Living On The Edge of Chaos: Recent Episodes
Aaron Maurer
This podcast explores the world of education through the lens of story. What will your story be?
As you prepare to embark on the next chapter in your own story it sometimes helps to hear from others who have done the epic work to get it done! Be inspired by others to empower others!
www.coffeeforthebrain.com
Listen & Subscribe:[Apple Podcasts] | [Spotify] | | [Simplecast]
Key Discussion Points and Insights1) AI transformation ≠ “add a tool”; it’s “redesign the work”Victoria frames a common failure mode: organizations bolt AI onto existing workflows instead of questioning whether those workflows make sense in the first place, especially in knowledge work.
Practical reframing for leaders:
What is the purpose of this workflow?
What decision is a human actually making here?
What can be simplified or deleted before we automate anything?
2) The barrier is dropping so the “who can do this?” conversation changesThe episode highlights how quickly AI is moving from specialist territory to broad accessibility (no-code tools, conversational interfaces), which raises the stakes for shared understanding, norms, and guardrails.
3) Hidden adoption is real and it creates risk (and a leadership opportunity)We discuss the reality that many people are already using AI quietly, which means schools and organizations need clarity and psychologically safe training environments.
4) Burnout won’t be solved by “more output”; it’s solved by “better use of human time”A central point: if AI removes routine tasks but leaders refill that time with more routine tasks, nothing improves. The higher-order shift is using reclaimed capacity for work that builds culture and learning (coaching, reflection, feedback, relationship-rich instruction, better decisions).
5) Start small: experimentation is a strategy, not a side questVictoria repeatedly returns to “run the reps” thinking: pick a small use case, test it quickly, learn, and stack wins as data points.
6) Education lens: advance the mission because AI is not going awayYou explicitly connect the conversation to school realities: the goal is not to “win AI,” but to move the mission forward in a world where AI is embedded into everything.
Actionable Takeaways for Teachers and LeadersRun a 2-week “AI workflow audit”
Pick one recurring task (newsletter, family comms, lesson resource creation, feedback bank).
Map the current steps.
Ask: Which steps are “human judgment” vs “human labor”?
Create a “safe sandbox” norm
One protected time block/week for staff to try a use case and report back.
Focus on learnings, not performance.
Name and support champions (formal or informal)
Champions are “self-appointed” and momentum makers; don’t wait for a committee.
Reinvest reclaimed time into the most human work
Student conferencing, richer feedback loops, community-building routines, coaching conversations.
Resources and LinksSilicon Valley Executive Academy (SVEA) — program model centered on immersion and experience-based knowledge sharing. Silicon Valley Executive Academy
Victoria Mensch (LinkedIn) — leadership and AI transformation writing. LinkedIn
Microsoft / LinkedIn Work Trend Index (AI at work + BYOAI) — useful framing for why hidden adoption and governance matter. Microsoft
Suggested Past Episodes216: Designing Trustworthy AI in K-12: NASA, Ethics, and Teacher Voice (David Lockett) — direct complement on governance, ethics, and implementation realities in schools. Podcasts
222: From Burnout to Better Questions – Human-Centered AI Adoption (Jackie Celske) — closely aligned with the burnout → redesign theme and the “people/process over tools” framing. Podcasts
218: Teaching What Can’t Be AI’d (John “Camp”) — matches the “reinvest in what’s human” thread (presence, discourse, competency-based learning). Podcasts
Support the ShowIf you found this episode valuable, please share it with a colleague and leave a review. Your support helps other educators and leaders discover the show.
Listen & Subscribe:[Apple Podcasts] | [Spotify] | | [Simplecast]
Key Takeaways:
Attention is a Superpower: Why losing the ability to focus is a loss of personal power, and how to safeguard your attention footprint.
Primary Sources vs. Commentary: The importance of reading the original documents (like a Supreme Court opinion) rather than relying on biased analysis from talking heads.
Quality of Thought: A three-step framework for better thinking: write it down, speak it to a human, and publish it publicly to face scrutiny.
Bias for Action: Why you should ship "version zero" and fix it later, rather than waiting for perfection.
The Power of Helping: How the simple act of helping one person without strings attached is the root of true entrepreneurship.
Guest ConnectionKira Shishkin on LinkedIn: Connect here
informed Website: informed.now
Quotes
"News readership as the biggest investment you can make in yourself as an adult... keeping in touch with the world as espousing a curiosity for the environment in which you are."
"Attention is the human superpower. Whatever your superpower is, it gets unlocked through your attention."
"We focus on significance. We don't focus on things that will trigger you... We focus on things that are going to change the world."
"Perfect is the enemy of done... You would rather get a version zero out there in the world... than wait for double or triple the time to figure out some sort of perfect version."
Resources mentioned in this episodeTry informed: Kira has set up a custom keyword for our listeners. You can text the word "coffeechug" to 844-406-INFO (4636) to test it out.
Recent Feature: Check out informed on the front page of the International Business Times: infmd.co/ibt
Launch Post: Leave a supportive comment or repost on the informed launch post to get a free month.
Support the ShowIf you enjoyed this episode, please consider sharing it with a friend or colleague who might benefit from these discussions. Your reviews and shares help me find new guests and perspectives to the show.
Access the ShowAll platforms & past episodes: https://coffeeforthebrain.com/podcasts/
Direct Link to This Episode: https://coffeechug.simplecast.com/episodes/221
Listen & Subscribe:[Apple Podcasts] | [Spotify] | | [Simplecast]
Episode SnapshotJackie’s journey from burnout and “doing all the things” to rebuilding life and work around what actually matters
Why 80% of AI projects fail—and what schools and organizations can do differently
The “Disney trash” lesson: stop chasing flashy AI and start with the boring, high-impact problems
Women, confidence, and creating safer spaces to learn and lead with AI
“...our value is in who we are, not in what we do”: using AI to rediscover identity, not erase it
Practical, non-tech-bro ways to play with AI in your daily life (email, trip planning, speaking practice, and more)
Episode HighlightsJackie’s story of walking away from a job that broke her health and identity and rebuilding life and work from Nashville
Why 2023 felt like a turning point with ChatGPT and how it pulled her from digital marketing into AI adoption and strategy
What “AI adoption” actually means (beyond tools) and why communication, culture, and expectations matter more than features
The harsh reality: most AI projects fail, not because of the tech, but because of people, processes, and misaligned outcomes
The “Disney trash” example: how starting with boring, high-volume, repetitive tasks beats chasing sexy, impossible AI dreams
A compassionate look at why many women hesitate to jump into AI and how community, safety, and “permission to not know” change that
Everyday use cases Jackie loves: practicing presentations with AI video, drafting hard emails, energizing workouts, travel planning, and using voice tools in playful ways
The deeper theme: AI shows us how not-special our tasks are, but it also clarifies how irreplaceable our humanity is
Connect with Jackie CelskeLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacquelinecelske/
Website – The Prose Co.: https://www.theproseco.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theproseco/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theproseco
Quote
Being human is your superpower
Resources* Rand study 80% AI projects fail * Women are avoiding AI: HBR * Gender Divide
Support the ShowIf this conversation helped you pause, reflect, or think differently about AI and learning, please share it with a colleague or friend. Leaving a review or tagging the show helps others discover these important conversations.
Access the Show
All platforms & past episodes: https://coffeeforthebrain.com/podcasts/
Direct Link to This Episode:
Listen & Subscribe:
[Apple Podcasts] | [Spotify] | | [Simplecast]
Episode HighlightsRevisiting Moxie and how closing it deepened their understanding of AI, ethics, and learning
The balance between innovation and honesty when your business depends on what you critique
How technical knowledge led them from excitement to skepticism
Moxie “AI Sandwich” workflow and how to use AI to brainstorm and refine while keeping the human in the middle
Kimberly’s story of watching her husband evolve from using AI for tests to using it to write creative scripts for science students
The hidden costs of AI tokens, data, energy, attention, and what it means to “pay the real price”
Why the most valuable outcomes of AI may be emotional: motivation, reassurance, and calm
Rethinking productivity: what if being “more efficient” isn’t the goal?
QuotesOn understanding AI as novice vs. expert
....you can't think critically about something unless you are already an expert, unless you have some level of expertise. There came a point where we were experts enough to see… to think critically enough to say, oh, whoa, wait, hold up, hold up.
What is it worth to you?
....what would I be willing to pay if I had to pay the true cost of this? Because right now, our use of AI is fully subsidized by venture capital and these big tech companies. But if you had to pay the full cost of what that interaction was, if it's $75, would you pay for it?
Power of Choice
....what are you saying no, and what are you saying yes to? And not just in terms of financial, but all resources. Time, energy, serenity. I think about serenity as a resource for me, because I need to refill my cup. I cannot just be a yes girl, because I somehow ended up one.....what are you willing to pay for in all the different ways we pay for things, and are you saying yes to too many things?
Mirage of Productivity to Save Time
And it's just crazy to think that this is gonna give us more time, and we're gonna be more productive and more efficient. No, you're just gonna get a new task......this mirage of we'll reach so much productivity that we'll have a leisure class, it'll be a four-day work week. It's never happened, and what do you know? It's not going to happen, because that is not the culture and the system that we are in, which prioritizes growth at all costs, no matter what.
ResourcesEpisode 207: The Importance of Good Writing, Curiosity, Bravery, and the Process of Living
Practical AI for Educators PD for Higher Education Session 3 Breakout With Kimberly
Jessica on LinkedIn
Kimberly on LinkedIn
Link: AI Sandwich Graphic by Moxie
Book: Empire of AI
Substack: Women Writin' 'Bout AI
Podcast: Women Talkin' 'Bout AI
Support the ShowIf this conversation helped you pause, reflect, or think differently about AI and learning, please share it with a colleague or friend. Leaving a review or tagging the show helps others discover these important conversations.
Access the ShowAll platforms & past episodes: https://coffeeforthebrain.com/podcasts/
Direct Link to This Episode:
Listen & Subscribe:
[Apple Podcasts] | [Spotify] | | [Simplecast]
Episode Highlights Clare shares how a career in behavioral and neuroscience research led her to question whether her work truly served the world and how that moment of disconnection sparked a master’s in Applied Positive Psychology and a deep dive into curiosity interventions.
She explains the science behind curiosity and well-being like how curiosity broadens perspective, strengthens creativity, and helps us find meaning and purpose.
Clare describes creating “Curiosity Thursdays”, unpaid days dedicated to exploration and learning and how intentional time for curiosity fuels new thinking.
The conversation explores balancing curiosity with productivity: scheduling curiosity intentionally, matching brain energy to task type, and building rhythms like “Wonder Wednesday” meetings to re-ignite collective wonder.
Clare unpacks top-down vs. bottom-up curiosity and purposeful learning versus open, unstructured noticing and why both are essential for creativity and growth.
She discusses the intersection of curiosity and AI, including how awareness and questioning keep our brains engaged rather than passive.
Clare introduces her Curiosity Sprints that are two-week experiments inspired by Agile thinking designed to make learning iterative, joyful, and evidence-based.
We reflect on how curiosity can help redefine success, shift from “achievement” to “enjoyment,” and re-learn the lost art of being bored.
Featured Quotes
On the necessity of intention
“I had to intentionally carve out that time, because otherwise something more important would always be there. There has to be an aspect of intentionality around curiosity in the world we live in today.”
On balancing curiosity and efficiency
“I’ve given myself permission, and I’ve actively chosen to be curious. Know the importance of it, be purposeful about it—and then schedule it into your day.”
On curiosity and AI
“Curiosity actually amplifies memory. So if we can ignite our curiosity before we go in and ask a question of an AI, we’ll remember more and learn more deeply.”
On slowing down and not being busy
“We are so busy all the time that we don’t really have any hobbies, or we don’t know what our hobbies are anymore. And it’s like, I don’t know how you find that when you’re always busy—you can’t listen, you can’t hear, you can’t find that creativity that’s bubbling up inside you.”
On redefining success
“I stopped asking, ‘What do I need to achieve this week?’ and started asking, ‘How can I make this week as enjoyable as possible?’ It was a shift from achievement to enjoyment—and it changed how I lived each day.”
On curiosity as practice
“When I wanted to make changes in my life, I didn’t know how. I just turned them into two-week sprints and figured it out. It’s empowering—because you’re building confidence in your own ability to learn and grow.”
Resources & Links* Clare Inkster on LinkedIn * The Curiosity Experiment * The Curiosity Experiment on Instagram * Research and studies on amount of questions we ask through the ages * Clare email address clare@thecuriosityexperiment.co.uk. * Global Curiosity Institute website to measure curiosity https://www.globalcuriosityinstitute.com/diagnostics * Your Brain At Work Book * Top Down vs. Botton Up Processing Video or Article * MIT Study: Your Brain on ChatGPT and Clare LinkedIn Post That Inspired My Question * Blog post about sprints * Satya Nadella article on culture of learn-it-alls
Support the ShowIf this episode helped you, share it with a colleague and leave a review. It helps more educators and leaders find the show.
Episode Highlights Stephanie shares how family vacations to Disney sparked her early love for travel and curiosity about the world.
She explains how formative middle and high school trips inspired her to create unique, personalized travel experiences through her company, Lost in Adventure Travel.
The conversation explores how travel builds empathy and human connection by meeting people, hearing their stories, and seeing everyday life in different cultures.
Stephanie discusses how being a parent influences her approach to accessible trip planning, focusing on visual schedules, pacing, and flexibility so every traveler can fully participate.
Both reflect on the importance of downtime and moments of rest during travel, recognizing that learning and reflection often happen in those quiet spaces.
She talks about concerts and live music as experiences that bring people together, reminding us of our shared humanity.
Featured QuotesWhy travel matters
We as humans have a tendency to live inside our own echo chambers, and when we push ourselves beyond our comfort zone, which travel really can do, whether it's stepping on the airplane, getting on the train, just leaving our homes sometimes can be scary. It challenges our mindset, it challenges our bodies physically sometimes, it expands our worldview, it allows us to meet people that aren't just like us....it's really important to try and understand where other people are coming from, mindsets, like, physically, where do people live? How is it different than what my house looks like? How is it different than how I was raised?
Power of a Guide
....guides are the storytellers of the destination. Guides, I think, make or break a vacation
Creating Wanderlust Locally
Allowing yourself to go out and try a new restaurant. Try, like, go for a hike in a place you've never been. Those kind of experiences help drive the wanderlust as well, and allow us to step outside of that comfort zone a little bit.
Challenge for Living
..don't be afraid to take that first step. Whether you are traveling to Asia, or you're exploring your town, going to the concert that you wanted to go to, allow yourself to have the human experiences.
Challenge for Immersion
...allow someone to tell you a story about where you live about the town next door, go to a museum. Allow yourself to take the tour. Don't… just be your introverted self. Don't just grab your phone and learn about it, but go out there and talk to these people. And, I just think that overall, we will be better off.
Learn MoreStephanie on LinkedIn
Lost in Adventure Travel
Suggested Past Episodes215: Born to Jump — Tara Martin on Courage, Story, and Self-Care
Why it fits: Courage and story as catalysts for change which are the same muscles you need to launch travel experiences or classroom micro-adventures.
214: From Independence Day to Interdependence — Steven Puri
Why it fits: Designing work that prioritizes culture, presence, and curiosity is perfect framing for travel as community-building.
104: Estella Owoimaha-Church — Building Empathy through the Arts
Why it fits: A deep dive on empathy and restorative practices; complements this episode’s theme of travel as perspective-taking.
What We Talk About Camp’s path to NEIA and why he still teaches while leading (modeling the work)
Courage as the catalyst for change in any system, at any scale
Competency-based assessment as a school-wide skill map (transfer across humanities, science, math, Innovation Studio)
“Linear school” in a nonlinear world and how AI can help us blow up the old schedule logic
Walking the fine line: college-prep and “what-comes-next” prep (love this framing)
Keeping innovation alive after year 1: support systems, permission to try (and fail), and tapping teacher passions
Workflow talk: using ChatGPT to organize brainstorms; Google Classroom paired with “Otis” for competencies; protecting life balance
Teach what can’t be AI’d: discourse, idea-to-idea connection, and real human presence in the room
One small “ruckus” for tomorrow: break the pattern with a 10-minute gallery walk or other quick shift that re-energizes learning
Access the ShowAll platforms & past episodes: https://coffeeforthebrain.com/podcasts/
Direct Link to This Episode:
Listen & Subscribe:
[Apple Podcasts] | [Spotify] | | [Simplecast]
Resources & Links + Tiny Experiments Book*
NEIA Profile: John Camp: https://neiacademy.org/team/john-camp/
Camp on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/campsm/
Neil Postman, Amusing Ourselves to Death (referenced in the discussion with link to my blog post)
Alpha School: (referenced in AI discussion)
Highlighted Posts (good primers for listeners)Why human-to-human discourse beats screen-staring (ties to “teach what can’t be AI’d”).
Quick wins to break the invisible rules (small, classroom-level ruckuses).
Episode Quote
If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude. Maya Angelou
and
We don’t just think outside the box, we act outside the box. Camp
and our love for Neil Postman
Teach children something about the art and science of asking questions.
Question-asking is the most significant intellectual tool human beings have.
Support the ShowIf this episode helped you, share it with a colleague and leave a review. It helps more educators and leaders find the show.
What We Talk AboutRebecca’s journey from communications into AI and ethics research.
The moment in 2022 when ChatGPT changed the conversation about AI.
Misconceptions: why AI is not a fad, and why it matters for everyone.
Quick wins with generative AI from reading terms & conditions to learning through NotebookLM.
Her mantra: “Never trust a large language model.” What that means and why human oversight is non-negotiable.
The risks of over-trusting AI when it feels “human.”
Opportunities in strategy: using AI for pattern-finding, scenario testing, and persona-building.
Practical advice for staying safe: separating personal/work accounts and turning off data training.
Why experimenting with Claude, ChatGPT, or Gemini is the best starting point.
Rebecca’s daily workflow: from AI-powered health stacks to automations that save brainpower.
Final advice: control the controllables, start small, and build confidence step by step.
Access the ShowAll platforms & past episodes: https://coffeeforthebrain.com/podcasts/
Direct Link to This Episode:
Listen & Subscribe:
[Apple Podcasts] | [Spotify] | | [Simplecast]
Resources & LinksRebecca’s website: rebeccabultsma.com (speaking, workshops, resources)
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/rebecca-bultsma (active posts on AI ethics, policy, comms)
X (Twitter): @rebeccabultsma — “AI awe + rational anxiety” stream and resource drops
TikTok: @rebeccabultsma (short takes on AI, comms, and ethics)
Instagram: @commsrebecca (communications + AI insights)
Highlighted Posts (good primers for listeners)“POV: You’re the ‘AI ethics’ person and not freaking out about LinkedIn’s data use.”
Nuanced take on platform data and practical risk framing (great for comms leaders). LinkedIn
“Never trust an LLM” in practice.
Threads/posts where she pushes for human review, disclosure, and trust-building. Pair with her SchoolCEO feature. Apptegy
Defining AI ethics as a philosophical puzzle.
Reflective post that shows her influences and systems lens. LinkedIn
AI learning resources roundup.
Shareable list of podcasts, newsletters, books, and courses, great on-ramp for teams. X (formerly Twitter)
Webinar: Navigating AI Tools in Schools.
Concrete strategies for K-12; sets expectations for ethical adoption and practical wins. risevision.com
Courses & Tools Mentioned:OpenAI Academy – Free ChatGPT classes
Google AI on Coursera – AI 101 course
Anthropic Academy – Free Claude courses
NotebookLM – AI-powered research synthesis
- The Boring Report
- GPT - JobsGPT by SmarterX
- Zapier - https://zapier.com/ai
Episode Quote
“Anything you can’t do well, or you feel overwhelmed by have generative AI help you. That’s what it’s amazing for. It can be that external brain when you need it.”
– Rebecca Bultsma
Support the ShowIf this episode helped you, share it with a colleague and leave a review. It helps more educators and leaders find the show.
Access the ShowAll platforms & past episodes: https://coffeeforthebrain.com/podcasts/
Direct Link to This Episode:
Listen & Subscribe:
[Apple Podcasts] | [Spotify] | | [Simplecast]
Top Takeaways1. Start where you are, start small. Reverse engineering and cross‑curricular alignment build admin buy‑in and teacher confidence. 2. Make it hands‑on. Robotics, geospatial data, drones, and art integrations hook curiosity and translate AI into the real world. 3. Bake in ethics and trustworthiness. Teach students to question data flows, wearables, and terms of service without doom and gloom. 4. Broaden participation intentionally. Recruit widely, guarantee tool access, and position students as peer experts to level the field. 5. Use your teacher voice. Join listening sessions, meet reps, ask questions, and shape AI policy and funding.
Chapters / Timestamps 00:00 – Welcome & why this conversation now * 01:51 – David’s current roles + new workforce development announcement * 04:00 – From classroom to national initiatives (Einstein Fellow, 3C at Duke) * 05:44 – Teacher fears, mindset, and the power of perspective * 08:31 – NSF AI Institutes (AVO): design, prompts, trustworthiness * 10:50 – NASA partnerships & a new grant (AI + drones) * 13:32 – Entry points: reverse engineering; cross‑curricular buy‑in & PD * 17:20 – Secret sauce: collaboration, robotics + data + art * 20:55 – Broadening participation: recruiting, access, student experts * 24:08 – Teaching ethics & trust: classroom modules and what “trust” means * 26:55 – Wearables, privacy, and reading the ToS * 28:08 – Policy & advocacy: funding, privacy, and meeting your reps * 31:57 – Getting started: PLNs (ASCD, ISTE, NSTA, NASA) and vendor curricula * 35:58 – Teachers: your everyday practice is worth sharing * 41:39 – Full‑circle moment: Python in MS → PhD data science today * 44:38* – Where to find David + final advice
Note: Timestamps are approximate based on the raw recording.
Resources & Mentions (add links) + Meharry Medical College — School of Applied Computational Sciences (SACS) — https://sacsmeharry.org/
+ NSF AI Institutes Virtual Organization (AVO) — https://aiinstitutes.org/
(Overview of all institutes: https://www.nsf.gov/focus-areas/ai/institutes)
+ White House OSTP Listening Sessions (AI Bill of Rights process overview) — https://bidenwhitehouse.archives.gov/ostp/ai-bill-of-rights/listening-to-the-american-people/
+ NASA STEM Engagement — Learning Resources — https://www.nasa.gov/learning-resources/
NASA EXPRESS (weekly STEM newsletter) — https://www.nasa.gov/learning-resources/nasa-express/
+ NASA Student Opportunities (HS challenges, programs, field trips) — https://www.nasa.gov/learning-resources/nasa-stem-opportunities-activities/
NASA Internships (HS/college) — https://www.nasa.gov/learning-resources/internship-programs/
+ Hands-on NASA STEM activities (technology/aeronautics) — https://science.nasa.gov/learn/lessons-and-activities/
+ Reverse engineering AI in the classroom (ISTE feature on David Lockett) — https://iste.org/blog/building-ai-student-creators-meet-artificial-intelligence
+ Meharry SACS — Trustworthy AI in Medical Systems (NSF CAP project) — https://sacsmeharry.org/taims/
Ethics overview (PDF) — https://sacsmeharry.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/2_Ethics.pdf
Use case: Ethical & Trustworthy AI (PDF) — https://sacsmeharry.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/1_Use-case-trustworthy-AI.pdf
+ PLNs: ASCD — https://www.ascd.org • ISTE — https://www.iste.org • NSTA — https://www.nsta.org
+ Tynker × NASA: Moon-to-Mars coding activities — https://www.tynker.com/hour-of-code/nasa-return-to-moon
NASA page: Host an Hour of Code with Tynker* — https://www.nasa.gov/stem-content/host-an-hour-of-code-on-the-moon-with-nasa-and-tynker/
Connect with David:
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/_davidjlockett/
LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidjlockett
X/Twitter https://x.com/DavidJLockett/status/1843755067306086451
In This Episode, You’ll Hear About:
Tara’s journey from classroom teacher to instructional coach, district leader, and now Director of Publishing at Dave Burgess Consulting.
Why mentors who see potential in us can change the entire trajectory of our lives.
The Be REAL framework (Relatable, Expose vulnerability, Approachable, Learning through life) and why it matters in every relationship.
Lessons from Cannonball In about fear, confidence, and tuning out the “dabblers” who sit on the sidelines.
How Tara sustains her energy and creativity through systems: journaling, fitness routines, accountability groups, and her “ups and downs” T-chart.
The importance of self-care and giving yourself permission to put your needs on the calendar first.
The healing power of story and why fitting in is the opposite of true belonging.
Why Listen:
If you’ve ever felt torn between giving everything to your work and finding space for yourself, Tara’s perspective offers both inspiration and practical strategies. This conversation is about teaching, yes — but it’s also about building a life where you can thrive.
Resources & Links:
Connect with Tara: Website | Twitter/X
Tara’s books: Be REAL: Educate from the Heart | Cannonball In
Join the Conversation:
What’s the “jump” you need to take in your own classroom or life?
Share your reflections in the comments or tag me and Tara on social media.
Listen & Subscribe:
[Apple Podcasts] | [Spotify] | | [Simplecast]
ACCESS THE SHOWAll platforms & past episodes: https://coffeeforthebrain.com/podcasts/
Direct Link to This Episode: https://coffeechug.simplecast.com/episodes/2134
Resources Referenced in Podcast
- Book referenced in podcast: The Net and the Butterfly
- Podcast 213: Tools, Totems, and Totalities
Learn More & Connect:
Learn more about Steven: www.TheSukha.co/media
Community: Join over 34K members at The Sukha
Instagram: @the_sukha_co
Twitter/X: @stevenpuri
What We Talked AboutThis is not your typical education or leadership interview. This conversation has us chatting about:
How Hollywood taught Steven the true art of collaboration
The myth of “just work harder” and why outcomes and not hours matter most
His “Two-Problem Creativity” strategy and what neuroscience reveals about ideas in the shower
The power of having dedicated spaces and rituals to unlock deep work
Why being bored is essential for creativity and how education might be missing this entirely
What Transformers and middle school students have in common when it comes to learning environments
Why the culture you build in teams, families, or classrooms matters more than any productivity app
“If you give someone one thing to work on, they’ll overthink it. But give them a second task and the creativity starts to breathe. It’s always about the other thing.” – Steven Puri (modified from the convo)
Why This Episode MattersSteven brings a rare blend of technical depth, storytelling mastery, and raw honesty. He talks candidly about failure, what he learned from Hollywood burnout, and why he believes today's generation is at risk of having their lives stolen by the scroll.
For educators, this episode offers real-world insight into how to design space for curiosity, not just content delivery. And for leaders, it's a reminder that trust, clarity, and mission-driven work beat micromanagement every time.
If you're a teacher, creator, parent, or just someone navigating the chaos of modern work and life this episode will shift how you think about focus, learning, and growth.
Resources MentionedThe Sukha – https://www.thesukha.co
Join The Sukha community – 34K+ members and counting
Book: The Net and the Butterfly by Olivia Fox Cabane and Judah Pollack
Related Episode: Podcast 213: Tools, Totems, and Totalities
Follow Steven:
Instagram: @the_sukha_co
Twitter/X: @stevenpuri
Media + bio: www.thesukha.co/media
Episode Highlights[00:01] Steven’s Hollywood-to-tech origin story
[00:09] Why creativity is never “on demand” and how boredom fuels innovation
[00:15] The “two-problem” rule for creativity & the neuroscience of distraction
[00:22] Designing remote teams around flow, not control
[00:30] Culture, mission, and what makes people actually show up
[00:38] How education and corporate systems both crush curiosity and what we can do about it
One Final Thought
“Productivity isn’t about squeezing more out of your day—it’s about creating space for what really matters. Including your life.” – Steven Puri (modified from the convo)
What We Talk About:
Why “technology” means more than just tools
The role of totems in identity (think: cars, smartphones, fashion tech)
How totalities define entire systems in education and society
The enchantment of technology—and how it competes with human connection
AI as artificial “ignorance” and the narrowing of imagination
The lost art of boredom and its role in creativity
What convivial design looks like in daily life (yes, the family dinner table!)
Practical takeaways for teachers, parents, and anyone seeking digital balance
Key Takeaway:
This episode is a reminder to educators and humans alike: if we want deeper learning, richer relationships, and authentic joy, we must intentionally create space for boredom, presence, and human connection.
- Technology is more than tools as it also shapes identity and entire systems.
- Conviviality (connection and community) is a powerful counterforce to tech hegemony.
- Educators should challenge assumptions that students are digital natives.
- We must create space for boredom, listening, and authentic face-to-face human interaction.
- AI may reduce imagination by boxing in our thinking and we must stay aware of its limitations.
- Reflection and reconnection found as time around a dinner table or time in nature can reset our human values.
Buy the book Tools, Totems, and Totalities and explore the deeper social and cultural dimensions of technology.
Reach out to Dr. Batteau at a.batteau@wayne.edu for further conversation.
Dr. Allen Batteau Bio:
Allen W. Batteau, PhD is a cultural anthropologist, professor at Wayne State University's Department of Anthropology, and former director of the University's Institute for Information Technology and Culture. He is the author of The Anthropology of Aviation and Flight Safety (2001), Anthropological Approaches to Culture, Aviation, and Flight Safety (2002, and numerous other books and articles including Technology and the Common Good in a Democratic Society (2020). A certified private pilot, his research has been funded by the National Science Foundation, the US Air Force, the National Aeronautics and Space Ad-ministration, and numerous other corporate and international bodies. He holds a Ph.D. from the University of Chicago.
ACCESS THE SHOWAll platforms & past episodes: https://coffeeforthebrain.com/podcasts/
Direct Link to This Episode: https://coffeeforthebrain.com/212/
YouTubeTakeawaysAuthentic learning is about process, not polish. Messy work is real work.
We don’t need to reinvent the wheel—we need to reconnect with what matters in learning.
Students need to see themselves in their work and communities.
Teachers are not meant to be the sole experts—bring in community voices.
There’s power in learning “out loud” and sharing what we don’t know.
Start with tiny experiments and let curiosity lead.
Real change in schools begins with relationships and relevance.
Chapters00:00 - Intro to Laura Williams and Authentic Learning
04:38 - What Does “Authentic” Really Mean in Education?
