In this episode, I fly solo to discuss Google Vids. Google Vids is an addition to Google Workspace via Google Labs. It is a tool that allows users to create videos effortlessly through the use of Google’s AI LLM, Google Gemini. I go through how to create a video, the editing process, and ideas for educators to implement this as a time saver. If you’d like to see it in action, click on the YouTube video below for a video tutorial. If your organization doesn’t have Google Labs turned on, you might want to talk to your district Google Admin to see about getting this AI video creator turned on. Buen provecho!
My first book “Cooking Up Experiences In The Classroom: Focus On Experiences, Not Just Lessons” is officially out! A HUGE shout out to Lumio for helping sponsor this book. I’m super excited about this project. It’s filled with ideas on how to make memorable experiences for your students. In addition, each chapter also lays out a specific recipe mentioned in that chapter along with a video tutorial on how to prepare that dish. Make sure you get your copy and cook up some experiences for your students and loved ones!
Looking to elevate STEAM learning in your classroom? Discover TinkRworks — the evidence-based STEAM learning system designed for K-8 educators. TinkRworks engages students in unprecedented ways through innovative, STEAM Project-based Learning. The easy-to-implement program focuses on the hands-on application of STEM concepts and deepens cross-curricular connections to computer science, language arts, engineering, math, science, and the arts. Developed by a team of educators and engineers, TinkRworks provides comprehensive resources that enhance lesson plans, support project implementation, and ensure alignment with educational standards.
Join the growing community of TinkRworks educators. Visit TinkRworks.com/podcast for special pricing.
In this episode, I sit down and chat with Nigel Nisbet. He’s the Vice President of Content Creation at MIND Research Institute and loves the ST Math product they’ve designed. He’s a life long educator and has a passion for students overcoming math adversity through critical thinking and problem solving. ST Math is a platform in which students interact with Jiji, they’re penguin mascot, and get her to move about the screen by solving math problems. We have a great discussion around productive struggle, his educational background, and where ST Math is going next. Check this episode out and see if you could get your students to move Gigi. Buen provecho!
Experienced mathematics educator and interactive curriculum designer who believes learning is something that students do, not something that happens to them.
My first book “Cooking Up Experiences In The Classroom: Focus On Experiences, Not Just Lessons” is officially out! A HUGE shout out to Lumio for helping sponsor this book. I’m super excited about this project. It’s filled with ideas on how to make memorable experiences for your students. In addition, each chapter also lays out a specific recipe mentioned in that chapter along with a video tutorial on how to prepare that dish. Make sure you get your copy and cook up some experiences for your students and loved ones!
Looking to elevate STEAM learning in your classroom? Discover TinkRworks — the evidence-based STEAM learning system designed for K-8 educators. TinkRworks engages students in unprecedented ways through innovative, STEAM Project-based Learning. The easy-to-implement program focuses on the hands-on application of STEM concepts and deepens cross-curricular connections to computer science, language arts, engineering, math, science, and the arts. Developed by a team of educators and engineers, TinkRworks provides comprehensive resources that enhance lesson plans, support project implementation, and ensure alignment with educational standards.
Join the growing community of TinkRworks educators. Visit TinkRworks.com/podcast for special pricing.
In this episode, I sit down and chat TinkRworks with Dr. Chad Stevens. He’s a returning guest but this time, he’s got a different company logo on his shirt. He’s the CEO of TinkRworks and discusses how they are delivering STEAM education into classrooms all over. He’s also a fellow Texan and discusses his brisket making abilities. This is a fun conversation and really focuses on how TinkRworks can help you bring STEAM to your classroom. Buen provecho!
Dr. Chad A. Stevens is a seasoned leader in educational technology, currently serving as the CEO of TinkRworks. His expertise lies in blending business strategies with educational insights to drive long-term sustainable growth. He was recently named EdTech Chronicle’s 2023 Best C-Level Officer in Education/EdTech. In 2023, EdTech Digest named Chad a Top 100 Influencer in EdTech.
