Back-to-school season is overwhelming—lesson plans, grading, differentiation, and those endless Sunday night prep sessions. Teachers are stretched to the breaking point. But what if an AI tool actually cut through the chaos and gave you back your time?In this episode, I sit down with Thomas Thompson and Thomas Hummel, co-founders of EduaideAI—a platform designed to help teachers plan faster, differentiate smarter, and free up time for what really matters: connecting with students.Here’s what we cover:✨ The story of how two middle school teachers bootstrapped EduaideAI into reality✨ Why EduaideAI is different from “just another AI tool”—it’s grounded in real pedagogy, not myths✨ How it helps teachers with lesson plans, projects, graphic organizers, and even gamified warm-ups✨ Their take on AI in the classroom—what works, what doesn’t, and where it’s going next✨ What’s new and upcoming for EduaideAI, and why staying teacher-focused (not venture-funded) is their core missionIf you’ve ever wished you could spend less time buried in lesson planning and more time actually teaching, this episode is for you.🔗 Learn more: eduaide.ai💬 Connect with EduaideAI: @eduaideai on X LinkedInEduaide.Ai (@eduaide.ai) • Instagram photos and videos
It’s back-to-school season, and AI is everywhere. But how can teachers actually use it to save time and reduce stress right now?In this episode of The Tech Ed Clubhouse, I chat with Amber Trout, Senior Community Manager at Magic School AI, about practical ways educators can bring AI into their classrooms without the overwhelm.Whether you’re an AI skeptic or already experimenting, this episode will give you ideas you can use tomorrow.Why Magic School is different from ChatGPT & GeminiQuick-start tools teachers love: lesson plans, slides, rubrics, emailsHow to differentiate with “Make It Relevant” + spicy/medium/mild scaffoldsStudent Rooms: safe AI spaces for kids with teacher-built guardrailsHow AI can fight teacher burnout by giving you back your time👉 Magic School AI – free teacher & student toolsMagic School Summer Academy & Back-to-School GuideConnect with Amber: LinkedIn | @Amber_EdTech| community@magicschool.aiJoin Pioneers here: https://www.magicschool.ai/magicschool-ai-pioneersBack-to-school guide: https://www.magicschool.ai/back-to-schoolSummer Webinar series: https://www.magicschool.ai/magicschool-academy3:36All MagicSchool PD resources: https://www.magicschool.ai/professional-developmentTeachers don’t need hype—they need solutions. This conversation is packed with real, classroom-ready ideas to help you start the year smarter, with less stress, and more time to actually connect with students.Follow & Subscribe:🎧 The Tech Ed Clubhouse Podcast📱 Twitter: @coachthomastech📌 Hashtag: #TechEdClubhouse
In this episode of The TechEd Clubhouse Podcast, I sit down with James Myklebust-Hampshire, a global educator, learning designer, and founder of X Focus — a platform built to help students take ownership of their learning, lead projects, and develop real-world skills.James has taught in wildly different educational settings — from UK pupil referral units to International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programs in Norway — and brings a refreshingly practical perspective on replacing compliance culture with purpose, creativity, and agency. Together, we dive into what real student agency looks like, why it’s not about “do whatever you want,” and how thoughtful structure, skill-building, and authentic ownership create classroom magic.We also explore the practical guardrails teachers need to make student-led learning work, why durable skills matter as much as content, and how AI can serve as a thought partner — not a shortcut — to deeper learning. This is an unfiltered conversation packed with strategies, examples, and mindset shifts you can apply in your own teaching tomorrow.If you’ve ever wanted to transform your classroom into a living, breathing ecosystem of collaboration and curiosity — or you’re curious about how technology and play can fuel student independence — this episode is your blueprint.________________What You’ll Learn in This Episode:* Student Agency Demystified: Why it’s not a free-for-all and how guardrails actually create freedom.* Practical Frameworks for Agency: From job boards to morning meetings — systems that grow ownership and collaboration.* Durable Skills First: Building critical thinking, collaboration, and adaptability alongside content knowledge.* Balancing Explicit Instruction and Inquiry: How “split-screen” teaching builds both knowledge and skills.* Culture That Breathes: How classroom agency connects to school-wide culture and why it matters.* AI as a Thought Partner: How to use AI to deepen thinking, spark ideas, and support project-based learning — without replacing the human work that matters.