Tech & Learning's new weekly article/podcast series, “Tech & Learning Conversations,” is hosted by veteran edtech reporter Kevin Hogan, who digs beyond the prompts to get to the human side of every story.
Each week, Kevin will interview innovative edtech leaders from school districts, industry, researchers, and more to discuss:
- Industry Trends: Not the clickbait headlines, but the real trends that are impacting student success.
- Overcoming Challenges: Real educators share their solutions to the challenges they’ve encountered, from the classroom to the board room.
- A Look Ahead Beyond the Bells & Whistles: What technology is likely to make a real impact in teaching and learning – and what is more likely hot air.
KEVIN'S LATEST CONVERSATIONS
Addressing The Digital Design Divide
The State Educational Technology Directors Association (SETDA) reports that teachers increasingly have access to technology but lack the time, resources, and training to integrate it effectively into their instruction. Kevin unpacks the issue and explores solutions with Julia Fallon, Executive Director, and Ji Soo Song, Director of Projects and Initiatives at SETDA.
AI Gets Real
How should schools respond to students' increasing use of artificial intelligence tools? Is a total ban the best answer, or is there a legitimate place for generative AI in the classroom? Join Kevin and educator and edtech innovator Carl Hooker as they answer these questions and discuss the options.
How Next-Generation CTE Programs Prepare Students for High-Wage, High-Demand Careers
Career and technical education (CTE) has evolved far beyond the traditional "vocational ed" model. Aldine Independent School District executive director Brooke Martin oversees programs serving 19,000 students across multiple career pathways, preparing them for high-paying, high-demand jobs rather than just minimum wage opportunities.
Things We Talk About When We Talk About Student Engagement
90% of educators, superintendents, and principals recognize the importance of student engagement—yet they disagree on what engagement means. In fact, while majorities of superintendents and principals believe they have the right tools to measure engagement, only about half of teachers agree. Kevin explores this dichotomy in his conversation with Brian Shaw, CEO of Discovery Education.
Exploring the Dynamics of Online Gaming Behavior
Within the gaming ecosystem, there's an underworld—anonymous chat rooms where 83 million American players have faced harassment, where extremist recruitment happens, and where hate speech thrives unchecked. Kevin's conversation highlights the gap facing parents and educators who struggle to understand gaming's hidden dangers.
Back to Basics: Why Student Engagement Remains a Core Priority
Has all the buzz about AI, VR, and other emerging technologies changed the way education leaders measure success in their schools? Perhaps not. According to a recent study by Logitech, educators and IT decisions makers still prioritize student engagement and participation.
Warning: Social Media Hurts
Is social media as dangerous as alcohol and tobacco? If so, will annoying and intrusive caution banners have any effect on kids' social media use? As California prepares to become the first state to require warning labels on social media platforms, Kevin talks with Mikey Hothy from Common Sense Media about California's groundbreaking Assembly Bill 56.
