The Teachercast Podcast

This year at ISTE, I had the amazing opportunity to join 90 educators from across the United States as a member of the first cohort of the LEGO Education Master Educator program. The LEGO Educator Master Educator Program is a network of educators who use LEGO Education solutions in their classroom to inspire their students. https://www.teachercast.net/product/0262037297/US/teach00-20/?cart=y ()On this week's podcast, we share more than a dozen interviews that I had the opportunity to do with these amazing educators and together we share several great ways that you can use LEGO Education products in your classroom. Personally, I have been working with teachers in my district using the Mindstorm EV3 kits and have very much enjoyed watching our students learn some of the building blocks of coding and programming. Learn More about LEGO Educationhttp://education.lego.com (Website: education.lego.com) https://education.lego.com/en-us/about-us (What is Lego Education?) https://education.lego.com/en-us/mast

https://www.teachercast.net/product/1416532684/US/teach00-20/?cart=y ()This year at the http://teachercast.net/iste (ISTE Conference), I had the opportunity to catch up with https://www.teachercast.net/tcp140-john-kao/ (John Kao), a man dubbed “Mr. Creativity” by The Economist. John and I first met a few years back and spent some time together during an event in http://teachercast.net/microsoftedu (Seattle) and I have always been fascinated by not only his point of view on today's educational landscape but by the way he is able to very clearly make sense of many of the things we take for granted every day in our classrooms. This year, John wasn't alone. He brought his son Desi with him to the conference and it was a pleasure getting to meet Desi and as you will hear in this interview, Desi has a very similar sense of creativity and wonder about his surroundings just like his father has. Conversation Topics IncludeWhat is Innovation in 2018? Is Innovation about “doing” or “thinking” What ca

In this episode of the TeacherCast Podcast, we welcome Mike Soules, the President of http://twitter.com/corwinpress (Corwin) and Dr. Julie Smith, Corwin's Senior Director for Visible Learning on the show to discuss http://twitter.com/visiblelearning (Visible Learning Plus), a brand new professional development platform developed based on the research of Professor John Hattie. In this episode, we discuss: Corwin 2018 News and Updates What is Global Visible Learning? How does Visible Learning plus fit into Corwin's family of programs and services? How is the Visible Learning plus model implemented in schools? What are the key takeaways from Prof. John Hattie’s research that can guide future teacher professional development? How does Prof. Hattie’s research and Corwin’s practices differ from other professional development approaches? What do you see as the most promising aspect of this partnership? Follow our PodcastThe TeacherCast Educational Broadcasting Network | http://www.twitter.com/teachercast (@TeacherC

https://www.teachercast.net/product/1416620753/US/teach00-20/?cart=y ()In this episode of the TeacherCast Podcast, we speak with ASCD Author Erik M. Francis about his book “Now That’s a Good Question! How to Promote Cognitive Rigor Through Classroom Questioning.  During our conversation, we discuss several ways that teachers can ask thought-provoking questions to their students both verbally and on assessments that allow them to provide a fully thought out answer rather than just a simple yes or no.  For more information, please check out http://www.maverikeducation.com (www.maverikeducation.com) and follow Erik on Twitter at http://twitter.com/maverikedu12 (@MaverikEdu12) Follow our PodcastThe TeacherCast Educational Broadcasting Network | http://www.twitter.com/teachercast (@TeacherCast) Follow our HostJeff Bradbury | http://www.twitter.com/jeffbradbury (@JeffBradbury) About our GuestErik M. Francis is the owner and lead professional education specialist for Maverik Education LLC, providing prof

https://www.teachercast.net/product/141662581X/US/teach00-20/?cart=y ()In this episode of the TeacherCast Podcast, we welcome ASCD author Brian Mendler to discuss his new book. http://www.ascd.org/Publications/Books/Overview/Discipline-with-Dignity-How-to-Build-Responsibility-Relationships-and-Respect-in-Your-Classroom-4th-Edition.aspx (Discipline with Dignity, 4th Edition: How to Build Responsibility, Relationships, and Respect in Your Classroom). In this episode, we discuss: Brian dealt with struggles growing up, including a gambling addiction; he is now 15 years in recovery (you can talk about his path to teaching as an intro and how his path influenced his teaching style) General conversation about what causes kids to misbehaveOut of school and in school causes What does and doesn’t work to get them back on trackThreats, punishments, and rewards: Why Most Traditional Discipline Methods Don't Work (this is a chapter in the book) How to redirect student behavior Interrupting misbehavior with good teaching S

