

Unpacking Education & Tech Talk For Teachers
AVID Open Access
If it relates to education and matters to you, we're talking about it on our podcasts. Unpacking Education shares in-depth conversations each Wednesday on timely topics with guests who share their expertise and experience—from teaching strategies, to educational technology, to equitable access to future-driven skills for all students. Tune in every Tuesday for a new Tech Talk For Teachers. 5 minutes jam-packed with practical and actionable tech integration strategies and tool tips you can immediately apply in your classroom.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Dec 5, 2023 • 10min
Eduaide, an AI Teaching Assistant
In today’s episode, we'll review Eduaide, an AI teaching assistant that can help you save time by leveraging generative AI tools in a teacher-friendly workspace. Visit AVID Open Access to learn more.

Nov 29, 2023 • 36min
Reaching and Teaching Neurodivergent Learners in STEM, with Dr. Jodi Asbell-Clarke
In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Jodi Asbell-Clarke to explore the connection between neurodivergent learners and STEM education. Dr. Asbell-Clarke draws upon years of research and practice to explain how STEM education, project-based learning, and universal design for learning all play unique and powerful roles in maximizing the talents of students, including neurodivergent thinkers. Dr. Asbell-Clarke and her team have applied this research and learning to create a collection of teaching and learning materials called INFACT (Including Neurodiversity in Foundational and Applied Computational Thinking), which are freely available on the TERC, EdGE, and AVID Open Access websites.

Nov 28, 2023 • 9min
FigJam, an Online Whiteboard
In today’s episode, we'll explore FigJam, an online whiteboard that's a feature-loaded alternative to Google Jamboard, which is sunsetting at the end of 2024. Visit AVID Open Access to learn more.

Nov 22, 2023 • 46min
You Matter, with Angela Maiers
In this episode, we are joined by Angela Maiers to talk about the importance of mattering. Her message began in 2011 with her talk, “You Matter,” at TEDxDesMoines. The message resonated deeply with people and spread widely, going viral. Since then, Angela has continued to champion and develop her message about the importance of mattering and how mattering is the foundation upon which we can build our personal genius. Visit AVID Open Access to learn more.

Nov 21, 2023 • 11min
Digital Gratitude Activities for Thanksgiving Week
In today’s episode, we'll explore the benefits of being grateful and call out 10 digital gratitude activities that you can integrate into your classroom. Visit AVID Open Access to learn more.

Nov 15, 2023 • 46min
The A.I. Roadmap: Human Learning in the Age of Smart Machines, with Dr. John Spencer
In this episode, we are joined by Dr. John Spencer to talk about his new book, The A.I. Roadmap: Human Learning in the Age of Smart Machines. He helps us unpack a wide range of topics related to artificial intelligence (AI) in K–12 education, including some potentially poor choices, a better roadmap forward, implications for teaching and learning, and some practical examples of what AI looks like when it is integrated well into a classroom. Visit AVID Open Access to learn more.

Nov 14, 2023 • 11min
Integrating Technology Into a Socratic Seminar
In today’s episode, we'll explore ways to integrate technology into a Socratic Seminar. Visit AVID Open Access to learn more.

Nov 8, 2023 • 46min
Personal and Authentic Learning, with Thomas C. Murray
In this episode, we are joined by Thomas C. Murray, a former teacher and administrator and current Director of Innovation for Future Ready Schools. Thomas helps us unpack his book, Personal and Authentic: Designing Learning Experiences That Impact a Lifetime. In a conversation firmly grounded in the importance of relationships, Thomas elaborates on a series of quotes from the book and explains their relevance to personal and authentic learning. Visit AVID Open Access to learn more.

Nov 7, 2023 • 10min
Popping Filter Bubbles
In today’s episode, we'll explore the phenomenon of information bubbles and look at 10 ways to mitigate this challenge. Visit AVID Open Access to learn more.

Nov 1, 2023 • 44min
Mentoring Beginning Educators, with Annie Kirking
In this episode, we are joined by Annie Kirking, PhD, a high school teacher and Washington State Beginning Educator Support Team (BEST) mentor faculty and induction coach. Annie helps us unpack ways to support beginning educators. She acknowledges, “Teaching is really hard, and it’s especially hard in those first couple of years because you’re doing everything for the first time.” Through mentoring, we can support these new educators and increase both success and retention rates. Visit AVID Open Access to learn more.


