SOS Podcast

In this conversation, Tricia and Joel Birch explore the transformative power of Lego Serious Play as a facilitation method. Joel shares his background in music and comedy, discussing how these experiences inform his approach to facilitating workshops. They get into the importance of play in communication, the dynamics of team interactions, and the unique benefits of virtual facilitation. The discussion highlights the role of a facilitator in creating a safe space for expression and the similarities and differences between K-12 education and corporate environments. Joel emphasizes the need for skilled facilitators to guide participants through the process, ensuring that everyone has a voice and can contribute meaningfully to the conversation. In this conversation, Joel Birch discusses his journey into facilitation, emphasizing the importance of inquiry learning and collaboration in education. He shares insights on engaging parents and caregivers, the role of play in building relationships, and innovative techn

In this conversation, Jeff Utecht and John Gardner discuss the critical role of manufacturing in the American economy and the importance of education in preparing students for careers in this field. Gardner emphasizes the need to change perceptions of manufacturing, highlighting its high-tech nature and the lucrative opportunities it offers. They explore how K-12 education has shifted away from vocational training, leading to a shortage of skilled workers. The discussion also covers the importance of real-world applications in education and creating pathways for students to succeed in manufacturing careers. Key highlights of this episode include: +The manufacturing industry faces a potential shortage of 2.1 million jobs by 2030. +Education must adapt to prepare students for future careers, not past roles. +Manufacturing is a viable and lucrative career path for students. +Changing perceptions of manufacturing is essential for attracting new talent. +Real-world applications in education can engage students and

Creativity is essential. On the show this week we loved learning with Crayola's Cheri Sterman. Cheri is here to tell us all about the power of the upcoming Crayola Creativity Week. Educators and families can register free for this event: https://creativity-week.squarespace.com/ The conversation centers around Crayola Creativity Week, a free program designed to inspire and celebrate children's creativity. Cheri Sterman discusses the importance of nurturing creativity in children, the role of parents and educators in fostering creative confidence, and practical ways to integrate creativity into daily life. The event features a lineup of celebrity guests and aims to engage millions of children worldwide. The discussion emphasizes creativity as a vital life skill that benefits individual well-being and community building. Ready to learn more about our amazing guest? Cheri Sterman is a nationally recognized leader in child development and education, and a passionate advocate of creativity and the influence it has

Erich Bolz is deeply versed in the field-tested Powerless to Powerful transformation frameworks developed by Gonzaga University professors Chuck Salina and Suzann Girtz which, when implemented with fidelity, are proven to increase student achievement and staff satisfaction. Utilizing cognitive coaching approaches, Erich helps school leaders and central office administrators (including Special Education directors) make sense of their day-to-day challenges while fostering transformational breakthroughs in both their work and personal lives. Today on the show Erich and Jeff have a conversation about effective educational transformation. They also emphasize the importance of servant leadership and mission clarity in creating a positive school culture. The conversation also touches on leadership coaching, data-driven decision-making, and strategies for narrowing the achievement gap. They conclude by discussing the challenges of recruiting and retaining teachers in the current educational landscape. Connect with E

In this conversation, Jeff Utecht and Professor Brent Warner explore the intersection of AI and education, particularly focusing on multilingual learners. They discuss how AI can empower students to take control of their learning, the innovative techniques for vocabulary building through prompting, and the importance of teaching prompt engineering skills.  Brent shares insights on redesigning rubrics to be more equitable and effective, while also emphasizing the importance of transparency in using AI in educational settings. The conversation culminates in Brent's upcoming book aimed at helping teachers integrate technology into their classrooms for multilingual learners. Learn more about our guest: Brent Warner is an award-winning community college professor focusing on integrating technology and innovation into the language learning process. He works with teachers and organizations across the globe to provide practical advice for helping English Language Learners take advantage of tech to help them communica

In this episode of Shifting Schools, Jeff Utecht interviews Jose, founder and CEO of Neulight, about the transformative potential of AI in education. They discuss IntelliTier, which enhances the Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) framework by simplifying data collection and providing personalized intervention strategies for students. Jose shares insights on the importance of user experience for teachers, the feedback received from early adopters, and the future of data-driven decision-making in education. The conversation emphasizes the need for technology to support educators in their roles, allowing them to focus more on student interaction rather than administrative tasks. Jose's journey is nothing short of inspiring. As the son of Salvadoran immigrants who fled civil war, he's risen to become a tech innovator at giants like Microsoft and Netflix. Now, he's on a mission to revolutionize education through technology. During his nearly decade-long tenure at Netflix, Jose led groundbreaking projects, incl

In this conversation, Tricia and Laura discuss the intersection of ableism, artificial intelligence, and education. They explore how AI can serve as an assistive device to enhance access and equity, particularly in educational settings. Laura shares personal experiences and insights on how AI can foster curiosity and agency in learners, especially those with disabilities. They also touch on the importance of community support and sharing knowledge to create a more inclusive environment for all. Ready to learn more about our amazing guest? Laura Germishuys is a speaker and disability consultant, focusing on accessibility, workplace accommodations and transition coaching. She leverages AI to find creative solutions in the disability space. Laura was a learning professional for seven years specialising in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, and believes strongly in the transformative potential of technology for equity in education. She cares deeply about animal rights, sustainable development, and social justice. h