08:22 - Lessons from Educator Partnerships
12:10 - Connecting Students with Community Experts
16:55 - Project-Based Learning Without Perfection
21:43 - Barriers to Authenticity in School Systems
26:02 - Starting with Tiny Experiments
29:11 - The Role of Curiosity and Student Voice
33:45 - Bringing the Public into the Classroom
37:19 - Tools, Frameworks, and First Steps for Teachers
42:00 - Final Reflections and Where to Learn More
ResourcesAuthentic Learning Alliance
Join the Network
Her book, The Improvement Game
Follow Laura: @mrswilliams21c on IG, X, LinkedIn, Bluesky, TikTok
ACCESS THE SHOWAll platforms and past episodes: https://coffeeforthebrain.com/podcasts/
Direct Link to This Episode:
YouTube Version:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_l_Kht8WObY&feature=youtu.be
TakeawaysFocus is not about more effort—it’s about better strategy and self-awareness.
ADHD is not a deficit in intelligence but a challenge in managing attention and regulation.
Productivity must include mental health, not come at the cost of it.
Transitions—into university, new careers, or independent learning—can be overwhelming without support systems.
Reflective practices, safe spaces, and collaborative environments are essential for real learning and growth.
Understanding the why behind distraction helps build better habits and not just guilt cycles.
Psychologically informed practices help students and professionals reclaim autonomy in high-demand environments.
Burnout often stems from mismatched expectations and lack of recovery.
Compassionate teaching starts with giving ourselves permission to pause, reflect, and realign.
Chapters00:00 Alicia’s Journey into Psychology and Education
06:00 Applying content from Tiny Experiments into her practice
12:30 Focus & Excitement for Learning,
14:00 Power of Vulnerable Spaces and Moving Into Education Spaces
17:30 Procrastination?
20:00 Burnout in High-Pressure Academic and Workplace Settings
24:55 Building Systems That Align With Wellbeing
31:00 Cell Phones In Classrooms
36:00 Less Tolerance For Boredom
39:00 Final Thoughts and Ideas Worth Sharing
43:00 Misconceptions of Engaged vs. Learning and the Perception of Either
ResourcesAlicia Peña Bizama Website
Tiny Experiments
- Podcast 210 where I speak with author of Tiny Experiments and founder of Ness Labs
Upcoming Sessions with Alicia
Understanding ADHD and Strategies to Improve Focus and Productivity
Friday 09.05.25 at 15:00–16:00 UK time
Monday 12.05.25 at 15:00–16:00 UK time
Check Eventbrite or her website for registration
Aaron’s Full Podcast Archive
All platforms and past episodes: https://coffeeforthebrain.com/podcasts/
Direct Link to This Episode: www.coffeeforthebrain.com/210
YouTube Version: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gM0arJOqDbE
TakeawaysLinear goal-setting can trap us in burnout and a deficit mindset.
Learning and growth are nonlinear—curiosity and experimentation create deeper impact.
Traditional definitions of success often limit creativity and autonomy.
Tiny experiments help reclaim control, joy, and discovery in our personal and professional lives.
The education system can benefit from embracing experimentation over rigid outcomes.
Community and conversation are powerful tools for mental health and learning.
Neuroscience helps explain why curiosity and self-compassion are crucial for sustainable progress.
Instead of obsessing over perfection, we can focus on consistent iteration and playful learning.
Self-defined success leads to healthier productivity and long-term well-being.
Educators and knowledge workers alike need safe, brave spaces to question norms and try new paths.
Chapters00:00 Welcome + Introduction of Anne-Laure
03:10 Linear Thinking vs. Nonlinear Exploration
06:15 Anne-Laure's Shift from Corporate Life to Purpose-Driven Curiosity
10:50 The Origins of Tiny Experiments
14:20 Power of Community and Learning in Public
2o:45 Neuroscience of Learning and Curiosity with Plus, Minus, Next
26:00 The Beauty of New Learning With Published Book
30:30 How to Start a Tiny Experiment Today
Educators as Explorers, Not Just Executors
ResourcesNess Labs Community
Tiny Experiments: A Book by Anne-Laure Le Cunff
- Book website
Anne-Laure’s Keynote at SXSW
Anne-Laure on Twitter/X
Aaron’s Full Podcast Archive
Takeaways* Learning is a vulnerable experience that requires admitting what you don't know. * Creating engaging learning experiences is essential for both students and teachers. * Trust and faith in the learning process are crucial for transformative education. * Experience is the best teacher, and learning should be experiential. * The education system needs to be remade to support teachers effectively. * AI can enhance learning but does not replace the need for human creativity and experience. * Creating a safe space for failure is necessary for real learning to occur. * Communal learning experiences foster trust and collaboration among educators and students. * Professional development should focus on what teachers are doing, not just what they are being told to do. * Education should prioritize ideas and personal expression over performative tasks.
Chapters00:00 Introduction to CodeJoy and Kelsey Derringer
03:10 The Importance of Lifelong Learning in Education
05:57 Vulnerability in Learning: A Personal Perspective
09:01 Breaking the Education System: Kelsey's Journey
11:53 Innovative Approaches to Teacher Engagement
15:02 Creating Interactive Learning Experiences
18:06 The Role of Social Learning in Education
21:01 Reframing Teacher and Student Roles in Learning
26:33 The Nature of Learning and Experience
27:50 Human Evolution and Learning Challenges
28:50 Creating Safe Spaces for Learning
30:12 The Importance of Iteration and Failure
32:35 The Role of Experience in Education
34:35 Creativity and Trust in Learning
36:48 The Intersection of AI and Education
39:22 Shifting Focus from Performance to Ideas
42:10 The Human Experience in Education
46:09 Building Trust and Community in Learning
Resources* CodeJoy * CodeJoy on Socials * 25 Days of Making * The Artist's Way * Hans Zimmer Isn't Scared of AI
Takeaways* Mindfulness and emotional intelligence are essential in education to support the well-being of both students and educators. * Establishing a noble goal and understanding one's why can help educators stay connected to their purpose and navigate challenges. * Taking the time to pause, reflect on emotions, and choose self-care strategies can help educators manage stress and prevent burnout. * Providing space for vulnerability and self-care in the education system is crucial for the overall well-being of educators and students. Educators need to prioritize their own well-being and practice self-awareness and self-care. * The KCG framework (Know Yourself, Choose Yourself, Give Yourself) can help educators navigate difficult situations and manage their emotions. * Emotions are data and should be acknowledged and understood. * Education should focus on the whole child and provide educators with the tools and support they need. * Showing up for others and spreading love can have a profound impact on individuals and communities.
Sound Bites* "Mindfulness and emotional intelligence are essential in education." * "Establishing a noble goal and understanding one's why can help educators stay connected to their purpose." * "Taking the time to pause, reflect on emotions, and choose self-care strategies can help educators manage stress and prevent burnout." * "Emotions that are in your body for like six seconds."\"KCG: Know Yourself, Choose Yourself, Give Yourself"
Chapters00:00 Introduction and Background
10:30 The Work of Challenge to Change
23:07 Creating Space for Self-Reflection
27:40 Challenges of Bringing Mindfulness Practices into Schools
29:36 The Importance of Emotions in Education
33:55 Managing Emotions in Challenging Situations
38:14 Bringing Emotional Intelligence into the Classroom
44:48 Creating a Culture of Empathy and Understanding
Resources* Challenge To Change * Guided Mindfulness * Six Seconds * Jordan Turner Bio * KCG. Know Choose Give
Takeaways* AI can be used as a tool for augmentation in education, supporting academic writing and research. * Curiosity is a powerful driver of learning and exploration in the AI space. * Simulations can help students test their research ideas and understand the implications of their decisions. * Good writing in academia involves the ability to synthesize research, support claims, and communicate effectively. Prioritize the audience in communication and understand their needs and wants * Focus on the writing process and experiment with different strategies to improve * Embrace bravery in pursuing goals and trust in the support of others * Stay updated on advancements in AI technology and leverage them for feedback and guidance * Recognize the influence of TV shows and movies in shaping personal experiences and perspectives
Sound Bites* "It's not just about AI. It's about thinking and learning and articulation and how we leverage emerging technology to continue to push what's potential." * "You don't have to be a technical person to start an AI EdTech company. You can learn on your own." * "The ability to create simulations for students so they can test their research ideas and understand the implications of their decisions." * "Put the audience as your primary priority and put what you wanna say on the back burner and understand what the audience needs or wants to hear." * "Good writing is about process, not just product." * "Being brave also means collectively trusting that you are surrounding yourself with people who are going to have your back and who can do things that you can't."
Chapters00:00 Introduction and Background
02:55 The Role of AI in Education
08:06 Navigating the Challenges of AI in Education
16:00 Exploring Topics in AI and Education
25:59 The Importance of Good Writing in Academia
29:12 Putting the Audience First: Effective Communication
30:57 The Power of Process: Enhancing Writing Skills
35:46 Embracing Bravery: Pursuing Goals and Taking Risks
39:35 Advancements in AI Technology: The Impact of Claude III
42:47 Influential TV Shows and Movies: The Sound of Music and Ghost
Resources* Here is the slidedeck to check out all the ideas discussed and the ones we did not have time to cover * Moxie website to learn about the work and opportunities https://academicinsightlab.org/team * Kimberly on LinkedIn * Jessica on LinkedIn * Anne Lamott book, Bird by Bird * 10% Happier Podcast * Adam Grant Podcasts * The Alchemist book * "What you seek is seeking you", a quote from Rumi * "Follow your values and not your passions becase your passions will change but your values tend to stay the same" * 197: The Art of Authenticity: Living Out Loud with Brant Menswar
All platforms and past episodes: https://coffeeforthebrain.com/podcasts/
Slidedeck of her ideas to explore as we did not get to them all
https://1drv.ms/p/s!AqtnAB8NPT2-8kpLZWCCEThXQepG
YouTube Video
Takeaways* Vicki Davis believes that students should be at least 17 or 18 years old before getting cell phones.
She emphasizes the negative impact of unrestricted cell phone access on students' mental health, sleep patterns, and social interactions.
* Vicki recommends watching the AI Dilemma YouTube video to gain a better understanding of AI technology and its ethical implications. Autonomous weapons raise ethical concerns and the need for human accountability in AI decision-making.
* Understanding AI ethics and the impact of technology is crucial for shaping the conversation and making informed decisions.
* AI education should focus on the process rather than just tools, and educators should address the ethical use of AI.
* Addressing knowledge gaps in math education is essential to ensure students have a solid foundation for future learning.
* Creating custom GPTs can be a valuable tool for personal and classroom use, but it should be supervised and used ethically.
Chapters00:00 Introduction and Background
03:22 Vicki Davis' Journey in Education
28:44 Recommendation: AI Dilemma YouTube Video
33:21 Ethics of Autonomous Weapons
34:19 Ethics of AI and Accountability
35:18 Ethics and the Impact of Technology
36:38 Balancing AI Education and Tool Usage
37:35 The Challenge of PD and AI Education
38:28 Teaching the Writing Process and Ethical Use of AI
39:24 Teaching Research Process and Avoiding AI Cheating
40:13 Addressing Knowledge Gaps in Math Education
43:34 The Importance of Conversations and Awareness about AI
46:17 Creating Custom GPTs for Personal and Classroom Use
54:06 The Craft of Teaching and Surrounding Yourself with Positive Influences
Resources* https://www.coolcatteacher.com/ * When I was lucky enough to be on her show! + From 2013: ECM Show #13: Teacher Aaron Maurer https://go.shr.lc/4brPIB8 + From 2017: 5 Ways to Improve STEAM Learning at Your School - https://go.shr.lc/44SUaGB + From 2019: 25 Days of Making: When Educators Make, Create, and Have Fun - https://go.shr.lc/3KbmlqQ * Change. Improvement. Technology. Productivity. * How her book impacted me.....and reference to Vine(remember that?) Blogging: Why It Matters To Develop The Student Brand
Youtube Versionhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7cphiov_RFc&feature=youtu.be
Resources* Inspiration of show format from Tim Ferriss Podcast + Life Lessons from Taylor Swift, Conquering Anxiety, Coaching Teens, Career Reinvention, Supposedly Gay Bulls, Your Shadow Side, and More — Soman Chainani (#720) https://tim.blog/2024/02/06/soman-chainani/ * Slides of all topics shared and not shared due to time + https://1drv.ms/p/s!AqtnAB8NPT2-9HrD7fxxexgmUAV6 * Previous Podcast With Lisa + 111: Happiness Advantage Roundtable Discussion Part 1 https://coffeeforthebrain.com/111/ + 116: Happiness Advantage Roundtable Discussion Part 2 https://coffeeforthebrain.com/116/ * Spotify Daylist is Blowing Up—Too Bad the Creator Was Laid Off * Tom Petty Greatest Hits * A Little Bit Of Love by Weezer * SCARF * Clear Thinking book * Mississippi Bend AEA
Chapters00:00 Introduction and Experimental Format
03:17 Lisa's Origin Story
08:55 Something That Sparks Excitement: Human Behavior and Social Constructs
16:27 Object of Meaning: Tom Petty's Greatest Hits Album
23:12 Reflecting on a Recent Shift in Perspective: Co-Regulation
35:17 Something That Sparks Excitement: Weezer's 'A Little Bit of Love'
39:43 Weezer and the Power of Music
40:14 Introduction to SCARF
41:28 The Five Domains of SCARF
42:56 Applying SCARF in Education
44:23 Identifying Threat Responses
45:17 Strategic Responses to Threats
46:16 Complex Change Matrix
47:21 Problem Solving and Solution Focus
50:08 Creating Structures for Productive Conversations
54:51 Best Pieces of Advice
Access The ShowAll platforms and past episodes: https://coffeeforthebrain.com/podcasts/
Direct Link:YouTube:Takeaways* Gratitude can be a powerful foundation for AI, guiding its use and ensuring a positive impact. * Play and experimentation are key when getting started with AI, allowing for creative exploration and learning. * AI tools like ChatGPT can be used as thought partners and co-hosts, enhancing productivity and creativity. * Incorporating AI in the classroom can provide new opportunities for learning and problem-solving. * Embracing AI can enhance learning, problem-solving, and productivity, leading to a better future. Curiosity and experimentation are key to discovering the full potential of ChatGPT. * The art of intelligence involves using personal creativity and making unique connections. * Asking great questions is crucial for getting useful and usable output from ChatGPT. * Embrace your unique flavor and don't be discouraged by the idea that everything has already been done.
Chapters00:00 Introduction and Setting the Stage
02:58 The Power of Gratitude in AI
06:13 The Origin Story of Grateful AI
09:23 Navigating the Worries and Fears of AI
16:43 Getting Started with AI: Play and Experiment
21:41 Lessons and Workflows from AI Experts
32:20 Using ChatGPT as a Co-Host and Thought Partner
37:04 Incorporating AI in the Classroom
40:27 Embracing AI to Enhance Learning and Problem Solving
46:56 Exploring the Possibilities of ChatGPT
48:21 The Art of Intelligence
49:21 The Importance of Asking Great Questions
50:41 Embrace Your Unique Flavor
52:41 The War of Art
54:02 Connect with Mark Latimer
Resources* https://www.linkedin.com/in/artofchatgpt/ * https://www.youtube.com/@OpenAiTraining * https://solopreneuraicoach.com/
Access The ShowAll platforms and past episodes: https://coffeeforthebrain.com/podcasts/
Takeaways* The current system of recognizing learning and competence is narrow and leaves many people behind. * Credentials should include the expertise and affiliations of the content creators to provide more transparent and meaningful signaling. * Considering different perspectives and ideas is crucial for a healthy democracy and society. Malformation and propaganda can distort the way facts are used and understood. * The current information infrastructure, driven by the attention economy, shapes behavior and power dynamics in society. * There is a need to create a new infrastructure that values the quality of attention and knowledge. * Education should be valued beyond its immediate application in work and school. * The economic value of intellectual data should be recognized and protected. * Proof of human knowledge is essential in a world where fabrication and misinformation are prevalent.
Chapters00:00 Introduction and Background
02:47 The Problems with Credentials, Verifiability, and Status Signaling
14:39 Reflecting on a Recent Shift in Perspective: Democracy through Socrates' Eyes
34:20 Rethinking How We Value Learning
37:34 Creating a New Infrastructure for Society
44:19 The Economic Value of Intellectual Data
48:49 Proof of Human Knowledge
55:06 The Forward from 'Amusing Ourselves to Death'
Resources* The Readocracy Manifesto * A humble proposal to turn the internet upside down * Intros to Infobesity and Information Wellness * Browse Mario knowledge profile: www.readocracy.com/mario * Neil Postman Amusing Ourselves To Death book * Cal Newport Slow Productivity book
Takeaways* Combining AI with sound educational practices can enhance the learning experience. * The problem is not AI itself, but how we use class time and design learning experiences. * AI can be leveraged to support students in the writing process and develop their skills as learners. * Effective instructional practices, such as blended learning and student agency, are essential for empowering students and creating meaningful learning experiences. AI has the * potential to bring about much-needed change in education. * Teachers should consider alternative instructional models to meet the diverse needs of students. * Resistance to change can hinder progress in education. * Taking small steps and focusing on one aspect at a time can lead to success. * Engaging in physical activity can bring joy and help disconnect from work.
Chapters Introduction and Background
The Importance of Combining AI with Sound Educational Practices
The Problem is How We Use Class Time, Not AI
The Idea for the Book: Shifting Writing into the Classroom
The Importance of Intentional Design and Leveraging AI
The Need to Rethink the Classroom Experience
AI as an Editor of Thinking
The Promise and Misconceptions of AI
The Learnership and Developing Learners
The Need for Effective Instructional Practices
The Need for Change in Education
Barriers to Effective Learning
Teachers' Resistance to Change
The Potential of AI in Education
Reigniting Passion for Teaching
The Best Piece of Advice
Finding Joy in Physical Activity
Connecting with Catlin Tucker
Takeaways* Play is not just for young children, but a natural and necessary part of learning for people of all ages. * Playful learning experiences engage the brain and help information stick, making learning more effective and enjoyable. * Play can be rigorous and challenging, but it should not be rigid or boring. It can foster creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving skills. * Integrating play into education requires a shift in mindset and a willingness to embrace a playful approach to teaching and learning. * Start small and look for opportunities to infuse play into daily classroom activities, gradually building a culture of playfulness.
Chapters00:00 Introduction and Excitement
00:55 Jed's Background and Work
03:41 The Importance of Play
06:33 Defining Play and Its Impact on Learning
11:13 The Need for Play in Education
17:00 The Power of Playful Learning Experiences
20:06 Making Playful Learning Accessible
23:21 The Connection Between Play and Innovation
25:23 The Misconception of Play in Education
29:43 Dabbling in Playful Learning
35:10 Play as a Behavior and a Mindset
36:29 Starting Small with Playful Learning
37:10 Creating Playful Interactions in Education
38:12 The Desire to Make Learning Fun
39:12 The Role of Play in the Education System
41:00 Bringing Fun and Playfulness into Learning
44:06 The Power of Making a Mark
45:57 Raving About Jed's Doodles and Stickers
47:26 Connecting with Jed on Instagram
Resources* Jed main website - https://www.mrdearybury.com/ * Instagram * Access to his three books * As he talks about what happens in the brain, it connects with this episode * What Happened To You by Oprah * Playful Intelligence * Peter Gray * Dr. Stuart Brown
Takeaways* How to shift perspective on how we examine the world around us * How we sometimes take visual art for granted * AI is being advertised as a solution for artists, but it is also seen as a threat to the creative industry. * Seeking out and appreciating discarded, low-budget, and niche art can provide a unique and fascinating experience. * Life and experience life
Chapters00:00 Introduction and Background
03:33 Claire's Journey into the Comic Industry
07:03 The Importance of Visual Storytelling
15:36 The Power of Creativity and Enjoying Life
25:04 Giving Yourself Permission to Have a Nice Time
35:09 Analyzing and Critiquing Media
43:21 The Fascination of Inquiry and Wonder
44:03 The Impact of AI on the Creative Arts
45:53 Reassessing What It Means to Be Human
46:13 The Environmental Impact of AI
46:36 AI as a Threat to Artists and Creatives
47:47 The Economic Destruction of the Creative Industry
48:59 The Importance of Protecting Art as an Industry
49:49 The Gruesomeness of AI-Generated Art
50:22 The Value of Human Output and Trying
51:21 The Appeal of the Unknown and Strange
52:46 The Fascination of Bizarre Artifacts
54:41 Seeking Weird and Niche Art
55:17 The Value of Discarded and Low-Budget Art
56:40 Encouraging Creativity and Artistic Expression
57:26 The Process and Dedication of Artists
58:57 The Resurgence of Independent and Niche Art
01:00:23 The Hope for a Renaissance of Humanity
01:02:24 Challenging AI with Handmade Art
01:03:05 Taking on the Challenge of Creating by Hand
01:03:29 The Power of Vulnerability and Sharing Art
01:04:36 Where to Learn More About Claire
Resources* https://www.clairenapier.com/
Takeaways* Storytelling is a powerful tool in education and can help create connections and understanding. * Understanding the neuroscience behind communication and relationships can lead to more effective teaching and learning. * Trust and play are essential in creating safe and engaging learning environments. * The intersection of technology and humanity offers both opportunities and challenges. * Reading the classics and embracing a growth mindset can enhance personal and educational development. * Winter swimming can be an adventurous and invigorating activity that promotes well-being. Health benefits play a crucial role in overall well-being. * Understanding the neurotransmitter cocktail can help optimize brain function.
Chapters00:00 Introduction
01:00 The Power of Story
03:01 Exploring What It Means to Be Human in a Global Age of Technology
06:05 The Role of Neuroscience in Communication and Relationships
10:03 The Importance of Trust and Play in Education
13:05 Creating Safe and Engaging Learning Spaces
19:13 The Impact of Oxytocin, Dopamine, and Cortisol on Learning and Relationships
22:43 The Intersection of Technology and Humanity
29:29 The Value of Reading the Classics and Embracing Growth Mindset
36:47 The Immersive Experience of Winter Swimming
44:14 The Importance of Health Benefits
45:03 Connecting on LinkedIn and Instagram
Resources
- Website
- AHA! Website
Takeaways* Heather Cooper's background in education and her love for reading and storytelling have influenced her approach to tech writing and content creation. * Visual communication is a powerful tool for breaking down complex information and making it accessible to a wide range of audiences. * AI has the potential to revolutionize education by providing personalized learning experiences and supplementing traditional teaching methods. * Educators should embrace AI as a tool to enhance learning and provide additional support to students, rather than viewing it as a form of cheating. * Heather emphasizes the importance of empathy, adaptability, and resilience in navigating different fields and learning new skills. Twitter was a great platform for Heather to learn how to condense ideas and write effectively. * Compelling titles, hooks, and images are essential for grabbing people's attention and conveying the main idea. * Heather curates and shares information using various tools, such as summary tools and AI platforms. * She aims to make these tools accessible to regular people and help them navigate the overwhelming amount of information available. * Heather explores different art styles using AI models and emphasizes the importance of understanding the techniques and vocabulary associated with each style. * She encourages others to start their projects and not wait for the perfect time, as tomorrow is never promised.
Chapters00:00 Introduction and Background
01:27 Heather's Journey and Approach to Education
04:12 Transition to Writing and Creativity
07:02 Learning Coding and Tech Writing
09:01 Using Visual Content and AI in Education
13:47 Heather's Superpower
17:13 Applying Skills and Mindset to AI
19:14 Overcoming Hurdles in AI Education
23:18 Bringing People Together with AI
28:02 Curating and Processing Information
29:06 Sharing Information and Tools
36:03 Organizing and Managing Information
39:01 Creating and Organizing AI Artwork
40:37 Prompt Creation and Exploration
42:20 Analyzing Prompts and Effects
43:48 Using Emojis as Prompts
45:11 Testing Prompts on Different Generators
46:07 Combining Art and Mechanics
47:31 Exploring Different Perspectives and Lenses
48:27 Applying Traditional Photography Techniques to AI Art
49:21 Expanding Vocabulary and Language Use
50:26 Embracing Change and Learning New Skills
51:17 Don't Wait, Just Get Started
53:46 Raving About Heather's YouTube Platform
56:18 Where to Find Heather's Work
Resources
- Visually AI Newsletter by Heather
- Visually AI YouTube Channel
- Heather on Twitter/X
Personal takeaways from his book* 191: Chaos Sparks: Embracing the Black Sheep Within
"Authenticity resonates at a different frequency... when you experience real authenticity, you feel a sense of connection that is so much more powerful than what we experience on a daily basis." - Brant Menswar
"If you don't do the work, then you don't know who you are. You know a reflection of what everybody else says you are. But you don't know you." - Brant Menswar
"Real change requires real work. It's hard, but it's getting better, you build those habits." - Brant Menswar
"You're never going to outperform your inner circle... it should make you think long and hard about who you let in your inner circle." - Brant Menswar
"Stop being so self-absorbed. Stop worrying about what you're doing next and live in that present for just a second... I promise you, you're gonna go to bed that night going, this was a good day." - Brant Menswar
Chapters00:00 Introduction and Background
01:10 Transition from Music to Speaking
02:12 Writing 'Black Sheep' and its Impact
03:29 Superpower: Connection and Hope
05:06 Navigating Grief and Finding Hope
06:20 Choosing Your Inner Circle
08:06 The Importance of Self-Care
09:33 Real Change Requires Real Work
11:25 Discovering Non-Negotiable Values
13:22 Knowing and Speaking Your Values
15:10 Living with Deliberate Intention
17:19 Choosing Your Purpose
19:31 Differentiating Between Really Important and Non-Negotiable
23:19 The Power of Choosing Your Purpose
26:05 Expanding the Message and Impact
40:24 Focusing Energy and Linear Progression
42:02 Raving about Positive Impact
45:12 Controlling Your Own Narrative
48:05 Authentic Connections and Impact
49:08 Encouraging Others and Passing on the Message
Resources* Brant Menwwar Website - https://www.brantmenswar.com/ * Black Sheep: Unleash the Extraordinary, Awe-Inspiring, Undiscovered You * Discover Your Non Negotiables
Access The ShowAll platforms and past episodes: https://coffeeforthebrain.com/podcasts/
Direct Link:
There is not video for this episode.
Takeaways* Privacy is a fundamental right that should be protected and respected. * Algorithms can limit our exposure to new ideas and perspectives, leading to echo chambers and confirmation bias. * Building trust online requires responsible technology development and platforms that prioritize user needs. * Education plays a crucial role in understanding the implications of technology and fostering critical thinking. * Considering the ethical implications of technology is essential to ensure its positive impact on society. Privacy is a crucial aspect of our lives in the digital age, and we need to be aware of the potential consequences of technology. * Biometric data, such as voice and facial scans, can be misused for deepfakes and scams, highlighting the importance of protecting personal information. * Data breaches can have severe implications, and individuals should be cautious about the information they share online. * Privacy education is essential to help people understand the risks and make informed decisions about their data. * The internet never forgets, and individuals should be mindful of what they post online, as it can have long-lasting consequences. * Literature can provide insights into privacy violations and data bias, encouraging readers to think critically about these issues.
Chapters00:00 Introduction and Importance of Privacy
03:00 The Role of a Privacy Officer
08:18 The Misconception of Having Nothing to Hide
11:33 The Limitations of Algorithms and Trust Online
16:00 The Need for Champions of Digital Trust
20:09 The Impact of Algorithms on Content Quality
23:20 The Importance of Human Connection on Social Media
27:05 The Need for Responsible Technology Development
32:14 The Importance of Education and Broadening Perspectives
37:21 The Role of Humans in Technology
40:29 Considering the Ethical Implications of Technology
41:32 Privacy and Technology
43:09 Biometric Data and Deepfakes
44:16 Data Breaches and Consequences
47:04 Lack of Privacy in the Digital Age
49:14 Importance of Privacy Education
51:31 The Internet Never Forgets
52:12 Data Bias and Privacy Violations in Literature aka Harry Potter
Resources* Lydia Knab on LinkedIn * iRobot Deal With Amazon * Trust 3.0 - 2024 Crystal Ball Full Webinar * My personal LinkedIn favorite post - https://www.linkedin.com/posts/activity-7154604738360016897-dia-?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop * How about we start to try to make humans better instead of trying to build the ultimate « intelligent » machine …? Not by biohacking and transhumanism but by 😱 … wait for it … EDUCATION..?. https://www.linkedin.com/posts/activity-7154496626118594560-s6RJ?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop * DANGERS OF ENSHITTIFICATION + https://www.linkedin.com/posts/activity-7151966112228786176-cK40?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop + https://americandialect.org/2023-word-of-the-year-is-enshittification/ + Cory Doctorow Tiktok's enshittification * Invisible Women: Data Bias in a World Designed for Men
Chapters00:00 Introduction and Background
03:00 Creating Robo Wunderkind
08:00 The Importance of STEM Education
13:00 Promoting Diversity in STEM
18:00 Approaches to STEM Education in Different Countries
23:00 Goals of Robo Wunderkind
28:00 Success Stories and Impact
33:00 Best Piece of Advice
35:00 Raving about Something Awesome
41:00 Conclusion and Appreciation
Resources Mentioned In Show* https://www.robowunderkind.com/us/home * https://iowastem.org/Scale-Up * https://www.linkedin.com/in/annaiarotska/ * https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/For_All_Mankind_(TV_series)
ACCESS THE SHOWAll platforms and past episodes: https://coffeeforthebrain.com/podcasts/
Takeaways* AI has the potential to bring important topics to the forefront of education, such as ethics, critical thinking, and problem-solving. * Educators play a crucial role in guiding students in the ethical and responsible use of AI. * AI can be leveraged to address accessibility and inclusion in education, empowering students with diverse learning needs. * Teaching AI mindsets and skillsets is essential for preparing students for a future with AI. * Partnerships between AI companies and educational institutions can drive innovation and create opportunities for students. * Human pedagogy should be at the center of education, ensuring the well-being and care of students and educators. * Technology, including AI, can play a role in supporting positive learning experiences and providing tools for students. * Integrating personal stories and the human element in education can enhance the learning process. * Being kinder to oneself and embracing vulnerability are important for personal growth and learning. * Change should be embraced, and tools should be utilized to solve real-world problems and engage students.
