DivingDeepEDU

What does an online school look like that elevates self directed learning, utilizes learning challenges, and taps into student agency? Let me introduce you to The Forest School Online.   This conversation with Maxwell Smith seeks to elevate unique elements of The Forest School Online in order for us to see a different path forward in respect to online learning. For more information check out . . ....

What if technology made the educational experience more impactful, reduced stress, and allowed us to get more done in less time? William Minton and Matthew Downing discuss these critical questions and much more on this helpful podcast episode. William showcases Canopy , a new learning management system, as a way to grapple with these questions.  Canopy helps the learner and teacher interact with t...

Consistency is essential within a blended learning environment.   More than that, consistency transcends technology and blended learning models, which makes it an ideal foundational element to build effective learning environments.   Richard Byrne discusses this with Matthew Downing and why it is so critical.  They also explore examples of what consistency looks like in the classroom, and consider...

Blended learning has forced teachers across the globe to modify their teaching practice and experiment with new tools and ideas.  Dom Traynor and Matthew Downing discuss this as well as the ability of blended learning to encourage teachers to be learners at the same time as the students.  Teachers don't have to be the expert on every technology tool or idea.  Teachers can rely on students who poss...

How can we utilize the blended learning environment towards deeper learning? Dr. Scott McLeod chats with Matthew Downing about this topic and much more.  They also explore the need for thoughtful planning, the temptation towards wishful thinking, and the way 4 Shifts Protocol can guide towards success. Tune into the blended learning mini series to help reflect on the past year and consider a path...

The experiences throughout the past year have helped us grow in our understanding of using technology in the classroom and being able to ask the "why" when considering technology classroom application. Monica Burns and Matthew Downing discuss this as well as the many possibilities of participation within a blended learning environment. Tune into the blended learning mini series to help reflect on...

Blended learning is not for every student or educator.   Todd Nesloney and Matthew Downing discuss limitations of the blended learning environment for both students and teachers.  We also consider unique ways blended learning can serve students well along with the significance of relationships within a virtual environment.  Tune into the blended learning mini series to help reflect on the past yea...

Risks can be a powerful tool within our learning. Blended learning has offered numerous opportunities for teachers and students to take risks they wouldn't have taken otherwise.  These risk taking experiences have led to unexpected learning opportunities, new ideas, and expanded exploration. We cover this and much more on this past paced episode.   Tune into the blended learning mini series (episo...

Organizing a blended learning classroom serves as one of the biggest obstacles for educators.  Matthew Rhoads shares examples of how to best organize a blended learning classroom while offering practical examples that can be easily applied to a variety of classroom settings.   On top of that, we discuss the importance of routines and embracing the less is more mentality in relationship to technolo...

Design offers an excellent pathway to interdisciplinary l earning experiences. Dr. Marci Klein brings us into classrooms and shows us how design can be used to combine diverse learning objectives and push creativity.  She shares many examples that can be applied to the classroom, such as a tiny house challenge and bee pollinator project. The conversation also pushes us to consider new ways of lear...

We are in the midst of a disruptive decade. Listen in to the conversation as Julie Jungalwala and Matthew Downing consider a path forward. Julie shares her thoughts on ways to approach the disruption in order to bring about transformative change.  She provides examples, stories, and lessons she has learned through working with countless schools and organizations. Are you seeking to navigate the di...

What is real math? Pam Harris chats with Rob Schwartz, Macie Basom, and myself about this important issue. We discuss the characteristics of real math and more importantly - how can real math be brought to the classroom? The conversation also considers the role of algorithms within math instruction and alternative ways to engage and teach concepts.  The conversation inspires and provides practical...

How do you pursue your dream? Sam Willoughby, BMX Olympic Silver Medalist, brings us into his story of leaving home at the age of 16 to pursue his BMX dream and the many factors that led to his decision. We discuss the importance of following passions in the midst of a strong support system, strategies to succeed, and the multi-faceted recovery process.  Throughout our discussion we keep education...

