The International Schools Podcast theinternationalschoolspodcast

Join us for a conversation with Julia Walker, host of the Across Oceans podcast, and guest Brogan Lund.  Julia, a child of international school educators, and Brogan, a Third Culture Kid (TCK) and international school graduate, share what it means to be TCKs, as young adults and professionals. Together they share how growing up in various countries and attending different international schools has shaped their identities and perspectives. They share their stories and insights about growing up overseas, returning to their passport countries, and the unique experiences and challenges that come with being a TCK. 
 
About Julia Walker
 
Julia grew up attending the international schools her parents worked at. As a family, they lived in Canada, Egypt and Singapore before she returned to Canada to study. Now, she is finishing her masters degree in Switzerland. In 2022, she started her own podcast, Across Oceans, discussing all things related to being a Third Culture Kid (TCK) and a child of international school educators. 
 
Across Oceans Podcast Instagram:@acrossoceanspodcast
acrossoceanspodcast@gmail.com
 
About Brogen Lund
 
Brogan was born in Dallas, Texas to Canadian parents. His family moved to Singapore, then Atlanta, before finally settling in Geneva where he attended the International School and eventually became a Swiss citizen.   
After studying in Montreal, he has returned to his adopted home in Switzerland where he now works in IT.
 
Resources
 
Across Oceans Podcast 
 
Across Oceans is a podcast where we discuss all things related to Third Culture Kids (TCKs), growing up overseas, returning to passport countries, unique travel stories and more. You will hear a unique TCK perspective of someone who is now an adult, but who grew up moving around the globe because of their international school teacher parents. We’ll discuss the benefits, the challenges and everything in between with growing up as a global nomad. 
 
https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/acrossoceans 
 
Books: 
Third Culture Kids: Growing Up Among Worlds by Ruth Van Reken and David Pollock 
https://www.amazon.com/Third-Culture-Kids-Growing-Revised/dp/1857885252 
 
Incredible Lives and the Courage to Live Them: Thoughts of a Third Culture Kid Therapist by Rachel Cason 
https://www.explorelifestory.com/book/ 
 
Arrivals, Departures, and the Adventures In Between by Chris O’Shaughnessy 
https://www.chris-o.com/chriso/index.html 
 
Ted Talk:  Don’t ask me where I’m from, ask where I’m  a local 
https://www.ted.com/talks/taiye_selasi_don_t_ask_where_i_m_from_ask_where_i_m_a_local?language=en
 
John Mikton on Social Media
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jmikton/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/jmikton
Web: beyonddigital.org
 
Dan Taylor on social media:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/appsevents 
Twitter: https://twitter.com/appdkt 
Web: www.appsevents.com
 
Listen on: iTunes / Podbean / Stitcher / Spotify / YouTube
Would you like to have a free 1 month trial of the new Google Workspace Plus (formerly G Suite Enterprise for Education)? Just fill out this form and we’ll get you set up bit.ly/GSEFE-Trial

As artificial intelligence is being integrated in international schools more prominently, we take this opportunity to connect with three educators: Cora, Dalton and James to explore how AI tools are being integrated into the classroom. What are the dispositions, approaches and tools that are having the most impact with student learning. How do classroom teachers navigate integrating these tools, what are some tips and strategies to consider in a classroom setting.
 
About Cora Yang
 
Cora Yang is a dedicated Learning Technology Coach at Renaissance College Hong Kong, specializing in PYP and MYP tech integration. With expertise in coding, robotics, VR, digital design, and circuit board, she enhances educational experiences. Cora believes in technology as a bridge to real-world skills, fostering exploration, innovation, and lifelong learning through project-based activities. Always curious, Cora eagerly explores new tech and shares her knowledge, inspiring students to unlock their potential in our ever-changing world.
 
X: @CoraEdTech
Linkedin: Cora Yang
Website: https://www.coraedtech.com/ 
 
About Dalton Flanagan
 
Dalton is a Learning and Innovation Coach at Chinese International School in Hong Kong, with over a decade of experience in education. He has a passion for designing authentic project-based learning experiences, and strives to connect students' learning journeys with cutting-edge technologies, fostering engagement and promoting in-depth exploration. His recent exploration into the realm of advanced AI models, such as Midjourney, Stable Diffusion, and ChatGPT, have further expanded his ability to engage students and educators. 
 