Reed Hepler discusses the changing role of archival work in the era of generative AI. He explains that while some may think archives and AI are incompatible, there are actually many ways in which AI can be useful in archival work. Reed also demystifies the role of archivists, highlighting their responsibility in acquiring, organizing, preserving, and interpreting historical records. He emphasizes the importance of structure, objectives, and perspectives in creating archives and offers insights into how AI can assist in the archival process. Reed also discusses the skills required for archival work, including curiosity, attention to detail, and the ability to find interest in seemingly mundane tasks. He compares generative AI tools to musical instruments, emphasizing the human element in using these tools effectively. Reed also advocates for open access and equitable access to information in education. Connect with our guest: Reed Hepler is a digital initiatives librarian, instructional designer, artificial in

In this episode, we sit down with Fiona Goodall, a leading expert on the social applications of assistive technologies. Fiona helps us understanding how emerging technologies, particularly AI, can benefit neurodivergent learners and support social-emotional development. We'll explore a compelling use case where AI is being leveraged not just for academics, but to help foster friendships and meaningful connections. Fiona will also share her perspective on the need for cautious optimism when it comes to AI - a mindset she believes is critical as this powerful technology continues to advance. Learn more about our special guest: Fiona is: Autism Consultant Owner & Director of Making Connections Toowoomba Making Connections Toowoomba was founded by Fiona Goodall, a Special Educator with over 20 years' experience. Fiona holds a Bachelor of Education and Master of Special Education. She is also a certified facilitator of the PEERS® Program, Peaceful Kids Mindfulness and Positive Psychology programs, and is

On this week we speak with Dr. Federica Fornaciari, who is a Professor, a researcher, a children's book author, and the Academic Program Director for the MA in Strategic Communications at National University. She received a doctorate in Communication with a concentration in Electronic Security and Privacy from the University of Illinois at Chicago and a Master of Arts in Journalism and Mass Communication from Marshall University.  Her research and teaching revolve around emerging technologies, privacy issues, digital identities, frame theory, and media representation. Federica has published several peer-reviewed articles and book chapters including "The silver generation and beauty: does American culture provide models for positive ageing?" in Critical Studies in Fashion & Beauty; "Reframing Hate: The Changing Face of White Power Narratives" in Discourse Analysis and Conflict Studies. "What is Privacy Anyway? A Longitudinal Analysis of Media Frames of Privacy" in the Journal of Intellectual Freedom and Pr

Professor Anna Mills discusses the evolving landscape of AI literacy in education, emphasizing the need for a balanced approach to integrating AI into writing and learning processes. She reflects on the challenges of defining boundaries for AI use in academic settings, the importance of fostering intrinsic motivation among students, and the necessity of bridging the gap between K-12 and higher education.  Anna Mills has taught writing at public two-year colleges in the San Francisco Bay Area for 18 years and currently teach at College of Marin. Her OER textbook, How Arguments Work: A Guide to Writing and Analyzing Texts in College, has been used at over 65 colleges. She serves as the English Discipline Lead for the California community colleges OER Initiative, and her collection AI Text Generators and Teaching Writing: Starting Points for Inquiry is featured in the Writing Across the Curriculum Clearinghouse. As a consultant for OpenAI, she tested GPT-4 before its release. Currently, she serves as volunteer a

In this episode, Jeff Utecht interviews Michelle Kassorla, an associate professor of English at Georgia State University, about using generative AI in higher education. They discuss the importance of teaching AI literacy, the role of AI in the writing process, and the benefits of using AI to support student learning. Michelle shares her insights on assessment, transparency, and the creative opportunities that AI provides for students. She also discusses the development of AI literacy standards for higher education and offers practical tips for integrating AI into the classroom. Michelle Kassorla, Ph.D., an Associate Professor at Georgia State University, Perimeter College, has more than 30 years of experience teaching English and Composition. She teaches With and Against AI in Composition I and II courses, integrating AI into all assignments this academic year. She's on the AI Expert Panel for EDUCAUSE, leading the AI Literacy committee for Higher Education. A recipient of a Center for Excellence in Teaching,

In this conversation, Jeff Utecht interviews Dr. Dayamudra Dennehy, a community college teacher, about the incorporation of generative AI in classrooms. They discuss the importance of including students in the conversation about AI and the need for a nuanced approach to ethics. Dayamudra shares her project of having students create AI manifestos as a way to explore the ethical use of AI. They also talk about the need for educators to have a growth mindset and be curious about technology. Dayamudra emphasizes the importance of educators being involved in the development of AI tools and holding tech companies accountable.   Dayamudra is tenured ESL community college faculty and active nationally as a community college online educator. Her current area of interest is the ethical use of Generative Artificial Intelligence in higher education. Dayamudra founded and led an educational non-profit with an India-based team, serving caste-oppressed students at a grassroots leadership academy. She has guided community p