My first book “Cooking Up Experiences In The Classroom: Focus On Experiences, Not Just Lessons” is officially out! A HUGE shout out to Lumio for helping sponsor this book. I’m super excited about this project. It’s filled with ideas on how to make memorable experiences for your students. In addition, each chapter also lays out a specific recipe mentioned in that chapter along with a video tutorial on how to prepare that dish. Make sure you get your copy and cook up some experiences for your students and loved ones!
Looking to elevate STEAM learning in your classroom? Discover TinkRworks — the evidence-based STEAM learning system designed for K-8 educators. TinkRworks engages students in unprecedented ways through innovative, STEAM Project-based Learning. The easy-to-implement program focuses on the hands-on application of STEM concepts and deepens cross-curricular connections to computer science, language arts, engineering, math, science, and the arts. Developed by a team of educators and engineers, TinkRworks provides comprehensive resources that enhance lesson plans, support project implementation, and ensure alignment with educational standards.
Join the growing community of TinkRworks educators. Visit TinkRworks.com/podcast for special pricing.
In this episode, I get schooled on Tutor.com by none other than kara Hall. She is the Senior Director of Customer Success and breaks down why YOUR school district needs Tutor.com. This is a great conversation and Kara breaks down what it takes to be a tutor and what little it takes for students to connect with an expert. Check this episode out and imagine how Tutor.com can help fill in the learning gaps. Buen provecho!
Kara is Senior Director of Customer Success at Tutor.com. Before that she served as Direct of Client Services, K12 and Government Partnerships and prior to that, Kara was a Senior Program Manager. Before joining Tutor.com, Kara was Director, Account Management at i-nexus.
My first book “Cooking Up Experiences In The Classroom: Focus On Experiences, Not Just Lessons” is officially out! A HUGE shout out to Lumio for helping sponsor this book. I’m super excited about this project. It’s filled with ideas on how to make memorable experiences for your students. In addition, each chapter also lays out a specific recipe mentioned in that chapter along with a video tutorial on how to prepare that dish. Make sure you get your copy and cook up some experiences for your students and loved ones!
Looking to elevate STEAM learning in your classroom? Discover TinkRworks — the evidence-based STEAM learning system designed for K-8 educators. TinkRworks engages students in unprecedented ways through innovative, STEAM Project-based Learning. The easy-to-implement program focuses on the hands-on application of STEM concepts and deepens cross-curricular connections to computer science, language arts, engineering, math, science, and the arts. Developed by a team of educators and engineers, TinkRworks provides comprehensive resources that enhance lesson plans, support project implementation, and ensure alignment with educational standards.
Join the growing community of TinkRworks educators. Visit TinkRworks.com/podcast for special pricing.
In this episode, I sit down with Laurie Deithelm and Randi Economou. Laurie is the Senior VP of Product at Capstone and Randi is the CEO of Capstone. We discuss the latest updates that are coming to the PebbleGo platform. There are some great additions to immerse our K-2 students into the research world without them being bogged down by incorrect data or even going to the wrong site to get bogus information. But what happens when they enter the upper elementary grades and miss PebbleGo? Well, they’re updating with PebbleGo Next, a research solution for 3rd-5th graders. This is a great episode with great guests. If you’re ready to see where PebbleGo is heading Next, give it a listen. Buen provecho!
Randi originally joined Capstone in 2010 as the Vice President of the West where she was instrumental in building our Go To Market strategy for seven years. In July 2022, Randi returned to Capstone as Chief Executive Officer. She is a seasoned executive with over 2 decades of leading and contributing to the vision and strategy within EdTech organizations within the US and internationally. Beginning her career as an educator and staying true to her passion for teaching and learning, Randi believes that education is key and has dedicated her career to advocating for life-long learning opportunities for all children. She has held a variety of leadership positions within TeachMaster Technologies, PLATO Learning, myON, and most recently, Renaissance. Randi has been successful in positioning organizations as market leaders through driving the business strategy, operations, and innovation, while focusing on growth and building and maintaining a positive culture. Randi holds an undergraduate degree in English and she graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Master of Education from Grand Canyon University.
