Unpacking Education & Tech Talk For Teachers

The Impact of Authentic Learning

In this episode, Winston, Rena, and Paul discuss the importance of authentic learning. They break down what authentic learning is while providing specific examples of it in action from their experiences as students, teachers, and professional learning facilitators. Through this conversation, you’ll discover common attributes that make authentic learning powerful and actionable in any context. Visit AVID Open Access to learn more.

Three Steps for Developing Your Personal AI Professional Learning Plan

In today’s episode, we'll explore three ways to level up your understanding and use of artificial intelligence. Visit AVID Open Access to learn more.

News Literacy in America: a Teen Study, with Kim Bowman and Peter Adams

What do teens really think about the news, and how prepared are they to navigate today’s complex information landscape? We explore these questions in this episode of Unpacking Education, as we’re joined by Kim Bowman and Peter Adams from the News Literacy Project (NLP) , a nonpartisan nonprofit. Kim and Peter share the results of their national study, News Literacy in America: A Survey of Teen Information Attitudes, Habits and Skills (2024) , with insights from over 1,100 teens. The data reveals...

AI Trust You

In today’s episode, we'll explore how AI Trust You , a free Google add-on, can increase open and honest communication between students and teachers regarding AI use on assignments. Visit AVID Open Access to learn more.

Outsmarted: The Changing Face of Learning in the Era of Smartphones and Technology, with Lisa Green

In this episode of Unpacking Education , we dive into the realities of teaching in a tech-saturated world with educator and author Lisa Green. Drawing from her book Outsmarted: The Changing Face of Learning in the Era of Smartphones and Technology , Lisa explores how smartphones, social media, and technology are transforming the way students learn, socialize, and engage in the classroom. Lisa shares practical classroom strategies that blend structure, coaching, and empathy—from using visual time...

The President’s Executive Order: “Advancing Artificial Intelligence Education for American Youth.”

Explore the highlights of the President’s Executive Order: “Advancing Artificial Intelligence Education for American Youth.”

SchoolAI, with Kevin Morrill

Tech in the Writing Process: Publishing

In today’s episode, we'll explore how technology can enhance the publishing phase of the writing process. Visit AVID Open Access to learn more.

Beyond Words: How Bilingual Education Shapes Young Minds, with Sophie Ricouard

Sophie Ricouard, Pre-Elementary Academic Director (Toddler–K) at the San Diego French-American School, joins us to discuss the benefits of bilingual education. She explains how her school starts with French immersion and then gradually transitions to a 50/50 mix of French and English. Sophie emphasizes the cognitive and social advantages of bilingualism, noting that children learn to switch between languages. She addresses common misconceptions, such as the fear of losing English skills, and hig...

Tech in the Writing Process: Polishing

In today’s episode, we'll explore how technology can be integrated into the polishing phase of the writing process. Visit AVID Open Access to learn more.

Building Strong Foundations: How Instructional Innovation and PBL Transform Teaching, with Dr. Jorge Valenzuela

In this episode of Unpacking Education, we sit down with education coach, author, and researcher Dr. Jorge Valenzuela to explore how instructional innovation and project-based learning (PBL) can transform the learning experience and empower both students and educators. Jorge introduces the updated second edition of his book, Project-Based Learning+: Enhancing Academic Learning and Essential Life Skills , and shares how combining academic learning with essential life skills—like emotional intelli...

Tech in the Writing Process: Revision

In today’s episode, we'll explore meaningful ways to integrate technology into the revision portion of the writing process. Visit AVID Open Access to learn more.

AI Trust You, with Michael Morrison

Tech in the Writing Process: Drafting

In today’s episode, we'll explore strategies and tech tools for the drafting stage of the writing process. Visit AVID Open Access to learn more.

The AI-Infused Classroom, with Holly Clark

What does it mean to truly infuse AI into classroom practice—not just as a tool, but as a partner in learning? In this episode, ed tech expert Holly Clark joins the Unpacking Education team to unpack the evolving role of AI in education. With over 25 years of experience and a deep commitment to student-centered learning, Holly shares how generative AI can help educators personalize instruction, support neurodivergent learners, and reclaim valuable time. “We can’t say, ‘I’m just not AI literate,’...

Tech in the Writing Process: Pre-Writing, Organization

In today’s episode, we'll explore strategies and digital tools to help students organize their content so that they're ready to begin writing. Visit AVID Open Access to learn more.

