Shifting Schools: Conversations for K12 Educators

Dan White, CEO of Filament Games, discusses the future of learning games and the importance of game-based learning pedagogy. He emphasizes the shift towards focusing on skills and conceptual understandings rather than didactic knowledge transfer. White believes that game-based experiences should prepare students for the real world by imparting useful practices and higher-order thinking skills. He also highlights the impact of automation and AI on the workforce and the need to revisit what is worth teaching and learning. White shares insights on building collaborative partnerships and the power of play in improving people's lives. 

Takeaways

The future of learning games lies in focusing on skills and conceptual understandings rather than didactic knowledge transfer.

Game-based experiences should prepare students for the real world by imparting useful practices and higher-order thinking skills.

The rise of automation and AI calls for a reevaluation of what is worth teaching and learning.

Ready to learn more about Dan and FIlament Games?

www.filamentgames.com

@filamentgames

IG: @filamentgames

Dan is the co-founder and CEO of Filament Games. Dan believes that good gameplay and good learning are complementary rather than oppositional forces. An alumnus of Cornell University and the University of Wisconsin – Madison, Dan earned an M.S. in Education Technology under seminal learning game scholars Drs. Kurt Squire and James Paul Gee. Prior to founding Filament, Dan worked as a teacher, an instructional designer, and a game developer. Dan’s passions include learning games, sustainability, mindfulness, and modernizing institutional education.

Thank you to our sponsor!

https://www.moneypickle.com/shiftingschools

LUDIA AI is a free tool that helps educators cultivate a Universal Design for Learning (UDL) mindset by leveraging AI. The conversation explores the fear and misconceptions around AI in education and how LUDIA AI actually emphasizes relationships and centers humanity. LUDIA AI is designed to support teachers' time and thinking, providing ideas and options to adapt instruction efficiently. Educators can use LUDIA AI to plan and model UDL best practices, considering barriers and opportunities. Tips are provided for getting the most out of LUDIA AI, including being specific in prompts and engaging in a back-and-forth conversation. Anecdotes and feedback from educators highlight the varied uses and benefits of LUDIA AI. The conversation also discusses the importance of involving parents and caretakers in using AI tools like LUDIA AI to support homeschool partnerships and expand AI use beyond the classroom. The 4Ts model (Tell, Tinker, Tweak, Transfer) is introduced as a process for using LUDIA AI effectively. AI is seen as a tool for metacognition and decision-making, enhancing critical thinking and creativity. Listeners are encouraged to experiment with LUDIA AI and explore its potential in their educational contexts.

Ready to learn more?

https://www.smore.com/vcpmk

https://bit.ly/LUDIA_Bookshelf

Ready to connect with Beth and Jeremie?

https://www.linkedin.com/in/bstarklifelonglearner

https://www.jeremierostan.com/

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to LUDIA AI and UDL Mindset
01:15 Addressing Fear and Misconceptions about AI in Education
02:25 LUDIA AI as a Tool to Support Teachers' Time and Thinking
03:39 Using LUDIA AI to Plan and Model UDL Best Practices
06:01 Tips for Getting the Most Out of LUDIA AI
08:50 Anecdotes and Feedback from Educators Using LUDIA AI
11:48 Involving Parents and Caretakers in Using LUDIA AI
14:18 Expanding the Use of AI Beyond the Classroom
16:53 Using LUDIA AI for Homeschool Partnerships
18:13 The 4Ts Model for Using LUDIA AI Effectively
20:55 AI as a Tool for Metacognition and Decision-Making
23:45 Experimenting with LUDIA AI: One Thing to Try
24:24 Closing Remarks and Future of LUDIA AI

Thank you to our show sponsor!

https://www.moneypickle.com/shiftingschools

On this week...

Dwight Gunning, a data scientist with a background in finance, discusses the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in the finance industry. He emphasizes the importance of technology in finance and the need for financial institutions to stay up to date with AI to protect against fraud and build trust. Dwight shares his personal journey from economist to technology enthusiast and highlights the value of lifelong learning. He encourages individuals to develop a diverse set of skills and mindsets to adapt to the changing world. 

