In this episode, I spoke with EdTech experts Steve Kass and Sarah Wood about practical strategies for computer science integration in K-12 education. You'll also hear their valuable perspectives on demystifying computational thinking and building teacher confidence in this crucial area. If you want to discover actionable ways to bring computer science concepts to life in your classroom, this episode has you covered! Show notes: https://classtechtips.com/2025/08/19/computer-science-integration-33...
Aug 19, 2025•33 min•Ep. 333
In this episode, I share brain break ideas and strategies to help boost student focus, engagement, and energy levels throughout the school day. You'll also hear creative suggestions like AI-generated music, trivia challenges, movement-based exercises, and more that can easily fit into your routine. Tune in for practical tips on making brain breaks a seamless and impactful part of your teaching! Show notes: https://classtechtips.com/2025/08/12/brain-break-ideas-332/ Sponsored by my free quiz, “Un...
Aug 12, 2025•18 min•Ep. 332
In this episode, I'm joined by Amy Dujon, Vice President of Education at Community EDU and the force behind the Leadhership Network, to talk about how women in education can grow and thrive. You'll also hear Amy share practical advice for stepping into leadership, the importance of building a strong professional network, and how she navigated her own career path. Tune in for an inspiring conversation on building confidence, creating a support system, and empowering women in education. Show notes...
Aug 08, 2025•30 min
In this episode, discover how you can use AI-generated reader's theater to make learning come alive! I'll take you through the process of leveraging chatbots to craft scripts tailored to your content area and students' needs, and provide you with a handful of prompts to get your wheels spinning. No matter what subject you teach, if you're looking to boost fluency, deepen content knowledge, and ignite student enthusiasm with custom reader's theater, this episode has you covered! Show notes: https...
Aug 05, 2025•15 min•Ep. 331
In this episode, I share a powerful conversation with Jen Roberts, high school English teacher, author, blogger, and speaker, all about how educators can best respond when students use AI. You'll also hear Jen share actionable ideas on proactively addressing AI and cultivating a sense of curiosity around it. Tune in for strategies you can use tomorrow to navigate the world of AI in student work! Show notes: https://classtechtips.com/2025/07/29/when-students-use-ai-330/ Sponsored by my Easy EdTec...
Jul 29, 2025•31 min•Ep. 330
In this episode, I share creative back-to-school bulletin board ideas for teachers to welcome students and set a positive tone for the year. You'll also hear ways to incorporate technology, like AI-generated images and QR codes, to make your displays more interactive. If you want to create engaging, informative, and visually appealing bulletin boards that spark curiosity and excitement, this episode has you covered! Show notes: https://classtechtips.com/2025/07/22/bulletin-board-ideas-for-teache...
Jul 22, 2025•18 min•Ep. 329
In this episode, I chat with fellow ASCD author and Manager of Coaching and Improvement, Jennifer Ciok, all about innovative strategies to amplify student voice in the classroom through multimedia projects. You'll also hear tips from Jennifer's new book, The Meaningful Middle School Classroom , on the significance of authentic audiences, the impact of student choice in storytelling, and how to tap into students' passions to encourage engagement. Tune in to explore creative, tech-infused ways to ...
Jul 15, 2025•25 min•Ep. 328
In this episode, I share practical study tips and EdTech tools that help students build strong study habits and take charge of their learning. You'll also hear strategies for using AI-powered resources and interactive digital platforms to make studying more engaging and effective. Tune into this episode and learn how to best help students review essential topics and develop lifelong learning skills! Show notes: https://classtechtips.com/2025/07/08/help-students-review-327/ Sponsored by my Easy E...
Jul 08, 2025•18 min•Ep. 327
In this episode, I share fun writing activities for kids that don't rely on AI, showcasing innovative digital platforms for educators to explore. You'll also hear about interactive online resources that offer unique writing prompts and learning experiences. If you want to discover tech-friendly strategies that spark student creativity and critical thinking, this episode has you covered! Show notes: https://classtechtips.com/2025/07/01/fun-writing-activities-for-kids-326/ Sponsored by my Easy EdT...
Jul 01, 2025•17 min•Ep. 326
In this episode, I chat with Eric Walters, Director of STEM Education at Marymount School of New York, about the creativity and AI ethics course he designed for high school students. You’ll also hear how his students dive into generative AI tools, reflect on ethical challenges, and create meaningful projects for authentic audiences. Tune in for a conversation on fostering agency, asynchronous learning, and preparing students to navigate AI’s creative potential responsibly! Show notes: https://cl...
