332: Here's why we need more student podcasters: meet Zach of We the Children
Shifting Schools: Conversations for K12 Educators
Release Date: 04/01/2024
Understanding the potential uses for AI as an assistive technology
Shifting Schools: Conversations for K12 Educators
In this episode, we sit down with Fiona Goodall, a leading expert on the social applications of assistive technologies. Fiona helps us understanding how emerging technologies, particularly AI, can benefit neurodivergent learners and support social-emotional development. We'll explore a compelling use case where AI is being leveraged not just for academics, but to help foster friendships and meaningful connections. Fiona will also share her perspective on the need for cautious optimism when it comes to AI - a mindset she believes is critical as this powerful technology continues to advance....
info_outline
How do we balance innovation and ethics?
Shifting Schools: Conversations for K12 Educators
On this week we speak with Dr. Federica Fornaciari, who is a Professor, a researcher, a children’s book author, and the Academic Program Director for the MA in Strategic Communications at National University. She received a doctorate in Communication with a concentration in Electronic Security and Privacy from the University of Illinois at Chicago and a Master of Arts in Journalism and Mass Communication from Marshall University. Her research and teaching revolve around emerging technologies, privacy issues, digital identities, frame theory, and media representation. Federica has...
info_outline
Asking what students need and when with Professor Anna Mills
Shifting Schools: Conversations for K12 Educators
Professor Anna Mills discusses the evolving landscape of AI literacy in education, emphasizing the need for a balanced approach to integrating AI into writing and learning processes. She reflects on the challenges of defining boundaries for AI use in academic settings, the importance of fostering intrinsic motivation among students, and the necessity of bridging the gap between K-12 and higher education. Anna Mills has taught writing at public two-year colleges in the San Francisco Bay Area for 18 years and currently teach at College of Marin. Her OER textbook, How Arguments Work: A...
info_outline
AI Detection is a waste of your time, so now what?
Shifting Schools: Conversations for K12 Educators
In this episode, Jeff Utecht interviews Michelle Kassorla, an associate professor of English at Georgia State University, about using generative AI in higher education. They discuss the importance of teaching AI literacy, the role of AI in the writing process, and the benefits of using AI to support student learning. Michelle shares her insights on assessment, transparency, and the creative opportunities that AI provides for students. She also discusses the development of AI literacy standards for higher education and offers practical tips for integrating AI into the classroom. Michelle...
info_outline
A great way to center student voice when it comes to generative AI
Shifting Schools: Conversations for K12 Educators
In this conversation, Jeff Utecht interviews Dr. Dayamudra Dennehy, a community college teacher, about the incorporation of generative AI in classrooms. They discuss the importance of including students in the conversation about AI and the need for a nuanced approach to ethics. Dayamudra shares her project of having students create AI manifestos as a way to explore the ethical use of AI. They also talk about the need for educators to have a growth mindset and be curious about technology. Dayamudra emphasizes the importance of educators being involved in the development of AI tools and holding...
info_outline
The beauty of scenario based learning
Shifting Schools: Conversations for K12 Educators
How do you see yourself in the future of learning? This week on the pod guest Amy Oswalt is here to help us to think bigger about that question as well as the future of inclusivity in schools. Ready to learn more about Amy? Amy Oswalt is a passionate educator and leader with extensive experience in creating and implementing programs that cater to neurodiverse learners. As the Founder and Director of Conduit and Ask Different Questions, Amy has developed a platform that promotes inclusive education practices and neurodiversity awareness through workshops, consultations, and online resources....
info_outline
What a professor of education has to say about the future of teaching with AI
Shifting Schools: Conversations for K12 Educators
Dr. Min Sun, a professor of education at the University of Washington, discusses the work of AmplifyLearn.ai, a center focused on harnessing the power of AI to improve teaching and learning. The center conducts scientific research, develops AI-powered education technology, offers training programs, and engages in public dissemination of research. Dr. Sun explains the development of Colleague.ai, a specialized AI assistant for K-12 educators that streamlines tasks such as lesson planning, differentiation, and grading. She emphasizes the importance of thoughtful design and research in AI...
info_outline
Enhancing Accessibility in Higher Education with AI
Shifting Schools: Conversations for K12 Educators
Dr. Laura Dumin obtained her PhD in English from Oklahoma State University in 2010. She is a professor in English and Technical Writing at the University of Central Oklahoma who has been exploring the impact of generative AI on writing classrooms. Laura has been experimenting with transformative learning (TL) tools and scholarship of teaching and learning methods (SoTL) in the classroom for over 7 years. She finds that when students are engaged in the lessons, learning can happen organically, leading to more interesting class periods and longer-term gains in understanding concepts. ...
info_outline
357: The Future of AI in College: Personalization and a new Student Life Experience
Shifting Schools: Conversations for K12 Educators
Get ready to dive into the rapidly evolving world of AI and its impact on higher education. As the landscape of technology shifts faster than ever, how can today’s college students and Student Affairs professionals adapt? Our guest expert shares insights on the critical questions and tools that can shape the future of AI in higher education, exploring how AI is influencing both the academic and social experiences of students on campus. Key Takeaways: AI Integration in Higher Education: What does AI integration look like for today’s college students, and what should we hope it becomes?...
info_outline
356: The sound of play
Shifting Schools: Conversations for K12 Educators
💡 On our power of play series this week we talk with Hayes Greenfield is founder of Creative Sound Play (CSP), a sound-based, generative learning system for Pre-K, as well as an award-winning jazz musician, notable film composer, and innovative educator. His book, Creative Sound Play for Young Learners (Routledge, Eye on Education Series, 2024), invites educators to use sound-making as collaborative educational play. Hayes began working as a teaching artist in public and private K-12 schools. He created and implemented curricula for K-12 students, and professional development...
info_outlineOur special guest this week is Zach, the host of the incredible podcast 'We The Children'
Zachary Fox-DeVol, or Zach, is a curious 12-year-old with a passion for the environment and a mind eager to learn more about our planet. In June 2020, during a summer writing project, Zach ventured into the world of podcasting and created "Rule Of The Bark" . This unique podcast, told from a dog's perspective, provides humorous interviews and helpful tips on raising dogs.
Zooming ahead to December 2021, Zach’s interest took a serious turn toward climate change. This led to 'We The Children,' where, at 12 years old, he dives into climate discussions and solutions from a youthful viewpoint. The podcast illuminates how kids like him care deeply about Earth's future and their actions' pivotal role in shaping a sustainable planet.
In the summer of 2023, Zach was honored to join an Australian Radio Station as a US Ambassador, engaging in enlightening interviews on Funky Kids Radio. Additionally, he’s taken up speaking engagements at schools and clubs, advocating for the environment, recycling, and composting among kids.
When he's not busy pondering our planet or podcasting, he enjoys working on magic tricks, playing chess, mastering the Rubik's cube, and spending time with his pets—a dog named Ewok and a cat named Pax.
Zach's "Production Team" includes his Kindergarten/Second-grade teacher and friend, Clare Marder, making his podcasting journey a collaborative and educational experience.
https://www.instagram.com/we_the_children_podcast/
x - @WeTheChildrenP1
Ready to learn more about his show?
https://www.wethechildrenpodcast.com/
Learn more about the sponsors of this episode:
https://gamestormedu.com/gamestormers/
Learn with Jeff and Tricia this Spring:
Take $25 off any of our offerings with "SSPOD25" as a discount code.