Easy EdTech Podcast with Monica Burns

In this episode, I chat with Instructional Technology Coach Nikki Jones about using animation in the classroom to boost student engagement, foster creativity, and elevate assessment routines. You'll also hear how Nikki incorporates AI tools that animate from audio and generate text-to-image to make animation projects more accessible and personalized for students. Show notes: https://classtechtips....

In this episode, I share prompts for using AI chatbots as thought partners to boost student creativity tailored to your instructional needs and environment. You'll hear tips on crafting customized, open-ended prompts to elicit out-of-the-box ideas, along with examples you can adapt and refine to inspire exciting student learning experiences. If you're looking to maximize creativity and design stud...

In this episode, I'm joined by authors Eric Sheninger and Nicki Slaugh for a fantastic discussion about personalized learning in K-12 classrooms. You'll hear expert tips and strategies from their new book Personalize: Meeting the Needs of All Learners. We chat about ways to honor student voice and choice, differentiate instruction, and seamlessly integrate proficiency-based learning. If you're loo...

In this episode, I chat with Nicholas Provenzano, Makerspace Director, Consultant, and Author, about using comics and graphic novels as powerful literacy tools that provide students with engaging choices for reading and storytelling. You'll also hear fascinating examples of how he's leveraged free generative AI tools to help students collaboratively write stories, generate visuals, and produce dig...

In this episode, I dive into why the summer months provide an ideal opportunity for educators to dive into the world of AI, from experimenting with creative personal projects to thoughtfully planning how to integrate AI into the new school year. You'll also hear ways to leverage AI for summer fun, to collaborate with peers, and to stay ahead of the curve - plus, I'll share information about my new...

In this episode, I chat with Alejandra Ceja, Vice President of the Office of Social Impact and Inclusion & Executive Director at the Panasonic Foundation, about an educational initiative called STEM Forward. Created in partnership with Discovery Education, STEM Forward provides free digital resources to introduce students to STEM fields and innovative technologies. You'll hear about the Innovators...

In this episode, I chat with Reading Specialist Linda Rhyne, where she unpacks the Science of Reading and the connection between education technology and building student literacy skills. You'll hear how Linda leverages technology, including AI, to support the implementation of the Science of Reading by enhancing accessibility, differentiation, and the creation of tailored instructional resources...

In this episode, Brianna Henneke Hodges joins to share tips for capturing your school year story with EdTech. You'll also hear suggestions for organizing digital artifacts using tools like your LMS or cloud storage and insight into establishing routines for documenting memorable moments throughout the year. If you're looking for creative ways to help students reflect on their learning experiences...

In this episode, I spotlight the new updates and interactive features in the second edition of my book EdTech Essentials: 12 Strategies for Every Classroom in the Age of AI. You'll hear about the two new chapters focused on generating ideas with AI and evaluating digital content with an AI mindset, as well as the inclusion of chatbot prompts and educator stories throughout the book. Plus, discover...

In this episode, fellow ASCD author and educator Jennifer Orr joins me for a deep dive into the art of fostering dynamic academic conversations with students across grade levels. You'll hear techniques from her book Demystifying Discussion that empower students to co-construct knowledge while using versatile digital tools to enrich collaborative and reflective practices, deepening classroom discus...

In this episode, I chat with District STEM Specialist Katie Fielding about elevating creativity in every classroom with EdTech. You'll hear Katie's expert strategies for nurturing a creative learning environment full of choice, along with her favorite accessible open-ended creation tools. If you're interested in boosting engagement while empowering your students to capture their learning in real-w...

In this episode, I spotlight seven fun ways to use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to teach vocabulary to students of all ages. You'll hear about how these AI-powered strategies can make vocabulary instruction engaging and personalized for students. From writing riddles and composing songs to generating stories and designing review games, this episode is full of fresh vocabulary activity ideas! Show...

In this episode, I spotlight seven creative bulletin board ideas to celebrate student achievements and highlight special memories from the school year. You'll also hear simple steps and helpful resources for adding digital elements like QR codes to make your classroom bulletin boards interactive and memorable. Show notes: https://classtechtips.com/2024/05/07/bulletin-board-ideas-266/   Sponsored b...

