The DEN Zone

Discovery Educator Network and BAM Radio Network have partnered to bring you The DEN Zone. David Fisher hosts the program which focuses on highlighting DEN community activities and amplifying DEN voices on the topics you really care about.

Geocaching: A Cool Way to Engage Your Students and Enrich Your Lessons

Geocaching was originally similar to the 160-year-old game letterboxing, which uses clues and references to landmarks embedded in stories. Learn about how one teacher is using geocaching to engage students. Follow:@davidfisher65 @sghsscience @DiscoveryEd , @teach42@2teach_edtech @dacia92 @bamradionetwork Mark Case is a Science Teacher with a passion for student’s discovery of the world around them. First career was in environmental education running summer camps in 5 states. Full time classroom teacher since January 2007.

10-23
11:08

Behind the Changing Relationship Between Educators and the Media

Coverage of education by traditional media is declining while the use of coverage through social media is increasing. What's driving the change and what does this mean for educators? Follow:@davidfisher65 @DiscoveryEd , @teach42@2teach_edtech @dacia92 @lookingupmoves @bamradionetwork Nick J. Tate is an award-winning journalist, editor and best-selling author who has written extensively about health, business, technology, finance, music and consumer affairs issues. He is a health writer and editor at Newsmax Media Inc. in South Florida. He is an experienced educator whose background includes teaching health/science journalism as an adjunct professor at Emory University in Atlanta and health communications in a variety of training seminars for college students, scientists, doctors, business executives and public relations specialists.

09-08
08:37

Accessing The Financial Grants Easily Available to Teachers

There are a variety of grants available to teachers ranging from $500 to $50,000. Tune in and learn about the easiest available grants and the basics you need to know to get funded. Follow:@davidfisher65 @DiscoveryEd , @teach42@2teach_edtech @dacia92 @lookingupmoves @bamradionetwork Dacia Jones is a 20 year veteran teacher and Area Instructional Facilitator/STEM Educator with Durham Public Schools. Mother, musician, educator, learner, author, DEN Star, Math Foundations Trainer.

08-14
10:46

What Are the Hidden Health Costs to Digital Technology Use?

Our guest shares some generally unknown findings about how the use of digital devices impacts our nervous systems. Learn more... Follow:@davidfisher65 @DiscoveryEd , @teach42@2teach_edtech @lookingupmoves @bamradionetwork Dr. Lynn Migdal has been a chiropractor for 33 years in Delray Beach, Florida. Specializing in Holistic Natural Health Care, Education for the Prevention of Disease and strengthening Natural Immunity, Integrative Neurological Fitness so all can reach their highest potential in their body and in their life.

06-04
12:29

Inside a School District Chromebook Roll Out

Our guest tells us that setting up a Chromebook 1:1 program has its unique set of idiosyncrasies. Tune in as we discuss what separates a Chromebook roll out from an iPad or laptop program. @davidfisher65 @DiscoveryEd , @teach42 @2teach_edtech @yurkwi @BigPurpleHat @bamradionetwork Rachel Yurk is currently the District Technology Integrator for the Muskego-Norway Schools in Wiscocsin where she is completing her third year. She is on the Discovery Educator Network Leadership Council Innovation and Strategy team, a Google Certified Trainer and SMART Certified Trainer. Kristy Vincent is a visionary educator passionate about 21st century learners. Dubbed a social media queen and an educator by passion, Kristy has worn many hats from a Technology Applications teacher to a Technology Coordinator and currently serves as the Director of Digital Learning for Hardin ISD.

05-16
12:25

Test Driving Google Glass

Yes, yet another review of Google Glass hopefully with a different perspective on the good, the bad and the ugly of the exciting piece of technology. @davidfisher65 @DiscoveryEd , @teach42 @2teach_edtech @bamradionetwork Jenna Linskens is an Assistant Professor in the School of Education at Marian University, Wisconsin. Cindy Lane is an Educator, Instructional Technologist and a Google Certified Teacher, and Discovery Education Professional Development Specialist.

