
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

Feb 21, 2024 • 43min
Learning Evolution: The New Era of AI in the Classroom, with Carl Hooker
When teachers are first exposed to generative artificial intelligence tools like ChatGPT, it’s easy for them to identify potential concerns. Will the AI do all the work for students? Will students use it to cheat? Will students lose the ability to be creative and think critically because the AI can do those things for them? Our guest, Carl Hooker, believes we can strike the proper balance and keep the human at the heart of learning, even with AI in the equation. He says, “I like the idea of keeping the human in the center. AI is the assistant. AI is the feedback. AI is the tutor, the thought partner, but it’s not the learner. The learner is still the most important part.” He adds, “Human compassion will never surpass artificial intelligence.” Join us as we talk to Carl about his new book, Learning Evolution: The New Era of AI in the Classroom, and explore practical ways that students, teachers, and systems can adapt to the changes brought to the learning process by AI. Visit AVID Open Access to learn more.

Feb 20, 2024 • 11min
WICOR® and AI: Inquiry
In today’s episode, we'll explore 10 ways that students can use artificial intelligence (AI) in the inquiry process. Visit AVID Open Access to learn more.

Feb 14, 2024 • 34min
Digital Learning Day, with Dr. Adam Phyall
In this episode, Dr. Adam Phyall joins us to highlight Digital Learning Day. He is the Director of Professional Learning and Leadership at All4Ed, the parent organization sponsoring Digital Learning Day. Dr. Phyall says, “Digital Learning Day is really focusing in on how teachers [and] how schools are leveraging and using technology to not only connect students to each other but to connect them to their future opportunities.”Together, we explore more about what Digital Learning Day is, how teachers can learn even more about it, and some practical ways that educators can celebrate the event. It’s an opportunity to highlight the great work being done in classrooms and schools. Visit AVID Open Access to learn more.

Feb 13, 2024 • 13min
WICOR® and AI: Writing
In this episode, we'll explore how you can positively and productively leverage artificial intelligence (AI) as a cowriter and writing assistant during the writing process. Visit AVID Open Access to learn more.

Feb 7, 2024 • 39min
Student Podcasting, with Amanda Ipock
In this episode, we are joined by Amanda Ipock, who is Librarian for an elementary school within the Renton School District in Washington state. Amanda worked with her elementary students to produce and broadcast a weekly school-wide video podcast. Amanda shares her journey, what she learned along the way, and how this work has positively impacted the students and the school culture. Visit AVID Open Access to learn more.

Feb 6, 2024 • 9min
NotebookLM, Google's AI-Powered Digital Notebook
Learn about Google's AI-Powered Digital Notebook, NotebookLM, that lets users upload documents and utilize AI for summarizing and note-taking. Discover its features like integrated AI chat window and capability to hold up to 20 sources per notebook.

Jan 31, 2024 • 54min
Recalibrate the Culture, with Jimmy Casas
In this episode, Jimmy Casas, an award-winning principal and leadership coach, joins us to talk about recalibrating the culture of a school. As we dig into his new book, Recalibrate the Culture: Our Work, Our Why, Our Values, Jimmy reminds us that “in only positive cultures can kids really thrive to their full potential.” This book is the follow-up to his bestseller, Culturize: Every Student. Every Day. Whatever It Takes., and in it, Jimmy explores ways to develop the type of positive culture that both students and staff need to fully succeed. Visit AVID Open Access to learn more.

Jan 30, 2024 • 10min
Help, I’ve Fallen Behind on AI!
In today’s episode, we'll answer six frequently asked questions about generative artificial intelligence (AI) to give you a solid foundation into this transformative technology. Visit AVID Open Access to learn more.

Jan 24, 2024 • 33min
Supporting a Healthy Digital Lifestyle, with Eisha Buch
In this episode, we are joined by Eisha Buch, the Director of Education Development and Programs at Common Sense Media. Eisha provides resources that can be used to help students develop healthy digital lifestyles. She unpacks the free lessons and web content—created to be both actionable and accessible—that are available on the Common Sense Education website. Visit AVID Open Access to learn more.

Jan 23, 2024 • 12min
Writing With Integrity in the Age of AI
In today’s episode, we'll explore ways that teachers can promote and preserve academic integrity in writing when students have access to generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools. Visit AVID Open Access to learn more.