The DIESOL Podcast | EdTech in ESL

Brent Warner & Ixchell Reyes
  • 4.9 (35)
  • LANGUAGE LEARNING
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

The DIESOL Podcast covers EdTech in the field of English as a Second or Other Language. The show helps teachers consider best practices for their English Learning students and how to integrate technology into the classroom to help students where they are. DIESOL: Developing Innovation in English as a Second or Other Language

  1. FEB 2

    IceCrushers 2026

    "Find someone who," "Give your self-introduction," and "Speed Dating Classmate Interviews" are commonly used activities as ice-breakers. However, over time, these can become stale, predictable, and dreaded by both students and teachers. Fear not! A simple twist and a fresh purpose can add some spark to these activities. Better ice-breakers can promote community and rapport from day 1! Join Brent and Ixchell as they help teachers upgrade from stale icebreakers to fun icecrushers! Show notes: www.DIESOL.org/133

    31 min

  2. JAN 26

    NotebookLM for English Language Teachers

    In this episode, Brent and Ixchell talk through NotebookLM from a classroom teacher's perspective. What problems does it solve for language teachers? How can students utilize it? We look at how it works with your own lesson notes and materials, what it's genuinely helpful for, and what still needs a human touch. It's an honest conversation about where this tool fits into ELT language tasks without the pressure to use "all the things." Show notes: www.DIESOL.org/132

    32 min

  3. JAN 5

    26 Tools for 2026

    Happy New Year!! There are lots of tools and resources to explore, and it's hard to keep on top of them all. In our annual tradition, Ixchell and Brent share 26 tools for 2026. Whether they're resource collections, useful websites, or physical items, we hope something on this list will pique your interest! Show notes: www.DIESOL.org/131

    45 min

  4. 12/23/2025

    2025 Winter Interlude

    No December episodes, but we do have a message from a very special guest as we wrap up 2025!  We'll be back with new episodes starting on January 5th!  Happy Holidays, everyone!

    2 min

  5. 11/17/2025

    A Very DIESOL Thanksgiving

    Research shows that finding things to be grateful for actually releases dopamine and serotonin (the happy chemicals!) in the brain, which means more calmness during difficult times, resiliency, a stronger will to survive and thrive, and overall groundedness. This means we can make better decisions under stress, and who doesn't want to be better at that? Join Brent and Ixchell as they share what they're thankful for this year! Show notes: www.DIESOL.org/130

    24 min

  6. 11/03/2025

    When Knowing Too Much Holds You Back

    We tend to think expertise is always an advantage, but what if knowing too much can actually hold you back? In this episode, Ixchell & Brent explore the research showing that experts can struggle with creative problem-solving in ways beginners don't. Discover why well-worn mental pathways can become traps, how automaticity makes it harder to explain what you know, and when a fresh perspective beats years of experience. Listen in for ways to open your mind back up to the "beginner's mindset" and seeing your students' learning experience with fresh eyes. Show Notes: www.DIESOL.org/129

    31 min

  7. 10/20/2025

    DIESOL 128 - 13 Scary Halloween Ideas You Can Use Right Away

    Halloween classroom activities don't have to be boring. We've got 13 ideas that are actually going to make your students want to learn - from storytelling twists that'll get everyone engaged to activities that go way beyond just putting on a costume. In this episode, we're breaking down creative approaches that work across different language levels. Have some fun using these strategies to make your classroom come back from the dead. Whether you're teaching beginners or advanced students, we've got something that'll spark their imagination and make learning feel like an adventure. Want to know how? Tune in! Show notes: www.DIESOL.org/128

    32 min

  8. 10/06/2025

    Open Educational Resources in English Language Teaching

    In Episode 127 we're exploring Open Educational Resources (OER), an affordable, customizable alternative to pricey textbooks. We'll dive into what OER is, benefits of an OER, how and why Brent is building his own OER, and more. OER isn't without its challenges. Designing well and integrating activities can be tricky, as Brent explains. How can a teacher start building their own OER? Tune in to learn more! Show notes: www.DIESOL.org/127

    30 min
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The DIESOL Podcast covers EdTech in the field of English as a Second or Other Language. The show helps teachers consider best practices for their English Learning students and how to integrate technology into the classroom to help students where they are. DIESOL: Developing Innovation in English as a Second or Other Language

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