The Moss Free Show: Recent Episodes
Randy Rodgers
Randy Rodgers, Director of Digital & Innovative Learning for Seguin Independent School District, and guests discuss technology tools and resources for teaching and learning, with particular focus on contemporary skills, innovation, and creativity. Driven by the belief that our schools can be places that inspire, excite, and equip my own kids and yours to change our futures.
In response to our current cultural climate and current events, this episode looks at some technology resources and strategies to help students develop media literacy, conduct social media campaigns, fundraise, express themselves globally, and build empathy.
ESports are a scorching hot topic in education right now. I'll share some information and reflections on our first month competing in this exciting new arena.
Digital citizenship is a concept that has changed greatly in the past 10-15 years. Here are some current digital citizenthip topics I think students will find relevant and beneficial.
Reflecting on 27 years in public education, I share 5 big ideas for effective use of technology in the classroom: Learn; Direct; Equip; Adjust; Focu
Do we as educators sometimes know too much? Is our expertise getting in the way of student inquiry, discovery, and long-lasting learning? In this episode I reflect on a visit to a very engaged bunch of kids in a local robotics classroom. Plus, local and area ed tech news and anouncements for your listening pleasure!
Sharing some of the sights and scenes from the VR Austing Jam Showcase, a celebration of the work of local VR/AR/MR developers; plus exciting announcements--w00t!
Quick overview of the emerging educational technology tools identified by the authors of the 2017 NMC Horizon Report K12.
This episode discusses some new technology developments in voice recognition and speech generation, plus a quick introduction to our district's elementary 3D printing and design program.
In the hype and hullaballoo of the maker movement's invasion of education, it can be too easy to miss the point of the entire thing--students need the skills used in making more than they need that 3D printer.
Interview with Andy Swickheimer, Director of Technology of Noblesville (IN) Schools. Andy discusses the district's efforts to promote innovative learning through a unique innovation course and city-school partnership.
The building principal is a vital resource if technology is to be used in powerful, transformative ways. This episode will propose 3 ways a school administrator can be a force for change.
As we get the 2015-2016 school year up and rolling, we look at the question: What is the purpose of what we do in educational technology?
Some intriguing robot and 3D printing projects on Kickstarter, and the PARR plan (Plan, Assemble, Reflect, Repeat) for making Making powerful in the classroom.
Reflecting on the loss of an old favorite and discussing 2 ways anyone can use mobile devices in the classroom.
My take on a very popular theme in recent months--the basic technology skills all educators should possess in today's world.
Starting a campus maker space does not have to involve big dollar technologies and extensive experience. It can get rolling on a tight budget with a few common items and a creative vision.
Scattershooting a bit in this episode in an attempt to organize some ideas involving turning a classroom into a massive, interactive, electronic space. Also, a little bragging about our summer STEM camps.
3 "What's New" resources, plus a discussion of 3 stragegies to promote higher level questioning on the part of students, a critical part of developing innovative, creative thinkers.
Interview with Ric Camacho, English teacher and teacher of the year for Mercer-Bloomberg Learning Center, SISD's alternative high school campus. Ric discusses his first experiences using digital storytelling tools with students this year.
Our students' failures can become successes when they learn how to Respond, Reflect, Redesign, Retest, and Repeat.
PowerPoint is a fantastic, iconic tool for creating multimedia presentations. It also can be seriously over-used and limiting. This episode takes a look at some of the alternatives available to teachers and students via the internet.
Reflections on why we have educational technology conferences, project based learning, and a bit more.
Short discussion on ways we can encourage students to ask questions that promote innovative and creative thinking and doing.
(Image credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/bilal-kamoon/6835060992)
Short interview with the one and only Tech Ninja, Todd Nesloney. Todd talks about his 2 years as a flipped classroom teacher.
At a certain point (Now would be good.), we have to start demanding that our schools stop wasting the power of technology by limiting its uses to making PowerPoints, playing games, note-taking, etc.
Dayna Laur, Senior National Faculty member with the Buck Institute for Education, offers some valuable pointers for teachers/schools looking to get started with project based learning. Dayna can be found on Twitter at @daylynn
Short discussion of the need to give students the opportunity to engage in productive failures, or failure to succeed.
The NASA article on the engineering design process referenced can be found at http://www.nasa.gov/audience/foreducators/plantgrowth/reference/Eng_Design_5-12.html
Interview with Scott Floyd, Director of Instructional Technology in White Oak ISD. Talking White Oaks' implementation of Project Based Learning.
Overview of copyright, fair use, and strategies and resources to help students be better educated and equipped to observe copyright laws.
Online resources to enable students to communicate in a variety of ways.
(Image source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/39968613@N05/5675954713)
TED fellow and innovative educator Diana Laufenberg talks meaningful learning, creativity, innovation on a tight schedule, and results in a test-driven educational society.
Quick look at 7 online tools for student collaboration, including: Pbworks, Edmodo, Skype, ePals, Google Docs, WeVideo, and Edmodo.