05-02
10:37

Learning Through Music

Our guest explains why music is such a powerful tool for learning many skills as well a vehicle for life-long learning. @davidfisher65 @DiscoveryEd @teach42 @bamradionetwork Russ Freeman is a smooth jazz artist of multiple genres, composer and bandleader. He lead the studio-formed contemporary jazz band The Rippingtons in 1986. In addition to being a musician as a guitarist, he is also a photographer and illustrator.

04-03
11:38

Untangling the Web: Great Tech Tools for Teachers

In this segment we talk with two authors of a book hat is helping teachers identify and use the best web based tech tools for teachers. @davidfisher65 @DiscoveryEd @adambellow, @teach42 @bamradionetwork Steve Dembo, Director of Social Media Strategy and Online Community at Discovery Communications, Inc. He is s pioneer blogger/podcaster former kindergarten teacher, and expert in educational technology issues. Adam Bellow, speaker and former High School English Teacher, District Technology Training Specialist, and Tech Director. He is the founder of eduTecher and eduClipper and the co-author, along with Steve, of "Untangling the Web."

03-28
11:54

The Hidden Value of Music in Learning

While many music programs are being cut across the nation, our guest is making the case the music offers major benefits and learning opportunities that are often overlooked. Learn more... @davidfisher65 @carolbroos @bamradionetwork Carol Broos is a retired General K-8 Music Teacher, Apple Distinguished Educator, Google Teacher Academy, Golden Apple Fellow, and Den Star. She hosts a bi-monthly podcast called aRTs Roundtable on the edreach,us network. Blog: www.beatechie.com Website: www.carolbroos.com

02-19
09:48

Rolling Out a Successful 1-to-1 Program at Your School

All of the potential promise of 1 to 1 programs in schools is matched by the potential for costly mistakes. In this segment we discuss some of the keys to successfully launching a 1-to-1 computing initiative and look at how to avoid the major pitfalls. @davidfisher65 @Fernandezc4 @bamradionetwork Tim Girard is senior teaching associate for the Florida Joint Center for Citizenship, a middle school civics teacher, and a technology consultant and trainer for Leon County Schools. Carlos is Fernandez-President of Academy Lion, Inc. and serves on the DEN LC. He oversees Instructional Technology for Leon County Schools, Tallahassee, FL.

01-31
11:29

Connecting Your Students to Career Possibilities

Purple Feet is a fascinating program that enables young people to have virtual career discussions with adult professionals. @davidfisher65 @bamradionetwork Lance Rougeux co-founded the Purple Feet Foundation, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization focused on helping underserved students think about their future. Martha Rougeux has been a classroom teacher, ELL teacher, guided reading facilitator, team leader, eighth grade sponsor, summer program instructor, GEAR UP program coordinator and drama club sponsor.

01-15
13:08

Inside the DEN Ambassador Program

In this segment we talk with two DEN leaders about the DEN Ambassador program, its purpose and benefits to educators. @davidfisher65 @teach42 @lildeb67 @bamradionetwork Debbie Frime has been teaching for 15 years and enjoys learning ways to make my classroom a more fun and exciting. As a classroom teacher in California, Jannita Demian was known for engaging her students through digital media, technology, creative projects and partnerships with companies and educational organizations. She was recognized by her peers as Teacher of the Year and received the PTA Honorary Service Award.

12-20
09:58

Trying Something New: What Happened When a DEN Teacher Decided to Toss Her Lesson Plan

In this segment we talk with a teacher, student and and an administrator about their experiences with piloting the genius hour concept in their classroom. @davidfisher65 @kellyhines @bamradionetwork Kelly Wade Hines, @kellyhines, is a 5th grade teacher, lifelong learner, mom to 3 crazy boys, and DEN Guru from North Carolina. Shervawn R. Sockwell has worked in the field of education for the past 18 years. For the past eight years, she has served as an administrator at the elementary, middle, and high school levels at McLeansville School. Lakota Sockwell is a participant in the New Project (not pictured).