In this episode of the TeacherCast Podcast, we welcome ASCD author http://twitter.com/Robyn_Mindsteps (Robyn Jackson) on the program to discuss her new book: Never Underestimate Your Teachers: Instructional Leadership for Excellence in Every Classroomhttps://www.teachercast.net/product/1416615288/US/teach00-20/?cart=y (). In this episode, we discuss: How she came to the profession Her experiences seeing teachers be underestimated in their jobs and the impact of that on their craft Any teacher can become a master teacherFeedback mistakes leaders can make How to give effective feedback If being a master teacher is instinctive … can you teach instinct? Tools for finding the strengths in teachers How can we help other teachers become master teachers?During the school year? During our pre-service years? After we have become a veteran teacher What strategies can be used for teacher motivation if you are not in a leadership position? Advice for educators when seeking a leadership path for themselves Follow our

This week witnessed a major tremor in the Twittersphere when 10 Million monthly users woke up to learn that Padlet, a popular digital bulletin board, has adjusted their pricing model. What happened after that was the coming together of passionate educators about a much-loved technology product to help each other understand why decisions such as this have to happen and also to provide support and alternative ways of providing outstanding lessons in the classroom.   In this episode of the https://www.teachercast.net/episodes/teachercast-podcast/ (TeacherCast Podcast), we sit down with CEO Nitesh Goel to discuss the recent price restructuring of Padlet and what it means to educators moving forward.  I wish to thank Nitesh for a very open and personable conversation. For the last few months, I have been touting http://padlet.com (Padlet) not only to teachers in my own district but at several regional professional conferences. I hope when listening to the interview you will

In this episode of the TeacherCast Podcast, we sit down with Tony Skauge and Jamie Candee to showcase how teachers are using Edmentum to design engaging learning experiences for their students. Follow our PodcastThe TeacherCast Educational Broadcasting Network | http://www.twitter.com/teachercast (@TeacherCast) Follow our HostJeff Bradbury | http://www.twitter.com/jeffbradbury (@JeffBradbury) About EdmentumEdmentum, Inc., is committed to making it easier for educators to individualize learning for every student through simple technology, high-quality content, and actionable data. Founded in innovation, Edmentum’s powerful learning programs blend technology with individual teaching approaches. Edmentum is committed to being educators' most trusted partner in creating successful student outcomes everywhere learning occurs. Built on 50 years of experience in education, Edmentum programs currently support educators and students in more than 40,000 schools nationwide. For more information, visit http://link.emai

https://www.teachercast.net/product/0692950419/US/teach00-20/?cart=y ()In this episode of the TeacherCast Podcast, we speak with Technology Integration Specialist Jarod Bormann, author of the book Professionally Driven. Together, we break down the role of professional development in the school district and begin to understand why it is vitally important to every district to have a clear system from which professional development is given. In this episode, you will learn: Why is it important for school districts to constantly rethink their Professional Development strategy? What types of PD work … What types of PD don’t work? When should PD be delivered top-down vs from the ground up? The role of the Tech Coach at various educational levels (classroom, building, district, community) How to think of PD like a Caveman Follow our PodcastThe TeacherCast Educational Broadcasting Network | http://www.twitter.com/teachercast (@TeacherCast) Follow our HostJeff Bradbury | http://www.twitter.com/je

In this episode of the TeacherCast Podcast, we speak with Dr. Ayanna Howard, Professor at the Georgia Institute of Technology about Robotics, STEM Education, and her upcoming Keynote at the Future of Education Technology Conference (FETC) In this episode, you will learn: What is the difference between Coding and Programming? Why should STEM be included in all subject areas? Can STEM and Coding be included in our Pre-K programs? Where can teachers find great resources to get them started in STEM? Follow our PodcastThe TeacherCast Educational Broadcasting Network | http://www.twitter.com/teachercast (@TeacherCast) Follow our HostJeff Bradbury | http://www.twitter.com/jeffbradbury (@JeffBradbury) About our Dr. Ayanna HowardDr. Howard has over 13 years of R&D experience covering a number of projects that have been supported by a range of agencies including: NSF, NASA, Procter and Gamble, ExxonMobil, and Intel. Her robotics and assistive technology research, has resulted in over 200 publications a

