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Jeff and Tricia talk about the importance of curiosity as we continue to consider new tools like Chat GPT and generative AI. They explore what it might mean to think about generative AI as it intersects with information literacy and media literacy. Patrick Holt (Dean of Learning at XCL World Academy) kindly shares what’s being discussed at his school and how curiosity is being amplified in the classrooms and hallways. He takes us on a mini journey explaining what his journey with AI has been. As always listeners are welcome to share their thoughts with us by sending a voice […]

This episode debunks a few misconceptions about Maker education and design projects. We have help with the debunking from Lindsey Simmons, an educator who has partnered with Mackin Maker, who have been a phenomenal sponsor of this show. Our conversation goes on to explore ways we can use the design cycle in many different ways and how understanding that cycle can set us up for all types of projects in our personal lives. Lindsey also helps us think about sustainability and the intersection of literacy and MakerED. Learn all about Lindsey Simmons here. And follow her on social media here. […]

Jeff and Tricia talk about Chat GPT and other generative AI tools. The big question in this episode is: How might you use Chat GPT as a thought partner this year? We asked Chat GPT to help us out with the intro for this show, to tell us more about what misconceptions there are about Chat GPT. What did it tell us?   “ChatGPT is sentient or conscious: ChatGPT is a machine learning model, it does not have consciousness or self-awareness. It can only respond based on the patterns it has learned from the data it was trained on. ChatGPT […]

How do you build a network of learners and how does that network in turn shape you as a learner? On the podcast this week, Drea Weiner answers that question (and many others). This conversation is supported by our amazing sponsors: Stem Sports and MackinMaker At the heart of this conversation, we think about how we can cultivate the mindsets that promote STEM-based inquiry and set students up to be leaders in MakerEd. Drea reminds us that STEM learning intersects our entire curriculum and invites interdisciplinary learning and community connections. Let’s learn more about our guest: Drea Weiner is the […]

In this episode, Tricia and Jeff are talking about our relationships with social media, misinformation, disinformation and the role schools must play when leading for media literacy. This conversation was inspired by this recent article in the New York Times by Jenny Gross. Our guests talk about the influence technology has on learners of all ages. The look at what it might mean to help students build habits that ensure they come to their social media with curiosity and a desire to check for bias and become savvy consumers of information. They go on to mention that NPR has launched […]

Thanks to our special sponsors for their support of our show. Learn more by heading to StemSports.com and MackinMacker.com today.  On this week Jeff and Tricia talk to Sevile Mannickarottu: Director of Penn’s Bioengineering Educational Lab & Bio-MakerSpace-the only Bio-Maker Space in the world. They talk about what it means to create an archive and a legacy of learning. Sevile also shares ways educators can get started in creating a Makerspace. You can learn all about Sevile’s work here. Check out the introductory video to the lab here. Also discussed in this episode is Backyard Brains, learn more here. Learn more […]

Are you looking to take on a new challenge of leading learning at an upcoming conference? Would you like to refine the way you approach delivering professional development at your school? This episode is all about our recommendations for approaching the application process, as well as communicating what your session is all about with peers. The full guidance is available for you to download free, click here for more. This conversation came to be because a value podcast listener (like you!) reached out for advice after hearing us remind folks that Learning2 Asia is open for applications now until January […]

Sponsors Thank you to our sponsors for this mini-series on STEM and MakerSpace. Check out both StemSports.com and MackinMacker.com today. Find all the offers from all our sponsors at https://www.shiftingschools.com/offers Episode On this episode, we explore the joy of tinkering, the social-emotional case for making, and we question the benefits of cultivating a beginner’s mindset. Whether you are an experienced teacher of MakerEd or you’ve never thought of yourself as a ‘maker’ this episode is for you. Our special guest on the show is Mike Bycraft. Mike Bycraft is an international educator who specializes in design, robotics, engineering, and makerspaces. […]

Few educators would disagree with the idea that feedback is crucial for meaningful learning. So how can we support one another in striving for better feedback processes? As students move towards the process of setting goals for a new year, what are some of the conversations we need to prioritize in order to scaffold that planning? In this special bonus episode, we hear from educator Madalena Elshoff as she walks us through the way she leveraged on of our Shifting Schools free guides in order to reimagine feedback, goal setting, and classroom culture. Specifically we talk about the free guide […]

A new year is a time when many of us start thinking about new goals, and new habits we want to cultivate. And yet, how many of us have had the time and the opportunity to dig into the research on habit formation? On this episode, Jeff and Tricia talk to Wendy Wood about her phenomenal book Good Habits, Bad Habits. This episode puts a spotlight on some of the research and insight included in that book. Wendy Wood, explains why we have some misguided ideas about how habits are cultivated. Our conversation is a timely reminder of the importance […]