Shifting Schools: Conversations for K12 Educators

In this episode, Tricia Friedman discusses her exploration of AI's potential in enhancing conflict resolution skills. She shares insights from her research and the development of a conflict simulator bot designed to help users practice and improve their conflict navigation abilities. The conversation emphasizes the importance of feedback and collaboration in utilizing AI technology effectively. Learn more about Moxie Consensus AI and try out the bot mentioned in the episode: https://chatgpt.com/g/g-67b5feb5a74c8191bb26074523bfc77a-conflict-simulator BIG IDEAS AI can assist in developing essential conflict resolution skills. The term 'soft skills' undermines the importance of these abilities. Conflict resolution is a critical skill in education. Research shows that rehearsals improve our conflict management. Dog play offers valuable lessons in conflict resolution. The conflict simulator bot allows for role-playing scenarios. Synthetic voices in AI can be surprisingly realistic. BIG thanks to our show sponsor: Neulight https://www.neulight.io/?utm_source=shiftingschool&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=fallsponsorship&utm_id=1

This conversation explores the innovative virtual filmmaking program at Chad Lewis's school, highlighting the integration of technology, AI, and creative collaboration among students. The discussion emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinary learning and the empowerment of students to pursue their passions in a supportive environment. Takeaways The virtual filmmaking program started with a new film instructor's initiative. Students learn to use Unreal Engine for virtual production. The program emphasizes storytelling, lighting, and camera angles as foundational skills. AI is transforming media creation and accessibility for students. Collaboration between different departments enhances the learning experience. Students are encouraged to bring their ideas to faculty without fear of rejection. The school culture promotes creativity and innovation among both students and teachers. The accessibility of technology has lowered barriers for students to learn and create. The importance of media literacy in understanding and critiquing content. A focus on the vocabulary of educational goals helps guide technology integration. Chad Lewis has been the Director of Technology at Tampa Preparatory School in Tampa, Florida since August 2010. He oversees all facets of technology at the school, from network infrastructure and security to educational technology and training. Learn more: https://tampaprep.org/about/innovative-spaces/ Learn more about our student logo challenge: https://www.shiftingschools.com/rebrand Big thanks to our special show sponsor, learn more about how Neulight can support your community! https://www.neulight.io/?utm_source=shiftingschool&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=fallsponsorship&utm_id=1

In this episode, Tricia Friedman introduces the Neurodivergent Nexus Bot in anticipation of Neurodiversity Celebration Week. She discusses the importance of viewing neurodivergence as a strength and shares her experiences using AI for deeper research. The episode highlights the bot's capabilities and encourages listeners to engage with it during the celebration week, while also inviting feedback for future podcast topics. Ready to try it out? https://chatgpt.com/g/g-67c60bad02d081919d23e47e9da20e21-neurodivergent-nexus-bot Please take our summer podcast series survey: https://us10.list-manage.com/survey?u=27660f931231d00899b80a484&id=a23c5890fd&attribution=false We are so thanksful to our amazing show sponsor! https://www.neulight.io/?utm_source=shiftingschool&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=fallsponsorship&utm_id=1 Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Neurodiversity Celebration Week 03:02 Exploring the NeuroDivergent Nexus Bot 06:56 Engaging with AI for Neurodiversity 08:34 Feedback and Future Directions Takeaways Neurodiversity Celebration Week starts on March 17th. AI can enhance research depth, not just productivity. Positioning neurodivergence as an asset is crucial.

Rio Cortez, a New York Times bestselling author noted for her children's books, dives deep into the art of storytelling. She discusses the importance of slow reading, making complex themes like women's history accessible for young audiences. Rio highlights the joy of writing for children, emphasizing collaboration with illustrators to enrich narratives. The conversation also touches on fostering trust in readers and the role of creative connections in education, hinting at exciting future projects that promise to further explore diverse histories.

Tricia Friedman talks with Robert Landau, founder of Two Roads Education and an expert in strengths-based leadership. They discuss how integrating strengths assessments with AI can enhance team dynamics in education. Robert emphasizes the significance of empathy and individualized strengths in shaping effective collaboration. They explore the contrast between AI coaching and human interaction, highlighting the emotional depth lost in AI tools. Personal growth through understanding strengths and the evolution of these traits across generations is also a key theme.

Generational differences are crucial for educators and leaders to understand. Each generation's unique experiences shape their behaviors and expectations, especially regarding technology and social media. The podcast dives into how parenting styles have evolved, discussing the balance between independence and oversight. It emphasizes the importance of teaching responsible social media use while adapting educational strategies for today's digital landscape. The conversation also highlights the need for media literacy and understanding among different age groups.

In this discussion, Eric Bowles, co-host of the Outliers in Education podcast, dives into the transformative role of AI in schools. He highlights the balance between fear and excitement surrounding tools like ChatGPT-4. Bowles emphasizes the importance of preparing students for an AI-driven future rather than clinging to outdated methods. He shares strategies for educators to handle challenges like student cheating and advocates for clear assessment expectations. This conversation urges educators to evolve alongside technology to better serve their students.

Links: Three ways to leverage the big game (free pdf download) Sponsor: Neulight and their MTSS AI product IntelliTier Summary In this episode of Shifting Schools, Jeff Utecht and Tricia Friedman discuss the intersection of the Super Bowl and media literacy. They explore how educators can leverage the Super Bowl's advertising to teach students about media literacy, storytelling, and critical thinking. The conversation highlights the importance of understanding advertising intentions, engaging families in discussions about media, and the role of AI in advertising. They also announce an upcoming webinar series focused on AI and media literacy, encouraging listeners to download a free guide for educators. Takeaways The Super Bowl is a prime opportunity for media literacy education. Every ad during the Super Bowl is carefully crafted with intentional choices. Engaging families in discussions about advertising can enhance media literacy. Storyboarding helps students understand the creative process behind ads. AI literacy is closely linked to media literacy in today's digital landscape. Educators can use past Super Bowl ads for comparative analysis. Understanding audience assumptions is key to analyzing advertisements. The social aspect of the Super Bowl can facilitate discussions about media. Students should learn to critically evaluate the messages in ads. The future of advertising may increasingly involve AI technology. Chapters 00:00 Super Bowl Predictions and Media Literacy 02:58 Understanding Advertising Intentions 05:55 Engaging Families in Media Literacy 09:01 Storyboarding and Creative Thinking 12:09 AI and Media Literacy Connection 15:00 Future of Advertising and AI

Marcela Andrés, President and CEO of Designed Engagement and author of Purposeful Educator Connections, dives into the transformative role educators play in students' lives. She discusses the need for building strong, meaningful relationships that transcend academic compliance. Highlighting the importance of community, Marcela shares how understanding individual contexts enhances classroom culture. She advocates for compassionate teaching and reveals that investing in human connections leads to long-term success for both students and educators.

Danny Glasner, a seasoned teacher-librarian with international experience, Heeru Bhojwani, a veteran librarian focused on promoting literacy, and Zakir Hossain, an independent researcher passionate about AI literacy, explore librarians' pivotal roles in the age of artificial intelligence. They discuss libraries as collaborative hubs for enhancing AI literacy and emphasize the necessity of integrating ethical considerations into education. Through literature, they share tools for deeper conversations about AI, and highlight initiatives to empower librarians in navigating this digital landscape.