Libsyn Directory

5 NotebookLM Features That Might Change How You Teach - 366

Release Date: 04/14/2026

How to Build a Back-to-School Writing Routine Students Love - Bonus Episode with WeWillWrite

Easy EdTech Podcast with Monica Burns

In this episode, I chat with Erlend Klouman Høiner, a former teacher and co-founder of WeWillWrite, and Bonnie Watson, a fourth grade language arts teacher, about making back-to-school writing something students beg to do. You'll also hear how short, live writing sessions put every student on equal footing, why building a writing routine from the first weeks of school pays off all year long, and how anonymous peer voting helps students see models of strong writing from their own classmates. If you want a low-prep way to energize writing in your classroom this school year, this episode has you...

One of My Favorite Ways to Introduce AI Images - 383

Easy EdTech Podcast with Monica Burns

In this episode, I share one of my favorite ways to introduce AI images with a quick “guess the prompt" activity I've used with thousands of educators in workshops and webinars. You'll also hear an excerpt from the second edition of EdTech Essentials on three reasons to try AI images (replacing a search, upgrading old resources, and explaining complex topics), plus the tools I reach for when creating an image. If you want a simple, repeatable way to spark AI literacy conversations with your students or colleagues, this episode has you covered! Show notes: Sponsored by Work With Monica:...

Practical Ways to Increase Father Engagement at Your School with Dr. Deborah Higdon and Dr. Chacko Abraham - 382

Easy EdTech Podcast with Monica Burns

In this episode, I chat with Dr. Deborah Higdon and Dr. Chacko Abraham about father engagement and how schools can intentionally engage fathers to build stronger school communities. You’ll also hear no-cost, hit-the-ground-running strategies from their new book, The Dad Difference, including the power of using father-friendly language and choosing the right communication tools to reach every family. If you want practical ideas for inviting dads into the conversation from day one of the school year and strengthening father engagement across your school community, this episode has you covered!...

Using AI in the Reading Classroom (Or Anytime Students Are Reading)- 381

Easy EdTech Podcast with Monica Burns

In this episode, I share practical ways to use AI to support student readers across content areas and in the reading classroom, from creating audio companions to designing interactive reading activities. You’ll also hear how tools like AI-powered podcasts, text-to-speech, quizzes, visuals, and reader’s theater scripts can help you scale support while keeping learning goals front and center. If you want to use AI to make reading more accessible, engaging, and manageable for both you and your students, this episode has you covered! Show notes: Sponsored by my Easy EdTech Club: Follow...

What is Vibe Coding? A Quick Intro and 5 Ideas for Educators - 380

Easy EdTech Podcast with Monica Burns

In this episode, I share a quick introduction to vibe coding and five websites I recently built with the help of AI. You’ll also hear how I used Claude, Gemini, and Google Sites to turn simple ideas into working tools without traditional coding skills. If you want to try vibe coding and create a useful website, app, or classroom resource of your own, this episode has you covered! Show notes: Sponsored by Pollzy: Follow Monica on Instagram: Take your pick of free EdTech resources:

Mixing and Matching EdTech Tools for Student Projects with Heidi Samuelson - 379

Easy EdTech Podcast with Monica Burns

In this episode, I chat with Heidi Samuelson, instructional technology coach for two elementary schools in Tennessee, about how to mix and match EdTech tools for stronger, more intentional student projects. You’ll also hear a step-by-step breakdown of a multi-app project using, plus practical strategies for keeping workflows simple, modeling transitions between apps, and focusing on depth over quantity. If you want ideas for combining the tools you already have into creative, purpose-driven student projects, this episode has you covered! Show notes: Sponsored by my Easy EdTech Club: Follow...

How AI Can Create Instructional Coherence for Districts - Bonus Episode with Renaissance

Easy EdTech Podcast with Monica Burns

In this episode, I chat with Dr. Gene Kerns, Chief Academic Officer at Renaissance, about instructional coherence and how AI can help connect the assessment, curriculum, and practice tools that too often live in separate places. You’ll also hear why having more data isn’t the same as having useful data, what to look for when evaluating an AI-powered tool, and how Renaissance Intelligence aims to make personalized learning doable at scale while keeping teachers at the center. If you want to rethink how your tools and data work together so you can spend less time wrangling reports and more...

AI Prompts for Families: 10 Easy Ways to Get Started - 378

Easy EdTech Podcast with Monica Burns

In this episode, I share ten easy-to-use AI prompts for families to try for everyday activities, from planning day trips and creating bedtime stories to helping with homework and weekly meal planning. You'll also hear how to model responsible AI use with your kids and customize each prompt for better results. If you're looking for simple ways to start using AI as a family, this episode has you covered! Show notes: Sponsored by my Easy EdTech Club: Follow Monica on Instagram: Take your pick of free EdTech resources:

How AI Can Support Educator Wellness and Emotional Intelligence with Sheila Dokken - 377

Easy EdTech Podcast with Monica Burns

In this episode, I chat with Sheila Dokken, Coordinator of Prevention and Safety for a large district in Minnesota, about how AI can support educator wellness and emotional intelligence instead of just adding more to an already full plate. You’ll also hear about her PRISM framework for moving from overwhelm to clarity, plus the idea of owning your 10% and using AI as a reflective thought partner during high-stress moments. If you want to explore how AI can help educators slow down, process, and respond with intention rather than just produce more, this episode has you covered! Show notes: ...

How to Host a Virtual Book Study That Teachers Actually Love- 376

Easy EdTech Podcast with Monica Burns

In this episode, I share practical tips for hosting a virtual book study that feels supportive, focused, and doable for busy educators. You’ll also hear strategies for choosing a clear purpose, setting flexible expectations, and keeping momentum going with warm-ups, discussion prompts, and optional action steps. If you want to design a virtual book study that teachers actually enjoy and want to stick with, this episode has you covered! Show notes: Sponsored by my Amazon Storefront: Follow Monica on Instagram: Take your pick of free EdTech resources:

More Episodes

In this episode, I share five creative ways to use NotebookLM for teachers to go beyond basic Q&A and enhance lesson prep. You’ll also hear real-world examples of using audio debates, slide decks, infographics, data tables, and cinematic videos in the classroom. Tune in for actionable ideas to create engaging, customizable learning materials with AI.

Show notes: https://classtechtips.com/2026/04/14/notebooklm-for-teachers-366/

Sponsored by my new ASCD deck of cards, Purposeful EdTech Tips: https://ClassTechTips.com/cards

Follow Monica on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/classtechtips/

Take your pick of free EdTech resources: https://classtechtips.com/free-stuff-favorites/

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