About Laurie Diethelm
Laurie Diethelm has 20+ years of experience creating educational products ranging from software-as-a-service (SaaS) learning and development platforms to content-rich, multimedia learning experiences. Prior to joining the Capstone team, she worked with brands including For Dummies, Everything DiSC, Five Behaviors of a Cohesive Team, The Leadership Challenge, PXT Select, CrossKnowledge, and RMC Learning Solutions. She is a firm believer that the team is the most critical ingredient in the product development process—people from different perspectives and skill sets working together in creative tension will craft something much greater than any individual can create alone. Laurie is a graduate from the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities campus.
My first book “Cooking Up Experiences In The Classroom: Focus On Experiences, Not Just Lessons” is officially out! A HUGE shout out to Lumio for helping sponsor this book. I’m super excited about this project. It’s filled with ideas on how to make memorable experiences for your students. In addition, each chapter also lays out a specific recipe mentioned in that chapter along with a video tutorial on how to prepare that dish. Make sure you get your copy and cook up some experiences for your students and loved ones!
Today’s episode is sponsored by WeVideo, a cloud-based interactive video platform used by millions of educators and students. With WeVideo, educators have everything they need to create dynamic learning opportunities in the classroom. Easily assign pre-made video projects in just a few clicks, and collaborate with learners in real-time. Embed interactive elements like multiple choice questions, free responses, and discussion prompts into new or existing video content, and watch engagement soar. Meet students where they are, in a medium they love, and develop crucial 21st-century skills like creativity, communication, critical thinking, and collaboration. WeVideo makes it easy to create videos, podcasts, GIFs, and more — no matter who you are.
Try WeVideo today and maximize engagement, retention, and performance in the classroom. Visit www.wevideo.com/education to learn more.
In this episode, I sit down and chat with Erika Sandstrom AKA Green Screen Gal. We discuss the importance of student creativity and how WeVideo helps amplify student creativity. She discusses some of the projects she’s done with students, some of the stumbles she’s had, and how she got the name “The Green Screen Gal”. This conversation has been in the works for quite some time and is well worth the wait. Buen provecho!
Erika, a Digital Learning Coach & Media Teacher, with 33 years in education, focuses on Green Screen & video production. Known as “Green Screen Gal,” she speaks at conferences, conducts PD sessions, hosts webinars, and serves as a Canvassador for Canva. Erika, shares her passion for mindfulness, co-hosted Week of AI & Genially EDFest, founded Green Screen Summit, and graced the cover of Ed Tech K12 Magazine, named a TOP 30 IT Influencer.
My first book “Cooking Up Experiences In The Classroom: Focus On Experiences, Not Just Lessons” is officially out! A HUGE shout out to Lumio for helping sponsor this book. I’m super excited about this project. It’s filled with ideas on how to make memorable experiences for your students. In addition, each chapter also lays out a specific recipe mentioned in that chapter along with a video tutorial on how to prepare that dish. Make sure you get your copy and cook up some experiences for your students and loved ones!
Today’s episode is sponsored by WeVideo, a cloud-based interactive video platform used by millions of educators and students. With WeVideo, educators have everything they need to create dynamic learning opportunities in the classroom. Easily assign pre-made video projects in just a few clicks, and collaborate with learners in real-time. Embed interactive elements like multiple choice questions, free responses, and discussion prompts into new or existing video content, and watch engagement soar. Meet students where they are, in a medium they love, and develop crucial 21st-century skills like creativity, communication, critical thinking, and collaboration. WeVideo makes it easy to create videos, podcasts, GIFs, and more — no matter who you are.
Try WeVideo today and maximize engagement, retention, and performance in the classroom. Visit www.wevideo.com/education to learn more.