X: @desertclimber
YouTube: @daltonflanagan
Linkedin: Dalton Flanagan

About James Wilson
 
James is Coordinator for the ‘PBL for Impact’ programme at Chinese International School in Hong Kong, a programme that cultivates through coaching and in-house workshops the core practices of project based learning across all subject areas. In his other role as a secondary ‘Individuals & Societies’ teacher, James co-creates learning experiences that validate the strengths and interests of students. More recently James has been exploring how AI can be used as a tool to foster both self-directed learning, and human connections.
 
Education
 
B.A. History & Philosophy (George Mason University, USA)
 
M.A. Anthropology (City University of New York)
 
Ed.D. Information Technology (The University of Hong Kong) 
 
X: @WilsJP
Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/james-wilson-7718b971
 
Resources
 
General
OpenAI GPT for Teachers
Animated Drawings
Hugging Face Spaces
HeyGen
Prompt Guide
Blockade Labs
Canva Magic Studio
Magic School
Kaiber
Prompts for Educator - Made by Dalton
AI Tools for Educator - Made by Dalton
Safe Use of AI Generative Tools
 
AI Tools For: 
 
Conducting Research
 
Consensus (summarizing journal articles)
Perplexity (search engine that shares sources used)
WiseOne (cross-checking)
 
Critique & Revision
 
Poe.com (create bot for your feedback needs) 
 
Reading Comprehension
 
Diffit 
 
Keeping current with AI
 
AI tool report
OpenAI
AI Explained
1LittleCoder

John Mikton on Social Media
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jmikton/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/jmikton
Web: beyonddigital.org
 
Dan Taylor on social media:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/appsevents 
Twitter: https://twitter.com/appdkt 
Web: www.appsevents.com
 
Listen on: iTunes / Podbean / Stitcher / Spotify / YouTube
Would you like to have a free 1 month trial of the new Google Workspace Plus (formerly G Suite Enterprise for Education)? Just fill out this form and we’ll get you set up bit.ly/GSEFE-Trial

In this conversation, Kim and Christina, authors of 'Finding Your Path as a Woman in School Leadership,' provide invaluable insights for educators and leaders in international schools. Drawing from their experience as international school educators and leaders, they share the experiences that inspired their book. This discussion delves into the challenges and achievements encountered by women navigating the landscape of international school leadership, offering unique perspectives and guidance for women exploring educational leadership roles in an international setting.About Kim CofinoKim has been an educator in international schools since August 2000. Having lived and worked in Germany, Malaysia, Thailand and Japan, Kim has had a variety of roles in international schools, including (her favorite) instructional coach. Now based in Bangkok, Thailand, Kim is the Founder and CEO of Eduro Learning, author of Finding Your Path as a Woman in School Leadership (Routledge), host of the #coachbetter podcast, and the creator of the Eduro Learning The Coach, Women Who Lead, and COETAIL certificate programs. Find out more about Kim and Eduro at: https://www.edurolearning.com.  Kim Cofino on Social MediaLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimcofino/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/superkimbo/ EduroLearning LI: https://www.linkedin.com/company/eduro-learning EduroLearning Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/edurolearning/ResourcesKimCofino.comEduro Learning#coachbetter podcastFinding Your Path as a Woman in School Leadership (Routledge): includes links to substack, Book Study, Book Reviews, etcFostering a Culture of Growth and Belonging: The Multi-Faceted Impact of Instructional Coaching in International Schools (recent book chapter I wrote)About Dr. Christina BotbylDr. Christina Botbyl is an experienced teaching and learning leader in international education. She is a facilitator with the National School Reform Faculty leading Critical Friends Group coaches training and is currently the Chief Academic Director at an international school.John Mikton on Social MediaLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jmikton/Twitter: https://twitter.com/jmiktonWeb: beyonddigital.orgDan Taylor on social media:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/appsevents Twitter: https://twitter.com/appdkt Web: www.appsevents.comListen on: iTunes / Podbean / Stitcher / Spotify / YouTubeWould you like to have a free 1 month trial of the new Google Workspace Plus (formerly G Suite Enterprise for Education)? Just fill out this form and we’ll get you set up bit.ly/GSEFE-Trial

