Join Katherine, Sarah, and Keith as they discuss the big trends, innovative ideas, and key resources from the MACUL 2025 conference. 📫 Submit your questions at bit.ly/ftpomail 📫 Resources and References Let’s Get Ethical - Keith and Katherine’s Session The Jedi’s Guide to Ethical AI Leadership - Karle Delo AI for School Leaders - Karle Delo Product…

In a short and sweet episode, Sarah and Keith share how teachers in Kent County are using AI in their classrooms. They’ll also share some helpful resources they’ve been creating. How teachers report using AI in their classrooms: Writing Support Reading & Literacy Research & Brainstorming AI as a Learning Tool Math & Science Interactive Learning Les…

The fourth episode in our AI Series centers on the ethical concerns with privacy, safety and dependency with AI tools. Sarah, Katherine, and Keith discuss how to check for data privacy, what’s coming with agentic AI, and how to navigate concerns with human dependency on AI. 📫 Submit your questions at bit.ly/ftpomail 📫 What we’re into right now: Kei…

Episode 4.6- AI Series: Fabrications, Disinformation, and Deep Fakes The third episode of our AI Series focuses in on AI fabrications (AKA hallucinations), disinformation and misinformation, and the proliferation of deepfakes. They’ll also play the game of quotes and discuss the tools they wish they had in college. 📫 Submit your questions at bit.ly…

Episode 4.5 - AI Series: Generative AI The second episode of our AI Series focuses in on How Generative AI Works. Join Keith, Sarah and Katherine as they discuss what it is, how it’s different than other types of AI, how it works, its limitations, real-life applications, and a special resource for you! 📫 Submit your questions at bit.ly/ftpomail 📫 C…

The first episode of our AI Series focuses on AI Literacy. Join Keith, Sarah, and Katherine as they unpack what AI literacy is, why it’s important, and how teachers can support their students' AI Literacy. 📫 Submit your questions at bit.ly/ftpomail 📫 AI Literacy - a person’s ability to understand, evaluate, and use AI systems safely, efficiently, a…

Join Sarah, Keith and Katherine as they discuss what it looks like to be a digital citizen today and share their favorite digital citizenship resources. They'll also play a game of "What Am I?" 💬 Register for the new season of For the Purpose of Podcast PDx 💬 📫 Submit your questions at bit.ly/ftpomail 📫 Resources and References Digital Citizenship …

Join Sarah, Keith and Katherine as they share strategies for starting the year out right. They’ll also share the weirdest things they have in their workspace and respond to a listener’s predictions. 💬 Register for the new season of For the Purpose of Podcast PDx 💬 📫 Submit your questions at bit.ly/ftpomail 📫 Resources and References Funko Pop Lego …

Join Ron, Sarah, Keith and Katherine as they revisit their predictions for last year, share their predictions for this school year and talk about their favorite canadianisms. 💬 New Season of For the Purpose of Podcast PDx 💬 📫 Submit your questions at bit.ly/ftpomail 📫 Resources and References Loaded All Dressed Chips Milk in a Bag MiLEAP AI Hype Cy…

Join Keith on this special episode as he interviews STEM Consultant Du Bui about Esports in K-12 education. Learn about how Esports supports STEM learning, core classrooms, SEL and career paths. Our Special Guest Du Bui STEM Consultant Kent ISD [email protected] Resources Du’s Article Michigan High School Esports Federation (MiHSEF) Network of Acad…

Episode 3.10 - Moral Panic and The Anxious Generation All responses for Podcast PDx are due by May 31. Ron, Keith and Sarah discuss perspectives surrounding the book The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt. Topics include: Our changing definition of play, cell phone bans, screen time, social media and the impact of technology on mental health. Res…

Episode 3.9 - Trends and Ideas at MACUL 2024 Ron, Keith and Sarah reflect on the trends and ideas coming out of the Michigan Computer Users in Learning (MACUL) conference. They’ll talk about shifting blended learning and the longevity of the AI tools we’re beginning to use. Resources MACUL Conference Cornelius Minor Gartner Hype Cycle SchoolAI Magi…

Episode 3.8 - Supporting Adult Learners Join Sarah, Ron and Keith as they discuss tools that can be used to support adult learners. They also discuss their birth order and the upcoming MACUL Conference. Resources Duolingo Mango Languages Kent District Library Grand Rapids Public Library Kahoot Blooket Quizziz Notability Goblin.tools Linkedin Learni…

Join Sarah, Ron and Keith to discuss the ways learning materials can be designed to be more accessible for learners. Hear about the teachers that had a significant impact in their lives and the first ever Sarah's Rant. Resources Accessible Design Quicksheet comicsanscriminal.com Professional Learning Student-Centered Learning Across Michigan (SLAM)…