In this episode, I chat with Dr. Matthew Joseph to discuss X-Factor EDU. He founded this because of his passion of sharing voices and stories. He’s a published author and now pays it forward by allowing others (including myself) to share their story and voice through book publishing. He’s taken it a step further by starting a podcast network. We discuss his story, his ventures, and where he sees himself in five years. This is a great conversation with an even greater friend. Check it out, you won’t be disappointed. Buen provecho!
Dr. Matthew X. Joseph is the Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning in New Bedford MA. He is also the CEO of X-Factor EDU consulting and publishing. Experiences such as Executive Director of Teaching and Learning, Director of Curriculum and Instruction, Director of Digital Learning and Innovation, elementary school principal, classroom teacher, and district professional development specialist have provided Matt with incredible insights on how to best support teaching and learning and led to nationally published articles and opportunities to speak at multiple state and national events.
My first book “Cooking Up Experiences In The Classroom: Focus On Experiences, Not Just Lessons” is officially out! A HUGE shout out to Lumio for helping sponsor this book. I’m super excited about this project. It’s filled with ideas on how to make memorable experiences for your students. In addition, each chapter also lays out a specific recipe mentioned in that chapter along with a video tutorial on how to prepare that dish. Make sure you get your copy and cook up some experiences for your students and loved ones!
Today’s episode is sponsored by WeVideo, a cloud-based interactive video platform used by millions of educators and students. With WeVideo, educators have everything they need to create dynamic learning opportunities in the classroom. Easily assign pre-made video projects in just a few clicks, and collaborate with learners in real-time. Embed interactive elements like multiple choice questions, free responses, and discussion prompts into new or existing video content, and watch engagement soar. Meet students where they are, in a medium they love, and develop crucial 21st-century skills like creativity, communication, critical thinking, and collaboration. WeVideo makes it easy to create videos, podcasts, GIFs, and more — no matter who you are.
Try WeVideo today and maximize engagement, retention, and performance in the classroom. Visit www.wevideo.com/education to learn more.
In this episode, I have a meaningful and powerful discussion with Dr. Sawsan Jaber. She travels around the globe bringing humanity back to the classroom. She’s breaking down the barriers within our educational walls and helping students foster positivity and inclusivity. Her story is one that entails the struggles of stereotypes, sexism, and inequity that have shaped who She is today. This is an episode that will help reignite the passion for inclusivity and equity within our schools and society. Sit tight and listen to Dr. Sawsan Jaber as she explains what it’s like to bring the missing piece back to education, Humanity! Buen provecho!
Dr. Sawsan Jaber is a global educator, presenter, equity strategist, curriculum designer, community activist and keynote speaker of 20+ years. She has held a variety of leadership positions both in the U.S. and abroad. Dr. Jaber is currently a high school English Department Chair, District Equity Leader, and teacher at Maine West High School in Park Ridge, IL. Dr. Jaber founded Education Unfiltered Consulting and works with schools nationally and internationally. She completed her Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction with a focus on inclusion and belonging of students from marginalized communities, with a focus on Arab American students in historically homogenous communities Sawsan was one of the ten finalists for Ilinois State Teacher of the year. She was awarded the Cook County Teacher of the year in 2023, ISTE 20 to Watch Award for 2023, the CEL Teacher-Leader of Excellence Award in 2023, and IDEA Teacher of the Year in 2022.
My first book “Cooking Up Experiences In The Classroom: Focus On Experiences, Not Just Lessons” is officially out! A HUGE shout out to Lumio for helping sponsor this book. I’m super excited about this project. It’s filled with ideas on how to make memorable experiences for your students. In addition, each chapter also lays out a specific recipe mentioned in that chapter along with a video tutorial on how to prepare that dish. Make sure you get your copy and cook up some experiences for your students and loved ones!
Today’s episode is sponsored by WeVideo, a cloud-based interactive video platform used by millions of educators and students. With WeVideo, educators have everything they need to create dynamic learning opportunities in the classroom. Easily assign pre-made video projects in just a few clicks, and collaborate with learners in real-time. Embed interactive elements like multiple choice questions, free responses, and discussion prompts into new or existing video content, and watch engagement soar. Meet students where they are, in a medium they love, and develop crucial 21st-century skills like creativity, communication, critical thinking, and collaboration. WeVideo makes it easy to create videos, podcasts, GIFs, and more — no matter who you are.
