300 episodes

Shifting Schools is a thought-provoking podcast that explores the latest trends, strategies, and tools in K-12 education. Hosted by educators Jeff Utecht and Tricia Friedman, the podcast provides a platform for teachers, administrators, and education thought leaders to share their experiences and insights on how to improve teaching and learning. From innovative approaches in classroom management to leveraging technology for personalized learning, Shifting Schools tackles the most pressing issues facing K12 educators today. Whether you are a seasoned teacher or a new educator, this podcast will inspire you to think outside the box and shift your educational approach. Tune in to Shifting Schools to gain new perspectives, share ideas, and join a community of passionate educators who are committed to making a positive impact in the lives of their students.

Follow us at @shiftingschools on Twitter and @shiftingschoolspod on Instagram and Tiktok

Shifting Schools: Conversations for K12 Educators Jeff Utecht & Tricia Friedman

    • Education
    • 4.9 • 44 Ratings

Shifting Schools is a thought-provoking podcast that explores the latest trends, strategies, and tools in K-12 education. Hosted by educators Jeff Utecht and Tricia Friedman, the podcast provides a platform for teachers, administrators, and education thought leaders to share their experiences and insights on how to improve teaching and learning. From innovative approaches in classroom management to leveraging technology for personalized learning, Shifting Schools tackles the most pressing issues facing K12 educators today. Whether you are a seasoned teacher or a new educator, this podcast will inspire you to think outside the box and shift your educational approach. Tune in to Shifting Schools to gain new perspectives, share ideas, and join a community of passionate educators who are committed to making a positive impact in the lives of their students.

Follow us at @shiftingschools on Twitter and @shiftingschoolspod on Instagram and Tiktok

    330: Demystify student motivation with Tyler Rablin

    330: Demystify student motivation with Tyler Rablin

    In this conversation, Jeff Utecht interviews Tyler Rablin about his new book, 'Hacking Student Motivation.' They discuss the importance of feedback and assessment in motivating students, the impact of grades and assessment on student motivation, and the need for change in education. Tyler shares his experiences working with students in rural agricultural communities and the challenges they face in finding motivation in school. He also explains the concept of learning progressions and how they can replace rubrics to support student learning. The conversation concludes with Tyler expressing his excitement about the release of his book and the positive feedback he has received.
    Takeaways
    Feedback is a powerful tool for motivating students and should be broadened to include anything that helps students gauge their progress towards a goal.


    Motivation is closely tied to student belief in their ability to succeed. It is crucial to provide evidence of success and create a supportive learning environment.

    Learning progressions can be a more effective alternative to rubrics, as they break down learning goals into manageable steps and allow students to see their progress.
    Ready to explore the book?
    https://www.tylerrablin.com/book
    Connect with Tyler online:
    https://twitter.com/mr_rablin?lang=en
     
    Learn more about our premium sponsor:
    https://www.lebrahq.com/
     

    • 39 min
    329: Can clinician-powered AI help us with the mental health crisis?

    329: Can clinician-powered AI help us with the mental health crisis?

    Dr. Elsa Friis, of Alongside, discusses how their clinician-powered AI tool supports young people in need of mental health support. The conversation highlights the need for mental health resources in schools and the shortage of mental health providers. The use of AI in mental health is not a new concept, and it can provide a warm and validating space for young people to seek support. The conversation also addresses misconceptions about AI and emphasizes the importance of evidence-based strategies in AI tools. Alongside offers partnership options for schools and provides a demo for interested users.  
    Ready to learn more about Alongside?
     
    https://www.alongside.care/
     
    Did you know Alongside works directly with students?
     
    Learn more about their paid summer internship position for High School Students:
     
    https://www.alongside.care/jobs/mental-wellness-content-development-high-school-intern
     
    Learn more about our special guest:
    Dr. Elsa Friis, head of mental health at Alongside, a clinician-powered AI tool can discuss the dire need for mental health services in the school setting, particularly as schools continue to be understaffed and our students need more support now than ever before. By offering tools like Alongside, which utilizes generative AI developed by clinicians and backed by research, schools around the country have been able to support their student population with personalized conversations to address anxiety, depression, relationship challenges and more, providing equitable support for every child.
    As a licensed psychologist and global public health practitioner, I am passionate about improving the well-being of others through cognitive, behavioral, and relational strategies; and systemic interventions to address social determinants of health (e.g. structural racism, poverty, education and access to services). I have a background in utilizing community based participatory research approaches to develop and evaluate family-based interventions for child mental health in Kenya. My program of research focuses on developing novel technology and care models to support mental health intervention delivery by non-professionals (e.g. religious leaders) as well as trained mental health professions to expand access to evidence-based care.
     