* Real-World Examples: Stories from IB classrooms, pupil referral units, and schools worldwide using X Focus to streamline student-led projects.________________About Our Guest – James Myklebust-HampshireJames Myklebust-Hampshire is a UK-born, Norway-based educator, learning designer, and founder of X Focus, a project management tool built specifically for students and teachers engaged in student-led learning. With experience spanning challenging pupil referral units to inquiry-driven IB classrooms, James is passionate about creating learning environments where purpose, creativity, and agency thrive. He works with schools globally to replace compliance culture with authentic, skill-driven learning that prepares students for life beyond the classroom.Connect with James: * Website: X Focus https://xfocuspyp.softr.app * LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-myklebust-hampshire-13193847/ * Substack: https://open.substack.com/pub/thejamesmh?r=64gyap&utm_medium=ios________________Resources & Links Mentioned in This Episode: * X Focus – The student project management platform discussed in this episode. * Guy Claxton’s Split Screen Teaching approach. * International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (IB PYP). * James Clear’s book Atomic Habits – concept of “never miss twice.”________________Episode Quote Highlights:“You need boundaries to have freedom — otherwise, choice can be paralyzing.” – James Myklebust-Hampshire“Agency isn’t a badge. It’s not just ‘do whatever you want.’ It’s structure, skill, and purpose.” – Dan Thomas“AI should make us more human, not less. Use it to think deeper, not skip the thinking altogether.” – James Myklebust-Hampshire
In this episode of The TechEd Clubhouse, I sit down with Rae Hughart—teacher, speaker, author, and founder of the Teachers Deserve It movement—to get brutally honest about professional development, time-saving hacks, and what teachers really need to thrive in today’s classrooms.Rae isn’t sugarcoating anything. She’s talking about howeducators are overworked, under-supported, and often stuck with outdated PD models that just don't cut it anymore. Together, we dig into how to flip that script—offering teachers choice, agency, and time back in their day.We talk about:Why PD needs to work like real teaching—differentiated, practical, and personalizedThe power of micro-learning and teacher-driven goal settingHow Rae and her team support over 21 states (and counting) with hands-on coaching and a fully loaded Learning HubWhy paraprofessionals, new teachers, and special areateachers can’t be left out anymoreHer mission to help 1 million teachers by the end of 2025And why it’s OK to ask for help, even if you don’t know the solution yetWhether you're a new teacher, a seasoned vet, or an admintrying to make PD not suck—you’ll get something out of this.💡 Key Takeaways:“Stop surviving. Start thriving.”PD shouldn’t be a 6-hour sit-and-get. It should look likegreat teaching.Give teachers TIME. Thirty seconds saved here and fiveminutes there add up fast.Let teachers set their own learning goals—and then support the hell out of them.It’s not just about student data. It’s about teacherretention and sustainability.Rae’s team is basically your on-demand assistant. Got a pain point? They’ll solve it.🔗 Resources Mentioned:💻 TeachersDeserveIt.com🔑 The Learning Hub (with Free Trial)📘 Teachers Deserve It Book by Rae Hughart & Adam Welcome – Get it here📌 Free Digital Downloads📣 Join the Facebook Community📱 Follow Rae on TikTok & Instagram: @RaeHughart👋 Connect with Rae Hughart:Website: https://www.teachersdeserveit.comTwitter/X: @RaeHughartInstagram: @RaeHughartFacebook: Teachers Deserve It Group🧰 Tech Ed Clubhouse Tools of the Week:🎯 Rae’s top PD tip: Try standing while conferencing with students—boosts efficiency by 33%🧠 Pro Move: Don’t hoard tools. Share them. Nothing’s behind a paywall that shouldn’t be.🗣️ Call to Action:🔥 Want to join a PD movement that doesn’t suck?➡️Head to teachersdeserveit.com and try out the Learning Hub. Use the free trial, download everything, and cancel if it’s not for you.🧱 And while you're at it, join the Facebook group—even if you just lurk. Trust me, you’ll find value.🎧 About the Host:I’m Dan Thomas—retired after 32 years in the classroom, butnot done disrupting education. I bring conversations that matter straight to teachers who give a damn.Follow me:Twitter/X: @coachthomastechPodcast: TechEd ClubhouseBlog: coachthomastech.com/blog