In this episode, I share practical tips designed for school leaders on using AI to elevate their workflow. You'll also hear about my new, free resource with even more ideas for leveraging Artificial Intelligence in small but powerful ways this school year. From drafting responses to tricky emails to introducing AI-powered EdTech tools to elevate teaching and learning, this episode has you covered!...

In this episode, Educational Consultant and Instructional Coach Dr. Jacie Maslyk shares unexpected strategies for seamlessly integrating literacy and STEM into any classroom. You'll also hear engaging lesson ideas and activities that foster curiosity, problem-solving, and authentic learning experiences. If you want to ignite students' imaginations, cultivate interdisciplinary connections, and unle...

In this episode, I welcome middle school librarian Amanda Hunt back to the podcast as she shares her firsthand experience using the forever-free K-12 digital learning platform The Achievery. You'll hear Amanda's strategies for effectively evaluating online resources to find high-quality, standards-aligned materials connected to core subject areas. From customizing lessons for personalized learning...

In this episode, I use social media for lesson inspiration and spotlight activity ideas to energize student learning experiences. From creating historical figure Instagram-style posts to making math concept videos in a vertical format, you'll discover plenty of customizable ideas to boost student engagement, foster creativity, and provide real-world context across the content areas. If you're look...

In this episode, I chat with speaker, educator, and author Meredith McNerney about ways to create a peaceful classroom environment for teachers and students. You'll also hear practical strategies from her new book Cultivating a Classroom of Calm for identifying tech-based self-soothing behaviors, fostering a culture of calm, and integrating micro self-care practices into daily routines.  Show note...

In this episode, I chat with Mike McDonald, CEO of Activ8, all about using AI to personalize play-based learning experiences for kids. You'll also hear about how Activ8 uses AI to give educators ideas for screen-free play activities that can be tailored to specific learning goals and classroom environments. If you're looking for ways to incorporate more hands-on, movement-based activities into you...

In this episode, I'm joined by Associate Professor of Education & Human Development and Author Dr. Faiza Jamil.  We explore how the pandemic pushed educators to find creative solutions for remote learning - like using virtual tools to maintain student connections and expanding education access. You'll also hear expert insights from her new book, Public Education in Turbulent Times, on navigating e...

In this episode, I chat with Dr. Jennifer Berne, Assistant Professor at Fischler College of Education, along with Sean Stanton the founder and event coordinator of the NSU Teachers of Tomorrow Conference. You'll hear them share valuable insights on hosting a successful conference for educators, from forming a vision to thoughtful scheduling. They also share practical tips for leveraging EdTech too...

In this episode, I share over a dozen creative ways to use Gemini as an AI-powered teaching assistant. These Gemini Tips for Teachers can help you save time throughout the school year. From sparking lesson plan ideas to crafting engaging communication and assessments, Gemini can help you ditch the busywork and focus on what truly matters - inspiring your students.  You'll also hear all about seaml...

In this episode, Ernest Dixon, Director of Customer Success at Blocksi, joins for an exploration of the powerful connection between social-emotional learning (SEL) and personalized learning for students. You'll also hear Ernest unpack these terms and spotlight how Blocksi's AI-powered classroom management tool can help to integrate SEL and customize learning experiences in your classroom. Show not...

In this episode, I chat with Instructional Technology Coach Becca McLagan all about strategies for implementing AI in high school classrooms. You'll also hear about best practices and examples of how teachers across different subjects are integrating generative AI tools into their lessons. From tutoring chatbots to writing assignments, if you're looking to introduce AI to students, this episode is...

In this episode, Randi Ahrndt, Head of Literacy Learning at Book Creator, joins me for a chat about ways to honor student voice and celebrate storytelling. From picture narratives to sign language, we explore diverse storytelling methods for kids of all ages. You'll also hear all about Book Creator's Be An Author Month digital resources to empower students as authors across all subjects. Show note...