Chapters00:00 Introduction and Focus on AI
03:33 Elizabeth's Background and Global Perspective
09:26 Exploring AI and Beta Testing Google Bard
12:48 AI's Impact on Learning and Education
18:14 Partnerships and AI in Education
26:49 Leveraging AI for Accessibility and Inclusion
34:05 Teaching AI Mindsets and Skillsets
36:51 Teacher Feedback and Implementation Challenges
44:48 The Importance of Human Pedagogy
45:18 The Role of Technology in Taking Care of Humans
46:05 Integrating the Human Element in Education
46:35 Best Piece of Advice: Be Kinder to Yourself
49:19 Rant or Rave: Embracing Change and Utilizing Tools
52:25 Connecting and Following Elizabeth Allen's Work
Resources Mentioned In Show* Elizabeth on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabeth-allen-b7460343/ * Curb Cut - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a3_Rb86wiH4 * Science Matters In America - https://sciencematters.tv/ * Google Bard - https://bard.google.com/ * AI and Forest Recovery - https://environmentamerica.org/updates/ais-newest-frontier-tracking-forest-recovery/ and this talk is interesting https://www.fs.usda.gov/inside-fs/delivering-mission/apply/future-ai-natural-resource-management-self-learning-forest * Dysgraphia - https://dyslexiaida.org/understanding-dysgraphia/ * Engineering For Kids - https://www.engineeringforkids.com/ * Endeavor Program - https://www.us-satellite.net/endeavor/ * Techie Times - https://polytechnic.purdue.edu/summer-diversity-camps/techie-time-virtual-summer-camp?fbclid=IwAR0JrP8sTC9xPqUF7WyR6vf114T9tRyt3SWZhMGiNVaEZLVAjWty8-Ag-rU
TakeawaysStories are a powerful way to make sense of the world and navigate chaos.
Self-reflection is essential for personal and professional growth.
Taking action and building habits are key to achieving goals.
Overcoming perfectionism and embracing imperfection is crucial for progress.
Martyrdom and neglecting self-care can hinder personal and professional success.
Rethinking assessment in education can lead to more meaningful and effective learning experiences.
Chapters00:00 Introduction and Season Overview
01:30 The Power of Stories
03:13 Natalie Vardabasso's Background and Work
04:21 The Process of Writing a Book
05:31 The Impact of AI on Education
06:14 Finding Purpose and Making Choices
08:36 The Importance of Self-Reflection
10:01 Taking Action and Building Habits
13:18 The Need for Inner Work
17:56 The Dangers of Martyrdom
19:41 The Power of Emotions and Self-Care
21:02 Overcoming Perfectionism and Taking Action
23:11 The Law of 1% Increases
29:10 Dipping Your Toes into Rethinking Assessment
30:56 Naming and Declaring Goals
31:26 Narrative Assessment and Backpack of Success Skills
32:09 The Heart of Leadership
33:26 Overcoming Resistance to Change
35:38 The Power of Educators Coming Together
37:44 Assessment as a Process
39:53 Assessment and AI
44:17 The Importance of Planning and Reflection in Assessment
46:03 Defining Goals and Motivating Students
48:05 Rave: The TV Series 'The Bear'
Items Mentioned In Show https://twitter.com/natabasso * https://twitter.com/educrushpod * https://www.instagram.com/natabasso/ * https://www.empowermentecosystem.com/summit * The Bear: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt14452776/ * Assessment is a process 🔄, not just a packet. 📄 * https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7149417048421376001/ * Educrush Episode 106 - https://educrushpod.libsyn.com/106-let-go-of-limiting-bs-and-transform-your-life + "Our focus on external change is just a reflection of the deeper changes we know we are avoiding in ourselves"*
In this episode, I speak with the Jason Gulya who is one of my top voices of AI and education.
Note that this was a conversation we had back in November 2023, but due to a computer crash and loss of files it has taken me time to restore and fix all files. I was able to save this file thank goodness.
Here is his bio so you can learn more about him
I am currently Professor of English at Berkeley College. I have been working in higher education for about 10 years and--before coming to Berkeley--have held positions at Rutgers University, Raritan Valley Community College, and Brookdale Community College.
As a professor I teach onsite and online courses on a variety of topics--including composition, literature, film, and the humanities more broadly. I am also a proud member of the Honors Program faculty at Berkeley. In 2020, I received my college's award for Excellence in Teaching.
My research focuses primarily on literature, pedagogy, and grammar. I have published in a wide variety of journals, including (but not limited to) "Literary Imagination," "Pedagogy," "Dialogue," and "eCampus News." I have also written chapters for the books "Allegory Studies: Contemporary Perspectives" (forthcoming from Routledge), "Adapting the 18th Century" (University of Rochester Press, 2020) and "Reflections on Academic Lives" (Palgrave Macmillan, 2017). My research has been supported by fellowships and grants from Berkeley College, Rutgers University, Harvard University, and Cornell University.
WHERE CAN I LISTEN?No matter how you listen to your podcasts I should be there.
Check the link here to follow and subscribe
And I recently started posting on my YouTube channel
https://www.youtube.com/@coffeechug
Direct Link: https://coffeechug.simplecast.com/episodes/190
Challenges & Goals* Jason's main challenge is adapting traditional teaching methods to incorporate emerging technologies like AI. His goal is fostering an environment conducive for experimentation and innovative learning practices. * How do we face the challenge of reducing low-level managerial tasks without compromising foundational knowledge? Perhaps a goal is to use AI to automate certain tasks, freeing up time for more enriching activities.
Surprising Takeaways Jason advocates for educators being open about trying new things, even if they are not fully formed ideas yet. * Emphasizing the importance of restorative breaks where individuals engage in mindless yet mentally refreshing activities. * Jason would never automate his social presence because he learns from talking and writing. * Giving students the ability to choose, not just whether they're using AI, but how they're using it and how it's actually being worked into their process.*
Emerging Patterns* Both of us are grapple with shifting from traditional learning methods towards technology-enhanced ones. * There's a common theme among educators that while automation can be beneficial, it should not replace all human elements in education or daily routines.
Key MomentsQuotes from Jason:
- I think one of the productive things that can come out of this level of disruption is a culture of experimentation.
We ask our students to experiment all the time. Like that's that, especially in the K to 12 certainly. And higher ed too that we want our students, you know, we give them something new. We do this all the time. I don't even think about it. We say here's something new to read, something new to watch, something new to process and engage with it. Just experiment, test it out whether it's in, you know, traditional assessment or nontraditional assessment. And so in many ways, we need to just practice that. We need to do that, right? We have this new stuff. So experiment play with it, iterate, see what works And then you kind of go from there. And I think that we all have this desire um from the instructor side for perfection. We want, we think that and I think this is an error. We think that the best way to serve our students is to give them a fully realized polished product, right? Which is the course. But I think the exact opposite is true. I think something changes when you tell students that I'm trying something new, I'm gonna try a different form of assessment and I want your feedback about how it worked. I think that fundamentally changes the feel of the virtual room or actual physical room. So I think that the culture of experimentation is something we need to really, really conserve and prize because that's, that's what we want our students to do. You want them to experiment and play?
- ....sometimes the key to making an assignment A I proof is to create a better assignment.
- So normally with the essay form, I would spend the first hour looking, not even reading anything, not even like doing like what we all do and what, what we like, you know, giving feedback and engaging with ideas. But going through the Turnitin reports, scanning them, finding information. I would lose an hour to two hours. And then sending emails to students that it came up a 70% on Turnitin. So I'm not doing that anymore. I no longer have that task. So the, the amount of time that I put to create the assignment I save later on at least a little bit.
- It's not that you're you're saving time but repurposing time and how much better time spent for you and for the students to be engaged in reading their thinking and having conversations about their thinking. That's such a more enriching learning opportunity for everybody involved, the educator and the students versus what we're doing now.
- What assessment can I create today that I continue to teach? One year, five years, 10 years down the road? I think that we have to be willing as a part of our job to change how we're assessing things if something does need to change about them.
RESOURCES
- Jason on LinkedIn where he shares and I do my learning from him!
- Reference to his assignment he made AI proof(it includes movie Inception!)
Introducing 'Chaos Sparks' - A New Episode Style on 'Living on the Edge of Chaos'
Welcome to a fresh and exciting new experiment in my podcast journey I am calling 'Chaos Sparks'. In these shorter format episodes, I am switching gears from my usual structure where I bring in incredible thought provokers and instead will bring you short, solo segments where I explore the chaotic ideas that swirl in my head that I am challenging myself to bring out into the world more. All of these nerdy, intriguing ideas and reflections, I plan to share in episdoes that are under 10 minutes. If ideas blossom into bigger conversations, then perhaps that will drive new guests to expand on the ideas for the regular episodes I have created for a long time.
'Chaos Sparks' are designed to be quick bursts of inspiration and insight, perfect for those moments when you need a little food for thought but are pressed for time. And selfishly to help me offload my thinking from reading books, articles, communities, etc. These episodes are my personal take on various topics, ranging from breakthroughs in innovation and education to reflections on influential books, like Brant Menswar's 'Black Sheep'(this first experimental episode), and spontaneous nerd blasts about comics, video games, health, and whatever else I am inspired by my everyday experiences.
'Chaos Sparks' are designed for me to offer concise(yeah right, but a goal of mine), thought-provoking(I can do this :)) content that extends your curiosity and encourages you to think differently by you know......Living On The Edge Of Chaos(could not resist). Whether you're on a quick coffee break, a brief commute, or just seeking a moment of intellectual stimulation, these episodes are crafted to fit seamlessly into your busy schedule.
So, here is the first 'Chaos Sparks' episodes – a few little nuggets of chaos to enlighten, challenge, and energize your day based on this book I just read, Black Sheep by Brant Menswar
LISTEN NOW: Podcast Page*
No matter how you listen to your podcasts I should be there.
Click this link here to follow and subscribe
Overview:In this episode, I explore what it means to be different. "Black Sheep" challenges the long-held notion that standing out is a flaw. Instead, it embraces the idea that our uniqueness is our greatest strength. This book is more than just a read; it's a guide to embracing our true selves. It has me scratching my head about how to proceed with my own thinking of self....in a good way.
I briefly discuss the power of reflection, learning from our past to set the stage for our future. Menswar's work emphasizes the importance of understanding our core values – the 'what' over the 'why.' These values are the foundation of our authentic selves and guide every decision and action we take.
The journey through "Black Sheep" is a call to intentional living. It's about choosing our purpose based on what we value most, not just stumbling upon it. By embracing vulnerability and honesty with ourselves, we unlock the essence of who we truly are.
I hope this serves as a reminder for myself and you that real change requires effort. It's about committing to growth and aligning our actions with our deepest values. This episode encourages us to not just be different, but to be authentically and unapologetically ourselves.
Join me in this journey of self-discovery and empowerment. Let's embrace our inner black sheep, live authentically, and inspire change in ourselves and those around us.
And let me know what you think. Have you read the book? What questions do you have? Let me know on all the socials.
Here is video version - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JmyaQv2oYKY CHALLENGES & GOALS* Challenges such as the rapid evolution of AI and its implications for education, concerns about AI replacing human roles, privacy issues, and ethical considerations. * The primary goals identified include helping educators keep pace with these changes, understand their implications, and adapt teaching practices accordingly. There's also a shared goal to make sense of these developments collectively due to their rapid evolution.
SURPRISING TAKEAWAYS* Stella initially expressed skepticism towards generative AI imagery creation programs due to their limitations in capturing human creativity but later acknowledged the potential utility for beginners or those experiencing creative blocks to help work through Blank Canvas Syndrome. * Despite initial fears around AI replacing educators' roles, we believe that educators will be needed more than ever before because critical thinking skills are necessary for effective interaction with AI tools.
EMERGING PATTERNSA need for resources, templates, guidelines, policies, and frameworks to aid educators in understanding and implementing AI within their teaching practices.
An emerging interest in cross-pollinating knowledge across different sectors to gain diverse perspectives.
Themes surrounding trust in technology versus humans, the impact of AI on society at large, and being critical towards hyped-up promises made by AI vendors.
KEY MOMENTS1. "I think perhaps it might even highlight that our creativity is really unique." 2. "AI can only regurgitate what's already existing." 3. "Yes, it's great usage for training in art school… but at the end of the day, I think perhaps it might even highlight that our creativity is really unique." 4. "We will need to start pushing the limits because otherwise generate generative A I is only gonna keep feeding you the same thing." 5. "It's not incorporating life experiences; it's not incorporating emotions." 6. "Is AI shaping the way we learn and teach or are we as educators actively using our skills and brains to shape AI?
RESOURCES* Paradox Learning * AI Literacy Competency Framework for Educators and other resources * Stella Lee on LinkedIn * Top 10 Skills of 2023 * SAMR * SAMR AI * Dr. Nick Jackson SAMR+AI
Challenges & GoalsPerception is everything.
- Given our last 10 years with ipads and chromebooks, if people had used ipads, the way they should have been used AI would be non issue in terms of plagiarism, student work and all these other kinds of things. And so it's an issue for us today because we have always latched on to these short term solutions that bring us even more long term problems.
- It's really also important to question these large organizations. These really large big organizations that we look to.... Where have you been in the last 20 years? Where is that check in? Why have things not evolved and why are people so flustered? Where is the advocacy?Who's gonna take the step back and ask what is the missing piece here? Because if you just blindly follow these organizations, you will get what you've got in the last 10 years.
Surprising TakeawaysAnd I always tell people it doesn't matter whether somebody agrees or disagrees. If you don't have alignment, you have a problem, you're not gonna be able to advance your vision, your solution or anything, regardless of what the scenario is or how excited you may be.
- We don't make the time for [it] and that is a choice that is an active choice we make, whether you realize it or not, where we choose to dedicate our time and dedicate our focus. Those are the seeds we're choosing to plant. What you do is going to get you the outcomes that you get.
- Prompt the human before you prompt the AI
Emerging PatternsImportance of personal branding in opening doors for opportunities
Maintaining a growth mindset towards taking risks
Emphasis on human connection and values in all aspects of life - from personal relationships to professional settings
Importance of questioning large organizations
Key Moments1) "I think it's an 80% mindset game…that idea that anything is possible…you truly have to believe that that's actually the case for you if you are going to trust yourself."
2) "Being able to really understand your non negotiables…what are the things I just will not tolerate?"
3) "One of my biggest reasons I advocate for having a personal brand…is it's very difficult to have those choices if the only people who know you are the people in your building."
RESOURCES* LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/sabba-quidwai/ * Design Schools - https://designingschools.org/ * Her documentary - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7JHKPjDSTF8 * Session Lab - https://www.sessionlab.com/ * Spark Type - https://sparketype.com/sparketest/ * Black Sheep by Brant Menswar - https://www.brantmenswar.com/valuesassessment
Challenges & GoalsWe discussed several challenges including overcoming fears about AI, navigating rapid technological changes, addressing ethical implications of AI in education, information overload, and teacher burnout. Our goals revolve around helping educators navigate these issues and preparing them for a future where AI plays a significant role in education.
Surprising TakeawaysDespite thework with AI, Priten emphasized that fundamental principles of teaching do not have to change due to new technology. We suggested that repetitive tasks could play a role in preventing burnout among teachers. Finally, we encouraged individuals not to feel overwhelmed by information overload but engage in dialogue as part of their learning journey.
Emerging PatternsFocus on long-term solutions rather than short-term fixes when integrating AI into education
Emphasis on maintaining core educational values while adapting teaching methods to suit new technologies
Importance of accessibility and integration of AI technologies into everyday life
Active engagement in learning processes and social interactions when grappling with complex subjects like AI
Collective willingness to learn playing a significant role in understanding intricate topics
Key Moments"We want our students to flourish in the external world and no one across the country who is a teacher will disagree about that."
"There's gonna be three buckets of changes that are going to happen because of A I…existing philosophical norms and ethics…what will society look like…the philosophy of building these systems."
"I think there's so many exciting things…there's great potential for it [AI] to increase how we interact with other folks."
"If our solution to teacher burnout right now is let's free up teacher time by allowing them to use this [AI]…then I think we're going to be in the back of the same cycle."
"I think there's like a good three-step process maybe of like reading as much as you possibly can about it… And then spend some time writing about it… And then there's the talk and teaching part."
RESOURCES* Book: AI and the Future of Education: Teaching in the Age of Artificial Intelligence https://amzn.to/3FJbORD * PD website: https://pedagog.ai/ * Priten Shah website: https://pritenshah.com/ * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pritenhshah/ * Pedagogy Cloud Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pedagogycloud * Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pedagogycloud * Hearing Aid Reference: https://scrippsnews.com/stories/with-ai-future-of-hearing-aids-might-include-language-translation/
LISTEN NOW: Apple Podcast – Find this episode and all the previous episodes on Apple Podcast * Spotify – Find this episode and previous episodes of the show on Spotify! * YouTube –* https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YjfxftzCeTU&feature=youtu.be
CHALLENGES & GOALS* Dwayne's main challenge revolves around bridging the gap between education and innovation. His goal is to create opportunities for his son, peers, and their age group. * We discuss how technology has become a commodity that no longer amazes us due to its ubiquity. The focus should be on what we aim to accomplish with it. * Conversation emphasizes the importance of leveraging open innovation processes to build a system that can effectively utilize AI for educational purposes.
SURPRISING TAKEAWAYS* Despite being recognized as an expert in certain fields, Dwayne feels uncomfortable with the term, emphasizing that he's just scratching the surface of knowledge. * Highlighting the concept of cognitive surplus created by technological advancements which provides an opportunity for individuals to direct their attention towards productive activities if they choose so. * Believes in revisiting past teaching methods that couldn't be scaled due to technological limitations at the time.
EMERGING PATTERNS* Lifelong learning and curiosity * Viewing technology as a tool for achieving specific goals rather than an end in itself * Emphasis on reflection and adaptation * Leveraging current technologies to transform teaching methods * Importance of purpose-driven initiatives augmented by technology
KEY MOMENTS
"I'm just somebody that's terribly curious about the future of education and its connection point to the future of economic life."
"I realized that if you wanted to create a really unique perspective, you have to really look at the intersection or perpendicular points of ideas."
"Technology gets really good when we forget that it's technology and it just feels like regular life."
RESOURCES* LinkedIn Profile * His website
In this episode, I am so excited to share this conversation with Laura Miller who is an AI Ethicist.
An innovative and logical-minded AI and Ethics Specialist with an extensive background in creating ethical AI policies, developing strategies and processes to overcome challenges, and providing practical guidance in fast-paced, high-growth companies from start-ups to Fortune 500. Strategic leader with a solid business background and high cultural, ethical, and emotional intelligence. Excels at providing insight, guidance, collaborating across multiple verticals, and creating an inclusive workplace for all employees. I also serve as an advisor, council member, and task force leader for various organizations and initiatives in the AI and ethics space and as a presenter, panelist, and keynote speaker on ethics and technology topics.
Advisory Roles:
• Trustmark Advisory Board - Open Voice Network
• Tech-Ethics Advisor- Trauma Informed Network Advisory Board
• Ethics Council - Meta-Brain Labs
• Ethical Use Task Force - Open Voice Network
• Inclusion Plan Panelist - NASA
Presenter, Speaker, Panelist, Keynote, and Conference Chair | Author | Founder - NextGen Ethics | Policy Manager and Strategist | Transforming AI, Tech, and Organizations for a Better World | Digital Humanitarian
lmillerethicist@gmail.com | lmiller-ethicist.com
LISTEN NOW: Apple Podcast – Find this episode and all the previous episodes on Apple Podcast * Spotify – Find this episode and previous episodes of the show on Spotify! * YouTube –* https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M1AMM-j9neg
ROSE 🌹Laura Miller's expertise in applied ethics provided valuable insights into the integration of ethical practices in AI.
Emphasis on making well-intentioned statements actionable was appreciated.
Recognition of people's lived experiences and responding with empathy was highlighted as crucial.
Leadership in ethics was discussed, emphasizing that leaders should demonstrate ethical behavior through actions.
How might we:
Further integrate actionable ethical statements into our product development process?
Enhance our leadership training to include a stronger focus on demonstrating ethical behavior?
Provide more practical examples or case studies during such discussions?
Address potential challenges when integrating ethics into technology and business?
Leverage this trend towards greater integration of ethics into our own operations?
Encourage employees to adopt these suggested lifestyle habits to foster a culture of everyday ethics?
CHALLENGES & GOALS* The primary challenge discussed was making ethics tangible and actionable across different sectors, particularly within AI. * The goal is to promote ethical innovation within businesses and how they can implement AI ethically.
SURPRISING TAKEAWAYS* Laura views everyone as capable of doing ethics, regardless of their role or profession. * Laura emphasizes the need for balance between business interests and ethical considerations.
EMERGING PATTERNS* Importance of action in ethics - it's not enough to simply talk about ethics; one must actively engage in ethical behavior. * Need for metrics in demonstrating ethical actions, similar to how achievements are measured in other fields. * Call for greater dialogue around ethics and a push towards making more deliberate and considered choices.
KEY MOMENTSQuotes from Laura Miller:
- ....anyone can empower someone else. Anyone can disempower someone else. The thing is whether or not you're gonna be a catalyst for change in what's actually being done.
- ....there are tangible things that we can do to back up those kinds of overarching statements, most people or many will stop at the statement and not take it any further. It sounds very much like a mission or a vision, but without action, you can't bring it into fruition. So it stays a mission and vision that stay these lofty ideals, largely unattainable because there's no method to the madness of how to get there.
- ....people have learned that good intentions will only take you so far
- ....my question to you back is so what you doing? Because it always comes back to that we're doing. What are you doing? You know, what does that actually look like? What things have you done?
- We hired the right percentage of people doesn't matter if what you've actually done is given them a hollow role with no authority and no budget and no capability to do something to you doing should be able to spur the doing of someone else. In other words, you should be giving them the capabilities to do things too.
- Anyone can empower someone else. Anyone can disempower someone else. The thing is whether or not you're gonna be a catalyst for change in what's actually being done.
- One of the greatest problems that we have in our world is that we lost track of what the people need, how they should be treated and what we really need from our world, from our society, from the businesses we do, business with and are in a relationship with, from our employment.
- And my concern was when we're making decisions for groups or for large numbers of people or in this instance, when we talk about who the library can influence, we're talking about a group of people. And when we're making a decision like that, both people, both sides, multiple sides, there shouldn't just be two, multiple sides serve to be heard so that we can find out when we're making decisions for groups where that balance point is......But it(AI) shortcut all that reflection and even that, how do we find that balance point between competing ideas and none of that happened and said the books were gone. So my concern about that was do we want some of those decisions to be made that quickly?
RESOURCES* Laura Miller, MA Ethics profile on LinkedIn * Shadowing AI * Applied Ethical AI Innovation Matrix * Broken Mirror Theory
Challenges & Goals* Trying to generate diverse images using AI tools due to their inherent bias. Her goal is to address these biases within AI systems and society at large. * Another challenge revolves around her desire to solve problems using technology. Her goal is to leverage her coding skills and AI to address these issues.
Surprising Takeaways* Lori views biases not as obstacles but as opportunities for learning and growth. * Lori believes that creativity exists within a spectrum influenced by structure and serendipity, which aligns with how generative AI systems operate.
Emerging Patterns* The importance of ethical considerations in AI usage * The potential of AI as a tool for social change * The need for continuous learning and adaptation in this rapidly evolving field * Focus on self-education and problem-solving through technology * Emphasis on human touch in customer service and education sectors
Key Moments1. "I teach A I with a human touch." 2. "AI is a mirror onto human bias." 3. "We need to be able to see it [bias] in order to change it." 4. "I am a self learner… I love to start with a problem that I want to solve…" 5. "How do we use AI to help us do the things that it would do best…and then they could do the human touch thing?" 6. "Look at all of your work…what are the top three things that you love doing most? Because those are the things that even if you can do them with AI, you shouldn't."
Resources* Lori on LinkedIn * Her newsletter on LinkedIn * Her website and book * AI and Copyright: Permission or Forgiveness
LISTEN NOW: Direct Link: * Apple Podcast – Find this episode and all the previous episodes on Apple Podcast * Spotify – Find this episode and previous episodes of the show on Spotify! * YouTube -*
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ctvkwK2n3Cg
Challenges & GoalsWe discuss the challenges faced by teachers, such as burnout and workload increase without compensation. Brittany aims to make teaching sustainable by automating mundane tasks using AI, thereby freeing up time for more meaningful interactions with students.
Brittany addresses the challenge of high teacher attrition rates due to burnout. Her goal is to help teachers recover from and prevent burnout using automation systems and sustainable strategies. She also aims to change the education system by prioritizing teacher well-being.
Surprising TakeawaysA surprising takeaway was Brittany's belief in aligning work-life rather than balancing it. She argues that personal life cannot be separated from professional life; instead, they should be aligned according to our values.
It was surprising to learn that up to 40% of tasks done by teachers can be automated completely. Also noteworthy was the idea that AI could enhance creativity rather than stifle it.
Emerging Patterns* Importance of self-awareness in combating burnout. * Aligning work-life according to individual values. * Prioritizing teacher well-being for effective education system reform. * Potential of AI in reducing teacher burnout and enhancing productivity. * Shift from rote learning towards fostering emotional intelligence, creativity, problem-solving skills, and community building among students.
Key Moments1. "I have a huge passion for helping teachers recover from and prevent burnout using automation systems and really just sustainable strategies." 2. "We can't focus on the students without first focusing on the teacher." 3. "I don't like the term work-life balance…it's not an equal thing…it's something that is in alignment with what you want."
In conclusion, this conversation underscores the importance of teacher well-being in improving the education system. Through self-awareness, work-life alignment, and sustainable strategies, Brittany Blackwell demonstrates how individual change can create broader impacts within an organization or system.
Resources* LinkedIn * Teaching Mind Body and Soul Website * Teaching Mind Body and Soul Links * Resilient Teacher Podcast
In this episode, I am so excited to share this chat with Amanda Bickerstaff who is leading the way in processing AI for Education.
Amanda is the Co-Founder and CEO of AI for Education. A former high school biology teacher and EdTech executive with over 20 years of experience in the education sector, she has a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities that AI can offer. She is a frequent consultant, speaker, and writer on the topic of AI in education, leading workshops and professional learning across both K12 and Higher Ed. Amanda is committed to helping schools and teachers maximize their potential through the ethical and equitable adoption of AI.
LISTEN NOW: Apple Podcast – Find this episode and all the previous episodes on Apple Podcast * Spotify* – Find this episode and previous episodes of the show on Spotify
Challenges & GoalsThe main challenge discussed across all conversations was the complexity of adopting new technologies like AI into educational settings. This includes understanding how to use these tools effectively, responsibly, and without causing cognitive offload or dependence on technology. The goal is to develop a curriculum that not only educates students about AI but also encourages them to think critically about its uses and limitations.
Surprising TakeawaysIt is surprising to learn that many believe prompt engineering—a key skill currently needed to interact with generative AI—will become unnecessary within 16-18 months due to advancements in technology interfaces. Another unexpected insight was the idea that generative AI could bring the marginal cost of creating to zero, democratizing access to computing.
Emerging Patterns* The transformative potential of AI in education if used correctly. * The need for curiosity, critical thinking skills when integrating these new technologies into teaching practices. * Ethical considerations when implementing AI in education. * Concerns about potential job losses due to automation and the impact on marginalized communities. * The rapid proliferation of AI tools in education without a clear understanding of their foundational workings, potential biases, or ethical implications.
Key Moments1) "This is one of those times where it's very hard to figure out what the question is to ask"
2) "This is power like you can actually create your own chatbot…you do not have to have a computer science degree."
3) "If you can teach us that vaping is bad for us, why can't you teach us that ChatGPT can be bad for us too."
4) "The majority of those, those 80% of those jobs…are going to be degraded or downgraded."
5) "…anyone that tells you that they have a tool that has no hallucinations and no bias and works all the time is not telling you the truth."
Resources* AI for Education * AI for Education Prompt Library * AI for Education Lesson Plans * Amanda on LinkedIn * 182 - Justin Germishuys
Challenges & GoalsJustin's main challenge is navigating the complex intersections of psychology, philosophy, technology, and education to create an effective model for integrating AI into human cognition. His goal is to develop a new paradigm that views humans as cyborgs in the Andy Clark sense - beings whose minds naturally extend into their environment through tools and technologies.
Surprising TakeawaysOne surprising takeaway from this conversation was the concept of "cyborg skills," which are not only about how humans can extend themselves with technology but also about what new cognitive processes become possible when we think about ourselves as cyborgs.
Risk vs RewardThe risks discussed include fears related to cheating and instructional practice changes when integrating AI into education. There's also mention of societal harm due to unanticipated consequences, such as those seen with social media. On the other hand, rewards include overcoming cognitive biases, enhancing productivity, creativity, decision-making processes, identifying bias or poor argumentation in texts using AI, detecting diseases like cancer more accurately than humans.
Emerging Patterns* Need for a paradigm shift in how we view our minds and their relationship with technology. * Emphasis on viewing AI not just as a tool for productivity but as a means to enhance human capabilities. * The idea of "cyborg skills" as an essential part of future education.
Key Moments* "Our brains just naturally through the way that we form mental models… incorporate tools and as we use them fluently, they become an extension of our minds." * "If we're not providing [students] with what I've started calling cyborg skills… then we're doing them a disservice." * "[AI] will largely be populated by cyborgs in the Andy Clark sense of the word." * "Humans need AI tools to enhance their performance beyond natural capabilities." * "AI can help overcome cognitive biases by providing more objective analysis and reasoning in complex situations." * "Our value lies not just in critical thinking and creativity but also in our unique experiences and imaginations."
RESOURCES* Justin on LinkedIn * Justin website https://germinotion.com/ * Andy Clark Book Publications * The Design of Everyday Things: Revised and Expanded Edition
CHALLENGES & GOALSThe discussion revolves around the ethical implications of integrating AI into education. Concerns include data privacy, misinformation, digital literacy among students, potential negative impacts on mental health, and the need for educators to understand these technologies better. The goal is to navigate these challenges while maximizing the benefits of AI in enhancing learning experiences.
TAKEAWAYSEven highly educated individuals can mistake AI-generated content for real content. Another point was that some AI tools are unable to code imperfections into their generated images, contributing to unrealistic beauty standards.
EMERGING PATTERNS* Need for transparency and open conversations about the use of AI in education. * Concern about how data is used by AI tools and companies. * Ethical considerations when using AI tools in education. * Potential psychological impacts on students due to misuse of technology. * Unequal access among students to technology.
KEY MOMENTS1) "I think there's valid arguments across the board… I think that the creators have valid arguments."
2) "We don't send kids off in the playground without teaching them about safety… But with social media, we gave them this playground and we just kind of ignored it."
3) "Nobody is an expert in any of this…even the people building them are like, well, that's cool."
4) "We should have some kind of shared value around assessment…we have to rethink the how not the why."