Strategic Lesson Design, with Tracie McMurray

In this episode of Unpacking Education, we speak with Tracie McMurray, an educator with 20 years of experience whose participation in the AVID Certified Educator program reignited her passion for teaching. From rethinking the role of student data to revamping classroom routines, Tracie shares how strategic lesson design transformed her instruction and helped her reconnect with the purpose that brought her to education in the first place. Along the way, she found a supportive network of like-mind...

Tech in the Writing Process: Pre-Writing, Gathering Ideas and Content

In today's episode, we explore strategies for researching, generating citations, and note-taking. Visit AVID Open Access to learn more.

The Importance of Inquiry in Learning, with Trevor MacKenzie

In this episode of Unpacking Education, we’re joined by author, educator, and inquiry consultant Trevor MacKenzie to explore the powerful role of curiosity in learning. Trevor shares how authentic inquiry can transform disengaged classrooms into thriving learning communities and how the simple act of sparking student curiosity leads to deeper thinking, better questions, and meaningful engagement. Whether you're new to inquiry-based learning or ready to deepen your practice, this conversation off...

Tech in the Writing Process: Pre-Writing, Generating Preliminary Ideas

In today’s episode, we'll explore how technology can be integrated into the second part of the pre-writing process, generating preliminary ideas. Visit AVID Open Access to learn more.

Integrating WICOR, with Kera Diller

In this episode of Unpacking Education, we sit down with high school English teacher and AVID Site Coordinator Kera Diller to explore AVID's WICOR methodology, which incorporates Writing, Inquiry, Collaboration, Organization, and Reading. Kera shares how WICOR transformed her instructional planning by providing a flexible methodology rather than a rigid formula. With vivid metaphors and practical insights, she illustrates how WICOR serves as a foundation for rigorous instruction that’s adaptable...

Tech in the Writing Process: Pre-Writing, Clarifying Your Writing Task

In today’s episode, we'll explore how technology can be integrated into the first part of the pre-writing process: clarifying your task and choosing a topic. Visit AVID Open Access to learn more.

Future Ready Schools, with Thomas Murray

In this episode of Unpacking Education, we welcome back Thomas Murray to dive into the evolving landscape of Future Ready Schools . Tom shares insights on creating learning environments that truly prepare students for an unpredictable future, focusing on effectiveness, engagement, and innovation. From strategic frameworks to workforce readiness, he challenges educators to think beyond the basics and ensure that every student has the tools to live life on their own terms. Tune in for free resourc...

Writing To Learn

In today’s episode, we'll explore tech-enriched strategies to facilitate writing to learn. Visit AVID Open Access to learn more.

Student Motivation, with Tyler Rablin

In this episode, Tyler Rablin, author of Hacking Student Motivation , joins us to examine the role that assessment plays in student motivation. He emphasizes the importance of rethinking traditional grading and assessment practices to better foster student success. He shares his experience with a brilliant but struggling student, Tiff, who inspired him to focus on growth rather than averaging scores. Rablin advocates for unpacking standards, using learning progressions, and providing meaningful ...

Snorkl

Explore Snorkl, an AI feedback tool.

Information and News Literacy, with Brittney Smith

In this episode, Brittney Smith from the News Literacy Project discusses the importance of news and information literacy in today's digital age. She emphasizes the need for students to critically evaluate the credibility of information and understand the role of journalism in the information sharing process. Brittney highlights strategies like pausing before sharing, lateral reading, and training social media algorithms to filter credible content. She also discusses the differences between misin...

Canva Whiteboard

Explore Canva Whiteboard, a robust digital canvas and workspace.

Elevating Educational Design With AI, with Dr. Catlin Tucker

In this episode, Dr. Catlin Tucker discusses her new book, Elevating Educational Design with AI , co-authored with Dr. Katie Novak. Tucker emphasizes the importance of using AI as a design thought partner rather than a replacement for human teaching. She outlines a framework for integrating AI into lesson planning, focusing on backward design, universal design, and personalized learning. Tucker highlights the benefits of AI in creating flexible pathways, designing rubrics, and fostering resilien...

Interactive Slideshows: Simple Tech, Complex Thinking

In today’s episode, we'll explore using interactive slideshows to teach computer science and critical thinking. Visit AVID Open Access to learn more.