In this episode of the TeacherCast Podcast, we learn that STEM Education is not just for the K-12 classroom but can also be introduced as young as 2-3 years old. Recently, LEGO Education has released great products aimed at our youngest of learners. On today's podcast, we speak with three educators that not only are bringing these products into their classrooms but are responsible for creating a curriculum that can be used both in the classroom and at home by moms and dads. In this episode, you will learn:How can STEAM Education be brought into the PreK classroom? Is it possible to design a MakerSpace for nonreaders? How can your classroom take advantage of great products from LEGO Education? Follow our PodcastThe TeacherCast Educational Broadcasting Network | http://www.twitter.com/teachercast (@TeacherCast) Follow our HostJeff Bradbury | http://www.twitter.com/jeffbradbury (@JeffBradbury) About our Guests:The following participating teachers can speak to the importance of STEAM learning in

In this episode of the TeacherCast Podcast, we discuss Augmented Reality with Metaverse CEO, Dmitry Shapiro. Together, we explore how Augmented Reality is being used in and out of the classrooms and learn where this amazing technology will be taking us as we head into the future. Follow our PodcastThe TeacherCast Educational Broadcasting Network | http://www.twitter.com/teachercast (@TeacherCast) Follow our HostJeff Bradbury | http://www.twitter.com/jeffbradbury (@JeffBradbury) About our GuestDmitry Shapiro is CEO and Co-Founder of GoMeta (Metaverse), an augmented reality platform. Before Metaverse, Dmitry founded three companies (in network security, online video, social networking), raised $100 million in venture capital, tried to bring MySpace back from the dead (as CTO of music), and spent four years at Google working on a social graph, content discovery, and identity. The Metaverse AR platform makes it easy for non-techies to create augmented reality. While it has applications across man

In this episode of the TeacherCast Podcast, we speak with TED speaker Ted Dintersmith about his movie “Most Likely to Succeed” and ask the question, “what should our students be learning in school?” Follow our PodcastThe TeacherCast Educational Broadcasting Network | http://www.twitter.com/teachercast (@TeacherCast) Follow our HostJeff Bradbury | http://www.twitter.com/jeffbradbury (@JeffBradbury) About our GuestTed DintersmithAfter a 25-year career in venture capital, Ted Dintersmith is now committed to creating national change through initiatives at the intersection of innovation, education, and film. He is the producer of the documentary “Most Likely to Succeed,” and an executive producer of “The Hunting Ground” (both films premiered at Sundance, 2015). Ted served as part of the delegation representing the U.S. at the United Nations General Assembly in a year, where he focused on global education and entrepreneurship; is a partner emeritus with Charles River Ventures; and has served on the boar

In this episode of the TeacherCast Podcast, we take a look at some pretty awesome “Unplugged EdTech” in the form of interactive whiteboards known as mcSquares. For the last year, I have been a big fan of mcSquares and have actually been using them to teach the EduTriplets how to write their names. The simple yet durable form factor of mcSquares makes it not only easy to use in class, but very easy to store away when not in use. There are several things that you can do each day with your mcSquares from basic writing and drawing activities to complex programming and coding planograms with your students.  In this episode, you will learn 3 ways to use http://www.mcsquares.com (mcSquares) in the classroom. Elementary SchoolOne of the easiest ways to use mcSquares is as a simple dry erase board. Both version 1 and 2 are built from combining a front and a back form surrounding a sheet of paper. This paper can be interchanged with anything you wish to use as a template for whatever project y

In this episode of the TeacherCast Podcast, we sit down with Jill King from the Cartoon Network and Champika Fernando from the Scratch team to discuss why it is critical to be teaching STEM and coding skills to children of all ages. Topics DiscussedHow is the Cartoon Network reaching students worldwide? Where can parents learn more about the Cartoon Network? What is Scratch and how can students learn coding and programming skills? Why is it important that we address the gender gap in STEM education? http://csforallconsortium.org (CSForAll Summit) About Cartoon Networkhttp://www.cartoonnetwork.com ()Cartoon Network is more than an animation station – it’s a technology-enabled multiplatform entertainment powerhouse that fosters kids’ creativity with engaging shows; mobile, online, console and VR games; toys; and even coding tutorials. Each of these platforms incorporates educational components that support Gen Z’s creativity in 24/7 environments through problem-solving, critical thinking and self-expression. A