A conversation with Wolfgang, Brian, and Garland to gain deeper insights into their project, "Technology Readiness Council: Building". The TRC (https://technologyreadiness.org/) support schools with the  capacity for Educational Innovation through Technology. This discussion focuses on Professional Learning and School Improvement Planning. We explore the origins of their project and how they chose to collaborate on it. Additionally, each member shares their personal thoughts on the future of digital environments and ecosystems in schools, particularly looking ahead to the year 2024.   Guests:About Wolfgang Soeldner ICT Campus Partner, International School of GenevaWolfgang is an experienced educational technology professional with over 18 years of experience in managing, developing, and integrating technology systems in schools. He has served in various leadership roles in international schools, including Head of Global Education, Secondary Technology & Learning Coordinator, Head of Learning Resources & Technology Coach, and Whole Campus Technology Coordinator. Wolfgang has developed and executed distance learning programs, implemented one-to-one iPad programs, and led the integration of educational technology across various schools. He holds a Post Graduate Certificate in Education and is certified as an Apple Distinguished Educator, Microsoft Innovative Educator + Trainer, and Google Certified Educator Level 1 and 2. Wolfgang is proud to be serving as a Board Member of the Technology Readiness Council (TRC).LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wsoeldner/   About Brian LockwoodDirector of Technology International School ManilaWith over two decades of experience in educational technology, Brian has contributed his expertise to private schools in the United States and international educational institutions across Asia, Europe, and North America. Renowned for his divergent thinking, Brian possesses an ability to discern patterns and devise solutions for intricate problems that have yet to surface. His analytical prowess extends to dissecting problems from both user and network perspectives, enabling him to articulate elegant solutions to multifaceted challenges. Drawing from his upbringing as a Third Culture Kid, he brings a profound understanding of the students' lives in international school settings.LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/how2what4/   About Garland GreenDirector of Technology Southwick-Tolland-Granville Regional School DistrictGarland has over twenty years of experience in educational technology in his native United States and abroad, serving as an educational technologist, school administrator, network engineer, and Director of Information Technology. He is a fierce advocate of the digital privacy of children and a certified GDPR Data Protection Officer. Garland’s area of concentration is on instructional leadership, educational technology, leaders’ impact on student learning, and the role leaders play in ensuring the digital privacy of the individual. Garland is proud to serve as a founder, and the Chairman of the Board of the Technology Readiness Council (TRC).LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/garland-h-green-jr-1523ab2/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/ggreenaz Resources:https://technologyreadiness.org/ https://talk.techdirector.org/ Membership Info: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1nVrFaTrwWVT-XjD3mPGMOg9mFXDNL8g2/view?usp=sharing John Mikton on Social MediaLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jmikton/Twitter: https://twitter.com/jmiktonWeb: beyonddigital.orgDan Taylor on social media:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/appsevents Twitter: https://twitter.com/appdkt Web: www.appsevents.comListen on: iTunes / Podbean / Stitcher / Spotify / YouTubeWould you like to have a free 1 month trial of the new Google Workspace Plus (formerly G Suite Enterprise for Education)? Just fill out this form and we’ll get you set up bit.ly/GSEFE-Trial

Graeme will talk to us about his experience facilitating and participating in school accreditation and inspection visits for the Council of International Schools, New England Associates of Schools and Colleges, and British Schools Overseas. We discuss the structures, rationale and how schools engage with the process, and the dynamics that take place between accreditation and inspection of organisations and schools.
 
About Graeme Chisholm
 
Graeme Chisholm is a Co-Director at Riverside International School, Prague, Czech Republic (www.riversideschool.cz). 
 
Before taking on the role of Co-Driector, he was the Primary Principal for 12 years and an Early Years and Primary teacher for 7 years. 
 
Graeme has benefitted from his experience participating in NEASC / CIS accreditation visiting teams, and preparatory visiting teams for over 13 years.
 