5) "Are we actually doing what's best for kids or do we need to start putting more focus on where's the engagement, inquiry and strategies?
RESOURCES* Mary Beth Hertz Website * Mary Beth Hertz on LinkedIn * Twitter/X * Her books on Amazon * MBH Canva Resource Document referenced in podcast * Vint Cerf
Challenges & GoalsLiam's challenge is to enhance engagement and discovery in education through innovative methods like LEGO Serious Play. His goal is to make learning more accessible and engaging by leveraging play and creativity. The educator aims to constantly innovate their teaching methods, inspire creative thinking, develop a growth mindset among students, and integrate design thinking into the curriculum.
Takeaways* The transformative potential of LEGO Serious Play as a tool for effective communication. Its versatility across different subjects within the educational context. * There was agreement on the importance of creating an environment where students feel their voice matters. * Both speakers advocated for integrating playful methods like LEGO Serious Play into curriculum planning.
Emerging Patterns* Importance of active participation * Equitable sharing of ideas * Co-construction of knowledge in a learning environment * Emphasis on 'learning by doing' * Iterative learning * Openness to new ideas
Key Moments1) "I think LSP…is a tool to support effective communication."
2) "Everyone has to build a response and everyone has to share their model story."
3) "One of the nice things about using LEGO bricks is that you strip that back to a baser level of communication."
New Ideas* Exploration of other tools or methodologies beyond LEGO Serious Play for design thinking in education. * Inclusion of more diverse voices – perhaps educators from different levels (primary, secondary), disciplines or cultural backgrounds – for a broader range of insights. * Creation of resources providing concrete examples for educators who want to start using LSP but don't know where or how to begin(check out the book below!)
Resources
- BUILDING BETTER LEARNING: USING THE LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® METHOD IN EDUCATION https://amzn.to/3EfiyG3
- LinkedIn Profile
- LEGO Serious Work
In this episode, I learn so much from Nisha Talagala.
Nisha Talagala is the CEO and founder of AIClub.World (https://corp.aiclub.world) which brings AI Literacy to K-12 students, professionals, and other individuals worldwide. Nisha has significant experience in introducing technologies like Artificial Intelligence to new learners from students to professionals. Previously, Nisha co-founded ParallelM which pioneered the MLOps practice of managing Machine Learning in production for enterprises - acquired by DataRobot. Nisha is a recognized leader in the operational machine learning space, having also driven the USENIX Operational ML Conference, the first industry/academic conference on production AI/ML. Nisha was previously a Fellow at SanDisk and Fellow/Lead Architect at Fusion-io, NVM Software Lead, and Intel and CTO of Gear6. Nisha has more than 20 years of expertise in enterprise software development, distributed systems, technical strategy, and product leadership. Nisha earned her Ph.D. at UC Berkeley in Computer Science, holds 75 patents, over 25 refereed research publications, is a frequent speaker at industry and academic events, and is a contributing writer to Forbes and other publications.
- AIClub.World: https://corp.aiclub.world
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nisha-talagala-6a6b20/
LISTEN NOW:
- Apple Podcast – Find this episode and all the previous episodes on Apple Podcast
- Spotify – Find this episode and previous episodes of the show on Spotify!
- YouTube -
Challenges & Goals
The challenge of making everyone AI literate due to its increasing prevalence in everyday life. The goal of making AI more accessible to students and educators alike, fostering interest in AI among young people, and encouraging diverse voices in the field.
Surprising Takeaways A surprising takeaway from the discussions is that within a short period, students can build their first AI model without any coding involved. Another unexpected insight is that despite initial fears or apprehensions about teaching AI, it's possible for educators to start small and gradually build up their knowledge base.
Emerging Patterns
Importance of demystifying AI for both teachers and students
Emphasis on hands-on learning and problem-solving
Use of real-world applications of AI to engage student interest
Encouragement of diversity within the field
Recognition of everyone’s role in shaping how technology evolves
Key Moments
"We believed that we will reach a point which we are currently at where, you know, everybody…is going to need to become A I literate."
"All students build their first A I in their first class… they've talked to it…"
"I think it is scary and it is a bit overwhelming… I would encourage people to jump in with something small."
"[AI] is important for people personally. It's important as teachers… And also important for humanity that every human says something because someone's gonna make these decisions."
Challenges & Goals One of the main challenge lies in overcoming educators' fear and resistance towards Artificial Intelligence (AI). Her goal is to demonstrate how AI can save time and enhance teaching processes, shifting the focus from end products to assessing learning processes.
Surprising Takeaways While not a surprise per so, but the idea on how many school districts lack clear policies on AI use.
Emerging Patterns
- The need for education leaders to understand disruptive technologies like AI.
- The importance of incorporating these technologies into their systems.
- A shift in assessment methods focusing more on learning processes rather than end products.
- The necessity for educators to adapt quickly to technological advancements like AI.
- The continued importance of human connection despite technological advances.
Key Moments
- "My main focus lately has been on generative artificial intelligence…the word generative means that the AI is generating content."
- "I think most importantly for me is that they left knowing we support them. Our position is that we support them using it."
- "If you assess a learning process, that's what you should be assessing. Not the end product…"
- "It goes back to the old age-old question… What is the purpose of education?"
Challenges & Goals Keep up with staying updated with new tools and technologies while ensuring alignment with educational goals. Also, how AI can enhance teaching without compromising data privacy or security.
Resources and Further Learning
- www.AlanaWinnick.com
- www.GenerativeAge.com
- Book: The Generative Age: Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Education
My favorite moments
CHALLENGES & GOALS:In this episode John shares insights on how design thinking can help leaders create positive change within their organizations and foster a sense of belonging among staff and students. Additionally, the integration of AI tools like ChatGPT into education and potential ethical concerns are discussed.
Key PointsDesign thinking promotes empathy work and need-finding among leaders.
Human-centered design can contribute significantly to improving student experiences during lectures.
Design thinking can be applied not only in classrooms but also in leadership programs.
Schools may benefit from having two types of leaders: those who excel at management tasks and those who are more visionary or inspirational.
AI tools like ChatGPT can enhance learning experiences but also pose challenges in maintaining academic integrity and trust between students and teachers.
GapsMany educational leadership programs do not provide enough tools for leaders to effectively involve their community and tap into collective wisdom.
Here are some suggestions and resources that may be helpful for your next lecture:
Introduce practical examples or case studies where design thinking has been successfully implemented in educational settings.
Provide resources on how to integrate AI tools ethically into education without compromising academic integrity.
Student Feedback and Questions"How can we ensure that AI tools like ChatGPT don't lead to cheating or plagiarism?"
Suggestion: Focus on alternative assessment methods that cannot be easily manipulated by AI tools.
Suggestion: Use AI to improve critical thinking skills instead of relying solely on content generation.
Critical Takeaways:Design thinking can help leaders leverage the wisdom of their community.
Leaders who practice design thinking develop open-mindedness, radical collaboration, and a focus on showing rather than telling.
Prototyping can serve as both a question and a statement, revealing unmet needs that can lead to improvements.
Students are using ChatGPT more than educators realize.
Large language models can be programmed in plain English to teach various skills.
Emerging Patterns:The importance of empathy in leadership
The need for diverse perspectives in decision-making processes
Balancing management skills with inspirational leadership
Ethical concerns about data usage by large language models
Redefining academic integrity in the age of AI
Key Moments:"We tend to have them go out and become enamored with the idea that they've got to figure everything out on their own."
"The smartest person in the room is the room."
"If you're human-centered, you're keeping the people that are most affected by what you do as close to you as possible as partners in your work."
"I think if leaders can stay genuinely curious, get out of their own way, stop thinking that they've got to know what to do and be very curious throughout."
"It's really interesting what happens when you start to say, I'm gonna open up my ears and eyes and let me hear what people need and want."
"I'm a student. You have no idea how much we're using ChatGPT."
"I taught the robot to teach the humans to be human-centered."
"This is all on them (teachers), all of it is on them."
"You've got to up your game and really teach, you've got to teach critical thinking, you got to teach dialogue."
"We haven't thought enough about how ChatGPT and large language models are computer programs that can be programmed in plain English to teach us stuff."
RESOURCES & FURTHER LEARNING:* Book: Design Thinking in Schools: A Leaders’ Guide to Collaborating for Improvement * dLab: http://dLab.uky.edu * Podcast: Online Learning in the Second Half * John on LinkedIn * Opinion | I'm a Student. You Have No Idea How Much We're Using ChatGPT.
FAVORITE MOMENTS FROM THE CONVERSATION:
Challenges & Goals:Mia's main challenges include helping people move from learning to application, encouraging participants to envision small steps towards their goals, developing a positive emotional attachment to the process, and facilitating change in resistant individuals or groups. She also focuses on ensuring clear communication, respecting people's time, being realistic about expectations, and overcoming initial resistance when introducing new methods like LEGO Serious Play.
Critical Takeaways:The hardest part of learning is applying insights to action.
Connecting learning objectives with personal values can increase engagement.
Setting realistic expectations for the outcomes of workshops or interventions is crucial.
Doubt about the method is often doubt about oneself; adults may feel hesitant to admit they don't know something or fear looking silly.
Judging even positively can have unintended negative consequences by setting a new standard for others to compare themselves against.
Emerging Patterns:The importance of mindset shifts in achieving personal and professional growth.
The need for personalized approaches when facilitating change.
Balancing information gathering with practical application.
Creating safe spaces for learning without judgment.
Recognizing that true learning requires putting new information into practice.
Key Moments:"A lot of my transformation was about changing my mindset, seeing myself in a different way."
"Taking in information is not the same as learning."
"What happens when they leave that safe space and go out into the world and have to now create a step and action?"
"So I think those two things, you know, what's the one step they're gonna practice and what is the benefit going to be for them in terms of the emotional benefit."
"I can't undo in four hours something that has taken root over 15 years."
"People appreciate the real, not always the overpromise."
"Individuals learn and grow as a result of their experiences and interactions with the world."
"The learning process is incomplete until we've actually done something."
"Doubt about the method is often doubt about themselves."
"We need to have the one step that is just going to start inching us closer."
RESOURCES & FURTHER LEARNING:* www.cognascent.co * Mia at mia@cognascent.co * Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/miaeng * LEGO Serious Play
FAVORITE MOMENTS FROM THE CONVERSATION:
Stefan recently co-edited a 650 page volume featuring 32 authors with expertise in education, technology and the law on the impact of generative ai and education and has run many webinars and classes teaching students and teachers about generative artificial intelligence tools. He is also experienced Debate Coach and nonprofit leader with a demonstrated history of working in the education management industry. Skilled in Online Learning (more than 1,000 hours of direct instruction and more than 5,000 hours provided through DebateUS.org), Student Development, Tutoring, Curriculum Development, and Public Speaking.
I love this book and you should check it out here:
Chat(GPT): Navigating the Impact of Generative AI Technologies on Educational Theory and Practice: Educators Discuss ChatGPT and other Artificial Intelligence Tools https://amzn.to/3IU7lxr
LISTEN NOW: Apple Podcast – Find this episode and all the previous episodes on Apple Podcast * Spotify* – Find this episode and previous episodes of the show on Spotify!
Challenges & Goals:The conversation focused on understanding the impact of AI technologies like ChatGPT on education, encouraging proper debates that promote learning rather than just defending one's stance, and involving everyone in conversations about AI technology to ensure its ethical use. Additionally, integrating AI tools into the educational process without compromising academic integrity and adapting to the rapidly changing technology landscape in education were discussed.
Big Takeaways:- AI technologies like ChatGPT can generate speeches and rebuttals for debates, potentially changing how students prepare for them.
-
There is a significant knowledge gap among educators regarding AI technologies, leading to misunderstandings about their capabilities and limitations.
-
Students are already using AI tools for various purposes, sometimes even without their teachers' knowledge or approval.
-
The concept of originality is becoming increasingly complex as AI-generated content becomes more sophisticated and indistinguishable from human-written work.
Emerging Patterns:- The increasing influence of AI technologies on various aspects of education, from research to writing assignments.
-
A shift towards synthesis rather than originality as a key skill for students.
-
The need for educators to adapt their teaching methods to incorporate AI tools effectively.
-
An increasing focus on persuasive communication skills across different platforms (physical vs online).
Key Moments:1. "My whole life has really been about debate and about arguments and about ideas and about people because obviously the arguments are useless without the people."
-
"This affects everybody, this affects kids, this affects adults, this affects their careers, this affects their jobs, this affects the teachers."
-
"We need people to chime in and say maybe this one is GDPR compliant... but I think everybody needs to be involved in these conversations."
-
"If you don't get involved [in discussions about AI], then it's gonna use you."
-
"I am kind of proud of the fact that it isn't like a book written by education technology experts... I think a book written by 20 different people with diverse backgrounds leads to a different place."
Recommendations:1. Educate all stakeholders about the basics of AI technologies so they can make informed decisions about its usage. 2. Encourage open discussions among educators with diverse perspectives to better understand the implications of AI tools in education. 3. Develop guidelines for ethical use of AI-generated content within educational settings.
Conclusion:This conversation revealed that while there are significant benefits associated with using AI technologies like ChatGPT in education, there are also potential drawbacks that must be considered carefully. By engaging in open discussions and understanding the basics of these technologies, educators can make informed decisions about their use and ensure that they contribute positively to educational theory and practice. Further testing and development are necessary to address concerns related to ethics, safety, and potential negative impacts on diversity, equity, and inclusion.
RESOURCES & FURTHER LEARNING:* We discuss lawyers using these tools back in April and just recently this happened so we are not replaceable yet! * Read all of his work on LinkedIn * And quite simply read the book!
FAVORITE MOMENTS FROM THE CONVERSATION:
As you listen, I have three listener challenges for you to consider participating in for ongoing engagement.
Listener Challenge 1: "Empowering Learners" Based on Sarah's insights, how can you apply her approach to empower learners in your own setting? Whether you're a teacher, a manager, or a parent, we'd love to hear your thoughts. Share your strategies or experiences.
Listener Challenge 2: "The Power of Story" Sarah emphasized the importance of story in various aspects of education. We challenge you to share a story that had a significant impact on your learning journey or one you've used to facilitate learning. Let's inspire each other with compelling narratives!
Listener Challenge 3: "Striking Balance" Balance may not be the right goal, as Sarah suggests, but being present is. Share a moment where being present made a difference in your professional or personal life. Or, share your strategies for staying present amid the pressures of time and performance. We look forward to hearing your experiences!
Listen Now:* Direct Link * Apple Podcast - Explore this episode and more! * Spotify - Dive into this episode and our entire podcast library!
Show Highlights:Getting to Know Sarah: Delve into Sarah Brown Wessling's intriguing backstory and discover why the human condition plays such a crucial role in her life journey.
Powerful Insights: Sarah discusses the power of story, the true complexity of teaching, and the challenges of implementing learner-centric education.
The Art of Feedback: Uncover Sarah's unique approach to feedback and its role in shaping students' skills and understanding.
Challenges & Goals: Sarah opens up about her personal and professional challenges, from balancing life to creating safe spaces for educators and empowering learners.
Key Quotes:
- "I want to do good work; that's the bottom line."
- "It's always about figuring out what people need to learn and how they need to learn it."
- "If teachers become robots, then their students are going to be robots."
- "It is complicated, and that's what I wish people understood about the craft [of teaching]."
- "You can't fall so far into the routine that you forget to be a human."
Deeper Takeaways:Explore how Sarah's insights reveal the importance of storytelling in education, the often-overlooked skills of teachers, and the need for deliberate decision-making in teaching practices.
Emerging Patterns:Our conversation uncovers common threads among teachers seeking connection with students, the importance of community support, and the focus on empowering learners through thoughtful teaching practices.
Resources & Further Learning:Check out Sarah's Website for more insights and ideas.
Twitter: https://twitter.com/sarahbwessling
Favorite Moments from the Conversation:Throughout our conversation, Sarah shares a wealth of powerful insights and ideas. Here are just a few of our favorites:
- "My way of being has always been to do the best work that I can with what's right in front of me and then believe that the next most honest step will open up and it's my job to find it or my job to pay attention to it."
- "The bottom line is I want to do good work. That's the bottom line. And I think good work is human work."
- "The throughline in the journalism, the philosophy, the psychology, the literary is story."
- "When a teacher ends up in the center it is probably because they aren't being seen elsewhere or because a system isn't taking care of them. It's probably because they feel incredible pressure around time. It's probably because they feel incredible pressure around performance. It's probably because they are overwhelmed."
- "And I taught them how to think because I taught them how to read carefully and I taught them how to write and I taught them how to find the language to capture their ideas and how to make that language mean something to a reader."
- "I think it's always about figuring out what people need to learn and how they need to learn it. And that's never about me, it's always about the learner. It's always about their goals. It's about empowering them. It's about seeing in themselves what they can't see yet. I think that kind work is pretty consistent whether you're talking to a 15 year old who hates to read and doesn't want to write, or you're talking to an adult who's feeling demoralized in the profession."
- "It's easy for me to say it's about the learner. That doesn't mean that it's easy to live."
- "Because what that means is when you feel the pressure of time, you're willing to say the time is not as important as me finishing this 60 second conversation with this student. It is just not as important or getting to the end of that chapter might not be as important as the time it would take to do the rest of the chapter really, really well. That's where the rub is that teachers have to make those kinds of decisions and those are kind of like value based decisions and they can come at a personal cost."
- "We can make very deliberate decisions about what myths we do and don't buy into, about teaching and learning. We can make really deliberate decisions about how we think about time. I think we can make really deliberate decisions about the research that we do."
- "I've always approached feedback to really deconstruct for students when they're doing something well and why it's working because I want them to replicate it more deliberately in more complex ways later."
- "You can't fall so far into the routine that you forget to be a human and you can't be on the other end of the spectrum either and be like all we're going to do is feel good and talk to each other and not drill down to the actual skills and the content. It is complicated and that's what I wish people understood about the craft."
- "Balance is an unfair goal for people to try to work towards. For me to reframe that as presence felt really empowering."
- "The best way to work through something difficult is to make a connection with another person."
- "It's really hard for somebody to be present if they are worried about not being able to take care of their life. So that's not about balance, that's just about taking care of humans."
Join us for this enlightening episode as we explore the human side of education with Sarah Brown Wessling.
Topics:* Who is Andrea Stewart? * What is her origin story? * What is Learning Couture and why is this work important? * What is deeper learning and why it's so important for teachers and students to tackle real-world situations? * How can creating a Profile of a Graduate help schools and districts set the stage for deeper learning? How is a profile or portrait different from typical mission and vision statements? * Teaching is pretty heavy right now. As districts shift to a focus on deeper learning competencies, how do they keep this movement from becoming “one more thing” for educators? * What do listeners need to know about competency-based education–where did it come from and where is it going? * A key point is how our education system was designed at a time and based on the needs of a factory model. Why doesn't this model fit for today’s learners and today’s economy? * Undoing 150 years of how we do education seems daunting. How do districts and schools might start their journey? What do they need to be successful and what might be standing in their way? * How do we see AI playing a role in helping bring about the changes you’ve described today? We discuss examples of how AI is already being used in education and how it might be used in the future?
Key takeaways from this conversation include:* Despite feeling like change isn’t happening rapidly in education, there are growing movements and momentum picking up. * COVID-19 has played a role in accelerating some changes within the education system. * AI tools have the potential to help educators create more personalized lesson plans and experiences for their students.
If you are interested in learning more about how to customize learning experiences for yourself or others, you don’t want to miss this episode!
About Our GuestAndrea Stewart has 12 years in personalized, competency-based learning and 25 years in education, both PK-12 and in teacher/administrator preparation. She leads transformational change with schools, districts, education service/state agencies, institutions of higher education, and via national conferences and cross-state partnerships/consultation. Andrea co-authored the Aurora Institute’s 2022 report, Teachers Making the Shift to Equitable, Learner-Centered Education: Harnessing Mental Models, Motivations and Moves, and supports leaders with strategic planning for and implementation of these key levers for change. As Learning Couture, LLC’s founder and CEO, she created the organization’s methodology and tool set for learning redesign, and works closely with partner-clients to ensure they are supported in their learning journey. Part of this work includes leading districts in the design and implementation of a portrait/profile of a graduate, which then serves as the compass for school improvement, reimagining graduation outcomes, empowering learners, and transforming education systems.
Andrea served on the Iowa Department of Education’s CBE Task Force, CBE Collaborative, and Design Team where she led the state’s competency design and assessment process. Andrea also served on the Midwest Comprehensive Center’s Cross-state CBE Consortium, where she co-created micro-credential quality criteria/tools, and contributed to multiple technical advisory groups for the Aurora Institute’s National 2017 Summit on K-12 Competency-Based Education. Her work in competency-based education began in 2011 where she led pilot implementation of standards-based assessment and reporting and competency-based education in an Iowa district. Prior to this work, Andrea taught high school English for 12 years. She holds a BA in English Education from the University of Iowa, an MA in Teacher Leadership from Morningside College, and an EdS in Education Administration from Drake University.
Connect with AndreaLinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/andrea-stewart146
Twitter: @ajs_stewart
Emerging PatternsIn this episode, we also explore some of the emerging patterns that Andrea has observed in her work and research. These include:
- The need for more experiential learning opportunities within education systems.
- A shift towards focusing on learning instead of time spent in classrooms.
- The importance of starting with “why” when implementing changes in education.
- Building a network or community of experts and practitioners to support each other through these changes.
- Adopting an agile mindset to iterate quickly, fail forward, and build successes incrementally.
Key MomentsHere are some of the key moments from this conversation that you don’t want to miss:
- “I’m a change agent, and I help young and adult learners become agents of change too.”
- “In my heart of hearts, I’m a designer, I’m a builder, I’m a creator.”
- “We want our young learners to have [an experience] that’s really empowering.”
- “The future of living learning and working is unpredictable.”
- “We can’t predict the jobs that are going to be around in five and ten years from now.”
- “The momentum is really picking up and what often felt like these little, maybe tiny bright spots here and there were, you’re starting to hear more and more stories of like the movements happening.”
- “Competency-based [education] is a disruptor in terms of its blowing up seat time.”
- "We need continuous improvement in school… we also need discontinuous improvement, which means there’s been some disruptor put in place."
Listener Challenge:We challenge you to think about how you can customize your own learning experiences or help others do the same. What are some of the competencies that you want to develop or improve? How can you design a learning pathway that suits your needs and interests? How can you involve other stakeholders in your learning journey? How can you measure your progress and celebrate your achievements?
💬 Share your thoughts and ideas with us on social media and tagging us. We would love to hear from you and learn from your experiences!
Resources From The Show:* + Learning Couture One Pager + Learning Couture Portrait/Profile of a Graduate + Teachers Making the Shift to Equitable, Learner-Centered Education_ Harnessing Mental Models, Motivations, and Moves + Transforming Learning through Competency-Based Education (Susan Patrick, Aurora Institute) + Quality and Equity by Design: Charting the Course for the Next Phaseof Competency-Based Education (Contributing authors from Iowa: Mandi Bozarth, Susan Pecinovsky, Andrea Stewart, Circe Stumbo) + Does Deeper Learning Improve Student Outcomes?Results From the Study of Deeper Learning: Opportunities and Outcomes + 7 Elements of Learning Agency (infographics by Kathleen McClaskey and Barbara Bray) + A Promise for Equitable Futures: Enabling Systems Change to Scale Educational and Economic Mobility Pathways (Patrick & Casey, Aurora Institute) + Competency-Based Education: Students with Learning and Attention Issues (National Center for Learning Disabilities)
Favorite Ideas from the Conversation:
Introduction:* Embrace the challenges and goals of rethinking education and fostering critical thinking. * Explore the importance of moving beyond traditional differentiation and personalized learning.
Challenges:1. Moving beyond traditional differentiation and personalized learning. 2. Fostering authentic connections and curiosity in learners. 3. Balancing virtual and in-person interactions in the post-pandemic world.
Goals:1. Develop and implement truly individualized learning practices. 2. Encourage students to create their curriculum and collaborate in the learning process. 3. Build a global community of educators to share ideas, research, and support.
Surprising Takeaways:1. The scale and reach of the "What School Could Be" community, with 14,000 members and 50,000 connections globally. 2. The concept of "rethinking" the time in the classroom with time spent doing things that matter instead of tedious tasks that can be done by tools like ChatGPT
Key Moments:1. Susanna Johnson introduces herself and her work in education. 2. The discussion of Susanna's involvement with "What School Could Be" and her role as the Director of Coaching and Curriculum. 3. Susanna's emphasis on critical thinking as a skill set and the need to connect at a human level.
Emerging Patterns:1. A focus on collaboration and shared learning experiences among educators and students. 2. The importance of authenticity and human connection in the learning process. 3. The shift towards a more global and connected approach to education.
Discussion Points:* Inquire about the power of personalized learning and how it can change students' educational experience. * Explore the concept of rethinking the classroom and the potential benefits of this approach. * Engage with the idea of a global community of educators and the role it can play in shaping the future of education.
Conclusion:* + Rethinking education and fostering critical thinking is crucial for the future of learning. + Authentic connections and collaboration are essential for a more human-centered approach to education. + Let's work together to build a brighter future for our students and create a more connected global community.
Listener Challenge:* + Share your thoughts and experiences with rethinking education and fostering critical thinking on social media. + Reach out to other educators and build a supportive network for sharing ideas, research, and support. + Encourage others to join the conversation and help shape the future of education.
💬 Share your thoughts and takeaways from this enlightening conversation with us on social media! What resonated with you the most?
Resources Mentioned in Show:* + https://www.individualizedrealized.com/ + https://www.impact-bound.com/ + https://whatschoolcouldbe.org/
Favorite Ideas from the Conversation:
Show Notes:🌿 Introduction: Meet Steffany Cartellone* The woman behind A Snail's Pace blog * A devoted mother, nature lover, and experienced educator
🌱 Steffany's Origin Story* From the tranquil waters of Deer Lake, Minnesota to the classrooms of North Carolina, Texas, Iowa, and Maryland * How teaching a high ropes course in the mountains led to her A-HA moment
🌳 Lessons Learned Through Teaching Across the US* Embracing new perspectives and understanding cultural nuances * The power of shared experiences and connections between people
🍃 Bringing Learning to the Dinner Table* Merging her passion for nature, outdoors, and photography * The art of capturing human emotions and perspectives in her writing and photographs * Overcoming vulnerability and the courage to hit the "Publish" button
💡Challenges, Goals & Surprising Takeaways* Striking a balance between proficiency measurements and nurturing students' curiosity and passion * The importance of intentionality and setting the right tone in education * The realization that middle school students share similarities despite cultural differences
🔑 Key Moments & Emerging Patterns* The continuous pursuit of learning and growth as an educator * The influence of personal passions and perspectives in shaping one's teaching approach
Listener Challenge:📷 Embrace the beauty of nature - take a picture outdoors, write a few words or a poem, and share your creation with us and the world.
📚 Dive into my example I did this weekend in preparation for the episode
-
- Strength in Adversity: Overcoming Life's Obstacles with the Wheelbarrow and Wagon Approach,
💬 Share your thoughts and takeaways from this enlightening conversation with us on social media! What resonated with you the most?
Join us in exploring Steffany Cartellone's fascinating journey through education and nature, and let her story inspire you to see the world through a new lens!
Resources Mentioned in Show:* + Her website of writing, insights, and photography - http://www.a-snails-pace.com/ + Read this latest piece on perspective and tell me your coffee does not taste better looking at these images! + Where the Crawdads Sing https://amzn.to/3NgYgBA + Read all the things from Mary Oliver + Armchair Expert podcast with guest David Letterman + Brene Brown books
Favorite Ideas from the Conversation:
Show Notes:* Introduction: Who is Carol Hill? * Carol's origin story and journey to LEGO Education * Global insights that led to success * Identifying a problem before falling in love with a solution * The meaning of being agile * Developing an agile, growth mindset in colleagues and students * Building psychological safety and promoting a nimble approach * Carol's preferred structure/framework for agile work * The importance of providing quality feedback * Capturing deep levels of thinking while being agile and working with others
Key Quotes:1. "If you don't have that psychological safety, really, not a whole lot is going to come of the conversations in the room." 2. "Don't fall in love with the solution; fall in love with the problem." 3. "It's so impactful to take the time, and it does take time to build these kinds of skills [problem identification]."
Listener Challenge:Share ideas you gathered from the conversation with us on social media. What resonated with you?
Resources Mentioned in Show:* Carol Hill's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carol-rueckert-hill/ * List of books from her post and discussion + Radical Candor: Fully Revised & Updated Edition: Be a Kick-Ass Boss Without Losing Your Humanity https://amzn.to/43GuoEQ + The Fearless Organization: Creating Psychological Safety in the Workplace for Learning, Innovation, and Growth https://amzn.to/40jEZCu + Rebel Ideas: The Power of Diverse Thinking https://amzn.to/3mFBKrn + Nonviolent Communication: A Language of Life: Life-Changing Tools for Healthy Relationships (Nonviolent Communication Guides) https://amzn.to/3MLqEMd + EMPOWERED: Ordinary People, Extraordinary Products (Silicon Valley Product Group) https://amzn.to/3A2o2lx + INSPIRED: How to Create Tech Products Customers Love (Silicon Valley Product Group) https://amzn.to/43GyuNe + Cascades: How to Create a Movement that Drives Transformational Change https://amzn.to/3MPCOnb + Building a Culture of Innovation: A Practical Framework for Placing Innovation at the Core of Your Business https://amzn.to/3KJZFhj + Seeing Around Corners: How to Spot Inflection Points in Business Before They Happen https://amzn.to/3L7cljI + Sense and Respond: How Successful Organizations Listen to Customers and Create New Products Continuously https://amzn.to/3KN46YG + Pirates in the Navy: How Innovators Lead Transformation https://amzn.to/3mNIu6q + Be Less Zombie: How Great Companies Create Dynamic Innovation, Fearless Leadership and Passionate People https://amzn.to/40hJFsu + The Corporate Startup: How established companies can develop successful innovation ecosystems https://amzn.to/3A5XEad + The Lean Startup: How Today's Entrepreneurs Use Continuous Innovation to Create Radically Successful Businesses https://amzn.to/3ULUFxd + The Agile Leader: How to Create an Agile Business in the Digital Age https://amzn.to/3UJPJsO + Succeeding with Agile: Software Development Using Scrum (Addison-Wesley Signature Series (Cohn)) https://amzn.to/3A3YNz1 + Jobs to be Done: Theory to Practice https://amzn.to/3GPSF1m + Strategyzer (5 book series) Kindle Edition https://amzn.to/3KQCmme + What's Your Problem?: To Solve Your Toughest Problems, Change the Problems You Solve https://amzn.to/41dVoK7
Favorite Ideas from the Conversation:* Building psychological safety for learners * Focusing on understanding the problem rather than jumping to solutions * Developing an agile mindset that embraces iterative development, testing, adapting, and dealing with uncertainty * Using LEGO bricks as a storytelling tool to express thoughts and feelings more comfortably * The power of tangible building activities (e.g., using LEGO) in facilitating communication
JUST A FEW OF MY FAVORITE IDEAS FROM THE CONVERSATION!