This episode picks up right where we left off last week with Mark Covelle, diving even deeper into what real technical education looks like.I sat down with John Stephens, a veteran shop teacher and CTE curriculum developer from Prince Edward Island. John’s on a mission to reclaim the word “shop” and challenge outdated mindsets about what happens in our labs, woodshops, and maker spaces. We talk about the power of hands-on learning, the importance of failure, and how formative feedback—when it happens in real time—actually drives growth.Whether you're in a tech lab, a gen ed classroom, or leading a school, this episode is a reminder that shop class isn’t for “those kids”—it’s for every kid. What We Talk About: Reclaiming the word "shop" with pride and purpose How to make CTE classrooms inclusive for all students Process over product: What assessment really looks like in hands-on classes Micro-conversations and real-time feedback at the elbow How to keep learning going after the bell Making your program visible inside your building Practical tools for capturing learning: checklists, rubrics, portfolios Why the shop is the perfect space for students to fail forward Creating purpose-driven readers and thinkers through technical instruction Favorite Quotes from John: “Engage the hands. Activate the mind.” “The shop is for everyone—it just needs to be built that way.” “I may have missed your best moment. Tell me about it.” “Formative assessment is elbow-to-elbow feedback, not a quiz that doesn’t count.” Resources Mentioned: A Repair Kit for Grading by Ken O’Connor The triangle of assessment: Products, Observations, Conversations Right-to-Repair laws and the importance of technical agency Real examples from John's classroom: phone stands, picture frames, CNC work Connect with John Stephens: John Stephens | LinkedInMy Takeaway:This episode reminded me why I started in a shop—and why that work still matters. We don’t just teach skills; we build confidence, agency, and curiosity. We need more shop teachers like John sharing their stories and raising their game. Help Us Spread the Word:If this hit home, do me a favor: Share it with a colleague Post it on your socials and tag me @CoachThomasTech Use the hashtag #TechEdClubhouseAnd if you haven’t yet, go back and catch last week’s episode with Mark Covelle for the full picture of what modern CTE should look like. Find all episodes, blogs, and extras at coachthomastech.com/podcast#CTE #ShopClass #TechEd #ProjectBasedLearning #GrowthOverGrades #HandsOnLearning #TechEdClubhouse
Episode Summary:In this episode of The TechEd Clubhouse Podcast, I sit down with the one and only Frankie Baker — better known online as @BaconEdTech. Frankie shares her journey from classroom teacher to digital learning coach and now into her new role as Community Manager for Robolink, where she’s leading ambassador programs and helping educators bring drones and coding into their classrooms.We talk all things EdTech, coaching strategies, AI tools for teachers, and how building authentic connections is the key to transforming teaching and learning. From personalized PD to embracing FOMO for good, Frankie drops practical advice for educators looking to lead, innovate, and grow.Plus — hear the story behind the legendary "Bacon EdTech" name!________________________________________What You’ll Hear in This Episode:• Frankie’s journey from math teacher to digital learning coach to EdTech community leader• The origin story of “Bacon EdTech” (it’s as good as you’d hope)• What a Digital Learning Coach really does day-to-day• How to support teachers without overwhelming them• The power of personalized professional development• How to respond to the dreaded “But we’ve always done it this way…”• Our favorite AI tools for educators — and why it’s time to start paying for them• Tips for organizing resources using Wakelet• Why connecting with other educators online is a game-changer• A sneak peek into Frankie’s new role with Robolink and how drones are engaging students in new ways________________________________________Tools & Resources Mentioned:• Robolink: https://www.robolink.com/• Wakelet: https://wakelet.com/@BaconEdTech• MagicSchool AI: https://www.magicschool.ai/• Brisk Teaching: https://www.briskteaching.com/• Canva (AI features): https://www.canva.com/• Perplexity AI: https://www.perplexity.ai/________________________________________Connect with Frankie Baker:Twitter/X: @BaconEdTechWakelet Profile: https://wakelet.com/@BaconEdTechLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/frankie-baker/Email: baconedtech@gmail.com________________________________________Connect with Dan Thomas:Twitter/X: @CoachThomasTechBlog: https://coachthomastech.com/blogPodcast Archive: https://coachthomastech.com/podcast________________________________________Final Takeaway:If you’re an educator passionate about helping people, building relationships, and creating learning experiences that matter — coaching might just be your next calling. And whether you’re teaching students or teaching teachers — keep playing, keep exploring, and never stop learning.
