Shifting Schools: Conversations for K12 Educators

In this conversation, Tricia Friedman and Nicki Hambleton discuss the significance of visual note-taking, and why it is increasingly more necessary for our learners. They discuss the process of creating visual notes, the importance of fun in learning, and how visual note-taking enhances listening skills. Nicki shares her experiences and insights on how to overcome hesitation in visual note-taking and its potential connection to wellness initiatives in organizations. Big Ideas Visual note-taking can help clarify thoughts about AI.Engaging in fun activities enhances the learning experience.The process of visual note-taking is as important as the outcome.Slowing down can lead to deeper understanding and better listening.Visual notes can serve as a personal archive of thoughts and ideas.Anyone can learn to create visual notes, regardless of artistic skill.Simple icons can effectively communicate complex ideas.Visual note-taking can be a meditative practice.Different people take away different insights from the same content.Visual thinking can be integrated into wellness initiatives. Chapters 00:00 Exploring Attitudes Towards AI Through Visual Notes 05:06 The Importance of Fun in Learning and Note-Taking 10:16 The Art of Listening and Visual Note-Taking 16:10 Overcoming Hesitation in Visual Note-Taking 22:11 Connecting Visual Note-Taking to Wellness Initiatives Connect with Nicki and find out how she can help your learning organization: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicki-hambleton-436bb086/ https://nihconsultancy.com/ https://www.flickr.com/photos/itsallaboutart/albums/72157635026374032/ Thank you to our amazing show sponsor https://www.neulight.io/?utm_source=shiftingschool&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=fallsponsorship&utm_id=1

In this very short bonus episode, we let you know that we have received a ton of mail about Netflix's new hit show Adolescence. In light of those requests we put together a brand new free guide to help you use this moment and that show's popularity for media literacy in both the classroom and the home. Ready for the free guide? https://shiftingschools.lpages.co/a-media-literacy-moment-with-adolescence-your-free-guide/ Do you have requests for other free guides? tricia(at)shiftingschools (dotcom)

This conversation explores the transformative impact of AI in education and the legal profession. The speakers discuss how generative AI can assist teachers in lesson creation, enhance student confidence, and streamline legal research. They emphasize the importance of collaboration with AI, the need for educators and lawyers to adapt to new technologies, and the mindset shift required to embrace these changes. The discussion also highlights the potential for AI to improve productivity and foster a culture of sharing knowledge among professionals. Connect with Dr. Santamaria https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcasantamaria/ Chapters 00:00 The Excitement of AI in Education 07:02 Building Confidence in Multilingual Learners 11:47 AI's Impact on the Legal Profession 20:10 Embracing AI: A Mindset Shift 25:04 Connecting and Sharing Knowledge Thank you to our special sponsor: https://www.neulight.io/?utm_source=shiftingschool&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=fallsponsorship&utm_id=1

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.

In this conversation, Tricia Friedman and Rio Cortez discuss the themes and creative processes behind Rio's latest work, 'The ABCs of Women's History.' They explore the interdisciplinary approach to women's history, the importance of slow reading, and the joy of writing for children compared to adults. Rio shares insights into her collaborative process with illustrators and the significance of trusting readers to find their own meaning. The conversation concludes with a look at future projects and the potential for more educational works. Learn more about this book and Rio Cortez: https://www.riocortez.com/ Want to connect further with Tricia or Jeff? Reach out info@shiftingschools.com

Tricia Friedman and Robert Landau explore the integration of strengths assessments with AI, emphasizing the importance of understanding individual strengths in team dynamics. They discuss the various domains of strengths, the role of empathy in education, and how personal experiences shape these strengths. Robert and Tricia go further into the importance of individualization strengths in understanding unique qualities in people, the role of strategic thinking, and the impact of AI in coaching. Ready to connect with Robert Landau? https://www.tworoadsed.org/ Want to try out the prompts Tricia used? 1. You are a human behaviour expert who is well versed in a variety of personality and strenghts-based tests. You will review the results for a person named Tricia. You will provide a close reading of the identified strengths and aim to give advice to her in terms of what she needs to be more mindful of when working with others. Break this all down into three distinct ideas, and explain your thinking. Be succinct but also remarkable. 2. Review this information and pinpoint where the information is useful in terms of helping others understand how to best collaborate with this individual. Draft a one paragraph 'how to collaborate with me guide' for that person. Be highly specific. Have thoughts about this conversation? Reach out: tricia (at) shiftingschools.com A huge thanks to our incredible show sponsor: Neulight

