Al Thomas - Visual Storytelling in the Classroom
Educational Duct Tape: An EdTech Integration Mindset
Release Date: 02/18/2022
Educational Duct Tape: An EdTech Integration Mindset
How do we make tech processes easier for students—and teachers—to follow? In this episode, I chat with Courtney Watson from friEdTechnology about strategies for creating clear, bite-sized tech instructions using tools like Scribe, iorad, Canva, and Adobe Express. We explore ways to lower the cognitive load and boost confidence in tech-rich classrooms. Plus, I share new feature updates in Book Creator, Padlet, and NotebookLM that support accessibility, flexibility, and efficiency. #EduDuctTape Episode 125 0:00:00 INTRO 0:02:59 Today's Guest: Courtney Watson Courtney is a Google Certified...
info_outlineEducational Duct Tape: An EdTech Integration Mindset
This interview was originally aired on the State of Ed Podcast by Dr. Nick Isseks and Dr. Nick Simone. It is being re-aired here with their permission. You can access the original episode here: and access all State of Ed Podcast episodes here: 0:00:00 INTRO 0:02:53 State of Ed Podcast 0:04:21 Jake's Journey 0:05:57 What is Personalized Learning? 0:10:33 Rogers' Law of Diffusion of Innovation 0:13:12 What is Educational Duct Tape? 0:16:04 More Than Words by John Warner 0:18:58 The Issue with Points-Based Grading 0:20:03 Mastery vs. Performance-Oriented Goals 0:22:29 The AI Infinite Loop...
info_outlineEducational Duct Tape: An EdTech Integration Mindset
What’s your favorite tool for having students create visuals like infographics and diagrams? Bryon Carpenter from Fresh Air At Five joins me to answer that very question. We discuss Adobe Express, Canva, Google Drawings, and Google Slides. Also, I share about Brisk’s new Podcast Generator, a Chromebook monitoring feature coming soon to Google, SchoolAI’s response to some ethical concerns, and a documentary recommendation. #EduDuctTape Episode 124 0:00:00 INTRO 0:02:09 Today's Guest: Bryon Carpenter 0:06:49 Which of the Following is Less Torturous 0:10:22 Today's #EduDuctTape...
info_outlineEducational Duct Tape: An EdTech Integration Mindset
Ever feel like the important work keeps getting overshadowed by what’s urgent? In this episode, I reflect on the quote “Think big. Start small. Scale fast.” and share how the Eisenhower Matrix helps me keep my priorities aligned. I also share updates from Snorkl, Google Classroom, and SchoolAI, plus a candid take on More Than Words by John Warner. Tools featured include Snorkl Coach, Video Explorer, and Read Along with custom content. #EduDuctTape Episode 123 0:00:00 INTRO 0:02:23 Today’s Soapbox Moment: “Parking Lots, Right Turns, and What’s Important” Think Big,...
info_outlineEducational Duct Tape: An EdTech Integration Mindset
What’s your go-to tool for formative assessment? In this episode, Dan Niessen joins me to unpack strategies for gathering real-time insights into student learning. We talk Quizizz, Nearpod, Snorkl, AI chatbot tutors, Pear Deck, ChatGPT, and more. Dan shares how he supports educators in choosing tools that fit their goals—and their students. Plus, I break down updates to Google Slides, Canva Visual Suite 2.0 and Canva Sheets, along with a timely tip on how to cite AI-generated content. Tune in! #EduDuctTape Episode 122 Today's Sponsor - M2 by Swivl - 0:00:00 INTRO 0:03:26 Today’s...
info_outlineEducational Duct Tape: An EdTech Integration Mindset
Is the goal to complete the task… or to grow stronger? In this episode, I reflect on Rick Wormeli’s article “With A.I., Let’s Keep Students’ Learning Paramount” and what it means for educators navigating AI in classrooms. I also share updates on Common Sense Media’s free ChatGPT course, Google Classroom’s new “Grade All” feature, the CoSpaces rebrand to Delightex, and a TED Talk that might change how you view success. Vacuum metaphors, forklifts, and academic cosplay—press play! #EduDuctTape Episode 121 0:00:00 INTRO 0:04:01 Soapbox Moment: The Forklift, the Roomba, and...
info_outlineEducational Duct Tape: An EdTech Integration Mindset
How can we empower students to self-assess their learning? In this episode, Shantel Lott joins me to explore tech tools and strategies that foster reflection and agency. We chat about Snorkl, NotebookLM, Curipod, Knowt, and MagicSchool’s Custom ChatBot. I also share updates on using Google Gemini with Teens, Padlet Sandbox’s new sound and visual effects, and the magic of generating Google Slides with Alayna AI. #EduDuctTape Episode 120 Today's Sponsor M2 by Swivl - Today’s Guests: Shantel Lott Shantel is an EdTech enthusiast and Lead Learning Guide at friEdTech. Certified in Google...
info_outlineEducational Duct Tape: An EdTech Integration Mindset
What’s new in edtech? In this episode, I break down Google’s new parent permission requirements, an awesome Google Classroom add-on, and Screencastify’s expanded free plan. Science teachers, you’ll want to hear about PhET Simulations inside Quizizz, and we’ll discuss Common Sense Media’s latest report on AI in education. Plus, I’ll wrap up with a thought-provoking book that challenges how we create change in schools and communities. Tune in for all the updates and insights! #EduDuctTape Episode 119 - Google TOS Privacy Changes, Magic Exercise Book, Screencastify, Quizizz x PhET,...