Resources
 
Council of International School - Framework and Protocol 
https://www.cois.org/for-schools/international-accreditation/framework-and-protocol
 
New England Associates of Schools and Colleges - Commission on International Education 
https://www.neasc.org/international
 
NEASC ACE Pathway 
https://www.neasc.org/ace
 
International Taskforce on Child Protection
https://www.cois.org/about-cis/child-protection/international-taskforce-on-child-protection
 
International Taskforce Safeguarding Standards 
https://www.cois.org/about-cis/child-protection/international-taskforce-on-child-protection/safeguarding-standards
 
British Schools Overseas Standards 
https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/1184725/Standards_for_British_Schools_Overseas.pdf
 
British overseas schools reports
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/british-schools-overseas-inspection-reports/british-schools-overseas-accredited-schools-inspection-reports
 
John Mikton on Social Media
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jmikton/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/jmikton
Web: beyonddigital.org
 
Dan Taylor on social media:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/appsevents 
Twitter: https://twitter.com/appdkt 
Web: www.appsevents.com
 
Listen on: iTunes / Podbean / Stitcher / Spotify / YouTube
Would you like to have a free 1 month trial of the new Google Workspace Plus (formerly G Suite Enterprise for Education)? Just fill out this form and we’ll get you set up bit.ly/GSEFE-Trial

We take an opportunity to connect with a Swiss Roundtable of international school technology leaders sharing their perspectives, learnings and experiences working in Swiss international schools—both boarding and non boarding—and what it is like living in Switzerland as an international educator.About Wolfgang SoeldnerWolfgang is an experienced educational technology professional with over 20 years of experience in managing, developing, and integrating technology systems in schools. He has served in various leadership roles in international schools, including ICT Campus Partner, Head of Global Education, Secondary Technology & Learning Coordinator, Head of Learning Resources & Technology Coach, and Whole Campus Technology Coordinator. Wolfgang has developed and executed distance learning programs, implemented one-to-one iPad programs, and led the integration of educational technology across various schools. He holds a Post Graduate Certificate in Education and is certified as an Apple Distinguished Educator, Microsoft Innovative Educator + Trainer, and Google Certified Educator Level 1 and 2. Wolfgang is proud to be serving as a Board Member of the Technology Readiness Council (TRC).LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wsoeldner/   About Gus AlcaláGus Alcala is the IT Manager and Educational Technology Lead at International School Rheintal.Gus possesses a Postgraduate Certificate in Education, a Master's in Communication and Technology and a Bachelor's in Computer Engineering. He has over 10+ years combined experience in network administration, information security and data protection in international schools. Gus is also a certified teacher deeply involved in design and computer science.LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gus-alcalá/ About Darren WiseDarren Wise is Director of IT at Aiglon College. Aiglon College is described as one of the world's most distinctive boarding schools and a leader in character education. Darren leads a team of teachers and technicians focussed on providing reliable technology in the classroom and across the wider college, and occasionally we innovate.Prior to working in Switzerland, Darren also spent 12 years working in a similar role at Harrow International School, Bangkok.LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darren-wise-698b0b141/ About Tim Venchus Tim Venchus is the Technology Development Director for The American School in Switzerland, an international PK-12 institution located in Ticino, Switzerland. His primary roles are to support the TASIS community in their use of technology and strategize with colleagues to make the most of technology tools, present and future. Tim holds a B.S. in Mathematics and a Masters in Teaching for 6-12 Mathematics. Prior to working at TASIS, he worked as a District Technology Specialist for a K-8 school district in the suburbs of Chicago, IL.LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/tvenchus About Chris VincentChris Vincent is the Director of Technology at The International School of Zug and Luzern (ISZL). This involves leading committed and inspiring digital learning coaches, an IT team and Librarians as well as being part of the school’s senior leadership team. Chris has enjoyed a career in education that has spanned some 35+ years. Chris began his teaching career in state schools in some of Tasmania, Australia’s most remote and beautiful areas before embarking on an international career in education and leadership that has spanned some 30+ years and four different countries and schools.Prior to joining ISZL in 2011, Chris and his wife, lived and worked in Singapore, The Netherlands and Vietnam. Their eldest son was amongst the final graduating class of Chris' principalship at UNIS Hanoi and their other two sons are graduates from ISZL. All three have completed tertiary studies in Australia despite having been born and raised outside of Australia.On a personal level, Chris loves a pot of tea, being active outdoors, escaping through a good book an