Social Emotional Learning (SEL) is currently a popular focus for schools because evidence suggests that effective SEL improves academic learning. How can we best teach students skills like self-awareness, self- management, empathy, perspective taking and cooperation. Today’s guest is someone who combines her love of reading and knowledge of books provide support to people trying to start conversations about challenging issues. Whether it’s diversity, mindfulness, diversity or dealing with trauma… she has a list for you. ( Though, she also has lists about unicorns and outer space!) Lauren Bercuson shares her work with “Happily Ever Elephants” and how to make children’s reading intentional.
If Equity work is going to be meaningful, it requires more than just a passing commitment of time and energy, more than just inviting a speaker or distributing materials. It means that community as a whole is going to take a good hard look in the mirror. So what does an Equity process look like and what does it entail? Shawn talks about Equity in Education with Dr. Darnisa Amante of Disruptive Equity Education Project (DEEP)
Educator Kwaku Aning joins us in our first episode that explores the potential and role of virtual reality in education. The discussion covers the entire spectrum of the topic from big picture thinking about the role and impact of VR in the classroom and on student experience, to specific approaches towards implementation. Learn more from Kwaku and follow his work on Twitter at @kwaku1 and check out his podcast, Radio Zamunda. To explore Virtual Reality from a research perspective, visit the Stanford Virtual Human Interaction Lab site.
In the first episode for season 2 of the podcast, Greg was able to connect with Erin Woo of the Mindfulness Center at Brown University. Erin shares her experience and insight into mindfulness that starts at the beginning with a clear understanding on what it truly means to be mindful. From taking a breath to better connect with an experience, to truly unlocking creative thinking and innovation, being mindful is an increasingly common topic of discussion, and for good reason. In a world that is full of limitless distraction, being present in each moment seems more important than ever. As mindfulness in schools and promoting mindfulness in education is gaining traction, we thought it was important to connect with an expert in the field to better understand mindfulness and begin our journey towards being more present in every moment.
Across the country, there is a renewed focus on laws and practices to promote quality civic education, geared toward preparing our students with the skills they need to be active participants in a democracy who are able to access and insert themselves into the democratic decision making process. Shawn talks with Mary Ellen Daneels about transforming Civic Education.
Shawn Talks with Project Based Learning (PBL) Expert Andrew Miller. Some changes take more than just making a new lesson or building a new unit. These changes can require a whole new mindset or in some cases building a new classroom culture. Project based Learning is one of these changes. Andrew Miller has been sharing his PBL expertise around the world and stops by today to discuss “Making PBL Work”
There is more to educational technology than having the tools and telling students to use them. Being thoughtful about the tasks we have students complete and the proper tools to help them express their learning. Monica Burns shares her expertise on how to prioritize learning and put “Tasks Before Apps.”
In episode 17, Greg sat down with David Lee to dig into Design Thinking. The discussion shifts from the model itself to the importance of shifting culture and mindsets to truly leverage the design thinking process. David is an EdTech Specialist at Singapore American School and the author of Design Thinking in the Classroom. Learn more about his work at his site, David Lee EdTech and follow along with David's work on Instagram & Twitter.
In episode 16 Shawn speaks with Haley Shoaf, the Vice President of Impact at Launch Code.
Shawn and Greg record live at the EdTechTeacher Boston Summit to explore many of the ideas that emerged from season one.
In a first ever live recording of the SWBT podcast, Greg & Shawn sat down face to face to discuss digital citizenship.
At 13 years old he is a passionate advocate for personalized learning and has presented at conferences across the country. Austin Tong shares how the freedom to decide how to demonstrate his learning, has made a difference in his life.
Past guests have talked about how technology embeds values. So we went to an Edtech company with a new product to discuss just that. Eric Patenoudes shares the story of OTUS and the core values that drive their vision of education. What tools do teachers need to change how create a truly student centered and individualized experience for kids?
Will Richardson, the co-founder of Modern Learners and author of Why School? joins us to explore the complex question: What should schools look like today & how can schools create environments that support learners in a modern, connected and information rich world?
Audrey Watters, the creator of Hack Education joined us to unpack the history of education & edtech, the values hard coded into our classroom technologies and the concept of the teaching machine.
Taylor Hyslop, an expert in the field of Social Media discusses her work, her education and the skills necessary to succeed in an industry that barely existed when she was in school. Part of our periodic examination of the modern workplace our students will inhabit.
Shaelynn Farnsworth, an expert on literacy discusses the concept of Unimodal & Multimodal literacy and their implications in creating "deep learning" experiences for a generation of online readers.
Our EdTechTeach college, Dr. Beth Holland joins us on episode 7 to discuss the process, challenges and potential for school improvement. Through improvement science and the effort to start small and learn fast, we can potentially learn how to create sustainable change in schools and avoid institutional isomorphism.
A compelling look at the way that our views of Literacy Citizenship and Socialization had changed and evolved in the last decade.
In episode 5 we speak with Laura Fleming and unpack the why behind Maker Spaces. Laura provides her unique perspective, insight and experience to help educators new to maker spaces and those with experience get started for the upcoming school year.