How do you see yourself in the future of learning? This week on the pod guest Amy Oswalt is here to help us to think bigger about that question as well as the future of inclusivity in schools. Ready to learn more about Amy? Amy Oswalt is a passionate educator and leader with extensive experience in creating and implementing programs that cater to neurodiverse learners. As the Founder and Director of Conduit and Ask Different Questions, Amy has developed a platform that promotes inclusive education practices and neurodiversity awareness through workshops, consultations, and online resources.    Her work focuses on fostering academic, social, and emotional growth for neurodiverse individuals by developing strategic partnerships with families, schools, organizations, and community groups. Amy has a rich background in educational leadership, having served as the Director of Innovation and Head of Global Division and Online Programs at Lab School in Washington, DC. Here, she spearheaded the development and managem

Dr. Min Sun, a professor of education at the University of Washington, discusses the work of AmplifyLearn.ai, a center focused on harnessing the power of AI to improve teaching and learning. The center conducts scientific research, develops AI-powered education technology, offers training programs, and engages in public dissemination of research. Dr. Sun explains the development of Colleague.ai, a specialized AI assistant for K-12 educators that streamlines tasks such as lesson planning, differentiation, and grading. She emphasizes the importance of thoughtful design and research in AI development and envisions a future where AI transforms teaching and learning, making it more personalized, immersive, and collaborative. https://education.uw.edu/about/directory/min-sun https://www.amplifylearn.ai/ Colleague AI https://www.linkedin.com/in/min-sun-8382aa9b/ Takeaways AmplifyLearn.ai aims to harness the power of AI to improve the quality and equity of teaching and learning. Colleague.ai is a specialized AI assis

Dr. Laura Dumin obtained her PhD in English from Oklahoma State University in 2010. She is a professor in English and Technical Writing at the University of Central Oklahoma who has been exploring the impact of generative AI on writing classrooms. Laura has been experimenting with transformative learning (TL) tools and scholarship of teaching and learning methods (SoTL) in the classroom for over 7 years. She finds that when students are engaged in the lessons, learning can happen organically, leading to more interesting class periods and longer-term gains in understanding concepts.   Laura mixes her background in technical writing into all her courses, bringing ideas of audience and clear communication into assignments. When she is not teaching, she works as a co-managing editor for the Journal of Transformative Learning, was a campus SoTL mentor, and directs the Technical Writing BA and advises the Composition and Rhetoric MA program. She runs a Facebook learning community to allow instructors to learn from

Get ready to dive into the rapidly evolving world of AI and its impact on higher education. As the landscape of technology shifts faster than ever, how can today's college students and Student Affairs professionals adapt? Our guest expert shares insights on the critical questions and tools that can shape the future of AI in higher education, exploring how AI is influencing both the academic and social experiences of students on campus. Key Takeaways: AI Integration in Higher Education: What does AI integration look like for today's college students, and what should we hope it becomes? Our guest discusses the importance of thoughtful implementation, ensuring AI supports, rather than disrupts, the learning journey. Beyond Academics – The AI Shift in Student Life: AI isn't just changing classrooms—it's influencing student life. From mental health support to campus services, hear about the ways AI is already shaping the college experience beyond academics. One Big Question for Higher Ed: With the conversati

Our guest this week is an expert with AR, VR, and XR. Meet Jeannine Charles who is committed to crafting immersive experiences that transcend the boundaries of reality.    Jeannine's journey began with a solid foundation in Industrial Design, which provided her with a holistic understanding of form, function, and user experience. Fuelled by curiosity and a desire to explore new horizons, she has always been drawn to the intersection of technology and creativity. Her passion for visual storytelling led her to pursue a career in photography, which then led to the fields of film, narrative, mixed-media and virtual reality.    Jeannine pivoted and began her career in the tech space, exploring the possibilities of extended reality (XR) and how to catalyze the growth of media production in the immersive media landscape. This led her to the co-creation of her first VR prototype and the foundation of her XR production company, where she provides XR/AR/VR marketing solutions for mid-sized businesses.   Whether designi

play:ground NYC is an organization that focuses on the rights of children and creating affirming spaces for play. They believe that young people should be given authority, autonomy, and respect, and that society often mistreats and oppresses children. The organization promotes sustainability by using recycled materials and repurposing junk for play. They emphasize the importance of people and allocate most of their budget to paying staff. Playground NYC offers play residencies and pop-up spaces for play, providing opportunities for children to lead their own learning and enjoyment. The organization trains play workers and aims to shift parenting approaches to allow for more play and risk-taking. Parents have noticed increased confidence and empowerment in their children as a result of their experiences at this special space. Ready to learn more? https://www.play-ground.nyc/ Our guest this week: Yoni Kallai, the interim executive director, Head playworker and Co founder of play:groundNYC is dedicated to repair