Guest: Heather Brantley (@HeatherTechEdu)Host: Dan Thomas (@CoachThomasTech)🔥 Episode SummaryIn this episode, I sit down with the energetic andinspiring Heather Brantley, former math and CTE teacher turned teacher advocate at Curipod. From a surprise return to teaching after her son's second-grade independence moment to becoming a powerful voice for educatorsacross the globe, Heather shares her journey of rediscovering her passion for education—and how Curipod became a game-changer in her classroom and now in her career.Together, we explore how Curipod uses AI toenhance student voice, classroom engagement, and teacher efficiency, while maintaining a strong focus on relationships, equity, and teacher empowerment.🧠 What You’ll LearnHeather’s journey from stay-at-home mom to classroom rockstar to edtech advocateHow Curipod empowers every student voice withinteractive and anonymous participationWhy AI in education isn’t about replacement—it’s about enhancement and supportHow Curipod’s built-in feedback tools offer real-time,growth-oriented responses for studentsThe power of student reflection, anonymity, andcollaborative learningHow Curipod integrates with existing tools like Canva,Google Slides, and Chrome extensionsNew features, including ELL support, state-alignedtest prep, and asynchronous PD coursesWhy Curipod works for every subject—including math, STEM, and CTETips for getting started with Curipod, even if you'retech-reluctant🛠️ Tools & Features MentionedCuripod’s AI Lesson Generator – Create a 45-minuteinteractive lesson in under 3 minutesDrawing + Whiteboard Tool – Let students show theirwork and get AI-generated feedbackBuilt-in Voting, Polls, Word Clouds, and Reflections“Purify Slides” Feature – Upload your old lessons andtransform them into interactive experiencesStandards-Aligned Content for Texas, California, NewYork, and moreInstant Student Feedback and Growth PromptsFake Name Login + Privacy Protection for safe andequitable participation💬 Quotes Worth Sharing“An exhausted teacher can’t support students at their fullpotential. Let us help you get your time—and your joy—back.” – Heather Brantley“Curipod isn’t replacing teachers. It’s supporting them todo what they do best—with more creativity and connection.” – Dan Thomas🔗 Links & Resources🔗 Curipod.com📧 Email Heather: heather@curipod.com🐦 Follow Heather: @HeatherTechEdu🐦 Follow Dan: @CoachThomasTech💡 Try This!👉 Want to see Curipod in action? Create a free account, generate a lesson with a single prompt, and experience what it’s like to get every student involved in seconds.🔔 Subscribe & ReviewIf you enjoyed this episode, share it with a felloweducator, leave us a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ review, and be sure tosubscribe so you never miss an episode of The Tech Ed Clubhouse Podcast.
Guest: Jeanette MihalchikHost: Dan ThomasIn this episode:Jeanette Mihalchik shares insights from her 26 years as anelementary music teacher.The importance of play-based learning to keep studentsengaged.How to balance structure with creative and playful classroomactivities.Practical ways to introduce vocabulary through experientiallearning.Tips for incorporating student choice and autonomy to boostengagement.Thoughts on using AI as a creative educational tool.Actionable Ideas:Start lessons with engaging, experiential activities todeepen understanding.Observe and use student interests to inform lesson planning.Experiment with simple props and playful activities forimmediate engagement.Connect with Jeanette Mihalchik:Website: thehappymusicteacher.comFacebook https://www.facebook.com/thehappymusicteacherInstagram https://www.instagram.com/thehappymusicteacherResources: thehappymusicteacher.com/shopDon't forget to subscribe and leave a review!