Try WeVideo today and maximize engagement, retention, and performance in the classroom. Visit www.wevideo.com/education to learn more.
In this episode, I chat “accessibility” vs. “Accessibility” with Lindsay Foster. She will open your eyes to what it means to make sure our content is “Accessible”. This conversation really opened my eyes and made me rethink how I do what I do. This is a powerful conversation that needs to heard by anyone who creates or delivers content or curriculum. Please check it out and put these practices into play. Buen provecho!
Lindsay Foster has over two decades of educational experience as an elementary classroom educator, a technology applications instructor, an instructional technology coach and coordinator, and instructional designer. As an instructional designer, Mrs. Foster specializes in issues related to Regular and Substantive Interaction (RSI) and Accessibility. She was a TCEA Technology Administrator of the Year finalist in 2021 and Connect Campus Instructional Support Member of the Year (2023). Mrs. Foster is currently on the board of TxDLA representing Members-At-Large and she also served on the 2021 TEA State Board of Education Technology Applications TEKS Review Committee.
My first book “Cooking Up Experiences In The Classroom: Focus On Experiences, Not Just Lessons” is officially out! A HUGE shout out to Lumio for helping sponsor this book. I’m super excited about this project. It’s filled with ideas on how to make memorable experiences for your students. In addition, each chapter also lays out a specific recipe mentioned in that chapter along with a video tutorial on how to prepare that dish. Make sure you get your copy and cook up some experiences for your students and loved ones!
Today’s episode is sponsored by WeVideo, a cloud-based interactive video platform used by millions of educators and students. With WeVideo, educators have everything they need to create dynamic learning opportunities in the classroom. Easily assign pre-made video projects in just a few clicks, and collaborate with learners in real-time. Embed interactive elements like multiple choice questions, free responses, and discussion prompts into new or existing video content, and watch engagement soar. Meet students where they are, in a medium they love, and develop crucial 21st-century skills like creativity, communication, critical thinking, and collaboration. WeVideo makes it easy to create videos, podcasts, GIFs, and more — no matter who you are.
Try WeVideo today and maximize engagement, retention, and performance in the classroom. Visit www.wevideo.com/education to learn more.
In this episode, I sit down to chat “The Daily Planner For The Mindful Teacher” with the authors Kristofer Thurston and Destiny Wagner. They co-founded The EdTech Nerds and have not stopped since. If you’re unfamiliar with their book, check this episode out and get your copy today. This episode was recorded live at ISTE 2024 in Denver, Colorado. Buen provecho!
Destiny Wagner is a passionate education veteran with over 20 years of experience as a classroom physics teacher and a certified instructional technology coach. As part of EdTech Nerds, she shares her expertise in creating engaging professional development programs, equipping educators with the tools and techniques they need to thrive in the classroom. She is a champion for teacher wellbeing, focusing on strategies to combat burnout and cultivate a healthy work-life balance. When she’s not geeking out about education technology, you might find her channeling her inner Harry Potter as a Slytherin Prefect. She’s also a certified instructor in reality-based self-defense and a Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT-500), bringing a unique perspective on mindfulness and stress management to the education community.
About Kristofer Thurston
Director of Technology, in edtech since 1999. Got tired of losing my amazing teachers to burnout so co-founded EdTech Nerds to help teachers get back to their passion, the teaching.
My first book “Cooking Up Experiences In The Classroom: Focus On Experiences, Not Just Lessons” is officially out! A HUGE shout out to Lumio for helping sponsor this book. I’m super excited about this project. It’s filled with ideas on how to make memorable experiences for your students. In addition, each chapter also lays out a specific recipe mentioned in that chapter along with a video tutorial on how to prepare that dish. Make sure you get your copy and cook up some experiences for your students and loved ones!
