Smart Social Podcast: Keeping students safe so they can Shine Online

Josh Ochs
  • 4.9 (207)
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Smart Social Podcast: Keeping students safe so they can Shine Online

The Smart Social Team teaches parents, educators, and students how to stay safe on social media so they can Shine Online. We show you how to audit your Google results and use your social media accounts as a portfolio of positive accomplishments. We keep it tactical and practical with tips you can use to better understand how to navigate the digital world as a parent, student, and educator. Learn more at SmartSocial.com

  1. SEP 26

    "We are more aware of how social media impacts the social emotional aspect of young people" with Dr. Toni Jones

    In this episode of the SmartSocial.com podcast, host Andrea Allen speaks with Dr. Toni Jones, Superintendent of Greenwich Public Schools in Connecticut. They discuss the evolution of social media's impact on young people, the district's strategic planning, and effective ways to engage parents. Dr. Jones highlights the district's accomplishments during the pandemic, their new regulations surrounding social media, and proactive student initiatives. Additionally, the conversation dives into the district's approach to integrating AI tools while maintaining compliance with strict data privacy laws. This episode provides valuable insights and strategies for keeping students safe online and fostering a positive educational environment.

    18 min

  2. SEP 24

    "The more we can involve their children, the more parents want to come" with David Feliciano and Deann Ragsdale

    In this episode of the SmartSocial.com Podcast, host Josh Ochs interviews David Feliciano, Superintendent, and Deanne Ragsdale, Deputy Superintendent of Educational Services at La Mesa-Spring Valley School District. The discussion centers around increasing parent engagement, supporting students' mental health post-pandemic, and tackling social media issues. They share accomplishments in fostering a culture of belonging, responses to mobile device policies, and leveraging AI tools in education. The episode also highlights practical advice for other districts and ways to ensure students use technology positively.

    21 min

  3. SEP 16

    "You're going to be leaving high school, your digital footprint matters" with Yolanda Valdez

    Join Josh Ochs on the SmartSocial.com podcast as he interviews Yolanda Valdez, Superintendent of Cutler-Orosi Joint Unified School District in California. They discuss the importance of managing students' digital footprints, bounce back strategies post-pandemic, community school approaches, and effective ways to keep students safe on social media. Ms. Valdez also shares successes and tips for engaging parents, using AI tools, and enforcing phone policies in classrooms to improve focus and learning. Learn how her district prepares students for college, career, and community through continuous monitoring and teaching about digital citizenship.

    31 min

  4. SEP 4

    "The cell phone isn't the problem" with Mark D. Benigni, Ed.D. and Barbara Haeffner

    Join Josh Ochs on the SmartSocial Podcast as he chats with Superintendent Dr. Mark Benigni and Assistant Superintendent Barbara Haeffner from Meriden Public Schools in Connecticut. Discover their strategies for engaging students, leveraging technology for learning, and ensuring safe social media use. Learn about their innovative approaches to handling social media incidents, educating digital citizens from a young age, and fostering positive online behavior. They discuss their thoughts on AI integration in education and effective community engagement techniques. Gain valuable tips for parents, educators, and district leaders on enhancing student growth and safety in the digital age.

    20 min

  5. AUG 26

    "If we know bad people hurt kids, we keep them out of our schools" with Superintendent Bill Dolezal

    Join Josh Ochs on this episode of the SmartSocial.com podcast as he interviews Bill Dolezal, Superintendent of the Cave Creek Unified School District, to discuss effective strategies for keeping students safe on social media. Mr. Dolezal shares insights on the district's achievements, the importance of focusing on students, and how the community has embraced diverse post-graduation pathways. They delve into the challenge of managing social media issues in schools, the necessity of explaining 'the why' to both students and parents, and the benefits of proactive collaboration with law enforcement and mental health experts. The conversation also touches on the positive use of social media by students, the movement towards cell phone-free classrooms, and innovative ways to increase parent engagement. Plus, they explore the potential of AI tools in enhancing educational efficiency while maintaining human interaction.

    27 min

  6. AUG 16

    "What's the outcome you're looking for?" with Superintendent Dr. Michael Portas

    In this episode of the SmartSocial.com Podcast, host Josh Ochs interviews Dr. Michael Portas, Superintendent of Schools for the Pequannock Township School District in North Jersey. They discuss the importance of having a strategic approach when giving kids access to social media. Superintendent Portas shares his district's successes, including how they managed the pandemic and harnessed digital tools to enhance education. They delve into proactive measures for addressing social media issues in schools, ensuring positive use of technology, and fostering parent engagement. The episode concludes with insights into the challenges and opportunities of implementing AI tools in educational settings.

    31 min

  7. AUG 9

    "We have a large responsibility to find out what works" with Superintendent Dana Addis

    Join host Josh Ochs on the SmartSocial.com Podcast as he interviews Dana Addis, superintendent of Hudson City Schools in Ohio. In this episode, they discuss the district's achievements, social media challenges, and innovative strategies for parental engagement. Learn about Hudson's cutting-edge approach to AI in education. Dana also shares valuable advice on social media use in schools, fostering strong teacher-student relationships, and the benefits of student interactions free from digital distractions. This insightful conversation provides actionable tips for educators and parents alike on keeping students safe online and preparing them for a bright future.

    19 min

  8. AUG 7

    "If you give them the why, they come around" with Superintendent Dr. Elizabeth Alvarez

    In this episode of the SmartSocial.com podcast, host Josh Ochs interviews Dr. Elizabeth Alvarez, the Superintendent of Forest Park District 91 in Illinois. They explore how small and large school districts can help students become resilient and prepared for the future. Key topics include the prevalence of cell phones among different grade levels, proactive approaches to social media, developing communication strategies with students, and integrating AI into the curriculum. Dr. Alvarez shares accomplishments such as the establishment of STEAM labs and an AI curriculum, as well as advice on positive uses of social media and increasing parent engagement. Tune in to learn how Dr. Alvarez and her team are fostering a safe and supportive environment for students in the digital age.

    17 min
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4.9
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About

The Smart Social Team teaches parents, educators, and students how to stay safe on social media so they can Shine Online. We show you how to audit your Google results and use your social media accounts as a portfolio of positive accomplishments. We keep it tactical and practical with tips you can use to better understand how to navigate the digital world as a parent, student, and educator. Learn more at SmartSocial.com

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