The Art of Tech

Podcast for Teachers Who Can't Tech Good and Who Wanna Learn to Do Other Stuff Good Too. Tips and tricks for using technology in the classroom.

EdTech Kits & Math 12/09/2025

EdTech Kits & Math We're back with a new episode! In this episode we continue our theme on EdTech Kits. Colleen Homola joins the podcast this week. She teaches math at Prairie High School and also supports teachers across the state through the Inclusionary Practices Technical Assistance Network and Teacher Residency program. We discuss the value of hands-on experiences in the math classroom and how different EdTech kits can provide engaging connections for students in math. Links: /episode/index/show/dd4f3d25-1ff2-4561-83c4-468fb842e819/id/39346870

Intro to EdTech Kits 09/23/2025

Intro to EdTech Kits We're back for the new school year! In this episode we kick-off our theme on EdTech Kits. Aaron Kabat joins the podcast this week. He's one of our awesome helpdesk people. In this episode, we introduce/review the currently available EdTech Kits. We share updates with the kits and the process for checking them out and why you might want to use a kit in your class. Links: /episode/index/show/dd4f3d25-1ff2-4561-83c4-468fb842e819/id/38329985

Assistive Technology: AAC 05/20/2025

Assistive Technology: AAC In this episode we continue our theme on assistive technology. Amy Campbell joins the podcast this week. She's a former Washington Educator of the Year and is a member of the Inclusionary Practices Technical Assistance Network through the Washington Education Association and is a Special Educator in the Camas School District. In this episode, we focus on a specific type of assistive technology: AAC or Alternative and Augmentative Communication. AAC is it's own umbrella that ranges from low to high tech and we discuss that range and why AAC is so important for building independence and the power of different types of communication. Links: /episode/index/show/dd4f3d25-1ff2-4561-83c4-468fb842e819/id/36645165

Universal Assistive Tech 04/22/2025

Universal Assistive Tech In this episode we continue our new theme on assistive technology. We take a look at universal assistive technology or the tier 1 supports that can help all our students inside and outside the classroom. We discuss how building an inclusive and welcoming classroom community where students feel safe and like they belong is important so no one feels like they stand out or have any stigma when they use an assistive tech tool. Mandie Thompson, instructional coach, joins the conversation. Links: /episode/index/show/dd4f3d25-1ff2-4561-83c4-468fb842e819/id/36269090

Assistive Technology Overview 04/08/2025

Assistive Technology Overview In this episode we kick off our new theme on assistive technology. We set the stage with an overview discussion on assistive technology categories and why assistive technology is so important. Mandie Thompson, instructional coach, joins the conversation. Links: /episode/index/show/dd4f3d25-1ff2-4561-83c4-468fb842e819/id/36054670

AI Ethics 03/25/2025

AI Ethics In this episode we continue our AI theme and discuss AI Ethics (both Big "E" Ethics and little "e" ethics or ethical considerations). We talk about the big picture Ethics like the societal and environmental impacts of AI as well as the personal ethical considerations and how we can be ethical and responsible consumers and creators with AI. Scott McDaniel, our tech director, is back to join the discussion. Links: /episode/index/show/dd4f3d25-1ff2-4561-83c4-468fb842e819/id/35750195

AI Literacy 03/18/2025

AI Literacy We're back from hiatus! In this episode we discuss AI literacy and how it's important for both educators and students (everyone really). Scott McDaniel, our district's technology director, joins the conversation. We talk about the core components of AI literacy and some ways to build it into the classroom. Links: /episode/index/show/dd4f3d25-1ff2-4561-83c4-468fb842e819/id/35749885

Media Literacy & Research Skills 01/14/2025

Media Literacy & Research Skills In this episode we start our discussion on media literacy with an overview and connecting to research skills. Mandie Thompson, instructional coach, joins the conversation as cohost. We discuss the main components of media literacy and why it's so important to incorporate into today's classroom. We also connect media literacy skills with student research projects. Links: /episode/index/show/dd4f3d25-1ff2-4561-83c4-468fb842e819/id/34404330