In this episode of the Shifting Schools podcast, Tricia Friedman interviews Jeff Utecht about the importance of understanding generational differences in education and leadership. They discuss how each generation's upbringing shapes their expectations and behaviors, particularly in the context of technology and social media. Jeff emphasizes the need for educators and parents to adapt their approaches to meet the needs of today's students, who are influenced by a vastly different social landscape than previous generations. The conversation also touches on the challenges of parenting in a digital age and the importance of teaching responsible social media use. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Generational Understanding 01:15 The Importance of Understanding Generational Differences 04:39 Navigating the Generational Gap in Education 11:59 The Impact of Technology on Generational Perspectives 17:06 Parenting Across Generations 20:44 Training and Resources for Educators Join Jeff and Tricia on April 17th for a special day of learning. https://www.shiftingschools.com/ Have thoughts about this episode or want to put a request in for a follow up conversation? info (at) shiftingschools.com

This week we bring you a special episode of another show you might like: Outliers. "Outliers in Education" is a project of CEE, The Center for Educational Effectiveness. Find out more at effectiveness.org. Produced by Jamie Howell at Howell at the Moon Productions. Jeff Utecht goes deep into how AI tools like ChatGPT-4 have the potential to revolutionize the classroom. Utecht helps us navigate the delicate balance of excitement and fear around AI's role in education, offering valuable insights into how educators can best serve their students in this new era. "Our job is to prepare students for their future, not for our past," according to Utecht. We explore the necessity for educators to evolve along with these groundbreaking tools to ensure students gain the relevant skills needed in an AI-driven world. Yet, how can we prepare students for a future we barely understand ourselves? Utecht challenges the common belief that AI hampers learning by drawing powerful parallels to the historical resistance faced by other technological advancements from calculators to the internet. He also shares practical advice on how to tackle challenges such as student cheating, the importance of clarity in educational goals and the three key A.I. policies you'll want to have in place as you begin the coming school year.

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 takes us through the phenomenal book: Purposeful Educator Connections: Five Principles to Strengthen Relationships with Students , a transformative guide that offers practical strategies to help educators deepen their connections with students and drive meaningful change in the classroom. Marcela has dedicated her career to creating culturally responsive strategies that foster strong relationships between educators, families, and communities. Marcela’s work is focused on empowering educators to go beyond compliance and embrace the power of relationships as a foundation for student success. Her book highlights key principles that allow educators to create high-quality learning environments, foster meaningful interactions, and partner with key stakeholders to support students in fulfilling their life’s purpose. Takeaways Educators have a profound impact on children's lives. Community building is essential in education. School is about more than just academics. Human connections are vital for student success. Understanding context is crucial for effective teaching. Every child's experience is unique and should be acknowledged. Social capital among educators enhances the school environment. Deep relationships improve classroom culture. Investing time in relationships pays off in the long run. We are all working towards a common goal in education. --------------------------------------------- Learn more about Crayola Creativity Week: https://creativity-week.squarespace.com/ Connect with Neulight: https://www.neulight.io/?utm_source=shiftingschool&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=fallsponsorship&utm_id=1

Libraries can be a space for community building and idea exchange. During this new era of AI–what is already happening in the library? That's what we explore this week with three different perspectives on the way the Librarian is a critical voice on all things AI. Ready to meet our guests? Zakir Hossain is a Teacher-Librarian and independent researcher. He’s passionate about academic integrity and artificial intelligence literacy development. Born and raised in Bangladesh, Zakir has lived and worked in Vietnam, Saudi Arabia, Switzerland and the Netherlands. Zakir can be reached via @DuZakir on X and zakir.reseachtl@gmail.com Danny Glasner has been a technology coach, learning support, and for the past seven years, a library/media specialist otherwise known as a teacher-librarian. He has worked in schools for the past 21 years in Toronto, Istanbul, Hanoi, Zhuhai, Beijing, Phuket (as the whole school librarian for UWC Thailand), Ho Chi Minh City, and now Tirana, Albania. The library brings many of Danny’s passions together; love of reading, critical and creative thinking, artificial intelligence, technology in general, diversity, justice, belonging, sustainability, mindfulness, and global citizenship. The library Is a safe space where the entire learning community is made to feel welcome and seen. Danny utilizes his network to bring people together, to help students connect ideas, and to amplify their actions by broadening their audience. His passion for connecting people and ideas inspired him to co-found inTLlead.org, an international grassroots teacher-librarian leadership group, and #inTLchat, a hashtag and chat that connects librarians all over the world. He is the founding coordinator of 21st Century Library Connection Miniconference and the library strand for 21CLHK Main Conference held in Hong Kong, February 12-15 2025. https://www.linkedin.com/in/danny-glasner-99a833268/ https://www.linkedin.com/groups/14262254/ https://www.instagram.com/dannyglasner/ https://groups.io/g/intllead https://medium.com/@dannyglasner Heeru Bhojwani is a dedicated librarian with over 25 years of experience, blending her expertise in literacy, research, and digital innovation. Beginning her journey in primary schools with a focus on literacy, she later advanced to secondary education, promoting research skills, student voice, and choice. Heeru is the co-founder of the Liferarian Association, where she coaches librarians, building their skill sets and supporting underserved communities by helping fund library initiatives. She established the National Jarul Book Award to honor excellence in children’s literature and has published three multilingual anthologies representing over 10 languages. Heeru has presented at NESA, ISTE, and collaborated with KSIPD, running workshops that inspire librarians. https://heerubhojwani.com/ Liferarian.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/heeru-bhojwani-76975011 Huge thanks to our sponsors: https://www.neulight.io/?utm_source=shiftingschool&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=fallsponsorship&utm_id=1 https://creativity-week.squarespace.com/

