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DIESOL 120 - Selecting Textbooks

The DIESOL Podcast | EdTech in ESL

Release Date: 06/02/2025

DIESOL 143 - Collaborative AI with Joshua Paiz show art DIESOL 143 - Collaborative AI with Joshua Paiz

The DIESOL Podcast | EdTech in ESL

How do we deal with Artificial Intelligence, expertise, and pedagogy in English Language Teaching? We’re looking for the answers in this interview with Joshua Paiz, author of on this episode of the DIESOL podcast! Show Notes:  

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DIESOL 142 - Making Videos with Google Vids and Clipchamp show art DIESOL 142 - Making Videos with Google Vids and Clipchamp

The DIESOL Podcast | EdTech in ESL

If you're searching for an easy way for you or your students to make videos, Google Vids or Clipchamp may be the solution you've been looking for. Both platforms have their own approaches to making videos you can use for lectures, tutorials, presentations, and more. Check it out as Brent & Ixchell break down how to use them, an overview of the main features, and why you might choose one over the other. Show notes:  

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DIESOL 141 - Basics of Vibe Coding show art DIESOL 141 - Basics of Vibe Coding

The DIESOL Podcast | EdTech in ESL

Ever heard the term "vibecoding" and immediately assumed it wasn't for language teachers? Think again! In this episode of the DIESOL Podcast, Brent and Ixchell break down what vibecoding actually is, why it's less about computer science and more about clear communication, and how adult ESL educators can leverage it to create customized learning tools without knowing a thing about "coding". Show notes:  

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DIESOL 140 - What's in the Box? Building a Classroom Kit show art DIESOL 140 - What's in the Box? Building a Classroom Kit

The DIESOL Podcast | EdTech in ESL

While we frequently focus on digital tools and EdTech, what about the physical items in your room that impact your students' focus, energy, and overall mood? In this episode, Brent and Ixchell get physical and discuss how to build a tangible "classroom kit" that can lower the affective filter and set your students up for success. Show Notes and Transcript:

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DIESOL 139 - Encouraging Writing in the AI Era show art DIESOL 139 - Encouraging Writing in the AI Era

The DIESOL Podcast | EdTech in ESL

How do we help students build genuine writing skills when AI tools can easily do the work for them? In this episode, Brent & Ixchell share practical strategies, low-tech solutions, and clever ways to use AI as a scaffold rather than a shortcut, ensuring students still do the hard work of learning. Show Notes:  

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DIESOL 138 - Summer Splash! A Curriculum for Summer Exploration show art DIESOL 138 - Summer Splash! A Curriculum for Summer Exploration

The DIESOL Podcast | EdTech in ESL

How can you explore new ideas while still taking time to unwind from the school year? In this episode, Ixchell & Brent share practical tools, creative pedagogy, and accessible resources to keep your innovative juices flowing without leading to summer burnout. Show notes: www.DIESOL.org/138

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DIESOL 137 - Creative Thinking Strategies to Increase Productive Fluency with Sara Davila show art DIESOL 137 - Creative Thinking Strategies to Increase Productive Fluency with Sara Davila

The DIESOL Podcast | EdTech in ESL

Brent Warner and Ixchell Reyes are joined by internationally recognized consultant and former teacher, Sara Davila, to explore how creative thinking strategies can boost productive fluency in language learners. From practical techniques like the Idea Box and reverse brainstorming to the role of AI as a creative partner, Sara shares actionable ideas teachers can use right away, whether low-tech or no-tech environment. If you’ve ever wondered how to move students from knowing English to actually using it with confidence, this episode is for you! Show notes:  

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DIESOL 136 - Finding Ways to Incorporate Vocabulary Across the Curriculum show art DIESOL 136 - Finding Ways to Incorporate Vocabulary Across the Curriculum

The DIESOL Podcast | EdTech in ESL

In today’s episode, we’re tackling a common challenge. Your students want to build their vocabulary, but your class isn’t really focused on vocabulary learning. So what can you do? We’re looking at simple, practical ways to weave vocabulary into any lesson, without needing to redesign your whole curriculum. From choosing the right words to helping students actually use them in real contexts, we’ll share ideas you can start using right away. Show Notes:   YouTube:  

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DIESOL 135 - How to Be Tech-Friendly During a Tech Backlash.mp3 show art DIESOL 135 - How to Be Tech-Friendly During a Tech Backlash.mp3

The DIESOL Podcast | EdTech in ESL

We’re seeing many reports of schools banning the use of mobile devices during school hours. There are multiple articles sharing the impact that the use of mobile devices has on student academic achievement scores. Is the backlash against classroom tech justified, or are we missing something important? In this episode, Brent and Ixchell dig into the growing global movement to ban phones and devices from schools, and discuss ways for more thoughtful approach to EdTech without compromising student achievement. Show notes:  

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DIESOL 134 - Trauma Awareness in the Adult ESL Classroom show art DIESOL 134 - Trauma Awareness in the Adult ESL Classroom

The DIESOL Podcast | EdTech in ESL

In this episode, Brent and Ixchell look at trauma in the adult ESOL classroom. It’s a heavy subject, but it’s also incredibly relevant, both right now and for anyone working with English learners. Our field serves populations who, more often than not, have experienced some form of trauma in their lives. Most instructors are not trained in trauma counseling or mental health support. Because of that, Brent and Ixchell turned to research articles and expert perspectives to help listeners better understand how educators can create supportive, responsive classroom environments for students...

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More Episodes

Tired of textbooks that leave you scrambling to create supplemental activities? Join Brent and Ixchell as they break down what actually makes a language textbook worth your time and money. From spotting integrated skills and authentic materials to ensuring cultural representation that reflects your diverse classroom, they reveal the insider secrets of textbook evaluation. Discover why layout matters more than you think, how to push back on publishers, and what to look for beyond just pretty pictures. Whether you're stuck with assigned texts or have the freedom to choose, this episode will transform how you evaluate teaching materials. Stop letting textbooks control your teaching—make them work for you!

Show notes: www.DIESOL.org/120