
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

Apr 8, 2025 • 11min
Writing To Learn
In today’s episode, we'll explore tech-enriched strategies to facilitate writing to learn. Visit AVID Open Access to learn more.

Apr 2, 2025 • 46min
Student Motivation, with Tyler Rablin
In this episode, Tyler Rablin, author of Hacking Student Motivation, joins us to examine the role that assessment plays in student motivation. He emphasizes the importance of rethinking traditional grading and assessment practices to better foster student success. He shares his experience with a brilliant but struggling student, Tiff, who inspired him to focus on growth rather than averaging scores. Rablin advocates for unpacking standards, using learning progressions, and providing meaningful feedback to help students see their progress. He also discusses the role of AI in enhancing feedback while maintaining personal connections with students. Practical steps are shared to help educators implement these strategies. Visit AVID Open Access to learn more.

Apr 1, 2025 • 8min
Snorkl
Explore Snorkl, an AI feedback tool.

Mar 26, 2025 • 33min
Information and News Literacy, with Brittney Smith
In this episode, Brittney Smith from the News Literacy Project discusses the importance of news and information literacy in today's digital age. She emphasizes the need for students to critically evaluate the credibility of information and understand the role of journalism in the information sharing process. Brittney highlights strategies like pausing before sharing, lateral reading, and training social media algorithms to filter credible content. She also discusses the differences between misinformation and disinformation, as well as the impact of artificial intelligence on news literacy. The News Literacy Project offers various free resources, including their Checkology interactive lessons, SIFT educator publication, and RumorGuard platform, to help educators effectively teach these skills. Visit AVID Open Access to learn more.

Mar 25, 2025 • 9min
Canva Whiteboard
Explore Canva Whiteboard, a robust digital canvas and workspace.

Mar 19, 2025 • 42min
Elevating Educational Design With AI, with Dr. Catlin Tucker
In this episode, Dr. Catlin Tucker discusses her new book, Elevating Educational Design with AI, co-authored with Dr. Katie Novak. Tucker emphasizes the importance of using AI as a design thought partner rather than a replacement for human teaching. She outlines a framework for integrating AI into lesson planning, focusing on backward design, universal design, and personalized learning. Tucker highlights the benefits of AI in creating flexible pathways, designing rubrics, and fostering resilience in students. She stresses the need for educators to craft effective AI prompts, evaluate AI-generated content, and maintain human connection in the classroom. Tucker also recommends tools like School AI and NotebookLM for enhancing educational design. Visit AVID Open Access to learn more.

Mar 18, 2025 • 9min
Interactive Slideshows: Simple Tech, Complex Thinking
In today’s episode, we'll explore using interactive slideshows to teach computer science and critical thinking. Visit AVID Open Access to learn more.

Mar 12, 2025 • 35min
Lost in Translation: Rethinking Language Tools in Education, with Rena Clark
In this episode, Rena Clark, an Instructional Technology Facilitator and one of our Unpacking Education podcast cohosts, shares insights from the work that she's currently engaged in with language acquisition and translation tools. She discusses how the overreliance on translation tools in education can inadvertently hinder language acquisition and literacy. While she says that there's a time and place for translation tools in schools, it’s important to recognize that these tools can also increase cognitive load and communicate translations inaccurately. Rena emphasizes the importance of intentional, small-dose use of translation tools and advocates for good teaching practices, such as visual aids, simplified language, and peer support. She suggests empowering students to use translation tools responsibly and leveraging AI for better translations. Visit AVID Open Access to learn more.

Mar 11, 2025 • 7min
Corgi Graphic Organizers
In today’s episode, we'll explore Corgi, a free, interactive graphic organizer tool from CAST designed for teachers and students. Visit AVID Open Access to learn more.

Mar 4, 2025 • 9min
Custom Chatbots For Students
Explore how to create custom student chatbots with schoolai.