On the show this week Jeff and Tricia talk with author, Pepper Stetler about the new book A Measure of Intelligence: One Mother's Reckoning with the IQ Test. Pepper Stetler is a Professor of Art History at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. She writes extensively on issues facing people with intellectual disabilities and their caregivers. Her writing has appeared in The New York Times, The Atlantic, Slate, The Progressive, the Ploughshares blog and Gulf Coast. Stetler also researches and writes about the art and photography of early twentieth-century Europe and the United States. In 2022, she was awarded an Art Writer’s Grant from the Andy Warhol Foundation. She has written catalog essays for exhibitions at the Museum of Modern Art in New York and the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. In 2022, she curated Craft and Camera: The Art of Nancy Ford Cones, the first museum scale retrospective of the Cincinnati-based photographer. Stetler grew up in Kansas City, Missouri. She received her BA from Barnard College, Columbia University and her MA and Ph.D. from the University of Delaware. She lives in Oxford, Ohio with her husband and her daughter, Louisa, whose general awesomeness inspired her to write A Measure of Intelligence. Learn more about the book and connect with our guest. https://www.pepperstetler.com/ Thank you to our show sponsor https://www.neulight.io/?utm_source=shiftingschool&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=fallsponsorship&utm_id=1

This week Shifting Schools is sharing another podcast with you: Women Talkin' 'Bout AI 🎙️ In this episode of Women Talkin' 'Bout AI, host Dr. Kimberly Becker welcomes Tricia Friedman, an all-around educational innovator who's been doing really future-forward and inclusive work in AI literacy and community building. In this powerful conversation, international educator and neuroqueer futurist Tricia uncovers the profound potential of AI in education while maintaining authentic human connections. Key Insights: -The critical need for AI literacy in K-12 and higher education -Reimagining learning assessment in the age of generative AI -How technology can deepen human understanding and creativity -Innovative approaches to integrating AI without losing human connection 📚 Content Discussed in This Episode: 0:00 - Introduction 5:30 - AI in Education 15:45 - Challenges in K-12 Learning 25:20 - Reimagining Assessment 35:10 - Personal AI Experiments 45:30 - Future of Technology and Learning Want to download the free guide Tricia talked about at the start of the episode? https://shiftingschools.lpages.co/your-free-shifting-schools-guide-more-generative-collaboration-in-2025/

In this conversation, Tricia and Joel Birch explore the transformative power of Lego Serious Play as a facilitation method. Joel shares his background in music and comedy, discussing how these experiences inform his approach to facilitating workshops. They get into the importance of play in communication, the dynamics of team interactions, and the unique benefits of virtual facilitation. The discussion highlights the role of a facilitator in creating a safe space for expression and the similarities and differences between K-12 education and corporate environments. Joel emphasizes the need for skilled facilitators to guide participants through the process, ensuring that everyone has a voice and can contribute meaningfully to the conversation. In this conversation, Joel Birch discusses his journey into facilitation, emphasizing the importance of inquiry learning and collaboration in education. He shares insights on engaging parents and caregivers, the role of play in building relationships, and innovative techniques for strategic planning and interviews in schools. The discussion highlights the need for creativity in educational practices and the value of creating low-stakes environments for meaningful conversations. ➡️ Ready to connect with Joel? https://joelbir.ch/ 🖍️ Learn more about Crayola Creativity Week! https://creativity-week.squarespace.com/ 👏🏻 Thank you to our show sponsor https://www.neulight.io/?utm_source=shiftingschool&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=fallsponsorship&utm_id=1 Take-Aways from this episode: Collaboration in education can alleviate change fatigue. Play is essential for learning and relationship building. Engaging parents in the educational process is crucial. Facilitation can help capture diverse ideas in a community. Innovative interview techniques can reveal true candidate potential. Creating low-stakes environments fosters open communication. Using physical objects can facilitate deeper conversations.