    Learn more about our brand new premium sponsor: Lebra
    https://www.lebrahq.com/
    Want to set up a call to learn more about Lebra?
    email us info (at) shiftingschools.com
     




     

    • 30 min
    328: Nurturing problem-solvers inside and outside the realm of games

    328: Nurturing problem-solvers inside and outside the realm of games

    Dan White, CEO of Filament Games, discusses the future of learning games and the importance of game-based learning pedagogy. He emphasizes the shift towards focusing on skills and conceptual understandings rather than didactic knowledge transfer. White believes that game-based experiences should prepare students for the real world by imparting useful practices and higher-order thinking skills. He also highlights the impact of automation and AI on the workforce and the need to revisit what is worth teaching and learning. White shares insights on building collaborative partnerships and the power of play in improving people's lives. 
    Takeaways
    The future of learning games lies in focusing on skills and conceptual understandings rather than didactic knowledge transfer.

    Game-based experiences should prepare students for the real world by imparting useful practices and higher-order thinking skills.

    The rise of automation and AI calls for a reevaluation of what is worth teaching and learning.


    Ready to learn more about Dan and FIlament Games?
    www.filamentgames.com
    @filamentgames
    IG: @filamentgames
    Dan is the co-founder and CEO of Filament Games. Dan believes that good gameplay and good learning are complementary rather than oppositional forces. An alumnus of Cornell University and the University of Wisconsin – Madison, Dan earned an M.S. in Education Technology under seminal learning game scholars Drs. Kurt Squire and James Paul Gee. Prior to founding Filament, Dan worked as a teacher, an instructional designer, and a game developer. Dan’s passions include learning games, sustainability, mindfulness, and modernizing institutional education.
    Thank you to our sponsor!
    https://www.moneypickle.com/shiftingschools
     

    • 45 min
    Episode 327: How Can Educators Leverage AI for UDL?

    Episode 327: How Can Educators Leverage AI for UDL?

    LUDIA AI is a free tool that helps educators cultivate a Universal Design for Learning (UDL) mindset by leveraging AI. The conversation explores the fear and misconceptions around AI in education and how LUDIA AI actually emphasizes relationships and centers humanity. LUDIA AI is designed to support teachers' time and thinking, providing ideas and options to adapt instruction efficiently. Educators can use LUDIA AI to plan and model UDL best practices, considering barriers and opportunities. Tips are provided for getting the most out of LUDIA AI, including being specific in prompts and engaging in a back-and-forth conversation. Anecdotes and feedback from educators highlight the varied uses and benefits of LUDIA AI. The conversation also discusses the importance of involving parents and caretakers in using AI tools like LUDIA AI to support homeschool partnerships and expand AI use beyond the classroom. The 4Ts model (Tell, Tinker, Tweak, Transfer) is introduced as a process for using LUDIA AI effectively. AI is seen as a tool for metacognition and decision-making, enhancing critical thinking and creativity. Listeners are encouraged to experiment with LUDIA AI and explore its potential in their educational contexts.
    Ready to learn more?
    https://www.smore.com/vcpmk
    https://bit.ly/LUDIA_Bookshelf
    Ready to connect with Beth and Jeremie?
    https://www.linkedin.com/in/bstarklifelonglearner
    https://www.jeremierostan.com/
    Chapters
    00:00 Introduction to LUDIA AI and UDL Mindset
    01:15 Addressing Fear and Misconceptions about AI in Education
    02:25 LUDIA AI as a Tool to Support Teachers' Time and Thinking
    03:39 Using LUDIA AI to Plan and Model UDL Best Practices
    06:01 Tips for Getting the Most Out of LUDIA AI
    08:50 Anecdotes and Feedback from Educators Using LUDIA AI
    11:48 Involving Parents and Caretakers in Using LUDIA AI
    14:18 Expanding the Use of AI Beyond the Classroom
    16:53 Using LUDIA AI for Homeschool Partnerships
    18:13 The 4Ts Model for Using LUDIA AI Effectively
    20:55 AI as a Tool for Metacognition and Decision-Making
    23:45 Experimenting with LUDIA AI: One Thing to Try
    24:24 Closing Remarks and Future of LUDIA AI
    Thank you to our show sponsor!
    https://www.moneypickle.com/shiftingschools
     

    • 30 min
    326: What it means to be a life-long learner in the new era of AI

    326: What it means to be a life-long learner in the new era of AI

    On this week...
    Dwight Gunning, a data scientist with a background in finance, discusses the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in the finance industry. He emphasizes the importance of technology in finance and the need for financial institutions to stay up to date with AI to protect against fraud and build trust. Dwight shares his personal journey from economist to technology enthusiast and highlights the value of lifelong learning. He encourages individuals to develop a diverse set of skills and mindsets to adapt to the changing world. 
    Learn more about Dwight Gunning:
    Based in Canada with Jamaican heritage, Dwight Gunning is deeply invested in integrating advanced AI technologies within the finance sector. Boasting over twenty years of expertise in FinTech, he currently works as an AI and Machine Learning Assurance Engineer at FINRA. Additionally, Dwight is the maintainer of the popular edgartools project and co-author of a book on Natural Language Processing.
    www.linkedin.com/in/dwight-gunning
    dgunning.com
    Thank you to our amazing show sponsor for supporting our podcast:
    https://www.moneypickle.com/shiftingschools
     