TOPICS WE EXPLORE(giving tiny tidbit for inquiry in your behalf:)1. Who is Josh Reppun? 2. His origin story from Hawaii to being a chef, hotel manager, then into education. 3. What have been so of the impacts of MLTS as a springboard to create change in education over the years? 4. What are the commonalities that Josh has been able to gather from all the perspectives and teaching in various locations? 5. How do we think about the education system based on success stories from all over. 6. What is next for Josh in his work in education?
Overview Breakdown(help from Notably)Participant: - The primary participant in this conversation is Josh, an experienced educator and advocate for innovation in education. He works with Ted Dintersmith's organization, whatschoolcouldbe.org, and hosts the "What School Could Be" podcast.
Challenges and Goals:
-
The main challenge discussed is the need for a shift in educational practices to better prepare students for the rapidly changing world.
-
The goal is to connect educators and foster collaboration across various fields, leading to innovative teaching practices that better serve students in today's world.
Takeaways:
-
The impact of Ted Dintersmith's film "Most Likely To Succeed" on Josh's approach to education and advocacy for change.
-
The importance of building a community around education reform, as seen through the development of whatschoolcouldbe.org, and its associated online community.
-
The rapid spread of innovative ideas in education, fueled by increased communication and collaboration among educators worldwide.
-
The potential impact of podcasts and other digital resources on education.
Emerging Patterns:
-
Increased focus on skill-building and content analysis from kindergarten onwards, rather than focusing solely on content during K-12 education.
-
Integration of technology and innovative approaches in education to improve student outcomes and empower them for future success.
-
The power of continuous conversations and support in helping people move from their point A to point B in their personal and professional lives (concept of "big magic"). - Using podcast episodes as a "spark" for professional learning experiences and fostering intentional connections between educators in various settings.
YOUR CHALLENGEShare ideas you gathered from the conversation with us on the socials.
What resonated with you?
RESOURCES MENTIONED IN SHOW* Podcast - https://wscbpodcast.com/ * https://whatschoolcouldbe.org/ * Twiiter - https://twitter.com/joshreppun * Most Likely To Succeed - https://teddintersmith.com/mltsfilm/ * 100. Ted Dintersmith, Relentless Crusader for What School Could Be https://blubrry.com/wscbh/93736556/100-ted-dintersmith-relentless-crusader-for-what-school-could-be * 6 Ways to Use ChatGPT to Save Time https://www.edutopia.org/article/6-ways-chatgpt-save-teachers-time/ * Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear https://amzn.to/3UvGP21 * 103. Bike Repair, Great Coffee and Three Pioneers at Embark Education https://blubrry.com/wscbh/94993764/103-bike-repair-great-coffee-and-three-pioneers-at-embark-education
JUST A FEW OF MY FAVORITE IDEAS FROM THE CONVERSATION!
TOPICS WE EXPLORE(giving tiny tidbit for inquiry in your behalf:)In this thought-provoking episode, we dive into the world of education and technology with renowned expert, Gary Stager. Join us as we explore:
- The journey and accomplishments of Gary Stager
- The concept of "computing" as an action, shaping how we perceive technology
- The thought-provoking question: Does the computer program the child, or does the child program the computer?
- The importance of balancing opposing ideas in modern education
Discover key insights on:
- The need for all kids to have programming experience
- The consequences of K-12 computer science curriculum
- The challenge of balancing educator experience with legislative mandates
- The idea of granting "permission" to both educators and students in the learning process
We'll also discuss the impact of tools like ChatGPT on education, the fusion of mathematics and computing in teaching, and the power of block-based coding languages. Finally, we reflect on the role of technology in shaping education and the difference between "old" and "timeless" teaching methods.
Don't miss this enlightening and engaging conversation with Gary Stager!
YOUR CHALLENGEShare ideas you gathered from the conversation with us on the socials.
What resonated with you?
RESOURCES MENTIONED IN SHOW* Website - http://cmkfutures.com/ * Gary Stager Website - http://professorgarystager.com/ * Twitter - https://twitter.com/garystager * Invent To Learn - https://inventtolearn.com/ * Book - Invent To Learn – Making, Tinkering, and Engineering in the Classroom * Book - Twenty Things to Do with a Computer Forward 50: Future Visions of Education Inspired by Seymour Papert and Cynthia Solomon’s Seminal Work * Adrift: America in 100 Charts * Stephan Wolfram - What is ChatGPT Doing? and Why Does It Work? * Constructing Modern Knowledge Summer Institute
JUST A FEW OF MY FAVORITE IDEAS FROM THE CONVERSATION!
TOPICS WE EXPLORE1. Who is Leon Furze? 2. Why did Leon go into a Ph.D in artificial intelligence prior to ChatGPT blowing up? 3. How does Leon help educators working through the process of how AI can benefit the classroom? 4. Why is the conversation on cheating is a distraction to the bigger issues to tackle? 5. The big topic of ethics and AI 6. How do we tackle these topics when most have no idea about these tools at all? 7. What are the questions Leon is hearing from educators in the field?
YOUR CHALLENGEShare ideas you gathered from the conversation with us on the socials.
What resonated with you?
RESOURCES MENTIONED IN SHOW* Website: https://leonfurze.com/ * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leonfurze * Atlas of AI: Power, Politics, and the Planetary Costs of Artificial Intelligence https://amzn.to/3ZxCAnk * College Essay Is Dead: Generative AI is progressing furiously—and educators need to catch up fast, @StephenMarche writes. Just a few of my favorite ideas from the conversation! * End of High School Essay * Has Elon Musk Infiltrated Generative AI(ChatGPT)? Unlocking the Power of AI for Next-Level Critical Thinking Skills
JUST A FEW OF MY FAVORITE IDEAS FROM THE CONVERSATION!
TOPICS WE EXPLORE1. Note to listener: we recorded this episode mid February of 2023 prior to all the updates with ChatGPT 4 and more. Just providing context 2. Who is Peter Pappas? 3. Setting the stage with his teaching style and how it came to be by thinking about how to teach like an art teacher 4. How has Peter navigated AI in the landscape of education? 5. How is Peter trying to process AI in his teaching and learning in his practice with concepts like his AI toolkit and more? 6. How do we manage currently being behind in media and digital literacy skills with the addition of AI skills? 7. Exploring the hot topic of AI and cheating 8. What can teachers do with AI?
YOUR CHALLENGEShare ideas you gathered from the conversation with us on the socials.
What resonated with you?
RESOURCES MENTIONED IN SHOW* Website: https://peterpappas.com/ * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/edteck/ * Taxonomy of Reflection: https://peterpappas.com/2010/01/taxonomy-reflection-critical-thinking-students-teachers-principals.html * AI Toolkit For Teaching and Learning: https://edtechmethods.com/ai-toolkit/ * Gary Marcus - http://garymarcus.com/index.html * https://neeva.com/
Just a few of my favorite ideas from the conversation!
TOPICS WE EXPLORE1. Who is Rafranz Davis? 2. What is her origin story from education to her new job? 3. How do we work to increase the opportunities to have someone take notice of us to make a difference? 4. What are some of the parallels and areas of focus we need to continue in education based on her experience working in education, her life experience, and now LinkedIn. 5. How do we connect community to education to help students become aware of the opportunities around us all? 6. How do we look back at our work and journey to move forward in a positive light? 7. The power of posting in a globally connected network.
YOUR CHALLENGEShare ideas you gathered from the conversation with us on the socials.
What resonated with you?
RESOURCES MENTIONED IN SHOW* Rafranz LinkedIn profile - https://www.linkedin.com/in/rafranzdavis/ + She also has a newsletter on the platform * Pencils and Popcorn podcast she just launched
Just a few of my favorite ideas from the conversation!
TOPICS WE EXPLORE1. Who is Dan Fitzpatrick? 2. What do we need to think about AI differently than just the latest shiny object? 3. How do we consider accessibility and equity with devices, access, and teaching of skills? 4. How do we go back to rethinking our media and digital skills? 5. How do we stop and pause to consider ethics to these tools? 6. How do we strike a balance of how to monitor or work with these tools? 7. Fun brainstorming future possibilities :)
YOUR CHALLENGEShare ideas you gathered from the conversation with us on the socials.
What resonated with you?
RESOURCES MENTIONED IN SHOW* OPEN: How we'll work, live and learn in the future https://amzn.to/3ZxJVnJ * AI Educator website - https://theaieducator.io * The AI Classroom: Teaching and Learning in the Artificial Intelligence Revolution (The Hitchhiker's Guide for Educators Series) https://amzn.to/3mpQnyr * Follow Dan on Twitter and LinkedIn - https://theaieducator.io/#contact
Just a few of my favorite ideas from the conversation!
TOPICS WE EXPLORE1. Who is Zoe Weil? 2. What is her origin story that has brought her to this place of being so passionate about humane work? 3. What is a solutionary? 4. What are ways to create opportunities for students to be solutionaries despite the barriers of the K-12 education system? 5. What is the difference between a problem solver vs. solutionary? 6. To be solutionary needs to address the root causes and how this differs from humanitarian act(which is good to do) which does not solve a problem.
YOUR CHALLENGEShare ideas you gathered from the conversation with us on the socials.
What resonated with you?
RESOURCES MENTIONED IN SHOW The World Becomes What We Teach: Educating a Generation of Solutionaries* * https://humaneeducation.org/ * https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t5HEV96dIuY
Just a few of my favorite ideas from the conversation!
TOPICS WE EXPLORE1. Who is Jenahlee Chamberlain? 2. What is her origin story to find herself in her current role? 3. How does she process all the resources and materials to determine a clean concise flow for teaching and learning? 4. How to organize vertically K-12 and ensuring equity and access to be able to use lessons no matter the school?
YOUR CHALLENGEShare ideas you gathered from the conversation with us on the socials.
What resonated with you?
RESOURCES MENTIONED IN SHOW* Session recording explaining how she created, organized, and put together her computer science flow for elementary * Slides from presentation above that contains her work discussed in the show * Connect with Jenahlee on Twitter * Join her webinar on graphic design
Just a few of my favorite ideas from the conversation!
Explore this show and so much more at www.coffeeforthebrain.com
In this episode of the podcast, I speak with the wonderful and incredible Jenny Buccos.
Jenny Buccos is a multi-award-winning director and producer. She is the founder and Head of Content of EXPLR Media, a multimedia education strategist, and an agent for global citizenship.She is the Creator and Executive Producer of Crash Test World- a family-focused TV series presented by Kari Byron (Mythbusters). (Available on Discovery+)
In 2003, before the existence of YouTube, she founded ProjectExplorer, a free multimedia website designed to educate primary and secondary school students about global issues and world cultures and histories. She has directed and produced over 500 short films working with leaders and visionaries including Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Belize’s First Lady Kim Simplis Barrow, Ziggy Marley, and Anthony Bourdain.
An international specialist in video and media-focused curriculum design, Jenny provides consulting services for educational, cultural, and non-profit organizations focused on increasing student access and engagement.
Jenny has traveled to over 70 countries. When not traveling, she splits her time between Brooklyn, New York, and Amsterdam, Netherlands.
Direct Link: Episode:
- Find the this episode and all the previous episodes on Apple Podcast
- The episode and previous episodes of the show is also on Spotify!
TOPICS WE EXPLOREAll profiles can be found here
- Who is Jenny Buccos?
- What is EXPLR Media?
- How do you think through the stories for curiosity to lead us into conversation and education?
- Real World, Relevant, Relatable
- How do we weave these three R's into the story of the learning journey with time constraints and context of students?
- What has stayed the same and/or what has changed over time when it comes to telling quality stories and creating sparks of curiosities?
- Meet students where they are at and what is engaging them.
- What are some of the greatest AHA moments?
- How do you sift through all the ideas to determine which story to tell?
- Exploration of careers and bring these opportunities for students?
- What is her origin story?
YOUR CHALLENGEShare ideas you gathered from the conversation with us on the socials.
What resonated with you?
RESOURCES MENTIONED IN SHOW* https://www.explr-media.com/ * https://www.jennybuccos.com/
Just a few of my favorite ideas from the conversation!
TOPICS WE EXPLOREAll profiles can be found here
- Who is Amanda Clark?
- Who is Erin Starkey?
- Who is Sara Lev?
- How did the three of these awesome people come together?
- Erin Starkey Misconceptions on PBL and Literacy
- Power words: Perception and Permission
- Sara Lev Misconceptions on PBL and Integration
- Pressure of foundation skills and "catching students up"
- Three layers to consider
- Amanda Clark Misconceptions on PBL and Sustained Inquiry
- Inquiry, Investigation, Experimentation
- Field Trips vs. Field Work
- The power of being seen as an early childhood educator from the leaders
- Power of not dismissing the misconceptions, but embracing and working forward to create solutions
- Universal ideas from this work to all learners
YOUR CHALLENGEShare ideas you gathered from the conversation with us on the socials.
What resonated with you?
RESOURCES MENTIONED IN SHOW* PBL Works * Book: Implementing Project Based Learning in Early Childhood: Overcoming Misconceptions and Reaching Success + Amazon + Routledge * Website: www.earlychildhoodpbl.com * Twitter: @ec_pbl * Instagram: @earlychildhoodpbl * Facebook: Early Childhood PBL (private group) * Article: 30 PBL Ideas for Young Children * Course: https://earlychildhoodpbl.teachable.com/
Just a few of my favorite passages from the book!
See more at https://coffeeforthebrain.com/TOPICS WE EXPLORE1. Who is Joey Cofone? 2. Issues with education system and why there is a disconnect to needs of ourselves and others. 3. Barriers of creativity built by invisible rules 4. What can Alexander the Great teacher us about creativity? 5. Power word "disruption" 6. Making things different vs. making things better 7. Activity to showcase our uniqueness mathematically 8. Why is weird accepted on a global scale, but not a local scale? 9. How did Joey use the Laws of Creativity to build a notebook company? 10. Language shapes how we think and how he coined the word "Thinkers" 11. Tale of Two Gloves: Power of belonging to a community 12. Creativity is misunderstood 13. Final thoughts from Joey
YOUR CHALLENGEShare ideas you gathered from the conversation with us on the socials.
What resonated with you?
RESOURCES MENTIONED IN SHOW* https://www.joeycofone.com/ * https://baronfig.com/ * The Laws of Creativity: Unlock Your Originality and Awaken Your Creative Genius https://amzn.to/3XWFDFw
In this episode, I speak with Pernille Ripp.
Pernille Ripp is an expert in literacy and technology integration and dedicates her research and practice to developing engaged and empowered students and communities.
She is a teacher, speaker, author, blogger, and passionate advocate for education. She is the recipient of the 2015 WEMTA Making IT Happen Award; and the 2015 ISTE Award for Innovation in Global Collaboration.
In 2010, Pernille founded The Global Read Aloud, a global literacy initiative that began with a simple goal in mind: one book to connect the world. From its humble beginnings, the GRA has grown to connect millions of students in around the world.
She is the author of Passionate Readers -The Art of Reaching and Engaging Every Child and Passionate Learners – How to Engage and Empower Your Students, now in its second edition, and Empowered Schools, Empowered Students, both focusing on creating learning spaces and communities where students thrive and all stakeholders are empowered and passionate about learning. She has also authored Reimagining Literacy Through Global Collaboration published in 2016 by Solution Tree. Her work has also been featured in many print and online journals including Edutopia, The New York Times, School Library Journal, The Guardian, and MiddleWeb.
You can follow Pernille’s work on Blogging Through The Fourth Dimension, her personal blog and a frequent Teach100 top-rated education blog.
Pernille’s current research interest is in creating passionate literacy environments within the restriction of our current educational systems to helping students fall in love with literacy again. She uses her own classroom as a laboratory, as well as learns from the many educators she works with across the world.
Pernille is now also part of The Author Village, a collective of forward-thinking children’s book authors and educators available for school and library visits, conferences, festivals, panels, and professional development opportunities. To see her page there, please go here.
Direct Link: Episode:
CHECK OUT THE SHOW AND EPISODES ON ITUNES
The show is on Spotify!
TOPICS WE EXPLORE1. Who is Pernille Ripp? And what does she have going on? 2. What are some AHA moments in the transition to living back in Denmark after being the US for a long time? 3. What are differences in education between US and Denmark? 4. What are similarities in education between US and Denmark? 5. Why are we going backwards since COVID? 6. Power of moderation, not thinking in extremes told through lens of the recent reading wars 7. Third edition of her book, Passionate Learners, is about how do we let go in a system that teaches us that control is the best way to manage? 1. Dealing with our own control demons 2. Power of trust 3. How do you start off the year co-creating community with students? 4. How is power at the core of classroom about power and positional control? 5. And how you do you this in the daily class, not just a one activity lesson
YOUR CHALLENGEShare ideas you gathered from the conversation with us on the socials.
What resonated with you?
RESOURCES MENTIONED IN SHOWInstagram
Patreon community
Blog
And pre+order of my her edition?
- https://linktr.ee/PernilleRipp
- all the goodness of her website AND more!
- Pernille Ripp Website
- Her website contains everything you would ever need to find all of her work!
TOPICS WE EXPLORE1. Who is Jeremy Utley and how did he find his way to education from business work around the globe? 2. Young people need permission to not know 3. Not asking a young person what they want to be when they grow 4. The Einstellung effect where we cease to search when we think we have a plausible first answer AND how Ideaflow works to push through this issue of thinking. 5. Connection of creativity and an arm splint 6. We are not practicing what we are saying we are saying in education? How do we do this type of work of Ideaflow and the space for it? 7. What do we mean by creativity? 8. Don't always evaluate. Simple challenge going, "Oh good! and fill in with a response" Start with a gift of good and the try a gift of bad. 9. What if we couldn't do, then what would we do? Repeat this process for your first new idea to work to get past our first idea. 10. Power of framing a prompt or challenge where it is more on the approach vs. the answer. 11. "Curiosity can pull you where discipline and willpower would otherwise have to push"
YOUR CHALLENGEShare ideas you gathered from the conversation with us on the socials.
What resonated with you?
RESOURCE MENTIONED IN SHOWIdeaflow: The Only Business Metric That Matters
- Blog: jeremyutley.design
- Twitter: @jeremyutley
- Stanford's Masters of Creativity
- Leading Disruptive Innovation
- LaunchPad
- Astro Teller who is the head of Google X
TOPICS WE EXPLORE1. Who is Laura McBain in case you don't already know! 2. How might we best deliver content to young people? AND... 3. How do we bring an asset framework and mindset to our young people and educators? 4. How do we solve the sticky issues that we not yet addressed in our education system? 5. How do we separate the topic of failure from the larger issue in the education system that is so focused in a deficit framed mindset? 6. What happens when a teammate of yours loses their way and fails in front of you? What is our responsiblity when each of us fail? 7. Missed opportunity when we don't have a process to unpack the moments when things don't work. 8. Michael Pryor story of compliant engagement (do as I say, and THEN we can have a great time) 9. Misconception that when we pivot to a new idea means that our previous work is "wrong" 10. Page 63 – Part of the mystery behind failure is this opportunity to surprise yourself. (my favorite line in the book!) 11. If everything is prescriptive, then the magical moments of learning and a strong sense of learning to learn won't happen. 12. Curiosity is what sustains us through moments of failure.
YOUR CHALLENGEShare ideas you gathered from the conversation with us on the socials.
What resonated with you?
RESOURCE MENTIONED IN SHOW My Favorite Failure: How Setbacks Can Lead to Learning and Growth* * d.school profile * Laura on Twitter * Laura on LinkedIn * 119: The landscape of questions and listening in education with Laura McBain from d.school https://coffeeforthebrain.com/119/ * A video Laura provided as we explore Authentic Learning
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wbvn0KjtNag&feature=emb_title
In this episode, I speak with John Miller, Founder of Agile Classrooms.
John inspires future-makers in creating a culture of vibrant empowerment in their organizations. As a foster kid, John was motivated to learn how some empowered themselves to become victors over their circumstances and others became victims of them. As the Chief Empowerment Officer of Agile Classrooms, he is pioneering Agile in schools to empower teachers and students to thrive in 21st-century learning, life, and work. As the founder of Rightshift Coaching, he helps organizations in their Agile transformations through coaching and training.
His work and ideas are not only reinvigorating education but he is also revitalizing ways to engage in Agile transformations through his Agile Resonance Coaching method. He has helped a spectrum of organizations, from Fortune 500 companies to at-risk schools, in pivoting their culture to achieve in a fast-changing, competitive world. He holds a Certified Enterprise Coach® certification and is a Certified Professional CoActive Coach, Associate Certified Coach, and a Project Management Professional.
When not focused on work, John loves to surf (well, wiping out more than actually surfing), make silly faces with his seven-year-old daughter, volunteers as a life coach for students, co-leads a Nonviolent Communication Group, and makes insanely delicious drinking chocolates. Say hi to him on Twitter @agileschools.
TOPICS WE EXPLORE
- Who is John Miller?
- What do we mean by "agile" and "SCRUM"?(resources below)
- Power of the word "permission"
- What are some ways to get this work to work when change is tough?
- See, feel, change
- Fail small
- Misconceptions about this work
- Communication is a skill that needs to be taught
- How let go of lower level needs to be needed for deeper levels of thinking.
YOUR CHALLENGE
Share ideas you gathered from the conversation with us on the socials.
What resonated with you?
RESOURCE MENTIONED IN SHOW* Agile Classrooms * Iowa ALN Agile and SCRUM Support
TOPICS WE EXPLORE1. 1. 1. What is a prototype? 2. There a tension between a prototype as a question and a prototype as a statement 3. The struggle of the muckety muck phase of bringing ideas to life aka "the solution" 4. It is really hard to sit in a room of silence and watch people think. 5. Power of space and time to sit with ideas to marinate 6. Prototyping with focus more on the learning journey vs. final product 7. Perspective changing of seeing materials as valuable resources 8. Disservice that when we need/want to be creative we also have to consider "garbage" as material to be able to create. 9. When making a statement to convince someone of the idea vs. actually showing something to someone to ask a question. 10. There is only value to be gained by engaging other people in the work.
YOUR CHALLENGEShare ideas you gathered from the conversation with us on the socials.
What resonated with you?
RESOURCE MENTIONED IN SHOW* + Read more about the book here - https://dschool.stanford.edu/book-collections/this-is-a-prototype
HBO's From Earth to the Moon (this is mentioned in the show)
These two are from Apollo 13 which are likely stuck in your head too if you've seen that one:
https://youtu.be/ry55--J4_VQ (connection to "one material prompt")
https://youtu.be/f6F6MzMT2g8
- Medium
Make Space: How to Set the Stage for Creative Collaboration
In this episode, I am sharing a session I was asked to present at the IASB conference. I have provided both the video and audio versions of this session. The beauty of this session is that we brought in a robust powerhouse of project based learning experts from around the country to help shape the narrative around why this work matters so much.
The session description is as follows:
Looking for ways to transform learning for your students? Join Pleasant Valley Schools and Mississippi Bend AEA to explore how they innovated to engage students and educators in authentic learning experiences and project-based learning. Attendees will examine real-world scenarios where teachers are weaving content standards, universal constructs and social-emotional competencies together—all while remaining collaborative and providing rigorous and authentic work. Give your students voice and choice, showcase their learning, and understand how this type of work can happen in YOUR classroom.
Check out the perspectives and the challenges to enhance learning experiences for all students.
The show is on Spotify!
Video Versionhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XcDoocL9AQI
TOPICS WE EXPLORE1. Quick overview of the session and goals 2. 06:00 Chris Welch, administration perspective on authentic learning and students owning the learning 1. Students owning the learning changes the narrative around engagement 2. Universal Constructs that is so important 3. 10:00 rest of introductions and persepctive from Sarah Vice a 6th grade teacher 1. Failure is a gift 2. The importance of human experience 3. Process over product 4. 14:24 Steven Smith, NASA perspective 1. 8 most dreaded words "When am I ever going to use this?" 2. Our students are going to be part of the space economy 3. Failure is vital lesson we don't learn well 5. 19:21 Chris Welch, Administrator on providing context of how instructional design of 1. How does civilizations from ancient history survive? 2. What does survival look like present day with All Thirteen book? 3. How do we then work with experts to think about the future that will be "present day" for our students? 6. 22:30 Jeff Robin and how to really think about projects from a real perspective 1. Teachers need to do the project first 2. Students don't want dumpster projects 3. You only remember when learning is fun and exciting 7. 25:50 Amanda Clark and importance of strong leadership 1. Need to provide space for teachers to be creative and to give teachers space to try things out. 2. We need to do more than just teach standards 3. Teachers need support and love from leaders, community, school boards, etc. 8. 27:41 Erin Starkey and her story how pbl brought joy back to her teaching 1. PBL was a lightbulb for Erin because she was passionate and that is contagious 2. PBL was a gamechanger because she found joy and in students from age of 4 and above 9. 29:30 Beth Campbell, librarian perspective on how to build school community to do the work 1. Isolated spaces in schools are gone. PBL brings opportunities to team because together we are better 2. Library should be alive and vibrant with co-teaching and co-design for learning opportunities 3. Incredible research on the brain and heart 10. 31:45 Chad Uhde, elementary principal and form PBL instructional coach 1. Power of taking risks and see what we can do. Be brave to change identity of students 2. PBL provides new outlet for students to showcase who they are and their why 11. 35:00 How do you assess and measure and quantify success? 1. Jeff Robin 1. Can the students explain what they have learned? 2. Do we need an easy number? 3. Are we doing education for ourselves or for the students? 2. Erin Starkey 1. Requires intentional integration 2. UBD and designing formative flags around the way 3. Constantly meet needs of students naturally in PBL 4. Rubrics for learning not a checklist of tasks 3. Steven Smith 1. Lots of standards are performance based on what students can do 2. Challenge the paradigm that we need a numerical value for everything 1. Life does not work that way 2. Preparing students for a world that they will be creating 3. We are not helping our students by creating widgets 4. Are we here for our students or ourselves? 5. Why go through all the nonsense of teaching if we want each student to fit a single mold? 6. We are in the space age and students will decide if they want to go to Disney in Florida, California, or space? 7. We need to either start preparing our students for the future or stop pretending like we are trying 4. Chris Welch 1. Focus on standards and conversation on "How do you know?" 2. Where is the learning visible? 3. We end up with not just standards but thinking progressions on how to think at deeper cognitive rigor and DOK. 4. Exchange not just instruction but facilitation
YOUR CHALLENGEShare ideas you gathered from the conversation with us on the socials.
What resonated with you?
RESOURCE MENTIONED IN SHOW* Everything can be found here - https://sites.google.com/view/creatingauthenticlearning/power-of-authentic-learning * Universal Constructs
In this episode, I am sharing a conversation I had with Loni Bergqvist. Loni Bergqvist serves as the Founder//Partner at Imagine If. Loni was (and always will be) a teacher.
Loni started her career in education teaching at a traditional school in San Diego, California. She became a project-based learning 'convert' when she started attending night school in Leadership at the High Tech High Graduate School of Education. She began to try (with little success) to do projects in her own class. Loni could see very clearly that her students needed real-world projects desperately but would probably never have access to this type of learning.
Loni left her school to teach at High Tech High, knowing one day her mission would be to bring project-based learning to students who needed it the most; the ones who were in traditional schools.
Since 2014, Loni has been working with schools around the world to re-imagine education. Her project-based learning expertise has been used in several international initiatives, including REAL-Projects (Innovation Unit, United Kingdom) and LEAPS (Kata Foundation, Denmark).
Direct Link: Episode:
CHECK OUT THE SHOW AND EPISODES ON ITUNES
The show is on Spotify!
TOPICS WE EXPLORE1. Who is Loni Bergqvist? 2. How has her experiences in all her roles impacted her insights on education? 3. How can give permission for educators to be at different stages of learning about project based learning just like we expect educators to differentiate for all learners in the classroom? 4. Why is it so difficult to do the project first before teaching it? 5. Prioritizing space and time for educators to be able to learn while on the job. 6. Problem solvers vs. problem identifiers 7. Self imposed rules and barriers 8. Final thoughts on pbl not being the goal.
YOUR CHALLENGEShare ideas you gathered from the conversation with us on the socials.
What resonated with you?
RESOURCE MENTIONED IN SHOWImagine If
https://xptrust.org/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/loniatimagineif/
In this episode, I am sharing a conversation I had with Stephanie Yeldell. Stephanie Yeldell serves as the education integration lead for NASA’s Space Technology Mission Directorate at NASA Headquarters in Washington, DC. She manages a portfolio of projects and partnerships engaging students and the academic community in NASA’s space technology development and missions, with a focus on supporting diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility across the agency.
She was awarded the NASA Headquarters Unsung Hero Award for her contributions to NASA STEM engagement in 2020 and previously received two NASA Headquarters group awards for innovation and teamwork. Prior to joining NASA in 2018, Stephanie worked in corporate partnerships at the National Park Foundation as well as development and public programming at the White House Historical Association. Throughout her career, Stephanie has focused on impactful storytelling and public private partnerships. She has a bachelor’s degree in art history from Furman University.
CHECK OUT THE SHOW AND EPISODES ON ITUNES
The show is on Spotify!
TOPICS WE EXPLORE1. Who is Stephanie Yeldell? 2. How did Stephanie end up at NASA? What is/was her learning journey? 3. Power of Identity and Language...NASA is for everyone 4. First Woman Graphic Novel and interactive app 5. Power of story 6. How to listen and build connetions? 7. How do Stephanie and her team work to identify problems worth solving? 8. What makes her team so great to work with?
YOUR CHALLENGEShare ideas you gathered from the conversation with us on the socials.
Share how you are creating a sense of belonging in your spaces.