Practical Tips for Digital Literacy in the Classroom 12/17/2024

Practical Tips for Digital Literacy in the Classroom In this episode we continue our discussion on digital literacy with some practical tips. Mandie Thompson, instructional coach, joins the conversation as cohost. We review digital literacy and discuss ways to incorporate digital literacy skills and experiences across grade levels and subject areas. Links: /episode/index/show/dd4f3d25-1ff2-4561-83c4-468fb842e819/id/34397910

Digital Literacy 11/26/2024

Digital Literacy In this episode start our discussion on digital literacy with an overview. Scott McDaniel, our technology director, joins the conversation as cohost. We discuss what digital literacy is and why its so important in todays world. We also highlight the connections to media literacy and practical future ready skills. Links: /episode/index/show/dd4f3d25-1ff2-4561-83c4-468fb842e819/id/34147685

Infographics and Creative Visuals 11/19/2024

Infographics and Creative Visuals In this episode we finish up discussion on innovative communication focusing on infographics and creative visuals. Mandie Thompson, instructional coach, joins the conversation as well. We discuss ways to use infographics in your teaching practice as well as allowing students to create them as an alternative way to demonstrate learning. Links: /episode/index/show/dd4f3d25-1ff2-4561-83c4-468fb842e819/id/34019727

EdTech Standards: Creative Communicator & Global Collaborator 11/05/2024

EdTech Standards: Creative Communicator & Global Collaborator In this episode we finish up our theme on the educational technology standards for students and kick-off our new theme on innovative communication. Mandie Thompson, instructional coach, joins the conversation as we discuss the final two anchor standards: Creative Communicator and Global Collaborator. In our discussion we highlight the connections with future ready skills. Links: /episode/index/show/dd4f3d25-1ff2-4561-83c4-468fb842e819/id/33810552

EdTech Standards: Digital Citizen Part 2 (Relationships, Interactions, & Balance) 10/29/2024

EdTech Standards: Digital Citizen Part 2 (Relationships, Interactions, & Balance) In this episode we continue our theme on the educational technology standards for students. We will be taking an in-depth look at each anchor standard and what that looks like across grade levels and subject areas. In this episode, Mandie Thompson, instructional coach, returns and we continue to discuss the anchor standard: Digital Citizen. We break down the second half of the standard in this episode and make connections to digital citizenship curriculum options in honor of Cybersecurity Awareness Month and Digital Citizenship Week. Links: /episode/index/show/dd4f3d25-1ff2-4561-83c4-468fb842e819/id/33570667

EdTech Standards: Digital Citizen Part 1 (Digital Identity and Privacy) 10/22/2024

EdTech Standards: Digital Citizen Part 1 (Digital Identity and Privacy) In this episode we continue our theme on the educational technology standards for students. We will be taking an in-depth look at each anchor standard and what that looks like across grade levels and subject areas. In this episode, Mandie Thompson, instructional coach, returns and we discuss the next anchor standard: Digital Citizen. We break down half of the standard in this episode and make connections to digital citizenship curriculum options in honor of Cybersecurity Awareness Month and Digital Citizenship Week. Links: /episode/index/show/dd4f3d25-1ff2-4561-83c4-468fb842e819/id/33569412

EdTech Standards: Computational Thinker 09/25/2024

EdTech Standards: Computational Thinker In this episode we continue our theme on the educational technology standards for students. We will be taking an in-depth look at each anchor standard and what that looks like across grade levels and subject areas. In this episode, Heidi Lammers, LAP & Title I coordinator, joins the conversation as we discuss the next anchor standard: Computational Thinker. In our discussion we highlight the connections with future ready skills and discuss the Computational Thinking Competencies from ISTE. Heidi also shares how LEGO Education has helped bring engaging hands-on learning to the summer school program and how that has connected computational thinking skills across subject areas. Links: /episode/index/show/dd4f3d25-1ff2-4561-83c4-468fb842e819/id/33204632

