Unpacking Education & Tech Talk For Teachers

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.

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 betwee...

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.

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 S...

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.

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.

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, su...

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.

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 bro...

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

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....

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.

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 pract...

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.

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 a...

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

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 scor...

Explore Snorkl, an AI feedback tool.

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 trai...

Explore Canva Whiteboard, a robust digital canvas and workspace.

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 hi...

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

In this episode, Rena Clark, an Instructional Technology Facilitator and one of our Unpacking Education podcast cohosts, shares insights from the work that she's currently engaged in with language acquisition and translation tools. She discusses how the overreliance on translation tools in education can inadvertently hinder language acquisition and literacy. While she says that there's a...