In this episode, I’m joined by Peter Hoststrasser and Alli Dahl from the Disrupt Education Podcast to talk about shaking up the traditional education system. Peter and Alli have been leading conversations around innovation, student voice, and breaking away from outdated methods in the classroom. We dive into overcoming fear in education, embracing change, and the power of play in learning. We also explore how rural and local communities can be the real drivers of educational transformation—and why failure should be something students experience more often, not less.What We Talked About:✔ Why so many teachers fear change—and how to move past it✔ The outdated mindset that’s still holding education back✔ How failure and iteration help students build resilience✔ Why real change in education happens at the local level✔ The power of play in learning—yes, even in middle and high school!✔ Why we need to involve students in solving real-world problemsMeet My Guests:🎙️ Peter Hoststrasser – 23-year educator, CTE/business teacher, internship coordinator, and co-host of the Disrupt Education Podcast. He’s passionate about hands-on learning and connecting students with real-world experiences.🎙️ Alli Dahl – Former chemistry teacher turned skydiving instructor (yes, really!). She brings a fresh perspective on overcoming fear, rethinking education, and getting students to push beyond their comfort zones.🖥️ Check Out the Disrupt Education Podcast:🌍 DisruptEducation Podcast 🔗 Follow Peter & Alli on LinkedIn:Peter HoststrasserAlli DahlWhere to Find Me📲 Twitter/X: @CoachThomasTech🎧 Subscribe to The Tech Ed Clubhouse Podcast: [Your Podcast Link]🔗 Website & Blog: CoachThomasTech.comJoin the Conversation!🚀 How are YOU disrupting education? Tag me @CoachThomasTech and use #TechEdClubhouse & #DisruptEducation to share your thoughts!:
🎙️ Episode Title: Amplifying Student Voices: Podcasting, Public Speaking, and Digital Literacy with TimBelmont 📅 Release Date: March 3, 2025🎧 Host: Dan Thomas(@coachthomastech)🎙️ Guest: Tim Belmont – English Teacher, Tech Specialist, Certified Educator, Media Literacy Teacher Episode OverviewIn this episode of The TechEd Clubhouse Podcast, we diveinto the world of student podcasting with Tim Belmont, an English teacher and technology specialist from New Jersey. Tim shares his journey in integrating podcasting into public speaking and media literacy, highlighting how studentsdevelop essential communication, research, and digital citizenship skills. We explore:✅ The importance of public speaking in education✅How student podcasting enhances research, storytelling, and media literacy✅Real-world skills students gain, including digital ethics and collaboration✅Using AI and digital tools responsibly in content creation✅Tips for educators looking to implement podcasting in their classes If you’re interested in making learning more engaging whileequipping students with future-ready skills, this episode is for you! Resources & LinksNPR Student Podcast Challenge: https://studentpodcastchallenge23.splashthat.com/ Advanced Public Speaking Radio Hour:https://open.spotify.com/show/31jqZeFaOecVTEm0a6Wk51?si=3abda807636147fb NJECC Annual Conference:https://njecc.org/annual-conference/ My Bluesky:https://bsky.app/profile/tbelmont.com My Linkedin:https://www.linkedin.com/in/timbelmont/ My Website:https://www.timbelmont.com/ Follow The TechEd Clubhouse Podcast 🎧 Subscribe & Listen:bit.ly/TechEd-Clubhouse🐦Follow Dan on X (Twitter): @coachthomastech📧Join the Conversation: Use #TechEdClubhouse 💬 Enjoyed this episode?Leave a review and let us know how you’re bringing podcasting or public speaking into the classroom!