Jun 24, 2025•27 min•Ep. 325
In this episode, I welcome back Dr. Gene Kerns, Chief Academic Officer at Renaissance, to the podcast to explore practical AI literacy tips for educators and families. You’ll also hear Dr. Kerns share research insights and actionable strategies to help students, caregivers, teachers, and school leaders confidently navigate today’s rapidly evolving AI landscape. If you want to better understand how to prepare your school community for the future of artificial intelligence, this episode has you co...
Jun 20, 2025•34 min
In this episode, I share five key takeaways from a whirlwind week of AI experiences—from leading hands-on educator workshops in Iowa to attending the Axios AI + NYC Summit. You’ll also hear how small tech features, student safety, and even AI image citations are making a big impact in classrooms and beyond. If you want to stay informed and inspired around AI in education, this episode has you covered! Show notes: https://classtechtips.com/2025/06/17/ai-in-education-324/ Sponsored by my quick ref...
Jun 17, 2025•23 min•Ep. 324
In this episode, I’m joined by Karen Borchert, Founder and CEO of Alpaca, for a powerful conversation about data-driven ways to boost teacher engagement. You'll also hear surprising insights about teacher well-being plus actionable strategies and digital tools that school leaders can use to cultivate a more positive and supportive school culture. Tune in if you're looking to create an environment where educators feel seen, valued, and energized! Show notes: https://classtechtips.com/2025/06/13/b...
Jun 13, 2025•26 min
In this episode, I share four fun activities to help students learn about AI chatbots while developing critical thinking and digital literacy skills. You'll also hear strategies from the new edition of my book EdTech Essentials: 12 Strategies for Every Classroom in the Age of AI , like comparing chatbot results to traditional searches, fact-checking responses, and more. Tune in to explore how to introduce AI chatbots in a low-stakes way while preparing students for responsible AI use. Show notes...
Jun 10, 2025•18 min•Ep. 323
In this episode, I speak with Philip Bates, Director of College Readiness at UWorld and a former high school principal, about how educators can use EdTech tools to set AP students up for success. You’ll also hear how UWorld supports differentiation, builds academic confidence, and helps students tackle rigorous content with clarity. If you want to empower your AP learners and make the most of digital resources in your classroom, this episode has you covered! Show notes: https://classtechtips.com...
Jun 06, 2025•26 min
In this episode, I chat with Instructional Coach and YouTube creator, Lee Ann Yonker all about effective EdTech coaching strategies. You'll also hear her expert advice on how to build strong relationships with teachers, introduce technology in manageable ways, and leverage digital tools for better organization, resource sharing, and even as a sounding board for ideas. If you're looking for actionable strategies to support educators with technology and perhaps even explore sharing your own expert...
Jun 03, 2025•26 min•Ep. 322
In this episode, I share strategies to help kids with keyword searches so they can confidently navigate online spaces. You’ll also hear actionable tips from my book EdTech Essentials: 12 Strategies for Every Classroom in the Age of AI that you can try out tomorrow. If you’re looking to equip students with essential research skills for success in the digital world, this episode has you covered! Show notes: https://classtechtips.com/2025/05/27/help-kids-with-keyword-searches-321/ Sponsored by my A...
May 27, 2025•15 min•Ep. 321
In this episode, I share how educators can keep up with AI in education without feeling overwhelmed with my AI in Education Membership. You’ll also hear about curated AI tools, ready-to-use resources, and flexible learning options designed to fit into a busy educator’s schedule. Tune into to learn how to stay ahead of AI trends, access expert-vetted strategies, and earn professional learning certificates with my AI in Education Membership! Show notes: https://classtechtips.com/2025/05/20/keep-up...
May 20, 2025•14 min•Ep. 320
In this episode, I chat with Jessica Cabeen, speaker, author, and education leader, about digital communication best practices for educators. You'll also hear strategies for setting boundaries, ensuring clarity, and using technology effectively to communicate with colleagues and families. Tune in for actionable tips to improve digital communication and reduce overwhelm in your daily workflow! Show notes: https://classtechtips.com/2025/05/13/digital-communication-best-practices-319/ Sponsored by ...
May 13, 2025•26 min•Ep. 319
In this episode, I share oodles of creative and tech-infused summer reading activities to help kids stay engaged with reading over the summer. You'll also hear tips on using digital tools like audiobooks, book trailers, and virtual book clubs to make summer reading fun and interactive. If you want to inspire young readers and provide families with easy-to-implement strategies, this episode has you covered! Show notes: https://classtechtips.com/2025/05/06/summer-reading-activities-318/ Sponsored ...