Episode 3.6 - Artificial Intelligence - Special Episode with The LLCN Brief Podcast In this special episode, Sarah, Ron and Keith discuss Artificial Intelligence with Mark Raffler and Sarah Shoemaker from The LLCN Brief Podcast. They share their insights, resources and ideas about AI as it makes its way into our classrooms. Resources EdTech Cheer C…

Join Ron and Keith as they discuss computer science and computational thinking during Computer Science Education Month. Resources Self-Driving Car Traffic Jam Construction Cones Disable Self-Driving Cars CSEdWeek Impacts of Computing Bulletin Article: CSEdWeek in Michigan: Bridging Gaps in Computer Science Education CT4Edu Micro:bit Bee Bot Dash an…

Episode 3.4 - Engage, Enhance and Extend with Liz Kolb Join Ron, Sarah and Keith as they talk with author and educator, Liz Kolb about the intentional use of technology in learning. Liz is the author of The Triple E Framework and will discuss how the tool can be used to improve learning outcomes. They’ll also discuss on AI’s impact on education on …

Episode 3.3 - Data Privacy Join Ron, Sarah and Keith as they discuss data privacy and how students and teachers can protect their data. They’ll also discuss ways they’re using AI at work. Resources logo.ai DALL-E ChatGPT Canva Magic Design NewProfilePic.com Bard Perplexity Claude Have I Been Pwned? Professional LearningEdTech Cheer Find all of our …

Episode 3.2 - The Evolving Role of the Teacher Join Ron, Sarah and Keith as they discuss how they see the role of the teacher evolving with the introduction and proliferation of new technologies. They’ll share how technology is impacting their role and their Plan B strategies (or lack thereof). Resources and References Snap Circuits Modern Classroo…

Episode 3.1 - The Predictions Episode Join Ron, Sarah and Keith as they circle back to predictions they made back in early 2022 and make predictions for the 2023-24 school year. Resources and References Don’t Look Up Outlander Man-sized Bat Drop Bear Akihabara Google Notebook House Bill 99b CT4EDU MDE CT CT in the UP MiLEAP Professional Learning Ed…

Episode 2.13 - Outside the Classroom with Mark Lyons Join Sarah and Keith as they reflect with Mark Lyons on the Outside the Classroom Conference at Hartley Education Center in Saginaw. They’ll discuss some of the intentions behind designing professional learning to improve the experience for educators. Our Special Guest Mark Lyons Program Director…

Episode 2.12 - Future-Ready Students with Kelsey Krieger Join Ron, Sarah and Keith as they discuss how to prepare students for the future they will enter, not the world we’re currently in with Kelsey Krieger, 5th Grade Teacher at Byron Center Public Schools. They’ll also share where you can find them this summer. Our Special Guest Kelsey Krieger 5t…

Join Ron, Sarah and Keith as they discuss how augmented and alternative communication bring voice to those who are often unheard with Suzy Ruskusky, Augmentative and Alternative Communication Consultant at Kent ISD. They’ll also share some of their experiences from other jobs they’ve held. Our Special Guest Suzy Ruskusky Augmentative and Alternativ…

Episode 2.10 - Mental Health and SEL with Chelsea Kittridge Join Ron, Sarah and Keith as they discuss the intersection of mental health, SEL and technology with Chelsea Kittridge, Mental Wellness Consultant at Kent ISD. They’ll also share some thoughts on the aging Chromebooks that made their way into the classroom during the pandemic. Our Special …

Episode 2.9 - Reflections on MACUL 2023 Join Ron, Sarah and Keith as they share some of the big trends and ideas that came out of the 2023 MACUL Conference. Resources MACUL Conference Schedule Canva Canva Create Conference 2023 Adobe Product List ChatGPT 4 Khan Academy with AI DuoLingo with AI Google Bard The New Bing Search #MACUL23 on TwitterKeit…

Join Ron, Sarah and Keith as they discuss managing district technology implementation with Mike Hastings, an instructional technology specialist at Grand Rapids Public Schools. They’ll also share which insects are most like them. Our Special Guest Mike Hastings Instructional Technology Specialist Grand Rapids Public Schools LinkedIn Professional Le…

Episode 2.7 - Technology Equity with Sheree Joseph-Bos Join Ron, Sarah and Keith as they discuss equity and technology with Sheree Joseph-Bos, the Diversity, Equity and Belonging Consultant at Kent ISD. They’ll ponder the impact of recent layoffs in the tech industry. Our Special Guest Sheree Joseph-Bos Diversity, Equity and Belonging Consultant Ke…

Episode 2.6 - MACUL 2023, Open Educational Resources and Educational Technology in Michigan with Gina Loveless Join Ron, Sarah and Keith as they discuss the MACUL Conference, Open Educational Resources and EdTech in Michigan with Gina Loveless from the Michigan Department of Education. They’ll also take some time to talk about AI’s impact on the cl…

