Tech This Way

Jennifer Hethcox, Digital Learning Coach

Welcome to "Tech this Way," the podcast from Lexington School District One's Digital Learning Coaches. We invite all educators to explore how technology can be a powerful learning partner. Each episode offers practical examples of purposeful technology integration, prioritizing student creation over passive consumption. Our discussions are grounded in a shared vision for future-ready students , focusing on skills like critical thinking, problem-solving, and human adaptability. Join us to discover how to empower students to thrive in an evolving digital world.

  1. 3 GG FA

    Animating History: Using Adobe Express & Generative AI to Transform Group Projects

    Are your students stuck in the "Google Slide" rut? Want to change up how group work functions in your class and engage all students? In this episode of Tech This Way, we explore how to replace static presentations with dynamic, tech-driven micro-products through a new group work system. Host Jennifer Hethcox joins Instructional Coach Cynthia Capers and Social Studies teacher Georgia Workman at Lexington High School to break down a high-tech workflow for the history classroom. They discuss leveraging Adobe Express and Generative AI to have students create animated historical figures, analyze primary sources, and produce digital propaganda. Tune in to learn how these specific digital tools can solve the "free-rider" problem in group work while increasing student engagement and rigor.

    24 min

  2. 5 FEB

    The Human Element: How AI Unlocks Creativity and Connection in World Languages

    In the rush to integrate technology, do we lose the human connection? Not in Senior Leo Cortez’s classroom. In this episode, we explore how AI is actually creating space for what matters most: relationships. We sit down with Senior Cortez and his students to discuss how tools like Gemini and Adobe Express are handling the heavy lifting of lesson planning and standards unpacking. This shift allows Senior Cortez to step away from his desk and reconnect with his students, while giving learners the "creative freedom" to explore language in new, immersive ways. Join us to hear how Lexington High School is using technology to bring the focus back to the people in the room.

    26 min

  3. 22 GEN

    Independent Learners: How TCC Students Use AI to Own Their Future

    Are you truly ready for life after graduation? In this episode of Tech This Way, host Jennifer Hethcox visits The College Center (TCC) to chat with AVID Site Coordinator Dr. Cox and three impressive sophomore students—Haley, McKenzie, and Trinity. Discover how these students are using AI tools like Gemini to: Explore career paths they never considered. Create personalized study guides and receive instant feedback. Build the confidence to navigate college applications and financial aid. Tune in to hear why Dr. Cox believes AI isn't a shortcut, but a powerful tool for building Independent Learners and Critical Thinkers.

    30 min

  4. 8 GEN

    Future-Ready Research: School AI & Adobe Express in the Elementary Classroom

    Kick off Season 2 of Tech This Way with a look at how technology is transforming research for our young learners. 3rd-grade teacher Stephanie Herring discusses her innovative "Animal Biome" project, which leveraged digital tools like School AI and Adobe Express to move beyond traditional encyclopedias with a special third grade guest, Everly, explains how these tools encouraged her to dive deeper into her animal knowledge.

    32 min

  5. 20/11/2025

    Transforming Learning: VR, AI, and Animated Storytelling in the Classroom

    How do you turn a 4th-grade Westward Expansion lesson into an immersive, interdisciplinary adventure? Or empower 3rd graders to animate Charlotte's Web to showcase their comprehension? In this episode of "Tech This Way," host Jennifer Hethcox is joined by Digital Learning Coaches Amy Dent and Ashleigh Ringus. They share inspiring, practical examples of using technology to build vocabulary for multilingual learners, AI to simulate the Oregon Trail, and creative tools like Keynote and Adobe Express to bring learning to life.

    32 min

  6. 06/11/2025

    Beyond Compliance: The Power of Everyday Accessibility

    Join us as we dive into a topic foundational to great teaching: accessibility! Digital Learning Coach and Accessibility Specialist Meghan Blackburn shares how integrating technology can make learning better for everyone, not just students with formal accommodations. Learn practical, low-barrier strategies any teacher can use to expand choices and normalize inclusive tech in the classroom—like using built-in features for speech-to-text and content highlighting. Discover why accessibility is a strength and not a stigma, and how these tools benefit all learners every single day.

    22 min

  7. 23/10/2025

    Beyond the Project: Coaching for Deeper Learning with Laura Beckham & Dr. Dee Pukl

    What does it look like when students move from being consumers of content to passionate creators? In this episode, we explore just that with two of Lexington School District One's Digital Learning Coaches, Laura Beckham (Elementary Lead) and Dr. Dee Pukl (Middle School Lead). Laura dives into a massive 6th-grade interdisciplinary project where students created everything from Shark Tank-style inventions and National Geographic magazines to persuasive podcasts using GarageBand. Dee shares an inspiring story of 3rd graders who designed their own unique animals, using AI and Adobe Express to generate images and build creative trading cards that demonstrated their understanding of animal adaptations. Join us for a conversation packed with actionable ideas, advice for educators wanting to get started, and a look at how tools like Canva, Adobe Express, and artificial intelligence can be used to empower student voice, choice, and creativity.

    19 min

  8. 23/09/2025

    From Learners to Leaders: A STEM Classroom Story

    What happens when you put incredible tech in the hands of creative students? We visit the vibrant STEM classroom of teacher Kelly Parker and sit down with three of her students. From 3D printers to coding robots, hear how they are building the future, one project at a time. An inspiring listen for anyone passionate about the next wave of innovation in education!

    25 min
Elenco completo (13)

Descrizione

Welcome to "Tech this Way," the podcast from Lexington School District One's Digital Learning Coaches. We invite all educators to explore how technology can be a powerful learning partner. Each episode offers practical examples of purposeful technology integration, prioritizing student creation over passive consumption. Our discussions are grounded in a shared vision for future-ready students , focusing on skills like critical thinking, problem-solving, and human adaptability. Join us to discover how to empower students to thrive in an evolving digital world.

Informazioni

  • Creatore
    Jennifer Hethcox, Digital Learning Coach
  • Anni di attività
    2025 - 2026
  • Puntate
    13
  • Classificazione
    Contenuti adatti a tutti
  • Copyright
    © Jennifer Hethcox, Digital Learning Coach
  • Sito web del podcast
    Tech This Way