

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

May 3, 2023 • 37min
Day of AI, with Randi Williams
Randi Williams, a doctoral student at MIT, joins us to talk about the Day of AI, which is an opportunity for K–12 teachers and students to explore the topic of artificial intelligence (AI). The official event date for 2023 is Thursday, May 18, but educators can utilize these resources anytime. This free event is intended to help students learn how machines think and to help them better understand how AI is embedded in our rapidly changing world. The lessons and activities target general education teachers and students, not just those specializing in STEM or computer science. Up to four hours of lesson plans are provided per grade, and access to materials and lessons is granted with free registration. The developers of this event encourage educators to “be part of the Day of AI and give them [students] the power to program their own future.” Additional information is available on the Day of AI website. Visit AVID Open Access to learn more.

May 2, 2023 • 12min
Student Organization: eBinders
In today’s episode, we'll explore benefits, tools, and integration tips for using eBinders as a student organization tool in your classroom. Visit AVID Open Access to learn more.

Apr 26, 2023 • 39min
The Value of Electives, Extra-Curriculars, and CTE, with Monique Sabby
For this episode, we are joined by Monique Sabby, a secondary career and technical education (CTE) teacher. As a teacher in the Family Consumer Science Department, she offers elective courses that are rich in authentic learning experiences. She says, “I am teaching employability skills. I’m teaching accountability. I’m teaching teamwork. I’m teaching the innovation—how to be a self-starter, take initiative.”Join us as we explore the many benefits and opportunities provided to students in CTE courses. Monique is an enthusiastic ambassador for these classes and describes them as “authentic learning classes” that provide “problem-solving in the best form.” Visit AVID Open Access to learn more.

Apr 25, 2023 • 8min
Student Organization: Digital Files
In this episode, we'll explore tips to help your students organize their digital storage spaces and manage digital files. Visit AVID Open Access to learn more.

Apr 19, 2023 • 45min
Supporting Students As They Prepare For College, with Sally Fouché
Applying for college is a big milestone in many students’ lives. It’s a step toward independence and adulthood, and it’s a process that will help to shape their future. It can also be very challenging and stressful. In this episode, we are joined by Sally Fouché, a college application expert who has significant experience guiding students through the college application journey. She shares insights and tips for supporting students through this process.Sally points out the pressures that these students are facing as they apply for college. She says, “Don’t forget how hard this process is for kids. It is a lot of emotion, and it can feel so judgmental. You’re either getting in or you’re not, and it feels like they’re turned into numbers, and they’re not beautiful human souls. These young people are so great. So don’t forget how hard this process is for kids, and don’t forget that the process being hard is teaching them something. So have compassion but also understand that some of their learning and disappointment is also good learning.” Visit AVID Open Access to learn more.

Apr 18, 2023 • 10min
Student Time Management
In today's episode, we'll review four strategies that you can use to teach your students time management skills. Visit AVID Open Access to learn more.

Apr 12, 2023 • 51min
Supporting Students Through a Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS), with Dr. Katie Novak
Dr. Katie Novak, coauthor of 'In Support of Students: A Leader's Guide to Equitable MTSS,' explores the key components of a successful multi-tiered system of supports (MTSS) in education. Topics discussed include collective responsibility, student supports, supporting teachers, comprehensive needs assessments, and investing in a culture of dignity and empowerment.

Apr 11, 2023 • 8min
Manage Your Digital Learning Environment
In today’s episode, we'll review three areas of your students' digital learning environment that they should become proficient in, so they can efficiently manage the learning resources in your classroom. Visit AVID Open Access to learn more.

Apr 5, 2023 • 49min
The Shift to Student-Led: UDL and Blended Learning, with Dr. Katie Novak
In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Katie Novak, an internationally renowned education consultant, author, adjunct professor, former teacher, and former assistant superintendent of schools. We discuss the topic of her newest book, cowritten with Dr. Catlin Tucker, The Shift to Student-Led: Reimagining Classroom Workflows with UDL and Blended Learning. This work explores the unique intersection of Universal Design for Learning and blended learning as a way to design learning that is both student-centered and student-led.Dr. Novak says, “My work is predominantly focused on deconstructing one-size-fits-all models for teaching and learning, and I do that through the lens of trying to universally design instruction.” She adds, “Universal design is essentially how we recognize barriers to one-size-fits-all and then provide pathways, so everyone has what they need to be successful.” Throughout our conversation, Dr. Novak details how these two approaches work together. She says, “Blended learning allows you to operationalize the research base as universal design because it gives us a frame for how we can provide all of these different pathways but also have opportunities to work with small groups of students—to help them self-assess, to determine if the choices they’re making are in fact serving them as learners.” Visit AVID Open Access to learn more.

Apr 4, 2023 • 8min
Digital Study Spaces and Routines
In today’s episode, we'll review five tips that students and families can use to set up effective digital study spaces and routines at home. Visit AVID Open Access to learn more.