12-05
13:33

Piloting Tablets in a First Grade Classroom

In this segment we talk with a first grade teacher who was part of a pilot program using tablets in the classroom. Tune in as we talk about the process and the apps that are proving to be very useful with students. @davidfisher65 @mrlosik @kristizoerhof @bamradionetwork Kristi Zoerhof is a First Grade Teacher at Bentheim Elementary School in Hamilton, Michigan. Lifelong learner who is always on the hunt for tools that make teaching and learning more dynamic for her students and herself. Andy Losik is an Elementary Infotech Teacher, Hamilton Community Schools, former Michigan Technology Educator of the Year.

11-07
12:04

Benefits and Challenges of Being a Connected Educator

October is Connected Educator Month so we decided to talk to a panel of DEN Connected educators about what being connected means to them. In this segment they share both the benefits and challenges of being connected. @davidfisher65 @TechyNana @joecfro @aemacdougall @bamradionetwork Katie Warren is a Teacher Specialist in Technology for Glendale USD as well as a STAR Discovery Educator. Joe Fromme is a DEN Star and an Education Technology Specialist with the Capitol Region Education Council in Hartford, Connecticut. Sandy Macdougall taught adults in an alternative high school for 12 years and is now a Technology Integration Leader with Halifax Regional School Board in Nova Scotia, Canada.

10-15
11:31

Creative Video Teaching Tools

Our guest in this segment created a site to encourage video collaborations for use in the classroom. The site, NextVista.org, has become a popular site among both teachers and students. Learn why... davidfisher65, @rushtonH @bamradionetwork Rushton Hurley has been a Japanese language teacher, principal of an online high school, teacher trainer, speaker; is the executive director of NextVista.org (a free educational video library); and ran the MERIT program at the Krause Center for Innovation (tinyurl.com/KCI-MERIT). He trains teachers at schools and keynotes at conferences around the world on affordable technology, the power of multimedia, and the professional perspectives and experiences of teachers at all levels.

10-01
11:56

The Hidden Challenges of Developing a BYOD Policy

There are mixed opinions about bring your own device policies (BYOD). In this segment we talk about why administrators, teachers and parents may have conflicting views on BYOD and the specific challenges of creating a BYOD policy. Dave Tchozewski (@daveski61)has been in education for 26 years as a classroom math teacher, career readiness program coordinator, and now, technology director for Jenison Public Schools in Jenison, Michigan. Marita Diffenbaugh (@mdiffenbaugh) has been an elementary educator for 14 years, currently works as a K-12 Instructional Technology Manager, and serves on the Idaho Leadership Council for Discovery Education.

08-17
10:34

STAR Discovery Educator Goes To Finland, What He Found

In this segment we debrief with a DEN member who spent part of his summer break exploring the best practices of schools in Finland. Follow: @davidfisher65, @dgrice @bamradionetwork Dennis Grice is a K-8 Technology Teacher at St. John's Lutheran School in Orange, California where his mission is not to teach technology, but to help teachers use technology to teach. He is also a STAR Discovery Educator and Leadership Council Member, Peer Coaching Workshop Facilitator, and has shared his passion for integrating technology into curriculum at workshops and conferences across the country.

07-18
10:34

DEN Star Administrators Share Insights on Technology Integration

In this segment we connect with an international cadre of DEN Star, school administrators who share some of their insights on technology integration. Follow: @davidfisher65,@bamradionetwork Delsia Easley has been an elementary principal for nine years. Lindsay Morhart is the Vice-Principal of a PreK to Grade eight school in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, Canada. Joe Oliphant is co-principal at Propel Braddock Hills High School which is a school of Innovation and Design.

07-03
11:36

Creative Project-based Learning Using a Green Screen

According to our guests a green screen can be an extremely effective teaching tool. Tune in an learn how to spice up your classes with the video production technique. Follow: @davidfisher65,@bamradionetwork Kim Adair is an inner city Philadelphia teacher that has been teaching for 20 years. She has been teaching technology for the past 12 years from Kindergarten through eighth grade and loving it. Mark Perlman is a computer using educator; proud member of the DEN and Leadership Council; will be retiring at the end of this school year after 12 years as a Technology Integration Specialist, all with the School District of Philadelphia.

06-27
11:36

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