Learn more about Dwight Gunning:

Based in Canada with Jamaican heritage, Dwight Gunning is deeply invested in integrating advanced AI technologies within the finance sector. Boasting over twenty years of expertise in FinTech, he currently works as an AI and Machine Learning Assurance Engineer at FINRA. Additionally, Dwight is the maintainer of the popular edgartools project and co-author of a book on Natural Language Processing.

www.linkedin.com/in/dwight-gunning

dgunning.com

Thank you to our amazing show sponsor for supporting our podcast:

https://www.moneypickle.com/shiftingschools

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and the Role of AI in Finance
02:07 The Importance of Technology in Finance
04:19 Transition from Economist to Technology
06:14 The Joy of Lifelong Learning
09:58 Skills and Mindsets for Future Careers
11:34 Balancing Strengths and Developing Empathy
13:46 The Benefits of Competitions and Create-a-thons
17:58 Creating a Space for Open-Mindedness and Collaboration
19:28 The Impact of AI on Finance and Trust
21:28 The Storytelling Aspect of Finance and AI
23:22 The Intersection of Finance and Human Psychology
24:05 The Future of AI in Entertainment and Storytelling
28:51 The Importance of AI Literacy in Finance
29:51 The Exciting Future of AI and Natural Language Interaction
35:29 The Role of AI in Learning and Productivity
39:39 The Future of AI in Visual Storytelling
42:03 The Importance of Human-Centered Skills in the Age of AI

Give us ten minutes and let us tell you about the ways to lean way into media literacy for the upcoming Superbowl game!

🏈 Explore our special free guide that kicks off with our BRASS framework and then takes you through ideas for activities:

https://shiftingschools.lpages.co/three-ways-to-leverage-the-big-game-for-big-learning/

🗓️ Our three week AI cohort kicks off next week!

We only have a few seats left. As a listener you can take 50% off and join us by entering coupon code "PLC3W50" at checkout.

Learn more: https://camp.shiftingschools.com/c/plc-ai-playground/

Reach out to us to tell us about ways your community is amplifying media literacy

📧 info@shiftingschools.com

Dr. Lorea Martínez introduces the HEART model, which stands for Five Essential Social-Emotional Skills. The model aims to provide educators with a research-based framework for teaching and practicing these skills.

Martinez emphasizes the importance of seeing social-emotional learning (SEL) as a paradigm shift and life skills rather than just a checklist of tasks. She also highlights the significance of intentionality in practicing SEL and reflects on the validation of children's feelings. Martinez discusses the role of body language in comforting and the diverse ways of validation. She concludes by advocating for involving students in decision-making processes.

Takeaways

Intentionality is crucial in practicing SEL and being aware of one's emotions, thought patterns, and behavior. 🤔

Validating children's feelings and creating a safe space for them to express their emotions is essential for their emotional well-being 😌.

Involving students in decision-making processes can empower them and foster a sense of ownership and responsibility in their school community 🏫.

Connect with this week's guest:

Website: https://loreamartinez.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/loreamartinez/

Book link: https://amzn.to/31q9aiI

Tell us more about your thoughts on this episode:

info@shiftingschools.com

Learn about our amazing show Sponsor: Money Pickle!

https://www.moneypickle.com/shiftingschools

Our special guest today:

Dr. Tony Walker serves on the executive team of The Jed Foundation (“JED”) – a national nonprofit that serves as a thought leader on school mental health and youth suicide prevention. JED works within Higher Education Institutions and PK-12 schools and districts to help leaders build systems that promote more positive mental health outcomes for youth. In his role, Dr. Walker leads JED’s Academic Programs team, supporting the implementation of JED’s programs and best practices of comprehensive school mental health and suicide prevention programming across our nation’s education landscape.

Previously, Dr. Walker worked in multiple roles in public education, including as a teacher, school counselor and most recently serving as an executive district leader over Student Support Services at Uplift Education, a high performing network of schools dedicated to providing excellent educational opportunities to more than 23,000 students in North Texas. Founding this work at Uplift in 2011, he established and supervised five large departments servicing 44 schools, including Counseling Services, Social Emotional Learning, Student Discipline and Restorative Practices, Prevention Programs, and Strategic Community Partnerships. Under his decade of leadership, Uplift developed and implemented one of the largest school-based mental health systems in Texas, allowing students and families direct access to licensed mental health clinicians in every school, robust SEL experiences, in-district family therapy services, and a full array of other wraparound programs and supports.

Further this conversation with the following links:

https://jedfoundation.org/

X (formerly Twitter) - https://twitter.com/jedfoundation

 Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/JedFoundation

 Instagram - https://instagram.com/jedfoundation/

This episode is sponsored by our partner at Money Pickle!

Discover the key to unlocking your financial success by scheduling a complimentary call with one of Money Pickle's trusted, third-party financial advisors.

With Money Pickle taking care of the matchmaking process and the advisor covering the cost of the call, all you need to do is share the topic of discussion and attend the meeting at a time that best suits you.

