Unpacking Education & Tech Talk For Teachers

In this episode, Winston, Rena, and Paul discuss the importance of authentic learning. They break down what authentic learning is while providing specific examples of it in action from their experiences as students, teachers, and professional learning facilitators. Through this conversation, you’ll discover common attributes that make authentic learning powerful and actionable in any context. Visit AVID Open Access to learn more.

In today’s episode, we'll explore three ways to level up your understanding and use of artificial intelligence. Visit AVID Open Access to learn more.

What do teens really think about the news, and how prepared are they to navigate today’s complex information landscape? We explore these questions in this episode of Unpacking Education, as we’re joined by Kim Bowman and Peter Adams from the News Literacy Project (NLP), a nonpartisan nonprofit. Kim and Peter share the results of their national study, News Literacy in America: A Survey of Teen Information Attitudes, Habits and Skills (2024), with insights from over 1,100 teens. The data reveals both a significant gap in media literacy instruction and a powerful call to action: 94% of teens believe media literacy should be a required part of school.Our conversation digs into what students are seeing in their feeds—from conspiracy theories to sponsored content—and how well they’re able to distinguish between reliable journalism and misinformation. Kim and Peter break down five key standards for news literacy, discuss how even small doses of instruction can boost trust and civic engagement, and offer actionable strategies to help educators integrate these critical skills across content areas. Visit AVID Open Access to learn more.

In today’s episode, we'll explore how AI Trust You, a free Google add-on, can increase open and honest communication between students and teachers regarding AI use on assignments. Visit AVID Open Access to learn more.

In this episode of Unpacking Education, we dive into the realities of teaching in a tech-saturated world with educator and author Lisa Green. Drawing from her book Outsmarted: The Changing Face of Learning in the Era of Smartphones and Technology, Lisa explores how smartphones, social media, and technology are transforming the way students learn, socialize, and engage in the classroom.Lisa shares practical classroom strategies that blend structure, coaching, and empathy—from using visual timers and sticky note checklists to fostering digital self-awareness. “They need to learn to manage this piece on their own,” she says of students and their phones. Join us as we unpack how educators can guide students toward healthy tech habits while positively leveraging digital tools. Visit AVID Open Access to learn more.

Explore the highlights of the President’s Executive Order: “Advancing Artificial Intelligence Education for American Youth.”

In today’s episode, we'll explore how technology can enhance the publishing phase of the writing process. Visit AVID Open Access to learn more.

Sophie Ricouard, Pre-Elementary Academic Director (Toddler–K) at the San Diego French-American School, joins us to discuss the benefits of bilingual education. She explains how her school starts with French immersion and then gradually transitions to a 50/50 mix of French and English. Sophie emphasizes the cognitive and social advantages of bilingualism, noting that children learn to switch between languages. She addresses common misconceptions, such as the fear of losing English skills, and highlights strategies for parents to support their children's bilingual journey. Visit AVID Open Access to learn more.

In today’s episode, we'll explore how technology can be integrated into the polishing phase of the writing process. Visit AVID Open Access to learn more.