RESOURCE MENTIONED IN SHOW* First Woman Graphic Novel * NASA Artemis Mission * Our current survival NASA project with a session with Stephanie
TOPICS WE EXPLORE1. Who is Susie Wise? 2. Define 'belonging' and 'design for belonging' 3. Belonging is not an "it" 4. Our experience of belonging comes from a series of small subtle cues 5. How can we look at ourselves to become better aware of belonging? 6. How can we create a sense of belonging if we don't feel like we belong ourselves? 7. Emotional Journey Map - access with the toolkit on the book website 8. Participation methods beyond the extrovert signals 9. Everything is designed whether we fully acknowledge it or not. What is the experience that I am trying to create to support the range of thinkers and doers in my environment? 10. Contribution - so powerful so listen, listen, listen to Susie!!! 11. Power of repair 12. Divergenet exiting
YOUR CHALLENGEShare ideas you gathered from the conversation with us on the socials.
Share how you are creating a sense of belonging in your spaces.
Buy and read the book!
Book Website
Follow and learn from SusieTwitter
Resource mentioned in showGeoggrey Cohen Belonging: The Science of Creating Connection and Bridging Divides
In this episode, I am sharing a conversation I had with Kallie Moore. Kallie Moore manages the paleontology collection at the University of Montana and co-host the YouTube channel PBS Eons. She has also consulted for Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park on renovations to the DINOSAUR ride, as well as hosted a livestream for the newly opened Deep Time Hall at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History in Washington, D.C. Kallie's debut nonfiction book, Tales of the Prehistoric World: Adventures from the Land of the Dinosaurs, released this fall from Neon Squid books.
CHECK OUT THE SHOW AND EPISODES ON ITUNES
The show is on Spotify!
TOPICS WE EXPLORE1. Power of story and throughlines to makes sense of the world 2. How did Kallie find her way to being a fossil librarian? 3. How does inquiry and curiosity drive her work? 4. How did her quality teams form and come to fruition? 5. The importance of understanding your audience 6. Process of writing the book
YOUR CHALLENGECheck out her website to learn not just more about the book, but her course and neuroscience for change.
Buy and read the book!
Watch PBS Eons
- Listen with intention and capture your questions and wonderingsProvide space for the provocations that arise from the ideas and share with us for contiued conversation
- Reach out via social media and share your answer to your listening of the episode! What resonated with you? Share with me @aaronmaureredu and Kallie
Book Website
In this episode, I am sharing a conversation I had with Tammy Watchorn and her latest book and work real truth about understand and creating change. In particular her book, Change Ninja Handbook, places the reader in an interactive approach that will appeal particularly to non-linear thinkers and those who learn best through action and application. It’s pragmatic, focusing on tips for getting people on board and on identifying small, doable ‘ninja moves’ that gain traction and build momentum by stealth.
Dr Tammy Watchorn trained as a scientist before moving into the complex landscape of healthcare to lead change.
After some slow starts she began to realise that her hard-won accreditation in the process of change leadership was meaningless: the only way to achieve success was to focus on people. By understanding those involved in change as individuals, not ‘stakeholders’, she developed a pragmatic way of making progress by stealth using ‘ninja’ moves. Her own neuro-atypical approach allows her to see things differently, to look at the whole rather than the parts, and to help others to see things differently too. There’s no accreditation or one-size-fits-all process for Change Ninjas but there is now, at least, a handbook.
Tammy shares her stories and her approach to leading change widely on social media and in national media and industry publications. She’s also a regular keynote at conferences.
CHECK OUT THE SHOW AND EPISODES ON ITUNES
The show is on Spotify!
TOPICS WE EXPLORE1. Who is Tammy Watchorn? 2. Based on neuroscience has change been harder than ever before despire the opportunity to pivot with COVID 3. Difference between define our why vs. identifying problem to solve 4. Case study example: synced medical records 5. How to handle difficult conversations - separating emotions from thinking 6. Invisible rules or systems that stagnate change 7. Difference between communication and engagement
YOUR CHALLENGECheck out her website to learn not just more about the book, but her course and neuroscience for change.
Buy and read the book!
- Listen with intention and capture your questions and wonderings
- Provide space for the provocations that arise from the ideas and share with us for contiued conversation
Reach out via social media and share your answer to your listening of the episode! What resonated with you? Share with me @aaronmaureredu and Tammy @tamwatchorn
- www.tammy.watchorn.com
- www.change-ninja.com
- www.qube.cc
- Tammy Watchorn | LinkedIn
TOPICS WE EXPLORE1. Who is Jessica Vance? 2. How can we consider what is happening in our practice and connect with others? 3. The issue of disconnect that happens between leaders and staff. 4. How do we recalibrate our brain to support the work we know is best for kids 5. The difficulty of letting go and truly listen to where to go next. 6. The power of community and not going alone in the ambiguity of inquiry. 7. Inquiry can be profound in moments of quiet, pause, and reflection. 8. Set an intention to listen, notice, and observe. Be present. 9. How do we begin with inquiry? 10. How can we be intentional with listening?
What is something I am working on or challenged by?
What do your actions say about your values?
I notice that some of you are sharing.....
I notice that some of you have noticed......
What are your learners telling you?
Jessica on Instagram
Jessica on Twitter
YOUR CHALLENGECheck out the Leading With Inquiry website
Buy and read the book!
- Listen with intention when we ask questions of our learners
- Provide space for the provocations that arise from the questions
Reach out via social media and share your answer to your listening of the episode! What resonated with you? Share with me @aaronmaureredu and Jessica @jess_vanceEDU
In this episode, I am sharing a conversation I had with two of the most wonderful people I know, Robyn Hrivnatz from Microsoft and Scott Bricker, a Director of Educational Technology & Innovation for district in California. This conversation was part of the Microsoft EDU Live.
Join @RobynHrivnatz and @ScottBrickerEDU as our friend Aaron Maurer joins #USMicrosoftEDULive to talk about how building community can transform your approach to learning. An author and host of the successful blog & podcast, "Coffee for the Brain," Aaron will also share about his current project with NASA and how you and your school can get involved. Join at https://aka.ms/usmicrosoftedulive #MicrosoftEDU #MIEExpert
Permission was granted to share the conversation via my podcast. The original conversation was hosted September 13th at 5 PM Pacific
CHECK OUT THE SHOW AND EPISODES ON ITUNES
The show is on Spotify!
TOPICS WE EXPLORE1. It's time to step up and rethink how things should be in education 2. How do we keep the nimbleness and innovation of COVID and continue to drive forward? 3. Importance of community and not doing work alone 4. Power of sharing our gifts 5. Our communities of learning or communities we live in need to have various voices and embrace all people 6. Why do people think it is easier to do things outside the box when we associate this type of learning with STEM?
VIDEO VERSIONhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TpFmS7_HAG8
In this episode, Aaron Maurer (Coffee For The Brain, Smart Robotics with LEGO MINDSTORMS Robot Inventor), Beth Campbell (teacher-librarian, Forest Grove Elementary), and Sarah Vice (6th grade educator, Forest Grove Elementary) discussion how education is hard. Rebalancing our mindset and learning space can be even harder when so much is swirling in the realms of chaos. Let's take a breath and explore how a year of pushing our growth edges in authentic learning and project based learning transformed learning for students and educators. Come discover what happens when we give ourselves permission to draw on our courage to navigate ambiguity!
Beth Campbell
Beth Campbell is currently the teacher librarian at Forest Grove Elementary School in Bettendorf, IA and an adjunct professor at the University of Iowa in the Library and Information Science Department. During her lengthy career in education, she has advocated for the school experience to be relevant, authentic and meaningful, while also elevating opportunities for student voice.
Her innovative work with students’ podcasting can be found on iTunes, Voiced.Ca and other hosting platforms. She co-designed the instructional frame of Design.Drive.Do with Sarah Vice. She has co-authored an article on Student Voice with Allison Zmuda, which was published in School Library Connection. Creating a #CultureOfReaders has been at the foundation of her work in and out of the library.
Sarah Vice
Sarah Vice has taught a plethora of grade levels and is currently a sixth grade teacher at Forest Grove Elementary School in Bettendorf, IA. She has a Masters’ Degree in Educational Administration. She has helped open two elementary buildings within the Pleasant Valley School District. As a National Geography certified educator, she shares her leadership and vision with others as the district’s grade level lead teacher. Sarah also co-designed the instructional framework of Design.Drive.Do with Beth Campbell to help equip teachers and students. She believes in being courageous, taking risks and being an advocate for her students to empower them to see the possibilities all around them.
Permission was granted to share the conversation via my podcast. The original conversation was hosted July 6th, 2022 by What Schools Could Be
CHECK OUT THE SHOW AND EPISODES ON ITUNES
The show is on Spotify!
TOPICS WE EXPLORE1. Weaving all the learning together 2. Grappling with thick questions 3. How do we layer this learning and type of learning space of student ownership within the classroom? 4. Learning how to have an organic conversations with adults vs. reading from a script is one of the most valuable life skills. 5. How do you deal with students who are rather shy and quiet? 6. Power of experts 7. Focus on undoing the school part of the thinking students have that limit their boundaries of new thought 8. Just be a normal human being. You can't script everything. 9. Most Likely To Succeed
YOUR CHALLENGEExplore the classroom project from this past school year
- If interested in learning how to do this work or possibly join this project this year, then head here
Leave a comment and let’s engage in conversation around the ideas shared, what further questions you have, or what you want to know more about for your own learning journey.
Join a community of deep thinkers around education at What Schools Could Be Community
VIDEO VERSIONhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xppCYnrBYc8
In this episode, Aaron Maurer (Coffee For The Brain, Smart Robotics with LEGO MINDSTORMS Robot Inventor), Beth Campbell (teacher-librarian, Forest Grove Elementary), and Sarah Vice (6th grade educator, Forest Grove Elementary) share many ideas to enhance authentic learning for students. This is not a list of apps or tools, but examples of teachers who have crafted quality projects, authentic learning opportunities, and the space to learn deeply to take learning to the next level by empowering students to take the driver seat in learning.
This conversation was first published by Comic Con in January of 2022, but was recorded prior while in the middle of what would soon become this powerful classroom project that you can find here
Permission was granted to share the conversation via my podcast
CHECK OUT THE SHOW AND EPISODES ON ITUNES
The show is on Spotify!
TOPICS WE EXPLORE1. What does it actually mean for authentic learning experiences where students own their learning journey? 2. Prioritize the need to create the culture before layering anything else into the learning 3. How does a teacher weave all the content into a cohesive story/throughline 4. Co-learners and co-teachers need to be co-responsible for learning and teaching in the culture of the classroom 5. Is your space a playground or playpen(Marina Bers)? 6. Celebrate the good, the mistakes, the moments in the process, permission to reset
YOUR CHALLENGEExplore the classroom project from this past school year
- If interested in learning how to do this work or possibly join this project this year, then head here
Leave a comment and let’s engage in conversation around the ideas shared, what further questions you have, or what you want to know more about for your own learning journey.
VIDEO VERSIONhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o2ZmY2gRMiU
In this episode, I speak with Steven C. Smith is the Education Specialist for NASA’s Educator Professional Development Collaborative at the Johnson Space Center. Steven helps to develop, package, and deliver professional development and STEM Engagement opportunities that translate the work and discoveries of NASA for use in the classroom. His work allows students to participate directly in NASA’s missions, and helps teachers make content more accessible for all their students. Steven has the great privilege of working with educators all over the country, helping them create culturally responsive lessons that will engage students that have previously felt left out of the amazing work NASA is doing.
He holds degrees from the University of Washington, Brigham Young University, Georgia College and State University, and Middle Georgia State University. Prior to his work with NASA, Steven spent 20 years in K-12 education coaching educators and teaching special education, regular education, honors, and AP students in Georgia, Washington State, and New Jersey.
This was recorded back in February of 2022 after completing a powerful classroom project that you can find here
CHECK OUT THE SHOW AND EPISODES ON ITUNES
The show is on Spotify!
TOPICS WE EXPLORE1. Exponential growth of technology and the change that comes with it are happening in space also
-
Technology and innovative discoveries for space can have huge benefits for us on Earth
-
Learning the importance of failure and ideas not working
-
What is NASA looking for when hiring or working for them to design solutions?
-
Failure is where growth lives
YOUR CHALLENGEExplore the classroom project from this past school year
Follow the Artemis Project on NASA
- NASA Artemis Project
- NASA Spinoff
- NASA First Woman Graphic Novel
Leave a comment and let’s engage in conversation
VIDEO VERSIONNo video provided for this session
In this episode, I speak with Jeff Robin, a former art teacher at High Tech High and one of the original founders of the campus. Jeff has a long career of doing what is needed most for education and not being afraid to disrupt the system that does not work. It is a complete honor to have a chance to talk with him for an hour to learn more about the keys to learning and education. This is my second time having him on the show. This was recorded back in April of 2022 after we connected in person at the Deeper Learning Conference at High Tech High.
Direct Link: Episode:
CHECK OUT THE SHOW AND EPISODES ON ITUNES
The show is on Spotify!
TOPICS WE EXPLORE1. Do the project first as the educaor
-
Document everything in the process
-
Everything is about communication
-
Screw test scores…. They just show how successful teachers were to get everyone to think alike.
-
IF you don’t see work up in the school and hallways, then we know real work is not being done. If things are not hanging up, then it means there are not things being done worth hanging up.
-
Do the project first
And so much more that you will have to listen to.
YOUR CHALLENGEListen to previous conversation from 202 - 081: Jeff Robin & Why You Need To Do The Work https://coffeeforthebrain.com/081/
Website: http://www.jeffrobin.com/ AND read the books listed on his site!
Changing the Subject book website
Leave a comment and let's engage in conversation
VIDEO VERSIONIf you would rather watch the video version, then you can access that version here
Topics We Explore1:20 - Who is Jacqueline Russell
2:00 - Exploring MakeCode
4:30 - micro:bit update to hardware coming November
5:00 - Using micro:bit in remote environments
8:30 - What is difference between micro:bit and Raspberry Pi and Arduino?
11:47 - Going through the updates of new micro:bit
18:45 - How to access block coding, Javascript, and Python
19:30 - More features of the micro:bit
28:30 - Using the micro:bit simulator for remote and hybrid teaching
31:30 - Connecting micro:bit with arcade shield to use as game cartridge
Your challengeComplete the Learning Pathway – https://sites.google.com/view/firepd/stem-cs-makerspace/the-new-microbit
Topics We Explore1:40 - Who is Mark Sparvell?
3:49 - What is some of current research and ideas in the field of SEL across the globe?
10:30 - What can we do for the legit concern of educator burnout with all the pressures in schools?
18:00 - How do we integrate SEL that does not feel fake or forced?
25:40 - The importance of collective efficacy, isolation, and trying to find ways to come together.
33:15 - How does one get started to create legitimate changes or improvements in SEL?
40:36 - How do we produce first class humans and not second class robots?
Your challengeComplete the Learning Pathway – https://sites.google.com/view/firepd/session-5/sel-with-mark-sparvell
Listener Participation.* Option 1: Head to the bottom of this post and leave a reply * Option 2: Email me at aarmau (at) gmail (dot) com
Topics We Explore1:30 - Who is Scott McLeod?
3:30 - What are schools doing to find success in this hybrid, online, and F2F teaching?
8:30 - How do we begin to tackle engagement when it is more important than ever before?
13:50 - Why we need to do less, not more! 20:00 - How do we blend the online, hybrid, F2F worlds into one cohesive thought process, lesson planning, etc.?
25:30 - How do we make better use of the live time we have with our students whether that is in person or through a screen?
Your challenge
Complete the Learning Pathway - https://sites.google.com/view/firepd/session-5/scott-mcleod
Listener Participation.* Option 1: Head to the bottom of this post and leave a reply * Option 2: Email me at aarmau (at) gmail (dot) com
Topics We ExploreWhy is Flipgrid such a wonderful tool for educators to consider using?
How is Kerry-Ann using Flipgrid to help manage the hybrid teaching?
How can a teacher use Flipgrid for assessment?
What are some ways to integrate Flipgrid with other tools such as Wakelet?
How does Kerry-Ann handle all the videos and organizing time and energy to review and give feedback?
19:00 - The power of taking small steps in our learning
23:00 - Final thoughts from Kerry-Ann
Here is the video version if you prefer video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rr70UzUq3WI&feature=youtu.be
Your challengeComplete the Flipgrid Learning Pathway - https://sites.google.com/view/firepd/session-3/flipgrid
Listener Participation.* Option 1: Head to the bottom of this post and leave a reply * Option 2: Email me at aarmau (at) gmail (dot) com
Topics We ExploreLearning Outcomes Understand the science and research about online teaching and learning
Apply the concepts of F2F teaching to online/hybrid
Engage students in exploring their curiosity
Develop lessons to move our thinking to deeper connection
What I will DO in this module:Watch/listen to the conversation with Doug Bergman
Answer the questions provided to engage in the learning
Complete challenge 1 or 2 or both
Share your findings with other educators
Your challengeCome join the learning here – https://sites.google.com/view/firepd/session-4/teaching-strategies-for-online
Listener Participation.* Option 1: Head to the bottom of this post and leave a reply * Option 2: Email me at aarmau (at) gmail (dot) com
Topics We ExploreLearning Outcomes
Differentiate between planning for various modes of engagement, representation, and expression, with a focus on engagement.
Provide choice and autonomy in order to promote expectations and beliefs that optimize motivation.
Design for engagement in both synchronous and asynchronous learning experiences.
Design intra/interpersonal routines to foster behaviors for engagement.
What I will DO in this module:
Explore how Flipgrid works for both synchronous and asynchronous teaching and learning
Create a sample activity to create engagement within a lesson
Understand how to access the data to use to determine needs of students
Revise an existing lesson to add layers of engagement
Questions to Consider
Is there something missing in your online aspect of teaching that you wish you could get more engagement, student voice, and understanding of student thinking?
What have you tried that has worked/not worked to gain a better understanding of student understanding of content, their headspace, and overall well being?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v5EyCE-KrG0
Your challengeCome join the learning here – https://sites.google.com/view/firepd/session-3/flipgrid
Topics We Explore* 5:30 Why wonder is so important? How did Jason create wonder in museum settings and convert that to online spaces? * 6:30 What is the illusion of knowledge? * 8:00 How does the right question change everything? * 11:00 When does a revolutionary idea start off popular? * 14:30 What is process to creating magic and wonder? * 16:20 Magic is everything we don’t understand * 19:00 How do we organize the process to create a need to know?(applying magic to all teaching practices) * 28:00 How you can apply these concepts even if you don’t consider yourself a “magician”? * 38:00 Take on a challenge and learn magic to experience the power of wonder! * 42:30 Look around to see how the message of Jason is exactly what the world needs! * 44:30 Where to learn more about Impossible Science and what is to come * 48:00 Why “I don’t know” is not a wrong answer, but the foundation to all science
Your challengesCome join the learning here – https://sites.google.com/view/firepd/session-3/magic-illusion-of-knowledge
Learning OutcomesExamine impact of social isolation/stress/health/safety needs, interruption of basic needs.
Identify self-care activities to support well-being for self .
Recognize when additional support is needed.
What I will DO in this module:Watch/listen to conversation with Dr. Dillon
Consider where in your current system needs an update/upgrade
Utilize resource documents to choose one strategy to experiement on your process.
Report findings to the group
Questions to Consider
How has your routine changed? What is your new routine for these new times?
What is your morning routine?
What is your evening routine to create hard stops from work? What are you doing to ensure restful sleep?
How could you possibly restructure some of your online calls/meetings with students?
What are your strategies to bring everyone back together to ensure no misunderstanding is happening before having students work independently?
How are you creating schedule for a brain break during the day?
How have you created spaces or zones for learning vs. personal vs. entertainment vs. rest?
https://youtu.be/4qZhTmlKrPs
Your challengeCome join the learning here – https://sites.google.com/view/firepd/session-3/self-care-space
Listener Participation.* Option 1: Head to the bottom of this post and leave a reply * Option 2: Email me at aarmau (at) gmail (dot) com
Topics We Explore
Learning Outcomes
Identify Core Four
Establish understanding of reserch on what work
Apply the new knowledge
What I will DO in this module:
Determine your Core Four
Choose one of four challenges to apply the insights from the sessino to your teaching.
Share new learning with collegaues.
Questions to Consider
How do I need to change my mindset about online/hybrid teaching and learning?
Do I have my Core Four figured out as a teacher? School? District?
What do I need to improve in my recorded teaching lessons?
How has the role of student changed in hybrid/online learning?
What are the skills that students need for when the boss is not watching?
Why live teaching through online platforms does not work?
When you are ready to teach, how many students are ready to learn?
Your challengeCome join the learning here – https://sites.google.com/view/firepd/session-2/core-four
Listener Participation.* Option 1: Head to the bottom of this post and leave a reply * Option 2: Email me at aarmau (at) gmail (dot) com
Topics We ExploreLearning Outcomes
Identify role of teacher
Process how to incorporate 3 types of interaction
Figure out what is in your toolbox
What I will DO in this module:
Watch a conversation with Michele Eaton about strengthening our teaching practice.
Reflect on some internal questions about your practice
Engage in dialogue with other educators about the issues you are facing.
Accept and complete the challenge!
Questions to Consider
How can we get started with blended learning in this new world of teaching and learning environments?
What is your most important role as an educator when you are "live" with your students?
When designing your lessons are you including three types of interaction
Student to Student
Student to Teacher
Student to Content
How does proximity to learning impact academic honesty?
Where do we start in the lesson plans?
Why can online learning has the potential to be incredibly powerful and personalized?
Why is it important to simpify and use only a few tools?
Your challengeCome join the learning here – https://sites.google.com/view/firepd/session-2/strengthen
Listener Participation.* Option 1: Head to the bottom of this post and leave a reply * Option 2: Email me at aarmau (at) gmail (dot) com
Topics We Explore
Learning Outcomes
Identify purpose of assessments.
Create a quality assessment.
Learn to let go of previous practices as you embrace the new.
What I will DO in this module:
Watch a conversation with Becky Keene about rethinking assessment
Reflect on some internal questions about your practice
Engage in dialogue with other educators about the issues you are facing.
Accept and complete the challenge!
Your challengeCome join the learning here - https://sites.google.com/view/firepd/session-1/rethinking-assessments
Topics We ExploreNEWSLETTER LINK
- 085: Ginger Lewman https://wp.me/s4covo-085
- 034: Living On The Edge of Chaos Podcast with Ginger Lewman https://wp.me/p4covo-1LM
3:00 Introduction of Guests
5:50 - Framing the question from social media post by Ginger
9:15 - Initial thoughts on the question from Patti
19:30 - Can we actual force/require engagement?
25:00 - How engagement is so vital as we compete against bigger issues as kids are no longer forced to be "in" class and the stakes at hand. This is not a temporary issue.
29:00 - What are examples to help with engagement?
The Drama of the Gifted Child: The Search for the True Self, Revised Edition by Miller, Alice
Kansas Can School Redesign Project
Your challenge1. Share your insights over on this Flipgrid on the question, "Is participation the same as engagement?" 2. Share how you handle participation in your class? 3. How do you create engagement opportunities for students? Provide an example * Here is the Flipgrid to add your thoughts * Here is the Wakelet to add resources and examples
WHERE TO FIND GingerWebsite – https://gingerlewman.com/
Twitter – https://twitter.com/gingerlewman
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/GingerLewman/
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/GingerLewman
Her book, Lessons for LifePractice Learning by Ginger Lewman https://amzn.to/2XdHSFO
WHERE TO FIND PattiTwitter – https://twitter.com/yoyosciteach
LinkedIN - https://www.linkedin.com/in/patti-duncan-15261a14/
- 2:00 - Coffee Conversation - Burnout and Class Size DOES Matter!
UPDATES
- 6:00 – Sandman Vol. 1: Preludes & Nocturnes https://amzn.to/2EqZ46f
- My Goodreads Review
- Sandman on Audible
- 9:00 Marvel Avengers on XBOX
- Avatar: The Last Airbender(wikipedia)
- Avatar: The Last Airbender(Netflix)
- Comixology
SUGGESTIONS FOR THE WEEKEND
- 10:00 - ChilledCow
- 11:00 Levar Burton Reads
- Pockets short story
- 12:45 - Weeklypedia Newsletter
- Minimal Fitness
- Template Tracker
- Brooks Ravenna 11 Shoes
- Strava
- PushfitPro App
- Circadian Code
Topics We Explore* 3:00 - This Is Day One: A Practical Guide to Leadership That Matters by Dudley, Drew https://amzn.to/2QxViu5 * 5:00 - PowerPoint to Guide Conversation for Podcast Guests (Reach out if interested in joining the show!) * 9:00 The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet (Wayfarers Book 1) by Chambers, Becky https://amzn.to/31Df51K * Check out ebooks from public library(my library) * 12:00 - Sandman Vol. 1: Preludes & Nocturnes https://amzn.to/2EqZ46f * 12:00 - X-Men: New Mutants Classic, Vol. 1 https://amzn.to/2YDQzvp * Avatar: The Last Airbender(wikipedia) * Avatar: The Last Airbender(Netflix) * 18:00 - 100 PushUp Challenge and Minimal Fitness * 19:30 - Episode 109 * 20:00 - Sandman on Audible * 21:00 - High Score - Netflix Documentary * 21:20 - LEGO SPIKE Prime Series - Episode 1: Unboxing https://wp.me/p4covo-2Kz
Question of the Week: What is your favorite family recipe that Ava and I can cook?
Topics We Explore.3:00 - Who is Betsy?
6:00 - How is she helping others understand the importance of building relations with teams, peers, players?
10:30 - How do we communicate better?
ACT Videos
13:30 - How do we fix communication if we have already started off on the wrong foot?
19:00 - How do we communicate that those "above" us are not communicating well?
28:00 - Successful examples of great communication
33:00 - Perception and focusing on the good
35:00 - How do we apply these ideas during times of living remotely?
39:30 - Final ideas from Betsy and where to connect(see notes below)
Betsy Resources.Her website: https://www.betsybutterick.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/betsybutterick
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/betsythecoachescoach/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/betsy_thecoachescoach/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/BetsyButterick/videos
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/betsybutterick/
Books MentionedCrucial Conversations: Tools for Talking When Stakes Are High, Second Edition by Roppe, Laura
Fierce Conversations: Achieving Success at Work and in Life One Conversation at a Time by Scott, Susan
TED Talks: The Official TED Guide to Public Speaking by Anderson, Chris for
Influencer: The New Science of Leading Change, Second Edition by Switzler, Al
Catch Them Being Good: Everything You Need to Know to Successfully Coach Girls by Salzberg, Charles
In this episode I am sharing the fourth book in my new podcast project for this podcast called Coffee and Chapters with Coffeechug. Head to this page to learn more, listen to the podcast about the format, and get involved.
Today I am sharing the book,
Rework by Jason Fried
If you want to join for any of the future books, then reach out and let me know.
Video Versionhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bTABKULPYhI
CHECK OUT THE SHOW AND EPISODES ON ITUNES
The show is now on Spotify!
The show is also now on Google Play
The show is also now on Stitcher
Listener Participation* Option 1: Head to the bottom of this post and leave a reply * Option 2: Email me at aarmau (at) gmail (dot) com
Roundtable Discussion ParticipantsThis is a solo adventure for this episode. Let me know what you think.
Topics Explored:* 2:30 - Basis for connecting this book to the current situation of remote teaching and remote learning * 6:30 - Living Space can't be work space * 11:00 - Issues with mission statements * 13:00 - You need less than you think * 17:00 - Be a curator * 19:40 - Get started * 20:30 - Meetings are toxic * Breathe * Avoid these four letter words
Resources* Google Geeking: Tips and Tricks for Productivity and Efficiency https://wp.me/p4covo-2HK * Converting office for remote learning and teaching https://wp.me/p4covo-2H0
In this episode I am sharing the third book in my new podcast project for this podcast called Coffee and Chapters with Coffeechug. Head to this page to learn more, listen to the podcast about the format, and get involved.
Today we are sharing the book, Talking to Strangers by Malcolm Gladwell.
Talking to Strangers: What We Should Know about the People We Don't Know by Gladwell, Malcolm
If you want to join for any of the future books, then reach out and let me know.
CHECK OUT THE SHOW AND EPISODES ON ITUNES
The show is now on Spotify!
The show is also now on Google Play
The show is also now on Stitcher
Listener Participation* Option 1: Head to the bottom of this post and leave a reply * Option 2: Email me at aarmau (at) gmail (dot) com
Roundtable Discussion ParticipantsAll participants are from the Mississippi Bend AEA 9 who I am lucky to call both friends and colleagues.
- Brett Van Deventer
Topics We Explore* 7:30 - Quick overview of the book * 10:30 - What story stood out the most to us as readers? + Larry Nassar * 20:00 - How quick we are to judge others and get upset when others judge us * 25:00 - Brock Turner case, rape culture, and alcohol * 35:00 - Trauma/stress and impacts on brain * 40:00 - What can we actually take away from this book to impact our lives?
Resources* Our old podcast when we worked together talking about the OA - 041: Living On The Edge Of Chaos Roundtable Talk on The OA * Our second conversation we used to hold on Fridays back in the day - 038: Living On The Edge Of Chaos 2nd Roundtable Insanity Talk * Previous Book Discussions + 120: Atomic Habits Book Discussion with Nancy Peterson + 116: Happiness Advantage Roundtable Discussion Part 2 + 111: Happiness Advantage Roundtable Discussion Part 1 + 110: Coffee and Chapters with Coffeechug
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R1won522XRA
- Oprah Podcast link
- Joe Rogan podcast with Malcolm Gladwell
- Crucial Conversations: Tools for Talking When Stakes Are High, Second Edition by Roppe, Laura
Listener Participation.* Option 1: Head to the bottom of this post and leave a reply * Option 2: Email me at aarmau (at) gmail (dot) com
Topics We Explore.3:00 - Boone introduction
AFOL
5:00 - Why is hands on learning and exploration important?
10:00 - How do we infuse hands on play at home and in schools?
100 LEGO Element Challenge
16:00 - How did you handle the feedback from the judges? How did it impact your building process and ideas?
24:00 - How did Boone and Mark communicate together and solve problems when emotions are high and passion into the build process?
34:00 - What are some build tips, techniques, and ideas for the LEGO builder to use?
Bricks and Minifigs
Seed Element - take one unique piece and build something based on that piece.
Jacob Sadovich
41:00 - Final words from Boone
Resources.* LEGO Masters TV Show on FOX * Boone Builds Website * Boone YouTube Channel * Boone Instagram * Boone Facebook
In this episode, I am speaking with Krystle and Amie who make up the Team Unicorn. They were one of the incredible duos who appear on the FOX TV LEGO Masters Show. In this chat we talk not only LEGO, but all the other things they create and make and the mindsets needed to be successful as it applies to education.
