SOS Podcast

Tricia Friedman and Robert Landau explore the integration of strengths assessments with AI, emphasizing the importance of understanding individual strengths in team dynamics. They discuss the various domains of strengths, the role of empathy in education, and how personal experiences shape these strengths.  Robert and Tricia go further into the importance of individualization strengths in understanding unique qualities in people, the role of strategic thinking, and the impact of AI in coaching.  Ready to connect with Robert Landau? https://www.tworoadsed.org/ Want to try out the prompts Tricia used? 1.  You are a human behaviour expert who is well versed in a variety of personality and strenghts-based tests. You will review the results for a person named Tricia. You will provide a close reading of the identified strengths and aim to give advice to her in terms of what she needs to be more mindful of when working with others. Break this all down into three distinct ideas, and explain your thinking. Be succinct

In this episode of the Shifting Schools podcast, Tricia Friedman interviews Jeff Utecht about the importance of understanding generational differences in education and leadership. They discuss how each generation's upbringing shapes their expectations and behaviors, particularly in the context of technology and social media. Jeff emphasizes the need for educators and parents to adapt their approaches to meet the needs of today's students, who are influenced by a vastly different social landscape than previous generations. The conversation also touches on the challenges of parenting in a digital age and the importance of teaching responsible social media use. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Generational Understanding 01:15 The Importance of Understanding Generational Differences 04:39 Navigating the Generational Gap in Education 11:59 The Impact of Technology on Generational Perspectives 17:06 Parenting Across Generations 20:44 Training and Resources for Educators Join Jeff and Tricia on April 17th for a specia

This week we bring you a special episode of another show you might like: Outliers. "Outliers in Education" is a project of CEE, The Center for Educational Effectiveness. Find out more at effectiveness.org. Produced by Jamie Howell at Howell at the Moon Productions. Jeff Utecht goes deep into how AI tools like ChatGPT-4 have the potential to revolutionize the classroom. Utecht helps us navigate the delicate balance of excitement and fear around AI's role in education, offering valuable insights into how educators can best serve their students in this new era. "Our job is to prepare students for their future, not for our past," according to Utecht. We explore the necessity for educators to evolve along with these groundbreaking tools to ensure students gain the relevant skills needed in an AI-driven world. Yet, how can we prepare students for a future we barely understand ourselves? Utecht challenges the common belief that AI hampers learning by drawing powerful parallels to the historical resistance faced b

Links:  Three ways to leverage the big game (free pdf download) Sponsor: Neulight and their MTSS AI product IntelliTier Summary In this episode of Shifting Schools, Jeff Utecht and Tricia Friedman discuss the intersection of the Super Bowl and media literacy. They explore how educators can leverage the Super Bowl's advertising to teach students about media literacy, storytelling, and critical thinking. The conversation highlights the importance of understanding advertising intentions, engaging families in discussions about media, and the role of AI in advertising. They also announce an upcoming webinar series focused on AI and media literacy, encouraging listeners to download a free guide for educators. Takeaways The Super Bowl is a prime opportunity for media literacy education. Every ad during the Super Bowl is carefully crafted with intentional choices. Engaging families in discussions about advertising can enhance media literacy. Storyboarding helps students understand the creative process behind ads. A

Marcela Andrés takes us through the phenomenal book: Purposeful Educator Connections: Five Principles to Strengthen Relationships with Students , a transformative guide that offers practical strategies to help educators deepen their connections with students and drive meaningful change in the classroom. Marcela has dedicated her career to creating culturally responsive strategies that foster strong relationships between educators, families, and communities. Marcela’s work is focused on empowering educators to go beyond compliance and embrace the power of relationships as a foundation for student success. Her book highlights key principles that allow educators to create high-quality learning environments, foster meaningful interactions, and partner with key stakeholders to support students in fulfilling their life’s purpose. Takeaways Educators have a profound impact on children's lives. Community building is essential in education. School is about more than just academics. Human connections are vital for

Libraries can be a space for community building and idea exchange. During this new era of AI–what is already happening in the library? That's what we explore this week with three different perspectives on the way the Librarian is a critical voice on all things AI. Ready to meet our guests? Zakir Hossain is a Teacher-Librarian and independent researcher. He’s passionate about academic integrity and artificial intelligence literacy development. Born and raised in Bangladesh, Zakir has lived and worked in Vietnam, Saudi Arabia, Switzerland and the Netherlands. Zakir can be reached via @DuZakir on X and zakir.reseachtl@gmail.com    Danny Glasner has been a technology coach, learning support, and for the past seven years, a library/media specialist otherwise known as a teacher-librarian. He has worked in schools for the past 21 years in Toronto, Istanbul, Hanoi, Zhuhai, Beijing, Phuket (as the whole school librarian for UWC Thailand), Ho Chi Minh City, and now Tirana, Albania. The library brings many of Danny’s pa

On the show this week Jeff and Tricia talk with author, Pepper Stetler about the new book A Measure of Intelligence: One Mother's Reckoning with the IQ Test. Pepper Stetler is a Professor of Art History at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. She writes extensively on issues facing people with intellectual disabilities and their caregivers. Her writing has appeared in The New York Times, The Atlantic, Slate, The Progressive, the Ploughshares blog and Gulf Coast. Stetler also researches and writes about the art and photography of early twentieth-century Europe and the United States. In 2022, she was awarded an Art Writer’s Grant from the Andy Warhol Foundation. She has written catalog essays for exhibitions at the Museum of Modern Art in New York and the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. In 2022, she curated Craft and Camera: The Art of Nancy Ford Cones, the first museum scale retrospective of the Cincinnati-based photographer. Stetler grew up in Kansas City, Missouri. She received her BA from Barnard College, Co

This week Shifting Schools is sharing another podcast with you:  Women Talkin' 'Bout AI

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,