In this conversation, Jeff Utecht and John Gardner discuss the critical role of manufacturing in the American economy and the importance of education in preparing students for careers in this field. Gardner emphasizes the need to change perceptions of manufacturing, highlighting its high-tech nature and the lucrative opportunities it offers. They explore how K-12 education has shifted away from vocational training, leading to a shortage of skilled workers. The discussion also covers the importance of real-world applications in education and creating pathways for students to succeed in manufacturing careers. Key highlights of this episode include: +The manufacturing industry faces a potential shortage of 2.1 million jobs by 2030. +Education must adapt to prepare students for future careers, not past roles. +Manufacturing is a viable and lucrative career path for students. +Changing perceptions of manufacturing is essential for attracting new talent. +Real-world applications in education can engage students and enhance learning. +Vocational training should be integrated back into K-12 education. +Students need to see the progression of careers in manufacturing. +Local businesses can play a role in supporting education and training. Learn more about John's book: https://johngardnerauthor.com/product/manufacture-local-how-to-make-america-the-manufacturing-superpower-of-the-world Thank you to our show sponsor https://www.neulight.io/?utm_source=shiftingschool&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=fallsponsorship&utm_id=1

Creativity is essential. On the show this week we loved learning with Crayola's Cheri Sterman. Cheri is here to tell us all about the power of the upcoming Crayola Creativity Week. Educators and families can register free for this event: https://creativity-week.squarespace.com/ The conversation centers around Crayola Creativity Week, a free program designed to inspire and celebrate children's creativity. Cheri Sterman discusses the importance of nurturing creativity in children, the role of parents and educators in fostering creative confidence, and practical ways to integrate creativity into daily life. The event features a lineup of celebrity guests and aims to engage millions of children worldwide. The discussion emphasizes creativity as a vital life skill that benefits individual well-being and community building. Ready to learn more about our amazing guest? Cheri Sterman is a nationally recognized leader in child development and education, and a passionate advocate of creativity and the influence it has on a child’s future potential. Cheri most recently helped Crayola launch its advocacy initiative, Campaign for Creativity, which challenges conventional perceptions about creativity, sparking a new dialogue about the value of creativity and helping parents incorporate more creative moments into their children’s lives. Cheri has served as vice-chair of the Partnership for 21st Century Learning and on the executive boards of the National Association for the Education of Young Children and the National Child Development Council. Cheri helps educators and community leaders expand their creative thinking. She hosts Crayola monthly online programs including: The Art of Learning, and Read Along-Draw Along where she interviews authors, illustrators, art therapists, and educators. Cheri has served as a consultant to the National Governors Association, White House Commission on Children and Youth, Children’s Defense Fund, and the President’s Committee on the Arts and Humanities’ Turn-Around Schools Initiative. You can connect with her on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cheri-sterman-6862351ba/ Learn more about this week's show sponsor: https://www.neulight.io/?utm_source=shiftingschool&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=fallsponsorship&utm_id=1

Erich Bolz is deeply versed in the field-tested Powerless to Powerful transformation frameworks developed by Gonzaga University professors Chuck Salina and Suzann Girtz which, when implemented with fidelity, are proven to increase student achievement and staff satisfaction. Utilizing cognitive coaching approaches, Erich helps school leaders and central office administrators (including Special Education directors) make sense of their day-to-day challenges while fostering transformational breakthroughs in both their work and personal lives. Today on the show Erich and Jeff have a conversation about effective educational transformation. They also emphasize the importance of servant leadership and mission clarity in creating a positive school culture. The conversation also touches on leadership coaching, data-driven decision-making, and strategies for narrowing the achievement gap. They conclude by discussing the challenges of recruiting and retaining teachers in the current educational landscape. Connect with Erich, his work and podcast: https://bolzleadership.com/ https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/outliers-in-education-from-cee/id1577590456

In this conversation, Jeff Utecht and Professor Brent Warner explore the intersection of AI and education, particularly focusing on multilingual learners. They discuss how AI can empower students to take control of their learning, the innovative techniques for vocabulary building through prompting, and the importance of teaching prompt engineering skills. Brent shares insights on redesigning rubrics to be more equitable and effective, while also emphasizing the importance of transparency in using AI in educational settings. The conversation culminates in Brent's upcoming book aimed at helping teachers integrate technology into their classrooms for multilingual learners. Learn more about our guest: Brent Warner is an award-winning community college professor focusing on integrating technology and innovation into the language learning process. He works with teachers and organizations across the globe to provide practical advice for helping English Language Learners take advantage of tech to help them communicate more clearly. He blogs about technology integration in the ESOL classroom for TESOL International, and he is the co-host of The DIESOL Podcast, focusing on innovation in ESOL. www.BrentGWarner.com www.DIESOL.org https://brentgwarner.com/book/ https://www.tesol.org/blog/posts/using-ai-to-build-vocabulary-3-approaches/ Thank you to our show sponsor: https://www.neulight.io/?utm_source=shiftingschool&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=fallsponsorship&utm_id=1