CHECK OUT THE SHOW AND EPISODES ON ITUNES
The show is now on Spotify!
The show is also now on Google Play
The show is also now on Stitcher
Listener Participation.* Option 1: Head to the bottom of this post and leave a reply * Option 2: Email me at aarmau (at) gmail (dot) com
Topics We Explore.5:00 - How did your trajectory in life lead you to LEGO, software engineer, coding, cosplay, and video game design?
10:00 - How do you balance all of your projects and ideas? What is the workflow for you?
https://trello.com/en-US
13:00 - How do you get started on a big project?
16:30 - How do you handle communication in a project where emotions are charged? How do you continue to work through emotions to get a job done while working with others?
20:00 - How does the coaching work during your build process? How is the feedback being received? Does that change your idea(connect to school and teachers)
26:00 - How did they prepare for the show to be their best?
28:00 - What are good LEGO build techniques that they use the most?
Resources.* LEGO Masters TV Show on FOX * https://www.amiedd.com/ - Amie website * https://www.krystlestarr.com/ - Krystle Website
All notes can be found at www.coffeeforthebrain.com/122
In this episode, I am speaking with Kate Fractal. Kate has a robust resume and body of work. According to Twitter she is a computer science and math educator. Bridging gaps between K12 educators and computer professionals. Committed to broad diversity and inclusion. Still learning.
Here is her bio from her website.
Created innovative curriculum that connected computer science to diverse fields including psychology, creative writing, and history. Skilled at helping people make sense of abstraction and use these concepts to understand and influence their world. Began career in engineering and software development, giving industry experience that informs curriculum design.
Direct Link:
Episode can be found here:
CHECK OUT THE SHOW AND EPISODES ON ITUNES
The show is now on Spotify!
The show is also now on Google Play
The show is also now on Stitcher
Listener Participation.* Option 1: Head to the bottom of this post and leave a reply * Option 2: Email me at aarmau (at) gmail (dot) com
Topics We Explore.5:00 - How Kate merged AI and teaching
9:00 - What is universal information processing systems?
11:00 - Google Translate
15:00 - Explore AI beyond assistant platforms
21:00 - Final Thoughts - concerns about bias in AI
Resources.* http://katefractal.com/ * Teaching AI: Exploring New Frontiers for Learning by Zimmerman, Michelle * 101: Michelle Zimmerman Podcast * AI fights crime and sometimes mistakes sand dunes for porn * China’s Ubiquitous Facial Recognition Tech Sparks Privacy Backlash @Diplomat_APAC
Head to www.coffeeforthebrain.com/109 for all links to everything mentioned in the show.
All notes, graphics, links, projects, and more can be found at www.coffeeforthebrain.com/103
Head to www.coffeeforthebrain.com/095 for more information and other episodes.
Topics We Explore
Connections to confidence from episode 94
Issue with saying, "I understand what you are going through"
The growing divide of grappling with life in our social emotional space
Show Notes & Quotes
Blondie Comic from May 23rd, 2019
Team Human by Douglas Rushkoff https://amzn.to/2HMUjS7
This is the sixth part of a six part podcast series as part of my Purposeful Play with LEGO online course.
https://sites.google.com/view/play-with-lego
All shownotes can be found here www.coffeeforthebrain.com/094
Access all shownotes and resources here: http://www.coffeeforthebrain.com/089
Access the course and join us at https://sites.google.com/view/play-with-lego/home
All links, shownotes, visuals, and workshop registration can be found here
www.coffeeforthebrain.com/087
All shownotes, links, images, and access to the book can be found here - www.coffeeforthebrain.com/082
All shownotes, links, resources, and more can be found at www.coffeeforthebrain.com/081
All shownotes, links, resources, and graphics can be found at www.coffeeforthebrain.com/078
All notes, links, social media images, graphics, and more can be found at www.coffeeforthebrain.com/074
See all shownotes, quotes, links, graphics and contact info at www.coffeeforthebrain.com/072
Everything - quotes, links, notes, images, etc. can be found at www.coffeeforthebrain.com/071
Check out all the shownotes, links, photos, quotes, and more at www.coffeeforthebrain.com/070
Everything can be found at www.coffeeforthebrain.com/068
This link contains images, quotes, links to all discussions and more.
To access links, images, quotes and more head to www.coffeeforthebrain.com/066
Topics We Explore
The shift in schools of disengaging students in learning when we forced teachers and students to learn from a scripted textbook and curriculum.
The power of our classrooms being the community
The power of field trips
What is the Matrix of a Learner
How all of these elements in the graphic above overlap with one another. We are actually a member of all of these items in yellow.
Examples of the graphic actually being used around the world. Global stories of change happening.
We must stop letting the pressure to be "busy" override our ability to do great work.
We must learn to say no to things that don't bring us the joy we need.
We must start by saying no to one thing this week.
https://coffeeforthebrain.com/064/
Everything you need inlcuding quotes, links, and images can be found here
https://coffeeforthebrain.com/063
Topics We Explore
The guilt many of us feel for not working all the time, even during the weekend.
How do we establish priorities to not be one dimensional?
How getting away from work can actually make us better at our job.
Take advantage of the time we have with friends and family.
Show Notes & Quotes
“I’m an Educator but I’m Also Human” by @RafranzDavis
The Tail End - Wait But Why via @waitbutwhy
Topics We Explore
Who are these two amazing brothers and what are they doing as students making a difference in the lives of many students interested in EV3 and FIRST LEGO League?
How did they get started in their own learning journey to reach the point they have achieved at the ages of 13 adn 15 at the time of the recording.
What is your process when thinking and designing solutions to problems?
What is the structure and learning process to not only learn, but to also document the journey for others to learn?
How do you cope when you hit a wall and cannot figure out a solution to the problem you are facing?
What prompted you to want to share your work with others?
Who do you look up to as mentors?
- Ralph Hempel
- JK Brickworks
- Marc-Andre Bazergui
Where does someone just starting with EV3 and fLL begin?
How do you balance your school work, websites, tutorials, and EV3 work?
What's next for you?
What did FIRST LEGO League teach you about yourself?
Show Notes & Quotes
It is not the learning progression of one season(that matters), but the learning progression over many years.
It is the not the awards we have won with FLL, but the impact we have had helping others from all over the world.
You have to keep trying and trying and persevere through the moments when your ideas don't work.
Find the Seshan Brothers Online
https://twitter.com/seshanbrothers
https://twitter.com/flltutorials
https://twitter.com/ev3lessons
Websites
http://flltutorials.com/
http://www.beyondtheinstructions.com/
http://ev3lessons.com/
https://www.instagram.com/seshanbrothers/
PODCAST OVERVIEW
In this episode I get a wonderful opportunity to connect with Tara Linney who is the author of Code Equity, a book about how to get more females and minorities involved in STEM, coding, and Computer Science in education. She is an international educator and coach who has been able to teach in many countries to expand her work and message.
Tara is amazing. We talk about the issues facing females and minorities and ways to help make the transition easier in our classrooms. A great conversation that will leave you with new thoughts and ideas to use in your own setting.
Even more importantly, be sure to check out her book as she has so many great ideas and tools.
CHECK OUT THE SHOW AND EPISODES ON ITUNES
The show is now on Spotify!
The show is also now on Google Play
The show is also now on Stitcher
Join the Full Stack Learner Slack Community
Topics We Explore
How did Tara get involved in education after starting in the non-profit sector?
How did she find herself traveling the world doing various educational jobs in several countries?
The issues of not following directions by coloring a cow red!
How did Tara get involved in coding and STEM and the journey to support more females into these fields?
Techniques to help bridge the gap in inequity in our classrooms
How do we get more visual examples of leaders besides middle class white males?
We can't even talk about Coding for ALL, however we cannot even talk about all when we don't have equity(and most people confuse this for equality).
How do we get people to see the importance of computer science in schools?
Show Notes & Quotes
Don't create teams based on gender. Create teams based on student personality type instead.
When it comes to Paired Programming don't leave it up to chance. Strategize the work partners of boys and girls.
"People hire people who are like them." We need to mix our students up to see potential in others who are not like them.
"It's hard to imagine something we don't see" Sheryl Sandberg
"Do we want to give people what they need to be successful or do we want to treat everyone the same?"
Why you should be checking your high school courses for CS and STEM and you don't see females, then it is time to look back at services in elementary and middle school.
Technovation Challenge for Females
Be mindful of our thoughts and actions as educators and reflect on how we can impact our students.
Find Tara Online
Twitter: https://twitter.com/taralinney
Code Equity Book
Website
Once again, I have gained invaluable knowledge and insight from someone more than half my age younger. In this episode I chat with Kyle, but many of you know him as BuilderDude35 on YouTube. If you have done anything with FIRST LEGO League, then you have used his videos at some point in your journey.
Even if you don't build with LEGO EV3 or participate in FIRST LEGO League, then don't run away. What Kyle shares in this episode are some powerful insights for any student or adult to learn and apply to their own life.
Be ready to be amazed as we dive into the journey of BuilderDude35
CHECK OUT THE SHOW AND EPISODES ON ITUNES
Topics We Explore
How did you get started? What was your journey
How did you get the nudge to start sharing with others?
What is your process for building out your ideas?
How do you balance school work and budgeting time for YouTube, website, and writing a book?
Why multitasking is the worst thing to do for time efficiency and how to chunk hours to get work done!
What advice do give someone who is starting out and thinks, “I can’t do this!”?
Show Notes & Quotes
“What I have in mind at the start is rarely what I end up with at the end.”
Important Lesson: It takes lots of building and rebuilding
“Remember when you are looking up to others who are doing great work you have to remember that they are up near the top of the mountain. They started at the bottom just like and therefore develop a method to allow yourself to build that mountain.”
“People don’t know to care until you shaw them the need to care”
Find BuilderDude35 Online
Website https://builderdude35.com/
YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuXq-jiU0ANeBcF_Tvq1D7g
His book Building Smart LEGO MINDSTORMS EV3 Robots
CHECK OUT THE SHOW AND EPISODES ON ITUNES
Topics We Explore
What is leadership?
How do you rise about the crowd of sameness? How do we learn how to lead?
What is his current WOW project of the moment?
How do we create enrollment in our ideas?
How do we take the first step in leadership?
Show Notes & Quotes
“Leadership is someone who drives other people to their passions”
“Leadership is helping others rise up”
“Most successful people in life stood out and stopped blending in.”
Current Read – A Colony and a Nation and This Town
Book To Gift Others – You’re More Powerful Than You Think
A Person To Follow – Eric Liu
Spirit Animal – Bernie Sanders
Find Ryan Online
@LongeneckerRyan
IowaSLI
This is a brief podcast explaining all the awesomeness to come in the new season of the podcast.
Check out shownotes and all information from this conversation with Doug Bergman at www.coffeeforthebrain.com/podcast056
Check out the show and episodes on iTunes Another great episode speaking with my good friend Todd Beard who is helping to change the education landscape of STEM across the nation. Jen Goetz Junior High Special Education Teacher Head Varsity Girls Basketball Coach for Pleasant Valley Show Notes How do define the word leadership? (4:15) What is the process to become a leader? (5:45) Self Confidence Self Motivation Lifelong Learner How do you create enrollment into the vision?(8:30) As a leader you are the front cover of the book for them to decide where they choose to read and continue on or not! How do you sustain the passion? (10:30) Balance your life Rest Get away from the passion Failure drives and fuels the passion What is your WOW project of the moment? (13:20) How to deal with haters and those who don't agree (21:00) Difference between successful and unsuccessful leaders (22:30) How does someone get started with leading? (25:00) How does one cross the swamp without fighting all the aligators?(25:00) Lightning Round 10. What are you reading right now Leaders Eat Last Grit to Great 11. Who is someone we should all follow and learn from? PJ Fleek(Minnesota head coach - check spelling) 12. Gift one book to someone what would it be? The Energy Bus 13. What is your spirit animal? Lion 14. Final Thoughts or Nuggets of Wisdom Love Tough
Todd Beard MIE Fellow He also works with Youth Spark and a host of other job details as part of the Microsoft Philanthropy. Todd is also part of the Hack STEM team. Twitter: https://twitter.com/TeacherBeard Show Notes 8:00 - How Todd taught grades k-12 Computer and adapted ideas to the real world 14:00 - As STEM is becoming more a buzzword, there are still many singletons trying to figure out what it all means. How have schools been able to implement successfully and not just another add on? 24:00 - Exciting stories from STEM in the fields. "STEM solves the workforce issue" "STEAM" is what makes America great!" SAIL - Successful Attempt In Learning 32:00 - What is your WOW project? Lightning Round Current Read - Gary Paulsen Brian's Winter Follow these people Join a group such as BreakoutEDU and Makered Spirit Animal Eagle Final Thoughts Be an educational advocate Check out the show and episodes on iTunes
In this episode I share the battle we all face with the voice in our head. We speak to ourself more than anyone else so it is important what we say in these conversations. And I challenge you to frame your words in a way that has worked for me to check myself before I wreck myself.
In this episode I share an insight I gained while running bright and early one morning last week prior to the grand opening. It is an important lesson for all of us to remember as I am sure at some point we have compared ourselves to others. Don't do it. Let me know your thoughts. I would love to hear from you. Check out our 212 STEAM Labs website
In this episode I am sharing out the importance of not settling. This episode is one that I have listened to my own words as my stress levels have gone up preparing for the Grand Opening and all that needs to be done. I am learning to listen to my own advice as I have moments where I doubt the journey I am on, but I know that I am creating something of value for the community and have to ride out the bumps in the road. Let me know your thoughts. I would love to hear from you.
In this episode I am sharing one of the ways to leverage technology to enhance authentic learning for students. This is not a list of apps or tools, but examples of teachers who have crafted quality projects and infused technology to take learning to the next level by empowering students to take the driver seat in learning. This was part of a hour long Skype call I held with a college education masters program.a Check out the show and episodes on iTunes Shownotes To learn how to search Twitter without an account I have provided a video tutorial Examples of projects where technology was used to leverage the learning to authentic experiences
We have been reading the book, How To Be Miserable: 40 Strategies You Already Use, in our Coffeechug Mastermind Group and we have had our ideas and habits challenged with this book by Randy Paterson. Check out the show and episodes on iTunes I would love it if you would review and rank the show and/or the episodes. It greatly helps us gain traction to bring in more people to the show. I reached out to Randy asking for a chance to ask him some question for the podcast based on the conversations we have had online in the group. In this episode we discuss the following: How did this book concept come to reality? How did it develop based on his work? Does self esteem exist? People with high self esteem are not doing positive affirmations. They are doing nothing. Why the list of self affirmations are lies How do we remove the plug and stop thinking negatively? How do we ingest a proper balance of proper social nutrients to stop isolating ourselves by staying online? How we actually use our 24 hours in a day? Average American consumes 10 hours of screen time Mix in sleep of 8 hours We are not left with many hours left! Is there a correlation between isolation vs. mental health issues How a Men in Black Activity will make you rethink your habits How to rethink the mental healthy system to allow for better heath Why it is easier to label a person with a disorder vs. personality? You can his work on his website that will lead you to all of his work, books, social media and more. Here is a link to the video that started it all. Join our Coffeechug MasterMind Group Buy the book, How To Be Miserable: 40 Strategies You Already Use Book: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1626254060?ie=UTF8&camp=213733&creative=393185&creativeASIN=1626254060&linkCode=shr&tag=cofothbr-20&linkId=NIY7GB3WC2KBZECN&qid=1503229374&sr=8-1&keywords=how+to+be+miserable
In this episode I am sharing a big learning moment I have had as I attempt to launch a non-profit STEAM Innovation Hub called 212 STEAM Labs. In this particular episode I am finally able to announce that we are actually moving into the space. The dream is becoming an official reality and it makes me sweat a bit as reality is setting in for my vision. When doors don't open, all is safe and not risky Open doors means you have to put your money where your mouth is! Fear and Excitement - when these emotions catch you off guard! Let me know what you think. How does this connect to your life and your thoughts? What questions do you have? What do you think about sharing the behind the scenes podcast episodes?
In this episode I am sharing another learning moment I have had as I attempt to launch a non-profit STEAM Innovation Hub called 212 STEAM Labs. In this particular episode I was working to learn how to speak in business meetings and make sure that the communication between both sides are clear to avoid any misunderstandings. I learned this the hard way in a few meetings I was part of as I was trying to figure things out. Wishy Washy is a form of communication in education Business world has no time for wishy washy as you will get ignored Clear and effective communication starts with a vision and bit of confidence Let me know what you think. How does this connect to your life and your thoughts? What questions do you have? What do you think about sharing the behind the scenes podcast episodes?
In this episode I am sharing another learning moment I have had as I attempt to launch a non-profit STEAM Innovation Hub called 212 STEAM Labs. In this particular episode I was working to learn how to create a flyer to promote classes and how expensive things can be. Even more importantly, I talk about Risk Sucks Why most people avoid risk Why we must be passionate about our work Let me know what you think. How does this connect to your life and your thoughts? What questions do you have? What do you think about sharing the behind the scenes podcast episodes?
In this episode I am sharing another notch on my journey attempting to create and develop a non-profit education center focused on STEAM education. I am working to record the journey so people can follow along and understand what it takes. You can learn more about 212 STEAM Labs at www.212steamlabs.com Be sure to let me know what you think as well as any questions or topics you would like for me to explore.
Please remember to leave a rating and feedback. We would love it if you took 3 minutes to leave us a rating In this episode I will be discussing new changes coming to the podcast. Don't panic, it is nothing too crazy and actually all changes are for the better. I will discuss the new direction of the show in regards to the non-profit STEAM Innovation Hub I am trying to launch called 212 STEAM Labs (https://www.212steamlabs.com/) We will also discuss how I will be sharing the behind the scenes of how to actually launch a non-profit. We will finally discuss the types of guests we will be adding to the show. Be sure to leave a comment or email if you have someone who you think would be a good fit for the show. Finally, let me know what you think about this episode and where things are headed. I am excited and hope you are too. Until next Tuesday, stay awesome
This episode covers some ideas that have been on my mind lately. Goals vs. process oriented Sundial mottos Fear of failure S-Town Make it happen
In this episode the crew assembles once again for a roundtable discussion on our favorite show, The OA. If you have not watched the show, then stop what you are doing and go binge watch right now. If you have watched the show, then you must check this episode out and leave a comment sharing your ideas and thoughts. As always please give us a like and review on iTunes to help people learn about the show. You can learn more at www.coffeeforthebrain.com
Listen to the Show and access all links at www.coffeeforthebrain.com Check out the show and episodes on iTunes In this episode we discuss: How do we work to change how we as coaches and teachers change our perception of teaching? Why we need to change the perception on how we do the things we are currently doing. Understand the problems when players/students don't see the reason WHY they are being asked to do the things they are being asked to do. The fear of charting down the paths that nobody else is doing and dealing with the following: What is the biggest difference in athletic mindsets today versus 10 years or 20 years ago? How do we deal with the idea of continuing to do the wrong things right instead of the right things wrong? Why children should play multiple sports instead of specializing in one. What are skills needed to be successful in life and on the court? [shareable]If you do things differently, then you are on an island on your own and if you are not successful you are screwed.[/shareable] Resources Discussed in the Podcast Mindset: The New Psychology of Success by Carol S. Dweck Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance by Angela Duckworth Anders Ericsson Check Out His books The 21st Century Basketball Practice: My book review 21st Century Basketball Practice by Brian McCormick 21st Century Guide to Individual Skill Fake Fundamentals Blitz Basketball: Find Brian McCormick at the following places https://180shooter.com/ http://learntocoachbasketball.com/ https://www.youtube.com/user/thecrossovermovement
John Cole, founder of Dexter Industries joins us for the latest episode of the podcast. In this episode we learn a great deal about life, learning, and entrepreneurship. What I love best about this particular episode is how he is able to share a glimpse of his journey into how he has arrived at his current point in life. This journey connects to so many students who are trying to navigate their interests and passions. We discuss the following: How did he end up as the founder of Dexter Industries? The key skills needed to be adaptable and mobile in the job market and being successful in life. Why there is no discussion of the specific content needed to be hired for a job. Focus on the traits companies are looking for and no so much on what content you contain in your head. What is missing from the next wave of people looking for a job?(hint: you must be able to WRITE) Building a portfolio of perseverance and grit. We must prove our worth! [shareable]There is an advantage to being an amateur because you don't know any different.[/shareable] [shareable]You inherit an institution knowledge when viewing problems with a master's eye which could cost you from finding the solution.[/shareable] [shareable]Force yourself to write a comment for each line of code to exercise your brain to explain what you are doing![/shareable] Check out the show and episodes on iTunes
Our second roundtable discussion of 4 educators being human beings. We each bring a new topic to the table to discuss live. You don't want to miss it. To read all shownotes and more head over to our website http://coffeeforthebrain.com/038/ So many goodies layered into this show you don't want to miss out.
Be sure to check out the 360 degree video footage of this podcast as well. Head over to www.coffeeforthebrain.com/037 for shownotes, links, and video 360.
I am so pumped to share this episode with everyone. Sarah Loomis is an educator that has inspired so many people to be great. I was lucky to meet her this past summer in Colorado and her presentation on Makerspaces and Literacy has motivated me to create these experiences myself by using her ideas and testing out some new ones. You can find Sarah on Twitter at @dodeastoy2015FOLLOWS She is a Department of Defense Instructional Tech Coach working in Germany. She is also a DoDEA Teacher of the Year, MIE Expert #mieexpert, MIE Surface Expert #surfaceEdu, Microsoft Cert. Ed, and SMART Exemplary Ed #see My favorite part of this podcast is when she talks about a student who says [shareable]I'm a quitter. I don't want to be![/shareable] and the one question that has stuck with me [shareable]Do I give too may instructions?[/shareable] In this podcast you will learn about Makerspaces and how to make it work with limited supplies How to connect books to making The power of the lightbulb moment How to help students see the world in a new way If we don't limit students, then they will soar The importance of wanting students to be creators, not just consumers. Two important rules to have in your space Check out her resources on how to get started Check out the show and episodes on iTunes
In this episode I have the pleasure to chat with Todd Flory. Todd is a 4th grade teacher from Kansas. He is doing some amazing work in regards to global education. This was a fun episode as we explore the ins and outs of expanding your classroom beyond the four walls. This topic has been covered many times, but Todd brings a new level to the conversation as we discuss How do you find another classroom to connect with? How do you go about finding experts to speak to your students? The benefits of mystery skype What happens when a global learning moment ignites a spark for a student? His latest project of doing a Skype BreakoutEDU How to connect global projects to the standards There are plenty of examples to get you started. You can find more about Todd at the following https://twitter.com/Todd_Flory https://toddflory.wordpress.com/ Shownotes Skype in the Classroom - this page will help you find other classrooms and experts from around the world Get Started Resources Skypeathon Event Flattening Classrooms by Vicki Davis and Julie Lindsay The Global Educator: Leveraging Technology
You are in for a treat with this episode. My great friend and educational hero, Ginger Lewman, was kind enough to spend some quality time discussing project based learning, quality learning, and a ton of other powerful concepts in this latest podcast episode. If you have not check out her work, then you must check the resources at the bottom of this page. I recently read her latest book and after reading the book, scribbling mass notes in the margins, and being reminded about the key things we must be doing in schools I just had to pick her brain some more. screen-shot-2016-10-30-at-6-15-38-am In this episode we cover some key questions such as: What is project based learning? What are the common misunderstandings of pbl? Are shorter projects better? The importance of Wows, Hows, and Bows How to get started with pbl? How to make pbl work within the confines of the school system? Why did we get into the profession of teaching in the first place? [shareable cite="Ginger Lewman"]Everybody is somebody else weirdo. Did you think you were normal? How weird is that?[/shareable] Grab a cup of coffee, get comfortable, and be ready to gain some new ideas to enhance your practice. As always we would love feedback, questions, a nice review on iTunes, and more. Enjoy Lessons for LifePractice Learning The book in Paperback or Kindle on Amazon PBL unit ideas: http://www.lifepracticepbl.org/
I am back! Season 3 of Living on the Edge of Chaos podcast is here in the now and ready. It has been a long time since season 2 ended. In that void of episodes I had a series of small side podcasts(all on the same channel) testing things out. After some learning, revision, and moving into action it is here. And I cannot be more excited to start off season 3 with anyone other than Tammy Dunbar. Tammy is a 5th grade teacher who also teaches technology and does a ton of trainings for teachers around the world. She is one who not just talks the talk, but walks the walk. In this episode we discuss Genius Hour. Genius Hour has been covered many times, but this episode looks at the bigger picture of Genius Hour. How does one connect this concept to the standards? How do we move away from it being a "pocket of innovation" into the culture of innovation for a school? Can implementing a program like this actually raise test scores? What happens when we treat students as more than simply a number and data plot? Below are the links to all references in the podcast to learn more. We hope you enjoy. As always please reach out with questions, ideas, thoughts, and reviews by leaving a comment on iTunes or leaving a comment on the blog(coffeeforthebrain.com) Last, you can reach out to Tammy on her website or on Twitter. Enjoy this episode and be ready for an amazing season of pushing our thoughts on the status quo of education. Show Notes CV: https://docs.com/tammy-dunbar/about Liberating Genius OneNote Journals/Lessons by Tammy https://docs.com/tammy-dunbar/8170/liberating-genius-onenotes Liberating Genius Into Sways by Tammy https://docs.com/tammy-dunbar/3662/liberating-genius-sways Free eBook “Liberating Genius” By Angela Maiers & Mark Moran https://choose2matter.org/liberatinggenius Liberating Genius by Angela Maiers http://amzn.to/2ezyRBj
I am really excited to share some amazing work of 7th grade students. One of our incredible educators from Bettendorf Middle School launched a project in her language arts class where students went on field trips to a variety of locations in the Quad Cities to explore whether or not these places are indeed haunted. Students conducted field research and came back to work and develop a podcast to showcase and highlight their experiences. What you are about to listen to are the top recordings of each location to give you the best listening experience. Sit back, listen, and enjoy the podcast. The students welcome any feedback, comments, ideas, and most importantly if you have any stories from these locations or other locations. In a future episode we will record a podcast with the students and teachers about the actual project and how to implement in your classroom. But for now, we hope you don't get too scared and maybe check out some of these locations for yourself.
My podast is back! Check out this episode where I discuss my four goals for the month of November. I have 4 big goals Weight under 230 Donation of 500 books Build a robot that delivers coffee to teachers NaNoWrimo nonfiction style to finally finish my book! Follow and Subscribe to my podcast on iTunes Follow and Subscribe on Stitcher so please follow here if you use Stitcher
This is the first podcast covering a 6th grade science and language arts project where students are working to eliminate the mosquito problem in one of our local parks. This group of students are discussing what they are doing and why.
Friday, I was given a wonderful opportunity to speak to students at Bettendorf High School. Students had a choice between three speakers who were all speakers that the students were able to connect with. I was beyond honored that the student council reached out to me to speak. I won't lie, after saying yes I was very nervous. I was not nervous for the sake of giving a talk, but I was nervous because high school students can be a challenge to hold their interest AND I also know there is a chance that the words I speak could make an impact. The whole week the school focused on the theme The Power of One helping students to understand that they matter, their voices matter, and that they can do amazing things if they want to. As I plotted, organized, developed, and practiced my speech over and over I finally was able to connect the dots and make it work. I only had about 23 minutes to deliver my talk which is not a lot of time. My first practice run was over 80 slides and 47 minutes long. Through practice and practice and more practice I was able to get the talk down to under 25 minutes. The other challenge lied in the issue that I needed to deliver a message that they have heard a million times but in a new way. Students are constantly being talked to about failure, growth mindset, achieving your goals, etc. For the first time I brought to life personal stories that I have never shared before to a public audience.
Towards the end of 2014 I put out for a challenge to help spread the positive vision of educators. I asked educators to nominate themselves or others to help share the amazing things in education Increasing Teacher Voice: Challenge and Nominate a Teacher The first episode for this season is with an amazing educator named Kristin Galle from Wisconsin. Screen Shot 2014-12-09 at 1.34.07 PM Kristin is a 2014 PBS Digital Innovator and is doing some really intriguing things with therapy, mental health, and more in her classroom. It really is something worth hearing. I hope you enjoy this first episode. Remember if you know someone who would be good to have on the show make sure you nominate them so we can get connected. Increasing Teacher Voice: Challenge and Nominate a Teacher Shownotes http://www.symbaloo.com/
I am so pumped to launch this five part series about how a class of 8th grade language arts students took a project and made something happen. I was lucky enough to see this project unfold through the lens of one of our amazing educators at Bettendorf Middle School. Lisa Barnes, an 8th grade language arts teacher took a chance. She pushed her comfort zone and took an idea she developed to a new level. She had the kids move from just research and regurgitation which so often happens in schools into a phase of Doing Something! They students had to act on their own learning. It was interesting to work with them briefly when I had time. They did not believe that it mattered. They did not believe that their voice held any power. Some still are not quite sure that their voice matters. However, they stuck with it and through the journey they found their voice. This week I will be sharing a post each day for five days. Today the goal is to simply introduce you to the project. I will share a short podcast we recorded so you can hear from the teacher herself about this project. There is also an project outline form. I will also share a few other things as well. This is the setup. The next four days I will share out the projects the students developed. They are really good. We have all types of students involved in this project. This is what makes it so special. Please reach out. Leave comments, ask questions, let the students what you think of their work. The more we can bring back to the classroom the more powerful this all becomes. Enjoy Lisa Barnes, 8th grade Language Arts teacher explains the project in this podcast (insert podcast) Project Forms To get them thinking about ideas to enact upon we did a brainwriting activity. Brainwriting Activity, not Brainstorming http://wp.me/p4covo-121 If there are other things you want information about please let us know. Tomorrow we will show you the first batch of student work. If you want to reach out to Lisa Barnes here is her email lbarnes@bettendorf.k12.ia.us Read more at www.coffeeforthebrain.com/fewbadapples
I recently read an amazing book. This book is called Why Smart Kids Worry by Allison Edwards. I found this book helping me learn more about my own children and how to be a better parent. This book is not only helpful for parenting, but also for educators. [mybooktable book="why-smart-kids-worry-by-allison-edwards" display="summary"] This podcast episode is my wonderful chat with the author Allison Edwards. It is well worth the listen to gain some insights about anxiety in children and some new ideas that are not in the book. After you listen please take time to read her book. It is really helpful. [youtube id="h7eKJZeWbyE"] Show Notes Follow this podcast on iTunes and please feedback and ratings.If you would like to watch the podcast check that out here All Social Media for Allison Edwards Screen Shot 2014-11-01 at 3.32.04 PM Website: http://www.allisonjedwards.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/whysmartkidsworry Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/whysmartkidswor Instagram: http://instagram.com/whysmartkidsworry
This is a new experiment. I am creating a podcast to go along with the newsletter. Check out the newsletter here: http://eepurl.com/6PDQL If you want the backstory and reasons for what I chose watch the video or the listen to the podcast. If you like it please review on iTunes, like on YouTube, and let me know your thoughts. Enjoy!