info_outlineEducational Duct Tape: An EdTech Integration Mindset
Today on the Educational Duct Tape podcast, I’ve got five edtech updates that might impact your classroom and one educational strategy that’s new to me. I’ll start with the bad news first, which is Bitly adding ads to short links (not cool, Bitly) and then get into the good news, like a new educator-made alternative to Bitly and an AI teaching assistant from Padlet. Plus, handy updates from Pear Assessment and Quizizz that could save you some serious prep time. And then that educational strategy called Talking Chips. Curious yet? Press Play! #EduDuctTape Episode 118 Edu News I’ve...
info_outlineEducational Duct Tape: An EdTech Integration Mindset
How can we create more flexible, accessible, and differentiated learning experiences? In this episode, I chat with Adam Juarez and Katherine Goyette (husband and wife duo AdaKat) about tools and strategies to make learning more inclusive. We explore MagicSchool, Quizizz, Mote, Immersive Reader, Goblin Tools, MirrorTalk, Factors Education, Helperbird, Google Docs Voice Typing, and more. Plus, we dive into AI-powered tools like Perplexity AI, Diffit, and SchoolAI and creative solutions like image generators in Canva and Adobe Express. I also share updates on interactive charts in Canva, new Pear...
info_outlineAl Thomas, the Edu Copilot, joins the podcast to talk about visual storytelling. We discuss multiple apps including Adobe Creative Cloud Express, Canva, Adobe Premiere Rush, Adobe Capture, Adobe Photoshop Lightroom, Apple Clips, DaVinci Resolve, and Final Cut.
#EduDuctTape S04-E72
Find the show notes online at jakemiller.net/eduducttape-episode-72
- Today’s Sponsor: The Toddle TIES Inquiry Educators Summit! - TIES is back for its third and largest edition yet. Designed to be a festival of learning like no other, TIES 2022 will feature 100+ phenomenal thinkers and doers across 10+ unique session formats. Whether you want to attend TIES 2022 solo, or save big by attending as a group, there are tons of ways you can join us! As listeners of the Educational Duct Tape Podcast, the first 100 of you who get your TIES 2022 pass can get 20% off on your pass! Simply use TIES2022EDT at checkout. So head to www.toddleapp.com/ties today and save big on your pass now!
- Soapbox Moment: EdTechdle (EdTech Wordle)
- Today’s Guest: Al Thomas
- Bio: Al Thomas is an educational leader with a passion for creativity. He has more than 20 years in the field of education as a teacher, principal, district-level director, and consultant. He believes that if we are to prepare students for future success, we must equip them with creative problem-solving skills that harness their talents and abilities.
- Contact Info: educopilot.com, @educopilot on Instagram and Twitter
- 2 Truths & 1 Lie
- Educational Duct Tape Question: How can I engage my students in visual storytelling?
- Sidney Poitier’s The Measure of a Man: A Spiritual Autobiography - https://www.amazon.com/Measure-Man-Spiritual-Autobiography-Oprahs/dp/0061357901
- “Steps” Activity
- Students take x number of steps and then take a photo
- Have students add these photos into a Google Slides deck and then write reflectively on classmates’ photos.
- Have students edit images into a slideshow or other creation in.
- Adobe Creative Cloud Express - adobe.com/express
- Canva - canva.edu
- “We want to give them guardrails, but we don’t need to give them a map for every element. Let them be uncomfortable in that messy portion of being creative.”
- Reduce the cognitive load
- Zoom out slowly on a student’s picture and discuss what you see or have students write a story about it.
- Randomly select different images and asks students to write a story about them.
- WheelOfNames.com
- “16 Questions, 1 Photo” - Come up with 16 questions to ask about this photo
- “One Minute Documentaries”
- Adobe Premiere Rush - adobe.com/products/premiere-rush.html - use with higher elementary and up
- Adobe Creative Cloud Express - adobe.com/express - use with any age
- Apple Clips - apple.com/clips
- Adobe Capture App - adobe.com/products/capture.html
- DaVinci Resolve - blackmagicdesign.com/products/davinciresolve
- Adobe Premiere - adobe.com/products/premiere.html
- Final Cut - apps.apple.com/us/app/final-cut-pro/id424389933
- Adobe Photoshop Lightroom - adobe.com/products/photoshop-lightroom
- Al’s Creativity App Database - educopilot.com/creativity-app-database
- Ask your students what other tools they use!
- Make sure you listen for the giveaway at the end of the interview!
- 100cameras - 100cameras.org
- Audio Endorsements for Jake’s Book:
- Submit your book endorsement on Flipgrid or Speakpipe!
- FlipGrid.com/EduDuctTape
- Speakpipe.com/EduDuctTape
- Ways to Support the Show or Connect with Jake & other Duct Tapers!
- Apple Podcast Reviews
- FlipGrid.com/EduDuctTape
- Speakpipe.com/EduDuctTape
- #EduDuctTape on social media
- Telling your friends & colleagues
- The Duct Tapers Facebook Group - facebook.com/groups/ducttapers
- Stickers! Want to pass some out? Want some for yourself? JakeMiller.net/SendMeStickers
- The JakeMillerTech Newsletter – Sign up! jakemiller.net/newsletter
- Grab a signed copy of Educational Duct Tape: An EdTech Integration Mindset - jakemiller.net/signedbook