In this invaluable video chat session, you'll have the chance to delve into your financial aspirations, investment strategies, and retirement plans, propelling you further towards attaining true financial independence.

Now, here's even more good news for you: while there's no obligation, you have a unique opportunity to start an ongoing relationship with your matched advisor. They can offer you additional personalized services and the invaluable support you need throughout your investment journey.

Connect with them this year:

https://www.moneypickle.com/shiftingschools

Our special guest today:

Dr. Laura Erickson-Schroth (she/they), MD, MA, is the Chief Medical Officer for The Jed Foundation (JED), a national nonprofit that protects emotional health and prevents suicide for teens and young adults. Laura has provided thousands of patients with crisis intervention and mental health support in over ten different emergency rooms in New York City. Much of her career has focused on LGBTQ mental health, and she continues to see clients at the Hetrick-Martin Institute for LGBTQIA+ Youth. 

We talk about the connection between media literacy and mental health.

Further this conversation with the following links:

https://jedfoundation.org/jed-storytelling/

https://mentalhealthmediaguide.com/ 

https://seizetheawkward.org/

This episode is sponsored by our partner at Money Pickle!

Discover the key to unlocking your financial success by scheduling a complimentary call with one of Money Pickle's trusted, third-party financial advisors.

With Money Pickle taking care of the matchmaking process and the advisor covering the cost of the call, all you need to do is share the topic of discussion and attend the meeting at a time that best suits you.

In this invaluable video chat session, you'll have the chance to delve into your financial aspirations, investment strategies, and retirement plans, propelling you further towards attaining true financial independence.

Now, here's even more good news for you: while there's no obligation, you have a unique opportunity to start an ongoing relationship with your matched advisor. They can offer you additional personalized services and the invaluable support you need throughout your investment journey.

Connect with them this year:

https://www.moneypickle.com/shiftingschools?mc_cid=982e825316&mc_eid=a5d8879dfc

Our mental health series continues with Dr. Rina Bajaj. This conversation brings us great ways to reframe our inner monologue and strategies to refresh our approach to caring for self and combatting burnout.

This series is sponsored by Money Pickle, learn more about ways to connect with an advisor today: https://www.moneypickle.com/shiftingschools

Learn more about our guest:

Dr Rina Bajaj is a Chartered Counselling Psychologist with over 17 years of experience within the field of mental health. In 2017, she founded her private consultancy, Rina Bajaj Ltd, which offers a specialist therapeutic service for adults and young people providing therapy, business consultation and coaching. She has worked with many international corporate companies providing workshops and training on areas including staff well-being, mental health awareness, mindfulness, creating a positive mindset, motivation, habit building and stress management.

 Rina is a regular contributor to national and international media and her recent media contribitions can be viewed via: linkt.ree/drrinabajaj Rina has worked with many interesting clients over the years including celebrities, entrepreneurs, professional athletes, musicians and artists. Rina is trained in a range of therapeutic approaches and believes in matching the therapy to the client, rather than the other way around. Her areas of speciality include relationships, anxiety and trauma. In May 2023, she released an Amazon best-selling self-empowerment book called “The Magic in Me”. Broken down into three main sections; the relationship with the self, relationships with others and connecting with individuals’ own identity, wants and needs; the book offers readers daily exercises designed to help them strengthen their connection to their true authentic self. Spanning a recommended thirty days, with journaling space provided within the pages, readers will be encouraged to make time for reflection to boost their inner confidence, self-worth and purpose.

www.RinaBajaj.com

Instagram @DrRinaBajaj

 tiktok @drrina8

recent media contribitions can be viewed via: linkt.ree/drrinabajaj

Want to tell us more about how your school will action ideas from this episode?

Reach out to Jeff and Tricia at info@shiftingschools.com

Learn more about our work and opportunities to learn with us at www.shiftingschools.com

Thanks again to our series sponsor Money Pickle for supporting our entire series on mental health!

https://www.moneypickle.com/shiftingschools

Our first episode in our brand new mental health series kicks off with Dr. Deborah Offner.

This series is sponsored by Money Pickle, learn more about ways to connect with an advisor today: https://www.moneypickle.com/shiftingschools

Our special guest Dr. Offner is here to help us think more specifically about ways to support the mental health of our school community. We also explore her brand new book:

Educators as First Responders: A Teacher's Guide to Adolescent Development and Mental Health, Grades 6-12

Ready to learn more about Dr. Offner?

Dr. Deborah Offner is an adolescent psychologist with twenty-five years of experience working in schools, colleges, and clinical practice. She is Consulting Psychologist at an innovative school in Boston that prepares students from communities with limited resources to attend competitive private high schools. She works with adolescents, young adults and their families in her private practice and consults to middle and secondary schools about student mental health. 

https://www.deborahoffnerphd.com/

Want to tell us more about how your school will action ideas from this episode?