No music for this podcast. No intro songs. Just a story. A good story. A story to hopefully get you think about simplifying your life and remembering what it is like to create things with pride and passion and more importantly purpose. Enjoy
Today I bring to you a new podcast and one that I am very excited to bring to you. This podcast has been one that Lisa and I have been wanting to do for quite some time. I was lucky enough to have her on the show last year which is well worth the listen for Episode 5. Check out more at www.coffeeforthebrain.com In this episode we hold a book discussion. We discuss the book [mybooktable book="david-and-goliath-underdogs-misfits-and-the-art-of-battling-giants-by-malcolm-gladwell" display="summary"] This is well worth the read. You don't have to read the book to understand the chat, but hopefully it will inspire you to pick it up and read. [youtube id="csEGatu0Vrg"] All Social Media for Lisa Van Gemert – Please follow and learn from one of the best! Twitter: http://twitter.com/gifted_guru Websites http://www.lisavangemert.com/ http://www.giftedguru.com/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/GiftedGuru Pinterest http://www.pinterest.com/brightkids/ Slideshare http://www.slideshare.net/lisavangemert Links to items mentioned in the podcast Malcolm Gladwell books worth reading Outliers: The Story of Success by Malcolm Gladwell The Tipping Point: How Little Things Can Ma... by Malcolm Gladwell Other Books The Checklist Manifesto: How to Get Things Right by Atul Gawande How Hackers, Innovators, and Icons... by Shane Snow
A new thought as we start a new school year. Don't forget the power we have as educators and the impact that we can deliver.
This is something new that I am trying with my podcast. I am adding a new bit called Mini Thoughts where I will share an unedited, uncut idea from my iPhone. Often times when I drive I record my ideas to develop later on. I thought perhaps this could be something worthwhile to share as I work to polish these ideas. This has been a thought I have had many times and finally going to share.
This is something new that I am trying with my podcast. I am adding a new bit called Mini Thoughts where I will share an unedited, uncut idea from my iPhone. Often times when I drive I record my ideas to develop later on. I thought perhaps this could be something worthwhile to share as I work to polish these ideas. Additionally, I have shared these bits on YouTube as well. It is good to test out new avenues of growth. I will see how this works out.
Shownotes Music created by 8th grade student Dennibro Additionally, if you would like to be on the podcast and talk about a topic please let me know. As always, I welcome all ideas and feedback. Follow and Subscribe to my podcast on iTunes I finally made it to Stitcher so please follow here if you use Stitcher
I am seeking some feedback. I doubt many students and parents who will be in the crowd for the National Honor Society induction ceremony reads my blog.I am a bit nervous. Alright, not going to lie I am super nervous. Probably the most nervous I have been for anything. This is my first speech I have been asked to give and I really want to deliver. I want it to stand out and be worth the ten minutes I have been given.Perhaps I am overhyping this a bit, but this is a big deal to me for many reasons.So, I have recorded a rough draft of what I plan to say. I would love feedback about what is good, not good, things I should change, flow, direction, ideas, etc.I have a few days to cement my plans and then time to recite a million times before I go up on stage.
This episode is designed to do a few things. Talking with one of our guidance counselors here at Bettendorf Middle School we take time to discuss four simple, but very powerful ideas to help parents and students get ready for middle school. 1. Lockers 2. Locks and Combinations 3. Middle School Summer Class: Moving to Middle 4. PE Clothes Our goal here to help educate the people in our community. More importantly we want to share out the things that we do and the things we help families with as they transition from the elementary setting to the middle school setting. While listening if you have cool ideas that you implement in your building please let us know. If you are a parent and have questions let us know. We would love to continue to this conversation and help out as much as we can. Enjoy the show If you want to reach out and contact Coffeechug please go here Shownotes and Credits Masterlock Combo Pack Guidance Office at BMS Mrs. Sones email - gsones@bettendorf.k12.ia.us School Website: http://bms.bettendorf.k12.ia.us/ Music created by 8th grade student Dennibro Additionally, if you would like to be on the podcast and talk about this topic please let me know as I will be creating a follow up podcast on this topic. As always, I welcome all ideas and feedback. Follow and Subscribe to my podcast on iTunes I finally made it to Stitcher so please follow here if you use Stitcher
This episode is designed to do two things. 1. To showcase another amazing project created and developed by a teacher here at Bettendorf Middle School on the topic of courage. We hope that as we continue to share out our projects that it inspires others to develop projects, connect with us, and share out additional ideas and resources so everyone can improve. 2. The students have podcasts and they need an authentic voice. Below you will find a link to their blogs and podcasts. We would love it if you checked out their work and left them a few comments. If you have a class it would be awesome if your students left some feedback. If your students have work we would love to return the favor! Enjoy this episode. Let me know your thoughts. If you have any questions, ideas, resources, etc. please reach out to me at aarmau@gmail.com or Rachael Dierickx at rdierickx@bettendorf.k12.ia.us 6th and 7th grade: http://kidblog.org/BMSHonorsEnglish/ 8th grade: http://kidblog.org/8thGradeHonorsEnglish-2/ Here is a condensed document to give you a sense of their blogs and why they are writing what they are writing Enjoy the show Shownotes and Credits Music created by 8th grade student Dennibro Additionally, if you would like to be on the podcast and talk about this topic please let me know as I will be creating a follow up podcast on this topic. As always, I welcome all ideas and feedback. Follow and Subscribe to my podcast on iTunes I finally made it to Stitcher so please follow here if you use Stitcher
We have an 8th grade language arts teacher conducting a project right now around digital footprints. As students are navigating their way through their project I was asked to be interviewed by four students for their project. Their project is focused on helping to educate 5th graders about social media. During the interview I decided to flip the this run of the mill interview into a conversation. I love social media and I share and discuss my ideas and opinions on social media all the time whether it is here on this site, other channels, or at school. After talking with the students I realized that this conversation needed to be shared. Not because we have answers, but because this chat opens up a conversation that needs to be had. I love talking to students about social media. When you listen to the podcast you will gain a sense that the students were not sure how answer some of the questions or perhaps were not sure how they felt on the topic. I hope that as I flipped their interview into a chat we spark a movement. I am so excited to see what they develop for their project. Yes, I will be sharing what they create, but in the meantime I hope you reach out. What are your thoughts to these questions? What is your opinion abot social media? I would like to open this conversation up to other educators and students. I would love to run a Google Hangout and explore this in more depth. This podcast is the start, the catalyst. The rest of you are the ones that can keep the fire going. We look forward to hearing from you. I will share their work. While we wait what are other things they should consider? The more perspective the stronger their work will become. I guess in many ways this whole podcast is a social media test and campaign itself. Let us take a listen. Shownotes and Credits Music created by 8th grade student Dennibro Additionally, if you would like to be on the podcast and talk about this topic please let me know as I will be creating a follow up podcast on this topic. As always, I welcome all ideas and feedback. Follow and Subscribe to my podcast on iTunes I finally made it to Stitcher so please follow here if you use Stitcher I recently read a book about social media with teens by Danah Boyd Coffeechug Reads It's Complicated by Danah Boyd http://wp.me/p4covo-NV
http://coffeeforthebrain.com/coffeechug-cafe/ Our school has implemented project based learning throughout all grades 6-8 this year where we have asked teachers to develop and come up with four projects this year. As we have worked through the many ups and downs of changing a culture and mindset of learners we have started to see the true value in what we are trying to achieve. Coming up in a few weeks we will host three exhibition nights where we will be celebrating the hard work and learning of students. As we continue to promote their learning we realize that we need to help express what exactly this night is all about. It is something different for parents and community members. We want them to come to these nights excited. Even more important we want the audience to engage with our students. This podcast is designed to help provide some insights into what these nights are all about. We hope we share ideas that spark new ideas, new thoughts, questions, and excitement. As you listen if you have questions, want more information, etc. please reach out to us. We are planning on making a series of podcasts on PBL based on our experiences. Enjoy and we look forward to reaching out to you. We will be posting video and images of our exhibition nights in the next few weeks to follow up with this podcast. Please stay tuned. Here are the teachers who spoke on the podcast. Feel free to reach out to them or you can reach out to me at aarmau@gmail.com Here is a link to our school website: http://bms.bettendorf.k12.ia.us/ Beth Laughbaum 6th Grade blaughbaum@bettendorf.k12.ia.us Kevin Roling 6th Grade kroling@bettendorf.k12.ia.us Susan Owen 6th Grade sowen@bettendorf.k12.ia.us Connie Jeschke 6th Grade cjeschke@bettendorf.k12.ia.us I leave you with the following questions to answer after listening to this podcast
I am so excited and proud to share with the world this podcast. I was pumped when I introduced everyone to Dennibro a few weeks back to help showcase the power of students and sharing the stories of students who have the courage to chart their own path. This episode is amazing and not because I am involved. It is amazing because this student continues to inspire me as I follow her journey. Today I share with the world the AWESOMESAUCE Frankie Ballard who is a high school student currently on work on her third book. What is amazing is that I never directly taught Frankie in my class, but she has been part of my blogging world when it first began and we connected that way as a Teacher - Student. Through my book reviews and various other things I would share on the blog and things I would offer in school it felt like she was in my class at some point. I still have my NANOWRIMO coffee mug that I sip my coffee from weekly. I had a chance to catch up with her to have her share some insights into the mindset of a young writer. Her story inspires me to get going and finally publish my book I have been working on for years. The goal of this podcast series is to bring more exposure to the students who are doing amazing things outside of the classroom. These might be the students that go unnoticed at school. They might not get straight A's. They might not have perfect handwriting. They might not fill in every blank on a worksheet. Frankie is exceptional. She actually does many of the things mentioned above, but what I love about her and students like her is the ability to be their own person and not for attention, but because they are strong in character and mind to see above the artificial world that exists as we try to figure out who we are. But what they do have is a skill set. What they do have is a mind that can take them places. I view them as entrepreneurs who have the world at their fingertips. As this continues I would love to chat and interview students from all over the world. If you have a student in mind I would love to have the chance to share their story on this podcast. You can reach out to Frankie through her Twitter https://twitter.com/frankiesername And you can check out the book referenced in the podcast that she has published on Amazon. You will read the book and not believe it was written by a student! Rebecca Additionally, if you would like to be on the podcast and talk about this topic please let me know as I will be creating a follow up podcast on this topic. As always, I welcome all ideas and feedback. Follow and Subscribe to my podcast on iTunes I finally made it to Stitcher so please follow here if you use Stitcher
As I continue to push forward with the job of instructional coach at a school that has morphed into a PBL building I am looking for new ways to help out educators. One of the things I did to help my staff is give a short little survey asking two questions: What is something that you would like help with for this year? What is something that you would like help with to plan and prepare for next year? I received some really thoughtful replies from the staff. One of the ideas that came up several times was the need for teachers to see and hear from other teachers in our building about their projects, how they put it together, resources, etc. I know that to get a variety of staff together is very hard to do with our schedule. I opened up my podcast equipment and asked for volunteers to come in and record an episode. Stephanie Cleveland, 8th grade language arts teacher, was kind enough to give up a prep period to record an episode. Stephanie discusses her Fear Factor project. I hope you find the episode helpful. She has provided a ton of resources below to go along with the episode. If you want to know more or have questions contact me or reach out to Stephanie. I would like to continue to document PBL to continue to help educators learn from one another. If you would be interested in sharing your PBL please let me know. The more we have the better we can all help one another. Shownotes To get in contact with Stephanie Cleveland Blog: http://sclevela.wordpress.com/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/mrsclevelandbms Below are some novel movie posters, trailers, and a few public service announcement links from the project.......... http://hndamewood.wix.com/child-abuse http://130306.wix.com/zweifel-westerkamp#!psas/aboutPage http://schizophrenia-depression.tumblr.com/ http://131834.wix.com/arrivealive http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KO2Cke869BY&feature=youtu.be http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TA4yBH_-iGY&feature=youtu.be
I am so excited and proud to share with the world this podcast. I have wanted to add more student voice to the Living on the Edge of Chaos podcast series. I cannot be more proud to introduce to you Dennis Davis or as he is known on YouTube Dennibro. I have had the honor to work/teach Dennis for the last five years as part of our ELP program and as of the last few years as a member of our robotics team. The goal of this podcast series is to bring more exposure to the students who are doing amazing things outside of the classroom. These might be the students that go unnoticed at school. They might not get straight A's. They might not have perfect handwriting. They might not fill in every blank on a worksheet. But what they do have is a skill set. What they do have is a mind that can take them places. I view them as entrepreneurs who have the world at their fingertips. As this continues I would love to chat and interview students from all over the world. If you have a student in mind I would love to have the chance to share their story on this podcast. Now it is time to go back to Dennis. I hope you enjoy this interview. He offers some really insightful ideas that I don't think he even realizes. I won't spoil it all, but I would love to hear some feedback to share back with him. I hope you enjoy this podcast. I hope you check out his YouTube Channel and like his music and if you feel like it, be sure to leave him feedback over on his channel as well. Dennis has made me the intro that you hear for my podcasts as well as several other little intros for some upcoming audio projects we have in production. Here is the link to the song he suggested on the podcast for you to check out Additionally, if you would like to be on the podcast and talk about this topic please let me know as I will be creating a follow up podcast on this topic. As always, I welcome all ideas and feedback. Follow and Subscribe to my podcast on iTunes I finally made it to Stitcher so please follow here if you use Stitcher
This is the first episode in a new podcast series operated by Coffeechug where we will be interviewing and sharing out information related to bald eagles and in particular two eagles, Liberty and Justice. Eagle Eye To The World – This is one of my favorite projects as it is my first big global project that I helped to create and operate. It is like my own little baby. We follow the journey of two bald eagles, Liberty and Justice, as they live life along the Mississippi River, lay eggs, and work to keep them alive. We have a lot going on and you can stay updated with the Eagle Blog. This is the first episode using new audio equipment in the Coffeechug Cafe. In this first episode we chat with John Riches who is the man behind the cameras at ALCOA. We welcome feedback and questions. Enjoy! Don't forget to check out the site - http://www.alcoa.com/locations/usa_davenport/en/info_page/eaglecam.asp
This is audio pulled from a video I made using my Google Glass where I talk about the importance of teachers and educators have the confidence and self esteem to share out their excellence. You can watch the video here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aoP2u1Xf5O0
Welcome to the second season of Living on the Edge of Chaos. I am kicking off this season talking about goals, systems, and resolutions. It is that time of year where everyone is jumping on board to create plans and goals to accomplish great things in 2014. However, many people fail at these goals within a month or two. This podcast is discussing what exactly is effective at attaining goals and systems. As I post this podcast I am developing a system to accomplish great things in 2014. I am trying to stay away from "goals" in the sense that they are end all, be all. Listen to the podcast and let me know what you have found to be successful. Additionally, if you would like to be on the podcast and talk about this topic please let me know as I will be creating a follow up podcast on this topic. As always, I welcome all ideas and feedback. Show Notes Michael Hyatt Best Year Ever Program - http://bestyearever.me/register/ - I have not paid for this system, but I have used his other work and it was great. If you use this let me know I would love to know what you think. I will be reading up on James Clear http://jamesclear.com/ In particular you can read http://jamesclear.com/goals-systems I will also be tracking down content from John Maxwell http://www.johnmaxwell.com/ Quote from Scott Adams can be found in his book How to Fail at Almost Everything and Still Win Big. You can more on his blog http://www.dilbert.com/blog/ Here is a post based on the quote http://dilbert.com/blog/entry/systems/
Todd Henry is the author of two great books - The Accidental Creative and his latest release Die Empty. You can check out his website http://www.accidentalcreative.com/ where you can find his podcasts and all social media links. I read Accidental Creative a few months back and absolutely fell in love with this book and his work. http://coffeeforthebrain.blogspot.com/search?q=todd+henry I then pre ordered Die Empty and absorbed that book even more so. I liked it even more than Accidental Creative. The basis of the book is to help people, companies, businesses, and organizations do their most important work. As I read this book I could relate almost all of it to education and to the many ideas that I am striving for within my own job in education. I sent Todd an email about chatting with me on this podcast and I jumped for joy when he said yes. Here is the link to his latest book, Die Empty: Unleash Your Best Work Everyday Show Notes Follow this podcast on iTunes and please feedback and ratings.If you would like to watch the Google Hangout you can watch it on YouTube All Social Media for Todd Henry - Please follow and learn from one of the best! Twitter: https://twitter.com/toddhenry Websites http://www.toddhenry.com/ http://dieempty.com/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/toddhenry.ac All Social Media for Coffeechug - I would love to have you join my PLN MY BLOG http://coffeeforthebrain.blogspot.com/ ABOUT ME http://coffeeforthebrain.blogspot.com/p/coffee-for-brain-book-swap.html TWITTER https://twitter.com/coffeechugbooks GOOGLE + https://plus.google.com/u/0/113960577497815089175/posts Subscribe to my weekly newsletter(right sidebar on blog) Links to items mentioned in the podcast Steven Pressfield - War of Art Alec Baldwin Podcast Here's The Thing Google Glass for Bettendorf Middle School Students http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/google-glass-for-bms-students-and-teachers/x/5714753
Holy Cow! Did I just type in the title that I chatted with the write and author Clive Thompson? The writer for New York Times, my favorite article in every issues of Wired magazine, and author of my favorite read of the year Smarter Than You Think: How Technology is Changing Our Minds For The Better Yes, I did just name drop that. Clive took time out of his busy schedule to chat with me for about 45 minutes today to talk about how the new literacies and emerging technologies are shaping our world with a lens on education. I feel quite honored to be able to present this podcast. It was a chat that left me tweeting Just had a great conversation with @pomeranian99 for upcoming podcast. He melted my brain and has opened my eye to new thought. — Aaron Maurer (@coffeechugbooks) November 26, 2013 Go ahead and give it a listen, leave me some feedback on iTunes and let me know what you thought of the conversation. I did have some audio recording feedback so my last question where I ask Clive to speak about predictive technologies was lost. That is a bummer as he gave such an awesome answer. I think the rest of the podcast will leave your brain full! Show Notes Follow this podcast on iTunes and please feedback and ratings.Listen to podcast on Podomatic.com MY BLOG http://coffeeforthebrain.blogspot.com/ ABOUT ME http://coffeeforthebrain.blogspot.com/p/coffee-for-brain-book-swap.html TWITTER https://twitter.com/coffeechugbooks GOOGLE + https://plus.google.com/u/0/113960577497815089175/posts All Social Media for Clive Thompson Twitter: https://twitter.com/pomeranian99 Websites http://www.collisiondetection.net/ http://clivethompson.tumblr.com/
This episode is one of my favorite things I have done this year in education. As I challenge myself in the things I do, this is the next step. I challenged myself to work on interviewing educators who are full of passion and living on the edge of chaos. I started big and went with Lisa Van Gemert. If you don't follow or know of her, then you are seriously missing out and need to listen or watch this podcast and learn from one of the best presenters I have ever witnessed. Show Notes Follow this podcast on iTunes and please feedback and ratings. MY BLOG http://coffeeforthebrain.blogspot.com/ ABOUT ME http://coffeeforthebrain.blogspot.com/p/coffee-for-brain-book-swap.html TWITTER https://twitter.com/coffeechugbooks GOOGLE + https://plus.google.com/u/0/113960577497815089175/posts If you would like to watch the Google Hangout you can watch it on YouTube Follow this podcast on iTunes and please feedback and ratings. - See more at: http://coffeeforthebrain.blogspot.com/#sthash.mPdLp5At.dpuf MY BLOG http://coffeeforthebrain.blogspot.com/ ABOUT ME http://coffeeforthebrain.blogspot.com/p/coffee-for-brain-book-swap.html TWITTER https://twitter.com/coffeechugbooks GOOGLE + https://plus.google.com/u/0/113960577497815089175/posts All Social Media for Lisa Van Gemert - Please follow and learn from one of the best! Twitter: http://twitter.com/gifted_guru Websites http://www.lisavangemert.com/ http://www.giftedguru.com/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/GiftedGuru Pinterest http://www.pinterest.com/brightkids/ Slideshare http://www.slideshare.net/lisavangemert Links to items mentioned in the podcast Is the Lecture Dead? - Richard Gunderman - The Atlantic http://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2013/01/is-the-lecture-dead/272578/ Book Review: Platform by Michael Hyatt Sally Hogshead - Fascinate Jason Fried - Rework Malcolm Gladwell - David and Goliath
Follow this podcast on iTunes and please feedback and ratings. MY BLOG http://coffeeforthebrain.blogspot.com/ ABOUT ME http://coffeeforthebrain.blogspot.com/p/coffee-for-brain-book-swap.html TWITTER https://twitter.com/coffeechugbooks GOOGLE + https://plus.google.com/u/0/113960577497815089175/posts Show Notes This show will focus on the following 5 questions based on my prior podcast on Passion https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/coffeechug-cafe-episode-1/id438001112?i=162564070&mt=2 Questions/thoughts I have been thinking about: 1. How can I balance a passion with reality? Seems like when I have a passion, it can turn in to an obsession where I am thinking about the topic and wanting to work on various tasks related to the topic all of the time, which can then take away from time I need to be spending with my family and the mundane chores (dishes, laundry, etc.) that need to be done. I've been trying to think of ways to balance the two. 2. If I am in one of the "valleys" where I don't seem to be passionate about anything, how can I get "fired up" again? Maybe watch motivational videos, reading blogs, keep up on the latest and newest technologies? 3. Can passion turn into stress if I get too absorbed? (Back to the whole finding a balance idea) 4. How can I address 100+ students' passion in my classroom? I am brainstorming ideas for projects where students can work on a topic that they are passionate about. 5. I am still thinking about the question, "What is my wow?" I am wondering if it would be beneficial to do an activity with my team where we share with other team members what we see as their strengths. For me, it is easier to see other people's strengths than my own. This might help to identify my wow. Theme Song: All credit goes to https://twitter.com/BigRonCrowley https://twitter.com/schink10
Head to my website for all links - www.coffeeforthebrain.blogspot.com Awesome to have your here! Here is episode three to the Coffeechug Cafe Podcast: Living on the Edge of Chaos This episode I will be sharing out some amazing ideas generated from Teacher Tinker Time this week where we took a look at Augmented Reality in education. I would love to hear from you so please leave any feedback, reviews, questions, etc. Feel free to follow me on Twitter @coffeechugbooks Please subscribe and leave a review on iTunes(I will be very happy for any help you can provide!): https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/coffeechug-concepts-podcast/id438001112?mt=2 - See more at: http://coffeeforthebrain.blogspot.com/2013/11/coffeechugcafe-podcast-series-living-on_9.html#sthash.mj3sjKkq.dpuf Listen to the episode On Friday I set up several tables that looked like the following Augmented Reality Teacher Tinker Time is ready to go! #AR #coffeechugcafe #augmentreality #Framatic I sent out the following email to all staff to come down to my room for Tinker Time Just a reminder that Friday during periods 6,7,8 I will be hosting Teacher Tinker time. We will be looking at Augmented Reality If you have a smartphone or tablet it would be great if you could download the following apps so you can begin to experiment and learn so we can create something very cool in the following weeks. Aurasma Layar Blippar colAR AR Flashcards Brain Scan For Aurasma if you want to follow me (Coffeechug) and another teacher I know (pvjhscience) I can show you some classroom examples. See you tomorrow. Here are some past blog posts regarding Augmented Reality Teach Like A Pirate Poster + Augment Reality = Awesome Classroom Poster FINAL VERSION - See more at: http://coffeeforthebrain.blogspot.com/2013/07/teach-like-pirate-poster-augment.html#sthash.AK6X5gzy.dpuf Teach Like A Pirate Poster + Augment Reality = Awesome Classroom Poster FINAL VERSION Speedgeeking Notes from #ITEC13 via Evernote (my presentation) #ITEC13 Conference Presentations by Coffeechug #coffeechugPLN Theme Song: All credit goes to https://twitter.com/BigRonCrowley https://twitter.com/schink10 Books I Am Reading This Week David and Goliath: Underdogs, Misfits, and the Art of Battling Giants (finished and book review and future podcast coming) Die Empty: Unleash Your Best Work Every Day (will finish this weekend) Lexicon (will start this week)
All hyperlinks can be found on my blog http://coffeeforthebrain.blogspot.com/ Here is the second episode to the Coffeechug Cafe Podcast: Living on the Edge of Chaos This episode I will be sharing out my new AMAZING theme song and how I am creating and developing Tinker Time for Teachers in my building. I would love to hear from you so please leave any feedback, reviews, questions, etc. Feel free to follow me on Twitter @coffeechugbooks Theme Song: All credit goes to https://twitter.com/BigRonCrowley https://twitter.com/schink10 Books I Am Reading This Week David and Goliath: Underdogs, Misfits, and the Art of Battling Giants Die Empty: Unleash Your Best Work Every Day Lexicon Tinker Time Blog Posts Tinker Time For Teachers: Where Is It? Tinker Time Is Happening In My School Tinker Time for Teachers #1 Reflection If you want to listen to Living on the Edge of Chaos Podcast #1
I am back to the podcasting world. This episode is the first of my new podcasting series titled, "Living on the Edge of Chaos" This particular run of podcast episodes will focus on the cutting edge ideas that are not yet mainstream, but will hopefully one day be something that all educators implement into their teaching. This podcast series is my personal edge of chaos goal by creating a weekly show. I give much support and thanks to Vicki Davis (@coolcatteacher) for helping me get back into the game of podcasting to help share out my ideas beyond just this blog. As always, I would love for you to leave any feedback or comments on iTunes, this blog, or Twitter (@coffeechugbooks) Here is the episode The song intro was created by the iTunes app Figure - https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/figure/id511269223?mt=8
I do apologize for my voice during this podcast. I had a bit of a head cold as of late. I hope to be back to normal soon. In order to go global in your classroom and develop a real world audience, you have to first understand WHY you need to go global and bring in a real world audience. I believe there are four key reasons WHY you need to connect with the world and bring down your classroom walls before you learn HOW to accomplish this goal. 1. Power of One 2. Idea Generated Jobs 3. Real World Skills 4. It is our reality This podcast will address why these four reasons are so important for understanding why we need to expand our classroom boundaries to a global perspective. I will be creating a future podcast about HOW to do this and share my experience and journey from starting very small to where I am today. There is not enough time in one podcast to do both. Listener Questions Brett Murrey @Sciology asked two great questions How do you increase your audience to reach more people in a global classroom? How can I develop myself as an educator to bring exposure to my teaching practices for real world or global classrooms? Announcements Still looking for suggestions for a 10-15 second theme song. If you are interested in connecting for a podcast let me know. I am always open to ideas so if there is something I share online via the #coffeechugPLN, this blog or elsewhere that you want to know more about please let me know. Episode Resources In this episode I mentioned several resources, including: Book: The World Is Flat 3.0: A Brief History of the Twenty-first Century by Thomas Friedman Book: Tribes: We Need You to Lead Us by Seth Godin Book: Purple Cow by Seth Godin Podcast: Episode #1: Passion Driven Classrooom Software: Audacity Choose2Matter Project Blog posts on Choose2Matter - Passion, or Email Discussion, Teacher Reflection #1, Teacher Reflection #2 Subscription Links http://coffeechug.podomatic.com/ iTunes Channel Your Feedback If you have an idea for a podcast you would like to see or a question about an upcoming episode, please email me at aarmau (@) gmail (dot) com or you can leave a comment. Also, if you enjoyed the show, please rate it on the iTunes Channel and write a brief review. That would help tremendously in getting the word out! Thanks. Question: "What is the right kind of education to prepare our students for the future?" Please leave a comment with your answer! I look forward to hearing your thoughts and ideas on what I shared. Thanks for listening.
This is not a pristine podcast, but it is real and raw. I don't have a theme song(anyone want to make one?) and the tools I have are quite simple: Audacity and my Mac mic. But the message I deliver is a strong one. A message about Passion Driven Classroom and this is one that has fueled my fire for several months now. I will be speaking on this topic at the WCGTC(World Council for the Gifted and Talented Conference) in August. I have been doing extensive research and also working on some key ideas. As I continue to work the outline of my speech I wanted to do a practice run speaking on passion as well as get started with my new Coffeechug Cafe Podcast series that I have been wanting to create. I figured I could kill two birds with one stone. I would greatly appreciate it if you would give my podcast a listen and give me feedback. I want to enhance this podcast as I go along. I also want feedback on the content. As I work through my presentation and you listen to this podcast I would love to know: 1. Did my passion come through? 2. Did you find the message and content helpful? 3. How was my delivery? 4. What else does the message need? I am still looking for more quality content and real life examples of passion based classrooms. My goal is to get teachers reflecting about their passions for being a teacher and ensuring they share that in the classroom. When that happens learning can be amazing. Thank you for listening and giving me any feedback that you think will make me better as a speaker, podcaster, and as well as the message. Here are the links mentioned in the show http://coffeeforthebrain.blogspot.com/2013/07/passion-starts-with-eyes-dont-lose-your.html - It starts with the eyes http://theglobalgeniushourproject.wikispaces.com/ http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/07/12/malala-day-at-un_n_3586266.html?utm_hp_ref=impact @coffeechugbooks Please leave comments at www.coffeeforthebrain.blogspot.com
Good things in good people Good things happen when you are bored Jealous of not being a kid in this multimedia age
- Coffee For The Brain/Flickr Photo Challenge 2. Dark Eden Book Promotion Materials 3. Positive Thinking
- Coffee For The Brain/Flickr Photo Challenges 2. Dark Eden Book Promotion Materials 3. Positive Thinking
This is my first attempt at something new for the blog. This is a quick little audio I recorded on my iPhone using the Voice Memo. This is quick, rough, missing intro music and such, but maybe something I will continue to work if interest ensues. This episode discusses my thoughts on an Oprah episode I watched today(as non nerdy as that sounds)