May 06, 2025•19 min•Ep. 318
In this episode, I shared tech-infused ideas for end-of-year celebrations! We explore virtual field trips, AI-powered field days, digital memory books, and more. If you want to make your year-end celebration exciting and memorable, this episode is for you! Show notes: https://classtechtips.com/2025/04/29/year-end-celebration-317/ Sponsored by my mini-course “Learn ChatGPT This Summer”: https://classtechtips.com/ai Follow Monica on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/classtechtips/ Take your pic...
Apr 29, 2025•14 min•Ep. 317
In this episode, Dr. Ken Scheel, Founder and CEO of KEVA Planks, and Associate Principal Whitney Beck join for a conversation about blending hands-on learning with digital tools to cultivate essential future-ready skills in students. You'll also hear examples of how screen-free activities like building with KEVA Planks promote problem-solving and collaboration across subjects. Tune in to discover actionable strategies for incorporating tactile learning into your digital classroom to boost studen...
Apr 25, 2025•30 min
In this episode, I chat with Instructional Technology Integration Specialist Michelle Manning about how educators can boost creativity in the classroom by fostering innovation and curiosity. You'll also hear practical strategies for integrating technology, encouraging student-led learning, and creating an environment where creativity thrives. If you want to inspire your students to think outside the box and bring more creativity into your teaching, this episode has you covered! Show notes: https...
Apr 22, 2025•24 min•Ep. 316
In this episode, I share creative and tech-friendly educational summer activities to keep kids learning and exploring all season long. You'll also hear about fun ways to spark curiosity, from making digital photo journals to taking virtual field trips. If you want to help students and families stay engaged and inspired during summer break, this episode is for you! Show notes: https://classtechtips.com/2025/04/15/educational-summer-activities-315/ Sponsored by ColorBliss: https://ColorBliss.com F...
Apr 15, 2025•16 min•Ep. 315
In this episode, I share an overview of NotebookLM, a powerful AI tool from Google that enables educators to transform documents into personalized AI-generated resources for students. You'll also hear about practical ways teachers can use NotebookLM, from creating audio versions of conference notes to generating unit study materials. Tune in to discover how you can leverage AI technology to enhance your educational workflow and create engaging content for students! Show notes: https://classtecht...
Apr 08, 2025•16 min•Ep. 314
In this episode, I welcome back author, literacy advocate, and Founder of Dewey, Pam Allyn, to the podcast to chat about the power of storytelling in building literacy skills. You'll also hear insights into how digital tools, including AI, are changing how children engage with stories and how to balance online and offline literacy experiences. Tune in for expert strategies teachers can use to foster authentic storytelling and literacy development in their classrooms. Show notes: https://classtec...
Apr 04, 2025•24 min
Show notes: https://classtechtips.com/2025/04/01/google-tools-313/ Sponsored by my mini-course “Learn ChatGPT This Summer”: https://classtechtips.com/ai-for-educators-membership/ Follow Dr. Desiree Alexander on social: https://x.com/educatoralex Follow Monica on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/classtechtips/ Take your pick of free EdTech resources: https://classtechtips.com/free-stuff-favorites/...
Apr 01, 2025•27 min•Ep. 313
In this episode, I share essential tips to help educators maximize their conference experience. You’ll discover practical advice for staying energized, comfortable, and connected while attending professional development events. From packing must-have items to effective networking strategies, if you’re looking to make the most out of your next education conference and bring valuable insights back to the classroom, this episode is for you! Show notes: https://classtechtips.com/2025/03/25/education...
Mar 25, 2025•16 min•Ep. 312
In this episode, I’m joined by Dave Barclay, former educator and Deledao's Director of Product, for a conversation about how to effectively manage student distractions by blending proven classroom strategies with innovative AI technology. You'll also hear how to empower students with self-regulation skills in the digital age, fostering a more engaging and productive learning environment. If you want to create a balanced and supportive classroom, this episode is for you! Show notes: https://class...
Mar 21, 2025•29 min
In this episode, I chat with Shawn McCusker, co-author of Becoming Active Citizens , about how teachers can move beyond the textbook and make civic education truly resonate with today's students. You'll also hear some valuable tips and resources for educators to help students become active participants in their communities, plus the role of technology in this evolving landscape. If you're passionate about empowering the next generation of engaged citizens, this episode is a must-listen! Show not...
Mar 18, 2025•28 min•Ep. 311