Reach out to Jeff and Tricia at info@shiftingschools.com

Learn more about our work and opportunities to learn with us at www.shiftingschools.com

Thanks again to our series sponsor Money Pickle for supporting our entire series on mental health!

https://www.moneypickle.com/shiftingschools

How is Minecraft a powerful tool for building community, fostering inclusion, and engaging learners?

This week's amazing guest Mashfiq Ahmed has an answer for that question and tons of wisdom to share.

Meet this week's special guest:

➡️ Mashfiq Ahmed (he/him) is a high school chemistry teacher at John Dewey High School in Brooklyn, New York. He has been playing video games ever since he was 4-years-old and they have positively shaped him into the person that he is today. As a teacher, Mashfiq utilizes classroom gamification tools in order to support all of his students and make science more engaging. When the 2020-2021 virtual school year started, Mashfiq created an after school Minecraft Club in order for students to have a place to relax and de-stress through gaming during the pandemic. Since then, the club has grown to become something so much bigger than he could have possibly imagined. For example, Mashfiq’s Minecraft Club participates in esports building competitions with designs that promote equity, accessibility, and sustainability in New York City. Mashfiq strives to create a safe space for all, especially neurodivergent, people of color, and LGBTQ+ students, to express themselves through Minecraft and gaming. His Minecraft Club members are also Minecraft Student Ambassadors who have provided Minecraft training for other teachers and have showcased their work globally, such as at the recent United Nations Climate Change Conference. Mashfiq hopes that the future of gaming continues to be more inclusive and accessible for everyone. Additionally, he is also a certified Minecraft educator and a global Minecraft mentor. Due to Mashfiq’s efforts he was recently inducted into The Game Awards Future Class of 2022, which honors inspiring individuals who represent the bright, bold, and inclusive future of video games. 

🔦 Ready to connect with Mashfiq?

Twitter: https://twitter.com/MrAhmedGaming

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/MrAhmedGaming

Minecraft Club Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jdhsminecraftclub/

 Minecraft Club Linktree: https://linktr.ee/MinecraftClub

Leave a review of our podcast a win a free seat to the February AI cohort!

Learn more:

www.shiftingschools.com

email info@shiftingschools.com

In this episode, Jeff and Tricia discuss their favorite holiday food, introduce a new free guide on experimenting with AI for families, announce an upcoming series on mental health, promote an AI literacy cohort for PLCs and committees, highlight Jeff's work on Washington State guidelines and policies, mention upcoming conferences, discuss the link between AI literacy and DEIJ/media literacy, and tease the upcoming 2024 Protocols Free Guide.

Takeaways

Experimenting with AI can be a fun and educational activity for families, and a new free guide provides three ways to get started.

The next series on the podcast will focus on mental health, covering topics such as the mental health of educators and students.

An AI literacy cohort is available for PLCs and committees looking to develop AI literacy in their schools.

Links:

Get the Three AI Literacy Experiments for the Family:

https://shiftingschools.lpages.co/three-ways-for-families-to-experiment-with-ai/

Learn more about our upcoming cohort:

www.shiftingschools.com 

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and Holiday Food
04:38 New Free Guide: Three Ways for Families to Experiment with AI
13:49 Upcoming Series on Mental Health
17:11 AI Literacy Cohort for PLCs and Committees
20:27 Jeff's Work with Washington State Guidelines and Policies
22:35 Upcoming Conferences: NCCE, IDEO, CESA
24:32 Linking AI Literacy to DEIJ and Media Literacy
30:34 Upcoming 2024 Protocols Free Guide
33:14 Closing Remarks and Appreciation

Join us for this bonus episode where Tricia is a guest on the BFIS 'The Future is Now Podcast.'

Ready to follow that show?

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-benjamin-franklin-international-school-podcast/id1714268067

Find all of the resources mentioned here.

Listener Challenge:
- Be the first to review from your state and win access to our AI course bundle. Leave a review on any podcast platform and email us at info@shiftingschools.com.