What role does your mindset play in athletics and education? Katherine Adamek, 2 time Olympic Medalist, shares personal stories and coaching strategies to help us better understand the role our mindset plays. Katherine highlights the need for a process oriented approach as opposed to focusing primarily on the results.  This allows us to see our growth and measure success differently. The conversat...

How does design thinking help us in everyday life?  Not the textbook version.  The practical day in and day out version. John Coyle, Olympic Medalist and design thinking expert, breaks down the theory of design thinking and helps us apply it to our daily life. John delves into how we approach our strengths and weaknesses, difficult decisions, and the importance of the design thinking process. Give...

Perseverance helps us grow in unexpected ways. Mark Henderson, Olympic Gold Medalist, shares the story of his 1992 Olympic trial experience and how that propelled him forward towards gold in 1996. Mark reflects on lessons learned from athletics, and how they can be brought into the classroom for all students. Mark also shares about his newest venture, The Athletes Village.  A great app that assist...

What does it take to elevate your performance to the next level? Who better to ask than Olympic Gold Medalist, Vladimir Grbic? Vladimir provides wonderful insight into the world of athletics.  But, our conversation goes much deeper than that.  We get into mindsets, collaboration, inclusivity, and the importance of happiness. One of the highlights was Vladmir sharing guidance on what prevents peopl...

What is the role of innovation within education?   Shawn Kanungo, a globally recognized innovation strategist, shares his insight into how innovation occurs and what it could look like within schools. Shawn offers challenges and inspiration for educators and school leaders to do school differently.  For example - "if you don't understand how video games work for middle school students - you are ir...

Anaiah Downing, Eliana Downing, and Teo Downing had the opportunity to ask some curious questions to Judy Schachner, award winning author/illustrator.  See episode #29 for the complete conversation with Judy.   The answers to the questions provide some great insight to listeners of all ages. Post a review.   Subscribe. Judy Schachner is the #1 NY Times Best Selling Author/Illustrator of over 23 bo...

How does an award winning author and illustrator create their books? Judy Schachner, #1 NY Times Best Selling Author/Illustrator, gives us a glimpse into her creation process.  See this link for a wonderful example of a character bible, which serves as the foundation for her books.  Her process seeks to break down barriers that hinder creativity, and provides inspiration to potential writers and a...

How do we prepare for jobs that don't exist yet? Michelle Weise guides us through this transition with thoughtful insight and tons of examples.  Michelle explains how the system needs to be transformed in order to support new workers and workforce. This conversation keeps innovation at the forefront with many ideas that can be easily applied beyond higher education. Post a review.   Subscribe. Mic...

What is the role of technology within our learning?   John Couch, Apple's first Vice President of Education, helps us understand the difference between utilizing technology as a mental bicycle and an exercise bike. John does this through stories, personal examples, and providing insight into the vision of Steve Jobs. Our conversation uncovers the need to provide students with challenges, build tru...

What drives your learning?   We dive into this question and much more in a conversation that is framed around Tony's newest book, Learning By Heart.  Tony shares significant stories that demonstrate the power of teachers in the learning process as well as the need to have learning tailored to curiosity and passions. Tony doesn't stop there.  He shares a pivotal moment that saved his educational jo...

Design has a significant impact on the way information is conveyed to learners, and the degree to which learners are able to process and understand content.   Oliver Caviglioli breaks down the way the mind works, organizes content, and what we can do to better facilitate understanding.  He shares all of this through numerous stories while referencing learning researchers.  Give a listen / Subscrib...

Noan Fesnoux highlights the importance of experiences within our educational journey. He shares how they have impacted his learning, and also how he views learning for students.  Noan shares numerous examples of effective experiential learning activities, details his time working at Green School Bali, and provides some insight into starting The Real School of Budapest. Noan shares all of this with...