EdTech Standards: Innovative Designer 09/17/2024

EdTech Standards: Innovative Designer In this episode we continue our new theme on the educational technology standards for students. We will be taking an in-depth look at each anchor standard and what that looks like across grade levels and subject areas. In this episode, Mandie Thompson, middle school instructional coach, joins the conversation as we discuss the next anchor standard: Innovative Designer. In our discussion we highlight the connections with future ready skills, UDL, and the Danielson Framework. We also look at ways a deliberate design process can apply in different areas, not just STEM challenges like we sometimes think. Links: /episode/index/show/dd4f3d25-1ff2-4561-83c4-468fb842e819/id/33096157

EdTech Standards: Knowledge Constructor 09/10/2024

EdTech Standards: Knowledge Constructor In this episode we continue our new theme on the educational technology standards for students. We will be taking an in-depth look at each anchor standard and what that looks like across grade levels and subject areas. In this episode, Jordan Osborne, middle school ELA & history teacher, joins the conversation as we discuss the next anchor standard: Knowledge Constructor. In our discussion we highlight the connections with future ready skills and media literacy and how we can help prepare our students for whatever their future might look like with technology. Links: /episode/index/show/dd4f3d25-1ff2-4561-83c4-468fb842e819/id/32997242

EdTech Standards: Empowered Learner 09/03/2024

EdTech Standards: Empowered Learner We're back for a new school year! In this episode we kick-off our new theme on the educational technology standards for students. We will be taking an in-depth look at each anchor standard and what that looks like across grade levels and subject areas. In this episode, Mandie Thompson, middle school instructional coach, joins the conversation as we discuss the first anchor standard: Empowered Learner. In our discussion we highlight connections to the Danielson framework for TPEP evaluations and ways to help build independence, autonomy, and flexibility with students. Links: /episode/index/show/dd4f3d25-1ff2-4561-83c4-468fb842e819/id/32880357

Pacing Lessons for Engagement 06/11/2024

Pacing Lessons for Engagement This episode we finish up our shortened monthly theme on boosting engagement and we close out our second season of the podcast! We will be on hiatus for summer break and then will be back with new episodes in September when school kicks back up every Tech Tuesday! In this episode we highlight how to pace your lessons to boost engagement in the classroom and some tech tools to help streamline the process. Links: /episode/index/show/dd4f3d25-1ff2-4561-83c4-468fb842e819/id/31588262

Boosting Engagement with EdTech Kits 06/04/2024

Boosting Engagement with EdTech Kits This episode we start a new monthly theme on boosting student engagement. We highlight the awesome EdTech Kits we have available for checkout in the district and how they can provide engaging and really fun experiences across grade levels and subject areas in the classroom. We have a range of technology kits that include "unplugged" all the way to full coding and VR experiences. Aaron and Troy from the Tech Department join the discussion to share how to check out and what goes into the process as well as why you might want to check out a kit. Links: /episode/index/show/dd4f3d25-1ff2-4561-83c4-468fb842e819/id/31585877

Initiation Executive Functioning Skills 05/28/2024

Initiation Executive Functioning Skills This episode we finish up our monthly theme on executive functioning. Mandie Thompson, instructional coach, returns to the podcast to discuss the specific executive functioning skills that relate to initiation or starting and following through with tasks. We also highlight supports and scaffolds as well as technology tools to help teach these skills in the classroom. Links: /episode/index/show/dd4f3d25-1ff2-4561-83c4-468fb842e819/id/31233777

Self-Regulation Executive Functioning Skills 05/21/2024

Self-Regulation Executive Functioning Skills This episode we continue our monthly theme on executive functioning. Mandie Thompson, instructional coach, returns to the podcast to discuss the specific executive functioning skills that relate to self-regulation. We also highlight supports and scaffolds as well as technology tools to help teach these skills in the classroom. Links: /episode/index/show/dd4f3d25-1ff2-4561-83c4-468fb842e819/id/31233357

