The Lecture Is Dead 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.
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STEM Research Projects, Student-Based Inquiry, and F.A.I.L.
02/03/2026
STEM Research Projects, Student-Based Inquiry, and F.A.I.L.
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 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 Subscribe & Follow 🌐 Learn more at
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Differentiated Learning, Accessibility, and Multiversal Relationships
01/20/2026
Differentiated Learning, Accessibility, and Multiversal Relationships
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 for differentiating learning What educators can take from student Julie’s testimony on adaptable and accessible learning methods Guests Rick Butterworth — UX / UI Expert and Aviation Tech | Tisha Poncio — Education Manager at Lumio by Smart Rick Butterworth, ISTE author and design expert, and Tisha Poncio, former Wakelet employee with 20+ years in education, co-wrote “Today’s Learners, Tomorrow’s Leaders” to share effective teaching strategies that support successful leadership in both educators and learners today. 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 Subscribe & Follow 🌐 Learn more at
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Project-Based Learning, Authentic Purpose, and the Top from “Inception”
01/12/2026
Project-Based Learning, Authentic Purpose, and the Top from “Inception”
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 promoting understanding, authenticity, and leadership in the classroom What educators can take from HyperDoc lessons Guest Lisa Highfill — Edtech Leader and Educator Lisa Highfill is a Google-certified innovator with a master’s in edtech leadership, co-author of “The HyperDoc Handbook” and the “Teachers Give Teachers Movement,” and an educator of thirty years spanning from fifth grade and technology integration to now serving the district’s hybrid project-based virtual academy. Resources & Links Follow Lisa on 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. Subscribe & Follow 📌 Follow The Lecture Is Dead Podcast on your favorite podcast platform. 🌐 Join the movement:
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