Episode 2.5 - K-12 Computer Science Education with Cheryl Wilson Join Ron, Sarah and Keith as they talk about K-12 computer science education in Michigan with Cheryl Wilson from the Michigan Department of Education. They’ll also share their thoughts on the impacts of Twitter’s new reality. Our Special Guest Cheryl Wilson Computer Science Consultant…

Join Ron, Sarah and Keith as they discuss all things REMC and how the organization supports educators locally and around the state with special guest Erin Hoekema from REMC 8. Our Favorite Lifehacks When folding a paper in half, start your crease in the middle. Cut the ends off of an onion and run it under cold water before you finish cutting it to…

Join Ron, Sarah and Keith as they discuss the importance of district edtech specialists and the aftermath of the COVID edtech surge with special guest Jason O’Callaghan. They also share the apps they think are missing from K-12 education. Our Special Guest: Jason O’Callaghan K-6 Instructional Technology Specialist 5-Disc CD Changer Enthusiast, Page…

Join Keith, Ron and Sarah as they discuss STEM learning and their favorite places in Kent County with Kent ISD’s new STEM Consultant, Du Bui. Get connected with Du [email protected] @dueybui Favorite Places in Kent County Riverside Park Fallasburg Park Pickerel Lake Park Target Provin Trails Northville Park Wedgewood Park Sparrows Coffee House Rule…

Join Keith, Ron and Sarah as they prepare to jump into the 2022-23 school year. They’ll share their most recent recipes, some tips to kick off the school year and share their thoughts on good back to school PD. Recipes #TikTokTaughtMe Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole Dill Pickle Relish Mississippi Pork Roast Back to School Trips Sarah - Classroom Cri…

Join Ron, Sarah and Keith as they discuss safe student internet use with Craig Steenstra. They share their first experiences with educational technology and exciting things around the interwebs. Ron shares his thoughts on student surveillance. Our Guest: Craig Steenstra Instructional Technology Director Co-Host of ProTECHting Your Kids Podcast Seri…

Join Ron, Sarah and Keith as they discuss student privacy and digital citizenship and Ron shares his thoughts on multi-factor authentication. Student Privacy and Digital Citizenship Common Sense Census Around the Interwebs HaveIBeenPwned.com Story Dice Computer Science Updates Professional Learning Find all of our events at bit.ly/iamedtech and don…

Join Ron, Keith, Sarah and the Kent Computer Science Network as we interview Victoria Fleenor, the chair of the Computer Science, Engineering & Mathematics Division at Cornerstone University. If you’d like to see more of these interviews, let us know at bit.ly/iamedtech. 4/20/22 CS Spotlight Agenda Resources Shared Victoria’s Website at Cornerstone…

Join Ron, Sarah and Keith as they discuss their big takeaways from MACUL 2022. Ron shares his thoughts on nudges and choice architecture and they all take a trip down memory lane remembering their first albums. Our First Albums Kraftwerk - Autobahn Green Day - Dookie The Breeders - Last Splash MACUL 2022 Takeaways PLAYDATE VoiceThread Google Alerts…

Join Ron, Sarah and Keith as they discuss things they think are important as we head into a season of conferences that are looking to be face to face. What do you do with your new learning? Where are the best places to seek new information at conferences? How do you consider the purpose of the tools and ideas that are shared at conferences? Around …

Join Ron, Keith and Sarah as we dive into the challenges facing educators today and some of the ways we’re tackling professional learning to adapt to their needs. Check out the new I Am EdTech Project at bit.ly/iamedtech. Big Topic: Professional Learning for Limited Attention Micro-PD and Texting EdTech Cheer Around the Interwebs MeL.org (Michigan …

Join Ron, Keith, Sarah and the Kent Computer Science Network as we interview Dr. Aman Yadav, the director of the Masters of Arts in Educational Technology (MAET) program from Michigan State University. 1/27/22 CS Spotlight Agenda Resources Shared by Dr. Aman Yadav Dr. Aman Yadav’s Website Fostering Creativity Through Computing by Aman Yadav and Ste…

Join Ron, Keith and Sarah as we dive into tools we use to support modern learning design. Check out the new I Am EdTech Project at bit.ly/iamedtech. Big Topic: Modern Learning Design Triple E Framework Learning First, Technology Second by Liz Kolb cast.org - UDL breakoutedu.com Sarah's Breakout Resources The EdTech Curmudgeon Hello Fellow Kids Arou…

Question of the Day Word Wall Question of the Day TikTok Hubitat The Big Idea Sarah's CS EdWeek Bitmoji Classroom and Scavenger Hunt hourofcode.org csedweek.org Highlights Chromebook Simulator Elementary CS Integration Guide Middle School CS Integration Guide High School CS Integration Guide The Secret Door Geoguessr Professional Learning You can s…