    Chapters
    00:00 Introduction and the Role of AI in Finance
    02:07 The Importance of Technology in Finance
    04:19 Transition from Economist to Technology
    06:14 The Joy of Lifelong Learning
    09:58 Skills and Mindsets for Future Careers
    11:34 Balancing Strengths and Developing Empathy
    13:46 The Benefits of Competitions and Create-a-thons
    17:58 Creating a Space for Open-Mindedness and Collaboration
    19:28 The Impact of AI on Finance and Trust
    21:28 The Storytelling Aspect of Finance and AI
    23:22 The Intersection of Finance and Human Psychology
    24:05 The Future of AI in Entertainment and Storytelling
    28:51 The Importance of AI Literacy in Finance
    29:51 The Exciting Future of AI and Natural Language Interaction
    35:29 The Role of AI in Learning and Productivity
    39:39 The Future of AI in Visual Storytelling
    42:03 The Importance of Human-Centered Skills in the Age of AI

    • 46 min
    325: 'Lessons of the Pandemic': A Deep Dive into Teacher Experiences

    325: 'Lessons of the Pandemic': A Deep Dive into Teacher Experiences

    The co-authors of the book 'Lessons of the Pandemic' discuss their research process, motivations, and recommendations for education. They emphasize the importance of teacher voice and perspective, as well as the need for a blended research approach using surveys, interviews, and focus groups. The chapters cover topics such as teacher workload, continuous innovation, recognizing teacher efforts, and the impact of social emotional learning on student well-being. The authors also provide advice for educators interested in conducting research and highlight the benefits of collaboration.
    Takeaways Teacher voice and perspective are crucial in understanding the experiences and needs of educators. A blended research approach, including surveys, interviews, and focus groups, provides a comprehensive understanding of the education landscape. School leaders should consider the impact of teacher workload and prioritize protecting planning time and limiting unnecessary meetings. Continuous innovation is essential in education, and educators should be open to change while school leaders should ensure changes are effective and supported by teachers. Teachers' efforts during the pandemic should be recognized and celebrated, and the lessons learned should be acknowledged and applied in future crises. David Marshall is an associate professor of educational research in the College of Education at Auburn University. Since 2020, much of his research on the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on K-12 education. Dr. Marshall has edited two books on the topic including "COVID-19 and the Classroom: How Schools Navigated the Great Disruption," one of the first books to share social science research documenting the first 15 months of the crisis. His research interests also include school choice and charter schools. Dr. Marshall's work has been published in leading journals of education research, policy, and practice. He taught middle and high school social studies in Philadelphia. Dr. Marshall worked for the Richmond Teacher Residency program in Richmond, Virginia in several capacities over a six-year span. He recently served two terms as chair of the Alabama Public Charter School Commission.
     
    Tim Pressley is an associate professor of psychology at Christopher Newport University, where he is also a faculty member in the Master of Arts in Teaching program and the Center for Education Research and Policy. Before receiving his doctorate, Dr. Pressley was an elementary school teacher in Fort Worth, Texas. Currently his research focuses on teachers' lives, specifically on the impact COVID-19 has had on teachers, teacher effectiveness, and teacher burnout. His work has been published in leading education journals. Dr. Pressley is co-author of "Reading Instruction That Works (5th edition)". Giving teachers a voice on issues affecting their lives has been a driving force behind his research.
     
    Connect with them on X: @marshalldavidt @tpress87
     
    A huge thanks to our show sponsor!
    https://www.moneypickle.com/shiftingschools
     

    • 38 min

Customer Reviews

4.9 out of 5
44 Ratings

44 Ratings

fahvyon ,

Great podcast, great educators, Great people

Fahv from PA here! Love your podcast and the dialogues within! Excited about your little challenge this holiday season!

Longstreetmusic ,

Educational Evolution: Navigating EdTech and Remote Work Abroad

This podcast is a valuable resource for anyone in education, including teachers, administrators, and curriculum designers, etc. The content is fantastic, with insightful interviews and resources in a rapidly evolving space. Personally, it's been especially helpful for me as I recently transitioned from the classroom in California to working remotely in France, navigating the shift to edtech. Highly recommended for those seeking quality insights in the intersection of AI and the education field.

StarLordGH ,

Amazing Insight Into Education!

I look forward to every Monday when an episode comes out. Jeff and Tricia do a fantastic job of explaining how EdTech tools can be used to enhance your daily life. I also really appreciate all the episodes on AI and balancing them with media literacy as well. Our students are growing up in an Information Age and we need to make sure as educators they are prepared. George from Indiana.

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