In this episode of The Tech Ed Clubhouse, we sit downwith Dan Jones, an author, educator, and consultant, to discuss the power of Project-Based Learning (PBL) and how to effectively implement it in any classroom. Dan shares his journey from almost leaving education to discovering PBL, flipped learning, and student-driven projects. He breaks down how he structures his social studies class using AI, flipped learning, and creative student projects that foster engagement and deeper learning.If you're wondering how to give students more agency intheir learning, how to manage PBL in a non-STEM class, or how AI tools can support student creativity, this episode is packed with actionable insights! 🚀 What You’ll Learn in This Episode✅ How PBL can reignite your passion for teaching✅Why giving students choice and voice in their projects leads to deeper engagement✅The three types of questions that drive PBL learning✅How AI tools like SchoolAI and NotebookLM can support student learning✅Why traditional testing and memorization fall short in preparing students for real-world success✅Practical tips for getting started with PBL, even in a core academic subject✅How Dan flips his classroom to free up time for deeper learning and projects✅Creative ways to use AI-generated music playlists to engage students 🎵 Guest: Dan Jones📚 Author of ModernPBL: Project-Based Learning in the Digital Age🌎20-year veteran teacher specializing in PBL, flipped learning, and AI in education💡Consultant helping educators implement student-centered learning🔗Website:modernpbl.com📩Email: flippedpbl@gmail.com📱Find him on LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram Resources & Links🔹 Dan’s Book:ModernPBL: Project-Based Learning in the Digital Age – Get it here🔹SchoolAI Chatbot for PBL Idea Generation – Check it out🔹NotebookLM for AI-powered learning – Explore here🔹Genially for Interactive Classroom Content – Learn more Call to ActionEnjoyed this episode? Subscribe, leave a review, andshare it with a fellow educator! Let's bring more play, creativity, and student-driven learning into classrooms! 🎉📢 Join the conversation on Twitter/X: @coachthomastech🔖Use the hashtag #TechEdClubhouse to share your thoughts!
💡 How do we turn classrooms into innovation hubs? Liz Gallo, founder of Whymaker, joins us to share how she’s transforming education by making hands-on, minds-on learning the norm—and how schools can partner with businesses to better prepare students for the future.In This Episode: ✅ How Whymaker helps teachers bring playful, project-based learning to every classroom✅ The power of school-business partnerships in shaping career-ready students✅ Real-world workforce development projects that connect education with industry✅ Why CTE & STEM programs are more than just technical skills—they teach essential workplace skills✅ How any educator can start collaborating with local businesses todayGame Changing Takeaways 💡 Hands-on learning isn’t optional—it’s essential for real-world success. 💡 Workplace skills (like collaboration & problem-solving) are just as critical as technical skills. 💡 Local businesses WANT to support education—you just need to ask!Resouces and Links🌐 Visit Whymaker:Whymaker.comCheck out the NYS Clean Energy for Educators Workshops. Sign up for one near you!!!📢 Follow Liz & Whymaker: @Whymaker on all social platforms🎯 Your Challenge:What’s one way you can bring real-world industry connections into your classroom? 💬 Tag us with #TechEdClubhouse & share your ideas!
Episode Summary:In this episode ofThe TechEd Clubhouse Podcast, I sit down with Larisa Black, a seasoned virtual educator and AI Literacy Coordinator, to discuss the evolving role of AI in education, building an AI club for teachers and students, and the power of community in professional learning. As one of the founding members of the EduGuardians, Larisa shares insights on the accidental origins of the movement and how it has grown into a thriving global network of educators.✅ Larisa’s background in virtual education and AI literacy✅ The development of the AI Club for educators and students✅ How AI tools like ChatGPT and SchoolAI support personalized learning✅ Overcoming AI skepticism among educators✅ The power of community-driven professional learning with EduGuardians✅ Reflections on FETC and upcoming events like MACUL 2025✅ How educators can get involved with AI in the classroom🗨️“AI isn’t replacing teachers—it’s a thought partner.” – Larisa Black🗨️“When students engage with AI chatbots, it provides valuable insights into their learning gaps.” – Larisa Black🗨️“The EduGuardians started as an accident, but it turned into a global community.” – Larisa Black🔗Connect with Larisa Black🔗https://www.teachwiseai.com/📧 Email:teachwiseai@gmail.com🔗 LinkedIn:Larisa Black🔗EduGuardians: A group of educators who connect, share ideas, and engage in community building. All educators are invited to become a member! Sign up here: https://www.eduguardian5.com/🔗South Carolina Connections Academy: A virtual charter school (K-12th grades) available to students in the state of South Carolina. Larisa has been a Science teacher here for the past 9 years. https://learn.connectionsacademy.com/south-carolina-combo/🔗Recommended AI Tools for Educators:🛠️SchoolAI – AI-powered chatbots for student engagement🛠️Curipod – Interactive learning with AI feedback🛠️Diffit – AI for differentiation in instruction🎤MACUL 2025 – March 19-21, Detroit, MI📅 EduGuardians will be hosting multiple sessions, including the closing keynote!📌 Interested in meeting up? Sign up atEduGuardians5.com to join the community.
