
Unpacking Education & Tech Talk For Teachers
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.
Latest episodes

Jun 11, 2024 • 12min
AI and Character
In today’s episode, we'll explore ways to ethically and responsibly use AI in the K-12 classroom. Visit AVID Open Access to learn more.

Jun 5, 2024 • 29min
Assistive Technology, with Christine Fox
In this episode, we are joined by Christine Fox, the Vice President of Operations at CAST, to discuss assistive technology use in K-12 education. Assistive technology is technology that helps people overcome barriers to interacting with digital tools. It helps break down barriers for people with learning differences and makes the use of the technology “accessible.” CAST’s vision statement reads: “We envision a world where all learning experiences in school, the workplace, and life are intentionally designed to elevate strengths and eliminate barriers so everyone has the opportunity to grow and thrive.” Visit AVID Open Access to learn more.

Jun 4, 2024 • 12min
AI and Citizenship
In today’s episode, we explore ways to teach K-12 students about citizenship in the age of artificial intelligence (AI). Visit AVID Open Access to learn more.

May 29, 2024 • 43min
Arise: The Art of Transformational Coaching, with Elena Aguilar
In this episode, we speak with best-selling author Elena Aguilar about her forthcoming book, Arise: The Art of Transformational Coaching. While the book is written with academic coaches in mind, the strategies and messages apply to anyone working in education. Our conversation ranges from the need to fulfill core human needs like belonging, autonomy, self-esteem, and purpose and meaning to the skills and strategies that can help us all meet those needs. As Elena states that by attending to these core human needs, “We can heal and transform our world.” Visit AVID Open Access to learn more.

May 28, 2024 • 16min
AI and the 4 Cs: Creativity
In today’s episode, we'll explore ways to use generative AI tools to inspire and enhance creativity in the K–12 classroom. Visit AVID Open Access to learn more.

May 22, 2024 • 41min
Computer Science in K-12 Education, with Kris Beck
In this episode, we are joined by Kris Beck, the Director of Computer Science in Chicago Public Schools. Kris shares the exciting work she and her team are doing to empower every student in heir system with future ready computer science skills and experiences. She explains about how they have developed and grown their program and she offers suggestions for how districts might go about starting a computer science program in their schools. Visit AVID Open Access to learn more.

May 21, 2024 • 12min
AI and the 4 Cs: Critical Thinking
In today’s episode, we'll explore how generative AI tools can help facilitate critical thinking in the K–12 classroom. Visit AVID Open Access to learn more.

May 14, 2024 • 13min
AI and the 4 C’s: Collaboration
In today’s episode, we'll explore three ways students can improve collaboration skills through interaction with generative artificial intelligence (AI). Visit AVID Open Access to learn more.

May 7, 2024 • 14min
AI and the 4 C’s: Communication
In today’s episode, we'll explore how you and your students can use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to improve communication skills. Visit AVID Open Access to learn more.

May 1, 2024 • 47min
MagicSchool, with Adeel Khan
Adeel Khan, a former teacher and principal, founded MagicSchool, an AI-driven platform empowering educators. He shares his journey from classroom to innovation, emphasizing the importance of technology in teaching. The discussion highlights how MagicSchool simplifies AI for educators while enhancing student engagement. Data privacy in education is also a key topic, addressing the importance of protecting student information. Adeel stresses the need for teacher support in today's landscape, celebrating their critical role in shaping future generations.