How to Connect:
- Follow us on everywhere: @shiftingschools and @shiftingschoolspod
- Visit our website: https://www.shiftingschools.com
- Email: info@shiftingschools.com

Episode Description:
Join us for this bonus episode were host Jeff Utecht becomes the interviewee on the Have A Life Teaching Podcast. You can subscribe to the Have A Life Teaching Podcast here: https://pod.link/1702975996

Episode Highlights:
1. Shout-out to Listeners: A special thanks to our listeners in Pennsylvania, Indiana, and France for your wonderful ratings and reviews! Remember, the first reviewer from each state gets access to our exclusive AI course bundle.
2. Jeff Utecht - A Brief Introduction: Get to know our guest, Jeff Utecht, a leader in educational technology and innovation.
3. Key Discussion Points:
   - The Role of Technology in Education: Insights into how technology is reshaping teaching and learning practices.
   - Digital Tools in the Classroom: Strategies for integrating technology to enhance learning experiences.
   - Preparing for a Tech-Forward Future: Discussion on future trends and preparing students for a changing world.

Listener Challenge:
- Be the first to review from your state and win access to our AI course bundle. Leave a review on any podcast platform and email us at info@shiftingschools.com.

How to Connect:
- Follow us on everywhere: @shiftingschools and @shiftingschoolspod
- Visit our website: https://www.shiftingschools.com
- Email: info@shiftingschools.com

On today we speak with Dr. Peter Stiepleman, 2021 Missouri Superintendent of the Year.

We explore keys to a human-centered leadership approach.

Ready to meet our guest?

Peter Stiepleman, EdD. Author, Leadership Coach, and Inspirational Speaker Dr. Peter Stiepleman is a locally, regionally, and nationally recognized leader who uses the power of storytelling to help leaders design better systems and help make complex concepts easier to understand. Peter is a self-starting, creative leader with experience engaging with diverse communities, from the United States Embassy in Madrid, Spain, to corporate insurance offices in San Francisco, to the multilingual, multicultural schools in Oakland, California, to the rapidly growing City of Columbia, Missouri.

In 2021, Peter was awarded the Missouri Superintendent of the Year from the Missouri Association of School Administrators. Now living in Washington State, Peter consults and coaches aspiring and established leaders on how to make more predictably successful decisions. Additionally, Peter is the author of An Imperfect Leader: Human-Centered Leadership in (After) Action which introduces a human-centered leadership model and system-thinking tools to readers. He is also the host of a weekly podcast with the same name, An Imperfect Leader. In each episode, leaders from all across the nation reflect on decisions they made and the lessons they learned. Peter hopes his transition from superintendent to coach will improve leader longevity for superintendents and school leaders nationwide.

Ready to connect with Peter?

Twitter - @pstieple and @imperfectleadr1

Instagram - @animperfectleader

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-stiepleman-76004819a

Learn more with Shifting Schools in 2024:

https://www.shiftingschools.com/

"What do I want my process to look like?" this is a question researcher, educator and author Maya Bialik would love to see more teachers think about right now. Our conversation thinks about the art and craft of teaching as it applies to AI and the range of AI tools available to us.

Our guest this week is:

Maya Bialik is a 7th grade science teacher from Boston, and the founder of QuestionWell AI. In the decade since earning her master’s degree in Mind, Brain, & Education from Harvard, Maya has worked directly with educators and jurisdictions around the world on many parts of the education system, from writing curriculum, to evaluating programs, running professional development, facilitating seminars and workshops, designing new standards, conducting research, and publishing books and papers on both primary research and theoretical frameworks.

Learn more about questionwell.ai and connect with Maya.

Also explored in our conversation are ideas on:

Ways to use AI for concept based learning.

Ways to engage AI for social emotional learning.

Ways AI will help us reconceptualize communication and creativity.

Connect with hosts of this show and let them know what mini series you'd love to see them get started on for 2024: info (at) shifting schools (dot com)

Find opportunities to learn with Shifting Schools all year:

https://www.shiftingschools.com/

Join us as we discuss the implications of AI in educational settings, particularly focusing on how these tools can be integrated to foster inclusion and improve learning experiences with Max, a High School Student.

Key Discussion Points:
AI and Social Interaction: Max highlights how AI tools can prevent social issues like being 'left on read' or 'ghosted', providing valuable insights in social situations.

AI as a Communication Filter: The discussion explores AI's role as a reflective tool, helping individuals consider their communication style and content.

AI in the Classroom: Addressing teachers' anxieties about AI, Max emphasizes the importance of firsthand experience with technology rather than relying solely on second-hand opinions or fears.

Big Idea Shared:
 Max provides a thoughtful, student-centered perspective on the use of AI in education, encouraging educators to listen to students and incorporate their feedback in AI integration.

Want to reach out to Max?

Email us at info@shiftingschools.com

This special bonus episode points you to a recent conversation with Donna Hayword, US Principal of the Year (2023) via a brand new podcast: Sustainable Innovation from NEASC.