LEGO isn’t just for STEM—it’s a powerful tool for math, history, English, and even the arts! In this episode of The TechEd Clubhouse, we explore how LEGO can transform learning across every subject, making lessons more engaging, hands-on, and fun. From using LEGO for fractions and bar graphs in math to recreating historical events in social studies, storytelling in ELA, and even stop-motion animation in art, this episode is packed with practical ideas you can use in your classroom tomorrow! 💡 What You’ll Learn:✅ Creative ways to integrate LEGO into every subject✅ Quick lesson ideas to spark engagement✅ Free resources to bring LEGO learning to life 🔗 Get the full lesson plans and student worksheets here: coachthomastech.com
In this engaging episode, I sat down with Ryan Stuer, the visionary behind Magnify Learning, to discuss Project-Based Learning (PBL) and its transformative power in classrooms worldwide. They explore the essence of PBL, its impact on students and teachers, and practical strategies for implementation. Ryan shares inspiring stories, actionable insights, and Magnify Learning’s ambitious goal to make PBL the norm in education by 2051. Key Takeaways: What Is Project-Based Learning? Real-world problem-solving that engages students in meaningful, authentic tasks. Combines academic standards with critical thinking, collaboration, and communication. Focuses on student-centered learning driven by inquiry and creativity. Why PBL Works: Boosts student engagement by answering the "Why do we need to learn this?" question. Provides opportunities to develop critical employability skills like teamwork, problem-solving, and adaptability. Connects learning to real-world applications through community partnerships. Steps to Start PBL: Begin with a real-world entry event to spark curiosity. Incorporate workshops and lessons aligned with academic standards. Involve community partners to bring authenticity to projects. Conclude with public presentations to an authentic audience. Practical Tips for Teachers: Start small: Modify existing lessons by adding real-world context. Overcome the fear of reaching out to community partners by starting with warm calls. Engage reluctant students and honor students alike by fostering productive struggle. Magnify Learning’s Mission: "51 by 51": Ensure 51% of schools adopt PBL by 2051. Provide grassroots, teacher-led training to build sustainable PBL ecosystems. Launch the PBL Movement Online Community for ongoing collaboration and support. Resources Mentioned: Magnify Learning Website: magnifypbl.com Ryan Stuer’s Book: PBL Simplified: 6 Steps to Take PBL from Idea to Reality (Available wherever books are sold). PBL Simplified Podcasts: Notable Quotes: “The real world doesn’t have a single right answer. PBL prepares students for life by helping them navigate ambiguity and solve authentic problems.” – Ryan Stuer “It’s not about great teaching; it’s about great learning. What can we get our learners to do?” – Ryan Stuer “Community partners bring authenticity to the classroom. They inspire students and show them why their learning matters.” – Dan Thomas Connect with Ryan Stuer: Website: magnifypbl.com Social Media: @MagnifyPBL Podcast: PBL Simplified (available on all major platforms). Connect with Dan Thomas: Website: coachthomastech.com Twitter: @coachthomastech Next Steps: Interested in PBL? Explore Magnify Learning’s free resources or join their PBL Movement Online Community. Subscribe to The TechEd Clubhouse Podcast for more inspiring conversations about STEM, education, and innovation. Produced by The TechEd Clubhouse Podcast. Subscribe and leave a review to help us grow the movement!
