DivingDeepEDU

Kristen Graham, Pulitzer Prize winning journalist, shares some of her experiences while covering education in Philadelphia.  She also tells inside stories from the Phillies 2008 championship, breaks down important skills needed in journalism, and describes events from a recent arrest.  Kristen shares all of this through interesting stories and wonderful insight. Give a listen / Subscribe / Post a...

Amelia Nierenberg, New York Times reporter, brings needed and helpful insight into the current state of education.  Amelia's observations are not only pertinent to our current situation with her work on the Coronavirus Briefing, but can help move education forward in significant ways.   The conversation isn't entirely about education though . . . we started in Senegal, explored some of the best un...

Professional rock climber Sierra Blair-Coyle helps us better understand the complex dynamics of rock climbing, and what is needed to succeed.  Sierra tells us about her favorite places to climb, how to improve, and the impact her coaches have had in her development.  Sierra also shares some helpful stories from her educational background that allow us to consider ways to tailor systems to student...

Anaiah Downing, Eliana Downing, and Teo Downing had the opportunity to ask some curious questions to previous guests from episodes 16, 17, 18, and 19.  The answers provide some great insight to listeners of all ages. Previous guests - Stephanie Klemons, Voltaire Wade-Greene, Betsy Struxness, and Seth Stewart are talented artists (see previous episodes for details) who share a connection of being o...

"That would be dope if . . ." Matthew Downing and Seth Stewart delve into the creation process. Seth shares the need for space, finding a passion, and doing.  So often we get caught in our own heads, don't know what we want, or spend a majority of our time consuming. Those issues serve as major roadblocks towards creating beautiful art. Seth tells some interesting stories from Hamilton like how he...

Betsy Struxness takes us on a journey from a small town in Italy to the hectic backstage of Broadway performances.   Throughout the conversation Betsy provides an inside look into the creative process for an artist, the essence of an impactful learning experience (JOY), and what it is like to perform on Broadway under those bright lights. This is an engaging and authentic interaction that opens ou...

Voltaire Wade-Greene and Matthew Downing explore Voltaire's early learning experiences like when he recorded Thriller over a precious family VHS tape, and memorized the various movements. Voltaire goes on to share the importance of movement within learning and ways to encourage it within schools.  We save the Hamilton stories for last. Voltaire gives insight after insight of what it was like to pe...

What can we learn from musicals like Hamilton?   TONS! Join Matthew Downing and Stephanie Klemons as they dive into Hamilton (the musical), choreography, Katie's Art Project, and what makes a beneficial learning experience.  Stephanie shares plenty of stories, behind the scenes insight about Hamilton, the intricate process of choreography, and benefits of art towards healing. Stephanie is an award...

What can great leaders learn from living like a drug addict? Listen in as Matthew Downing chats with Michael Brody-Waite about his journey and the many lessons he has applied to successful leadership.  First, we must take off our masks.  We can do this by practicing authenticity, surrendering the outcome, and doing uncomfortable work. Michael brings it with refreshing insight and numerous examples...

Matthew Downing chats with Michael Soskil about his newest book and the pivotal role teachers play in transforming the education system and preserving democracy. Throughout the conversation they discuss powerful classroom activities that can be easily implemented, the importance of student agency within a school, and how student voice should be at the center of school decisions.  Michael Soskil wa...

What can we learn from this remote learning experience?  Matthew Downing chats with Steven W. Anderson and Shaelynn Farnsworth about broader theoretical insights as well as practical takeaways.   They delve into change theory, high quality professional learning, engaging in deeper learning, and the nuts and bolts of a pandemic journal activity . Throughout the conversation effective technology int...

What can help lead to deeper learning when integrating technology?  Matthew Downing and Dr. Scott McLeod discuss this relevant and important question. Scott brings it with theory and examples galore that can be easily applied to the learning environment.   Scott adds to the conversation by highlighting his 4 Shifts Protocol: higher level thinking, student agency, authentic work, and technology inf...

Matthew Downing chats with Todd Nesloney about his biggest takeaways from education. Todd mentions relationships with staff, students, and families as some of the key ingredients towards success. Todd also shares stories of his creative endeavors to engage community members and students.  Have you ever heard of a book prom?  Listen in to find out, and hear some other great insight.  Todd is the Di...

What can foster an authentic learning experience?   Matthew Downing and Jon Smith discuss how to create these types of authentic learning experiences through students publishing their work.  They also discuss student agency, car detailing, and unique features of Book Creator. Includes many practical examples that can be directly applied to the classroom. Jon Smith is a former teacher and tech inte...

Teachers are on constant lookout to promote deeper learning with the use of technology.   Matthew Downing and Monica Burns discuss many ways to accomplish that such as creating authentic audiences, purpose, and open ended activities. Listen in as we discuss these important concepts with practical application.  Subscribe / post a review . Dr. Monica Burns is a former classroom teacher, author, spea...

How can we make literature come alive for our students?  Literature is supposed to make us feel and imagine.  Stories were meant to entertain.  However, many of our students experience the opposite of excitement and entertainment when studying literature.  Join Matthew Downing and Dom Traynor as they discuss ways to infuse life into literature along with tons of other pertinent educational topics....

Innovation is lacking in schools across the country. Matthew Downing and Jennie Magiera talk about ways to foster greater innovation within schools, the importance of taking risks, lessons learned from remote learning, and the food scene in Chicago ( Jennie loves food ). Jennie is the Global Head of Education Impact at Google, bestselling author of Courageous Edventures , and founder and president...

Matthew Downing chats with Richard Byrne about a multitude of topics.  They go from student agency to 200+ mile bike rides.  How do they fit together?  You will have to listen to find out.  Richard Byrne is known for his popular blog that is read by over 500,000 people worldwide, freetech4teachers.com .  He provides a plethora of professional development resources for teachers, as well as maintain...

Matthew Downing talks with Jennie Kristofferson about classroom culture, transformative technology integration, importance of relationships, and the latest developments at Nearpod .  Jennie shares from her experience as a classroom teacher, curriculum leader, and educational product executive.  Many practical examples shared and thought provoking topics discussed.  Give a listen and post a review!...

Matthew Downing talks with Tony Vincent about the progress of technology integration, and how to effectively use it to engage students in learning. If you feel overwhelmed with technology integration, this conversation will provide a clear and simple path forward.  Filled with anecdotes and examples that can be easily applied. The conversation concludes with Tony's passion project, Shapegrams . Sh...

Matthew Downing and Rachelle Dene Poth dive deep into charting a new course for learning.  Topics include AR/VR, Project Based Learning, and Genius Hour.  This conversation is filled with practical guidance that will inspire and assist in applying. Rachelle is a Spanish Teacher, STEAM teacher, lawyer, author, podcaster, blogger, and the recipient of the ISTE making it happen award. Shout outs: Jai...

Technology is a great tool, but it is important to think about it in deeper terms.  Instead of chasing the newest app, explore the purpose of technology within the learning experience.  Matthew Downing and Thomas C. Murray discuss this and more. Thomas C. Murray serves as the Director of Innovation for Future Ready .  He is an author and frequent speaker. His most recent book is titled Personal an...

Education and society are changing at a rapid pace.  Instead of memorizing facts and dates, we should approach education and the work we are doing in terms of solving a problem.  Listen in as Matthew Downing and Jamie Casap discuss this and much more. Jamie Casap was the former Chief Education Evangelist at Google where he helped launch Chromebooks into education and establish G Suite for Educatio...