http://www.padcaster.com ()In this episode of the TeacherCast Podcast, I sit down with one of the founders of the Padcaster, Josh Apter to discuss educational video production and how your school can create an extremely professional video product using the Padcaster. For the last few months, I have been using the Padcaster not only to upgrade my home studio but to give me a portable solution to record in classrooms and conferences. Simply put, the Padcaster is the perfect solution for any school looking to create morning announcements, live broadcasts, or record athletic events. This fall, Padcaster will be releasing several new products that I think will continue to revolutionize and simplify video production. https://www.padcaster.com/product/padcaster-verse/ (One of these is the new Padcaster VERSE,) a complete solution to turn your mobile phone into a “mobile media powerhouse”. In today's podcast, Josh shows us how the VERSE is not only a dynamic stand and equipment holder for your phone, i

In this episode of the TeacherCast Podcast, we sit down with Mike Soules and Dr. Sonja-Hollins Alexander from Corwin to discuss a recent survey of more than 6300 educators on the state of professional development in schools today. Together, we discuss the 7 standards of professional learning and how they were used to guide today's professional learning environments. Topics discussed on the show include The 7 Standards of Professional Learning What is Professional Learning? 4 Findings of the Survey Teachers report that leaders in their schools and systems are committed to professional learning. Teachers report that their schools use student achievement data to plan professional learning, but they don't use a variety of data to assess its effectiveness. Teachers do not appear to be deeply involved in decisions about their own professional learning. Teachers report that they are not provided adequate time during the school day to follow up on their professional learning by practicing and applying new skills

In this episode of the TeacherCast Podcast, we sit down with Rick Fredkin from Eduporium. http://www.eduporium.com (Eduporium is) a marketplace that acts similar to Amazon, yet is focused on providing school districts a direct, purchase order friendly way of bringing in STEM and Makerspace items into their schools. About EduporiumEduporium is a school partner that views technology as a fundamental literacy in the 21st century. We work directly with teachers, schools, districts, libraries, and makerspaces to provide them with meaningful and discounted technologies that enhance experiential learning and help students develop crucial 21st-century skills. Cooperative partnerships help us expand schools’ access to STEAM technologies, increase the affordability of educational tools, and enable us to customize tech bundles and activities for all grade levels. Our services include educator discounts, customizable EdTech bundles, a Lending Library, and a Donation Program – all of which are designed to increa

In this episode of the TeacherCast Podcast, we welcome Eric Li from http://twitter.com/khanacademy (Khan Academy) to discuss LearnStorm 2017, a FREE six-week challenge that helps students build skills and mindsets to start the school year strong. About Khan AcademyKhan Academy is a nonprofit with a mission of providing a free, world-class education for anyone, anywhere. Today more than 55 million registered users access Khan Academy in dozens of languages from more than 190 countries. Khan Academy’s free online learning resources cover preschool through early college education, including K–12 math, grammar, biology, chemistry, physics, economics, finance, history, and SAT® prep. Khan Academy is the official practice partner for AP. Khan Academy gives teachers tools and data to help their students develop the skills, habits, and mindsets they need to succeed in school and beyond. And it’s all free, for everyone, forever. About our GuestEric Li, LearnStorm Lead for Khan Academy, is passionate about using educ

On today's episode of the TeacherCast Podcast, we welcome Kat Kennewell and Phil Grigonis on the program to showcase the amazing https://www.teachercast.net/product/B01LFN22FG/US/teach00-20/?cart=y (Edison Robot) from Microbric. About Edison RobotsIn 2014, with only a tiny team based in South Australia, Microbric launched the Edison robot with a bang. The wildly successful Kickstarter campaign hit 524% funding and the popularity of Edison has only grown from there. The highly versatile and easy-to-use robot is now distributed globally and can be found in schools in more than 50 countries around the world. Microbric’s vision for the Edison robot is to create an affordable, comprehensive STEM teaching resource for coding and robotics education for students in years 3 – 9. To support this vision, users of Edison have access to free educational resources and programming apps. The Edison robot can be programmed multiple ways: using pre-set barcodes, EdWare, EdPy and now, EdBlocks. EdBlocks, the newest programming