned the prestigious NASSP Assistant Principal of the Year title. Serving at Reagan High School in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Misa has made a profound impact through her dynamic approach to educational leadership. Under her guidance, the school has not only seen significant growth in its International Baccalaureate (IB) Career Program but also received numerous awards for student achievement. In this episode, Misa shares her journey, discussing her proudest accomplishments, her experiences of implementing and expanding the IB Career-Related Program, and how she's fostered the critical connection between students, parents, and the wider community. This episode is a must-listen for those looking for inspiration on how to be a great assistant principal and seeking practical advice on successfully navigating the challenges of school leadership. So, tune in to explore Misa's remarkable story, and don...

Breaking News: Microsoft AI Announcements at ISTELive 2023 #NotatISTE

Today, I have a breaking news announcement from Microsoft at ISTE 2023. This was prerecorded for a simultaneous release with today's news so that all of you who are not at ISTE could get this news. It will also be released on my podcast and YouTube channel, although I have embedded the YouTube channel below and included the transcript. Mark Sparvell sat down with me to share these amazing announcements. This show is sponsored by Microsoft . Check out their new AI course . All opinions are my own. Some of these awesome announcements include: Generative AI features built into Reading Progress inside Microsoft Teams are game-changers for teachers. Excellent generative AI features are now being used inside Kahoot and PowerSchool that will help teachers. These are powered by the Microsoft Azure OpenAI Service. A cool collaboration between Microsoft and New York City Public Schools to support their exploration of the development of generative AI tools tailored for their...

Fantastic Figjam Makes Brainstorming and Collaboration in the Classroom Better

What is Figjam? Figjam is a cool, flexible, fun, collaborative space for student projects, presentations, and collaborations. Today's guest, Tom Mullaney, shares how he uses Figjam with students and teachers; he explains why it is useful and gives tips and tricks that will engage students in the collaborative skills they need to be creative collaborators in today's world. Figjam is part of the Adobe Figma suite of tools and is free for educators and their students. Check out the shownotes, resource links, guest bio, and a full transcript at: https://www.coolcatteacher.com/e804 Show Sponsor: Research Quest Are you looking for engaging NGSS-aligned science lessons designed to improve critical thinking in your middle school students? Now is the time to sign up for  Research Quest  from the Natural History Museum of Utah. Designed by teachers for teachers, these online investigations are lead by museum scientists and use the museum’s incredible collections to create engaging l...

How to Teach Better: Master Reading Differentiation Strategies

This podcast with Jennifer Seravallo is dedicated to helping reading teachers improve their teaching methods by providing practical tips and in-depth insights into differentiated reading strategies. If you're a reading teacher looking for ways to make your teaching more effective, you're in the right place. We know that every student is unique and has their own learning needs. That's why in this podcast, we'll explore various differentiated reading strategies that can be adapted to fit the needs of every student in your classroom. From process-based approaches to individualized instruction, we'll cover a range of strategies to help you teach better and, ultimately, help your students become better readers. Show Notes, Guest Bio, and Transcript: https://www.coolcatteacher.com/803   Show Sponsor:   Propello  is a free online platform offering an amazing NGSS-aligned science curriculum for grades 6-8, with ELA lessons coming in the fall. With built-in student differe...

Social Media Success: Easy Strategies For Schools And Districts

This podcast with Andrea Gribble will help school administrators and principals create a school social media strategy to drive engagement, build community, and enhance their organization's online presence. Schools and districts are leveraging the power of social media social more and more because it engages them with parents, students, and the larger community. But with so many platforms and strategies, it can be challenging to know where to start. That's where this podcast comes in. In this episode, we'll explore successful social media strategies proven to work for schools and districts. We'll cover all you need to know so your school and district can understand how to effectively use social media and create a strategy that works. Show Notes, Guest Bio, and Transcript: https://www.coolcatteacher.com/e802 Show Sponsor: Propello is a free online platform offering an amazing NGSS-aligned science curriculum for grades 6-8, with ELA lessons coming in the fall. With bui...

Empower Your Students: Tips to Teach Financial Literacy Like a Pro

Today, we share a must-listen podcast for educators who want to help their students succeed financially. With April being financial literacy month, there's no better time to tune in and learn how to integrate financial literacy into your curriculum. This show's guest is financial literacy expert Brian Page. This podcast provides practical tips and strategies for teaching financial literacy to middle and high school students. From budgeting to investing, credit to debt management, you'll gain valuable insights and resources to help your students make informed financial decisions and achieve financial stability. Show Notes: https://www.coolcatteacher.com/e801 Sponsor:  This is financial literacy month! I recently taught my students about budgets, and they were so grateful! Teach students the things that matter during financial literacy month and beyond! From budgets to banking to credit and savings, choose a topic and use it in your classroom with EVERFI’s free financial li...

The Complete AI Classroom Guide

The conversation is about Artificial Intelligence. Is it helpful? Should it be welcomed in schools? Should it be blocked? Today's three guests are expert authors of the newly released The AI Classroom: The Ultimate Guide to Artificial Intelligence in Education .  We need to get practical, past the hype, and work to do that in this show. This is also episode 800. We always celebrate when arriving at such milestone episodes so I have my son, John, share the stats for the first eight hundred episodes and we have a little fun. I hope this extended episode serves as a helpful addition to the AI discussion. Also note, and ironically so, that due to the extended nature of this episode and that we have four speakers, the AI tools I use to write the transcript had a bit of a meltdown, and I've had to apply a significant amount of human intelligence to the transcript which delayed this episode to Thursday. This podcast does come out on Mondays and future episodes will be the ten minute...

12 AR Apps and Tips for Awesome Classrooms with Jaime Donally

Using your smartphone, you can now scan a human. In this episode of the 10 Minute Teacher podcast, I speak with AR expert Jaime Donally about practical ways to use augmented reality in the classroom. Jaime shares 12 top tips and resources for engaging learning with immersive tech, including 3D scanning, 3D printing, and more. She discusses the importance of spatial learning and how AR and VR can help students prepare for future careers. Teachers looking to make their lessons more engaging and interactive won't want to miss this conversation! Show Notes, Transcript, and Bio on https://www.coolcatteacher.com/e799   Sponsor:  This is financial literacy month! I recently taught my students about budgets, and they were so grateful! Teach students the things that matter during financial literacy month and beyond! From budgets to banking to credit and savings, choose a topic and use it in your classroom with EVERFI’s free financial literacy lesson plans. Here are some great courses...

Practical AI for the Classroom

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a hot topic in schools around the country. As I kick off Season 12 of the 10 Minute Teacher (after a much-needed break), I'm sharing 21 uses of AI tools, 4 conversation starters (including eight concerns of negative uses of AI), and a lesson plan I used to teach AI. My focus is on both ChatGPT as well as Notion AI and the practical ways I'm using them in my everyday classroom activities. Welcome to an extended episode focusing on AI! Show Notes and Transcript : https://www.coolcatteacher.com/e798 Sponsor: This is financial literacy month! I recently taught my students about budgets, and they were so grateful! Teach students the things that matter during financial literacy month and beyond! From budgets to banking to credit and savings, choose a topic and use it in your classroom with EVERFI’s free financial literacy lesson plans. Here are some great courses I recommend: EVERFI HS Financial Literacy (high school) FutureSmart / SmartEc...