As 2024 comes to a close, we’re taking a moment to look back, celebrate, and set the stage for the year ahead. In this special wrap-up episode of The Tech Ed Clubhouse, we reflect on the highlights, lessons learned, and favorite moments that made this year one to remember. From playful learning strategies and AI in the classroom to exciting PBL projects and a sprinkle of golf inspiration, we’ll revisit it all. Plus, a sneak peek at what’s coming your way in 2025! So grab your notebook—or maybe just your favorite cup of coffee—and join us as we wrap up 2024 and toast to a bright, playful, and innovative new year. See you back here on January 6! 🎧 Listen, reflect, and recharge for 2025
In this episode of The TechEd Clubhouse, we’re diving into a lesson I learned from my dad that shaped my approach to teaching,learning, and life: finding joy in the process. Whether it’s building a project, solving a problem, or learning something new, the magic isn’t in thefinal product—it’s in the journey that gets you there. Join me as we explore how play, creativity, and persistence can transform the way we think about success, both in and out of the classroom. From stories about my dad to practical strategies for educators, this episode is all about making the process meaningful, playful, and fun. What You’ll Learn in This Episode Why focusing on the process leads to deeper learning and better outcomes. The role of play in fostering creativity, problem-solving, and growth. How to design classroom experiences that celebrate the journey, not just the result. Practical tips for educators to shift from a product-first to a process-first mindset. Resources and Links Mentioned The LEGO Foundation Principles of Play National Institute for Play Connect with me on Twitter: @coachthomastech Subscribe & Review Did you enjoy this episode? Subscribe to The TechEd Clubhouse on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite podcast platform so you never miss an episode! If this episode resonated with you, leave a review and share it with a friend or colleague. Join the Conversation How do you find joy in the process? Share your thoughts using #TechEdClubhouse or tag me on Twitter at @coachthomastech. Let’s keep building and learning together!
Welcome to The TechEd Clubhouse Podcast with Dan Thomas, where education meets creativity, and every classroom becomes a playground for learning. This week, inspired by my NYSCATE presentation, we’re diving into the 5-Minute Fun Boost—a simple strategy to make your lessons more engaging and impactful. We’ll explore how short bursts of play can transform your teaching, with parallels to the game of golf, where small adjustments lead to big results. Tune in for tips, stories, and inspiration to bring joy into your classroom and onto the green!" Twitter: @coachthomastech Website: www.coachthomastech.com Email: coachthomastech@gmail.com Hashtag: #FunInEveryClassroom
In this episode of The TechEd Clubhouse, I reflect on my incredible experience at the NYSCATE Conference. From delivering a TED-style talk to engaging in meaningful conversations with inspiring educators and innovators, this episode dives into the power of collaboration, technology, and creativity in education. You’ll hear key takeaways from the conference, lessons from my talk, and tips on building your professional network. Plus, I’ll share a project idea you can bring to your classroom to spark creativity and teamwork. What You’ll Learn: The importance of conferences like NYSCATE in advancing technology and innovation in education. Insights from delivering a TED-style talk, including preparation tips and the impact of storytelling. How networking can fuel your professional growth Reflection Questions for Listeners: What recent learning experience has inspired you to rethink your approach to teaching? How do you stay connected with professionals who can challenge and inspire your work? If you were to give a TED-style talk, what message would you want to share about your role in education? How can you integrate more collaboration or innovation into your classroom or workplace? Resources Mentioned in the Episode: NYSCATE Website: https://www.nyscate.org/ – Explore events, edtech tools, and professional development opportunities. Edutopia: https://www.edutopia.org/ – A wealth of resources for integrating design thinking and project-based learning. TED Talks for Educators: https://www.ted.com/playlists/27/ – Inspiring stories from educators who are transforming learning. Social Media Networking: Connect with like-minded professionals using hashtags like #EdTech, #STEM, #PBL, and #DesignThinking.
In this episode of The TechEd Clubhouse, we’re diving into some of the most innovative EdTech tools designed to transform your lessons and bring creativity into the classroom. Building on our previous discussion about teaching identity, today we’re exploring tools like Wakelet for digital organization, Scratch for coding and creativity, SchoolAI and MagicSchool for personalized learning, and interactive platforms like Minecraft Education and LEGO bricks for hands-on engagement. Whether you’re looking to introduce coding in a fun way, organize resources for a project, or create immersive virtual worlds for your students, these tools make it easy to add an extra layer of excitement to your lessons. Ready to engage your students in new and meaningful ways? Check out the tools mentioned in today’s episode: Wakelet: www.wakelet.com Scratch: scratch.mit.edu SchoolAI: www.schoolai.com MagicSchool: www.magicschool.ai Minecraft Education: education.minecraft.net LEGO Education: education.lego.com Tune in to learn how to use these tools to bring your unique teaching style to life. Let’s inspire creativity and curiosity, one lesson at a time!