Managing Executive Functioning Skills 05/14/2024

Managing Executive Functioning Skills This episode we continue our monthly theme on executive functioning. Mandie Thompson, instructional coach, returns to the podcast to discuss the specific executive functioning skills that relate to managing time and resources. We also highlight supports and scaffolds as well as technology tools to help teach these skills in the classroom. Links: /episode/index/show/dd4f3d25-1ff2-4561-83c4-468fb842e819/id/31204447

Executive Functioning 05/08/2024

Executive Functioning This episode we kickoff our new monthly theme on executive functioning. Mandie Thompson, instructional coach, returns to the podcast to discuss the importance of explicitly teaching executive functioning skills in the classroom across grade levels and subject areas. We discuss how valuable these skills are and the difference they can make with things like engagement and motivation. Links: /episode/index/show/dd4f3d25-1ff2-4561-83c4-468fb842e819/id/31200547

Supporting Mental Health with AWARE 04/30/2024

Supporting Mental Health with AWARE This episode finish our monthly theme on supporting student needs. We connect with Erick Suksdorf, our district's assistant director of Project AWARE. We hear about the awesome plans for the AWARE grant to support students, staff, and families in the district as well as supports already in place. We discuss how students and families can get support and how we are working to make sure needs are met and barriers are removed via universal screeners and an advisory committee. Links: Access the SEL Hub through the /episode/index/show/dd4f3d25-1ff2-4561-83c4-468fb842e819/id/30991893

Supporting Students with the Prevention & Intervention Team 04/23/2024

Supporting Students with the Prevention & Intervention Team This episode continues our new monthly theme on supporting student needs. We connect with Felisha Sandberg and Kari Koller, two awesome members of our district's Prevention and Intervention Team. We hear about the great work this team does to support students across the district especially around mental health and with substance abuse prevention and intervention. We also share some great tech tools that they use in their work and that can be used to help support social emotional learning and mental health strategies. Links: /episode/index/show/dd4f3d25-1ff2-4561-83c4-468fb842e819/id/30767983

Supporting Reading & Literacy 04/16/2024

Supporting Reading & Literacy This episode continues our new monthly theme on supporting student needs. We connect with Heidi Lammers, our district's learning support program coordinator, and discuss ways to use support reading intervention and literacy through the Science of Reading and some technology tools. We highlight some current programs in the district and ways to think about Science of Reading to support student needs around reading instruction. Links: /episode/index/show/dd4f3d25-1ff2-4561-83c4-468fb842e819/id/30733648

Supporting Multilingual Students 04/09/2024

Supporting Multilingual Students This episode kicks off our new monthly theme on supporting student needs. We connect with Stephanie Welniak, our district's coordinator for our multilingual department, and discuss ways to use technology and best practices to support ML students. We highlight current options for translation supports as well as other ways to scaffold and build connections for language learners. Links: /episode/index/show/dd4f3d25-1ff2-4561-83c4-468fb842e819/id/30041428

AI in Education Mailbag Episode 03/26/2024

AI in Education Mailbag Episode This episode we finish up our monthly theme of AI in Education with a mailbag episode. Scott McDaniel, our technology director, joins as co-host. We discuss the big topic requested on AI and academic integrity and highlight a student code of conduct. Links: /episode/index/show/dd4f3d25-1ff2-4561-83c4-468fb842e819/id/30553023

AI Literacy 03/19/2024

AI Literacy This episode we continue our monthly theme of AI in Education. Scott McDaniel, our technology director, joins as co-host. We discuss AI literacy and some tips and tricks for understanding and using generative/multimodal AI effectively. We also discuss the importance of discussing AI literacy topics with students. Links: /episode/index/show/dd4f3d25-1ff2-4561-83c4-468fb842e819/id/30448473

The Art of Tech

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