STEM Research Projects, Student-Based Inquiry, and F.A.I.L.
Release Date: 02/03/2026
Genius Hours, Purposeful Play, and The Ballad of Coach "Koch"
The Lecture Is Dead Podcast
In this episode of "The Lecture Is Dead Podcast," lifelong educator Ryan McGinnis shares his journey from elementary school teacher to principal and eventually to a professional development specialist working with schools across Western Pennsylvania and New York. The conversation focuses on how technology, project-based learning, and student-driven approaches can transform classrooms and empower both students and teachers. In This Episode: Why focusing on what kids learn versus how they learn misses the point The concept of “genius hour” and how they get students to take ownership of...
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Flipped Learning, Educator Empowerment, and Dreams About Guy's Grocery Games Rip-Offs
The Lecture Is Dead Podcast
What if the problem isn't lecture, but it's the model? In this episode of "The Lecture Is Dead Podcast," hosts Joe Wolff and Ryan Kochevar sit down with instructional technology veteran Michael Wesely to unpack what flipped learning really looks like beyond “videos for homework.” With 28 years of experience and a passion for creativity and student voice, Michael shares how educators can use short, strategic videos to reclaim class time, reduce repetition, and shift from “sage on the stage” to facilitator of deeper learning. The conversation explores instructional risk-taking,...
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STEM Research Projects, Student-Based Inquiry, and F.A.I.L.
The Lecture Is Dead Podcast
In this episode of "The Lecture Is Dead Podcast," hosts Joe Wolff and Ryan Kochevar explore how to use AI to empower pedagogy, rather than undermine it. Joined by Alana Winick and Marina Pisto, two award-winning educators from Pocantico Hills Central School District, they discuss the myriad of ways technology and AI tools can bolster creativity. Walk away understanding what it means for educators, especially those who are unsure about how to use them or where to start. In This Episode How the practice of revising projects is being rethought to give students direction in today’s classrooms...
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Differentiated Learning, Accessibility, and Multiversal Relationships
The Lecture Is Dead Podcast
In this episode of "The Lecture Is Dead Podcast," hosts Joe Wolff and Ryan Kochevar explore the evolution of traditional student portfolios. Joined by co-authors, educators, and podcast hosts, Rick Butterworth and Tisha Poncio, they discuss the value of digital portfolios for career readiness, why differentiated learning experiences matter, and what it means for students to experience technology effectively in classrooms today. In This Episode Why traditional portfolios are rethought in today’s classrooms How digital portfolios support active, student-centered learning Practical ideas...
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Project-Based Learning, Authentic Purpose, and the Top from “Inception”
The Lecture Is Dead Podcast
In this episode of The Lecture is Dead Podcast, hosts Joe Wolff and Ryan Kochevar explore effective modes of learning and what lives beyond the conventional lecture. Joined by dedicated edtech leader, educator, and author, Lisa Highfill, they discuss innovative teaching strategies, the birth of the HyperDoc movement, bringing project-based learning to virtual school environments, and why these methods are crucial for learners today. In This Episode Why lecture is being rethought in today’s classrooms How Lisa Highfill supports active, student-centered learning Practical ideas for...
info_outlineIn this episode of "The Lecture Is Dead Podcast," hosts Joe Wolff and Ryan Kochevar explore how to use AI to empower pedagogy, rather than undermine it. Joined by Alana Winick and Marina Pisto, two award-winning educators from Pocantico Hills Central School District, they discuss the myriad of ways technology and AI tools can bolster creativity. Walk away understanding what it means for educators, especially those who are unsure about how to use them or where to start.
In This Episode
- How the practice of revising projects is being rethought to give students direction in today’s classrooms
- Why popular games like Minecraft can support active, student-centered learning
- Practical ideas for using generative AI to bolster creativity
Guests
Alana Winick — EdTech director at Pocantico Hills Central School District and NYSE Gate Director
Alana is an expert and podcast host who uses generative AI to support digital learning, and has received many awards for her leadership in the district (COSN CTO of the year, New York State Digital Leader of the Year 2025).
Marina Pisto — Third Grade Teacher at Pocantico Hills Central School District and NYSE Gate Director
Marina is also an award-winning educator (New York State English Council and NYSE Gate Teacher of the Year) expert in gamification and using AI to debug creativity in the elementary school classroom.
Resources & Links
About the Podcast
Two former educators. One big question: If the lecture is dead, what comes next? A bi-weekly podcast on reimagining teaching as active, creative, and human.
Credits
Hosted by Joe Wolff and Ryan Kochevar
Produced by WeVideo
Edited by ThrottleUp Media
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🌐 Learn more at https://lectureisdead.com/