Category Archives: The Good Life EDU Podcast

Learning to LEAD in a Digital Age:
A Preview of the 2024 NE DigCit Symposium

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Preview of the Podcast

In this episode of The Good Life EDU Podcast, we spotlight the upcoming Nebraska Digital Citizenship Symposium taking place on October 16th, 2024. Peg Coover of ESU 10 joins us along with the event’s keynote speaker Jen Casa-Todd as we dive into the history and evolution of the annual NE DigCit Symposium event. In the episode, Jen previews her message, highlighting her LEAD framework, which emphasizes learning, empathy, awareness, and digital role modeling as crucial elements of student leadership online. Listen to learn how students will grow as digital citizens while engaging in hands-on activities that empower them to create positive change in their own schools.

REGISTER YOUR STUDENTS FOR THE EVENT and access the NEDigCit online resources and competition at https://bit.ly/NEDigCit

Learn more from Jen Casa-Todd at https://jcasatodd.com/

Listen to the full Podcast

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Amplifying, Not Accelerating: Rethinking How We Leverage AI in Education

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In this episode of The Good Life EDU Podcast, we sit down with Mike Kentz, founder and CEO of Zainetek Educational Advisors, to discuss the evolving role of AI in education. Mike shares his journey from being a financial journalist to a middle school writing teacher and eventually becoming an AI education consultant. He unpacks his unique perspective on how AI can amplify the teaching process, emphasizing the importance of depth over efficiency. From guiding teachers through the emotional side of AI adoption to grading chats instead of essays, Mike provides a thoughtful, reflective look at how AI can reshape writing instruction and assessment.

To learn more from Mike Kentz, visit https://zainetek-edu.com/

To watch Mike’s TEDx Talk on the importance of AI Literacy, visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DRyWDNjRWaw

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The NeMTSS Team Is Taking Action to Elevate Literacy Statewide

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In this episode of The Good Life EDU Podcast, we dive deep into Nebraska’s statewide efforts to improve literacy through the Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) framework. Join us as Mary Jo McElhose (NeMTSS Systems Consultant with NDE) and NeMTSS regional support leads, Heidi Farmer and Kala Peyton, share their insights on the challenges and opportunities in advancing literacy education across the state.

This conversation explores the alarming data on student reading proficiency, the science behind how the brain learns to read, and the critical role of high-quality instructional materials and practices. Learn about the collaborative initiatives, support systems, and practical strategies aimed at empowering teachers and improving literacy outcomes from early childhood through secondary education.

To learn more and connect with these great education leaders, visit https://nemtss.unl.edu/

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Teaching Students to Think Like Historians:
Year Three of the Statewide Social Studies Inquiry Project

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Social Studies Inquiry Project Image

In this episode of The Good Life EDU Podcast, we dive into the ESUCC’s statewide Social Studies Inquiry Project with Mark Brady of ESU 7 and three incredible teachers from this summer’s iteration of the project (Cassie Kenedy of Omaha Public Schools, Jeff Maddox of Creek Valley Public Schools, and Sydney Daly of Millard Public Schools). Together, we highlight the three-year journey of developing nearly 90 inquiry-based social studies units for grades 4-8, created by Nebraska teachers for Nebraska classrooms. Cassie, Jeff, and Sydney detail the challenges, successes, and insights gained from this unique professional learning experience and share how these innovative resources are elevating social studies education across the state. Join us to hear firsthand stories of statewide collaboration, creativity, and commitment to engaging students in deeper learning.

Access all resources: Social Studies Inquiry Project – ESU CC

The Nebraska OER Hub site: Nebraska Social Studies Inquiry Project Group Resources | OER Commons

The Nebraska Page of the C3 Teachers site: Nebraska C3 Hub – C3 Teachers

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT, listen to this earlier episode where we connect the SSIP to the C3 Framework and the national effort to transform instructional practices in social studies: C3 Teachers and Nebraska ESUs Are Transforming Instruction in Social Studies

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The Next Chapter in UDL: Katie Novak on UDL 3.0, AI, HQIMs and Professional Learning

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In this episode of The Good Life EDU Podcast, we are joined by UDL expert Katie Novak to explore the latest advancements in Universal Design for Learning and how the evolution of UDL is shaping the future of inclusive education. We also delve into the role of AI in enhancing UDL practices and the critical importance of robust professional learning systems in driving meaningful change. Don’t miss this inspiring conversation on how to elevate student learning experiences and outcomes through UDL.

REGISTER TODAY to be a part of the NeMTSS Summit and learn from Katie Novak, live and in-person, on September 26-27 in Kearney, Nebraska!

2024 Nebraska MTSS Summit: Super Systems for Success – (unl.edu)

LEARN MORE FROM KATIE…

SEE ALSO…

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Connecting Nebraska: The Power of Network Nebraska in Education

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In this episode of The Good Life EDU Podcast, we explore the pivotal role of Network Nebraska in enhancing education across the state. Our conversation dives into how this collaborative statewide network provides reliable and affordable internet and telecommunications services to K-12 schools, higher education institutions, and other educational entities. Learn about the initiatives, resources, and partnerships that make Network Nebraska a critical infrastructure for educational success and innovation.

Discover how Network Nebraska can support your educational institution by exploring their resources and considering membership. Visit Network Nebraska to learn more.

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Summer Learning Series (Pt 3): Digital Citizenship in Action, AI in Education and More with Dr. Kristen Mattson

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Dr. Kristen Mattson joins The Good Life EDU Podcast this week for the third and final installment of our Summer Learning Series featuring speakers who shared at Nebraska education conferences this summer. In this episode, Dr. Mattson provides practical examples of Digital Citizenship in action, delves into AI in education, and makes both topics approachable for all educators in our shared responsibility to create spaces for students to learn and grow as citizens in a digital world.

Links Referenced in the Episode Include:

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Summer Learning Series (Pt 2): The Power of Global Connections, Canva Tips, and More with Tisha Richmond

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Education author, speaker, and Canva Learning Consultant, Tisha Richmond, joins The Good Life EDU Podcast this week for the second of three episodes in our Summer Learning Series. In each of these episodes, we feature a keynote speaker from one of this summer’s Nebraska conferences to give access to those not at these events while also extending the learning for those who were there, live. Tisha shares with us her summer learning, speaks to the power of being a connected educator, praises Runza, and delves into some of the new features in Canva!

To continue to follow and learn more from Tisha, visit MAKE LEARNING MAGICAL!

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Summer Learning Series (Pt 1): What’s Now and Up Next in Ed Tech with #ARVRinEDU Expert Jaime Donally

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Fresh off of her keynote appearance at the Future Ready Nebraska Conference and following up a busy week at the 2024 ISTE Conference, Jaime Donally revisits The Good Life EDU Podcast to share some of her summer learning and where she sees technology for education trending next. Our conversation spans AI, augmented reality, virtual reality, and more — so don’t miss out on this opportunity to see into the future of ed tech.

To follow Jaime and learn more, visit ARVRinEDU | Jaime Donally | Professional Development

To learn more about Kai’s Clan (mentioned in the episode), visit Kai’s Clan – Adventures in collaborative coding for STEM and computer science (kaisclan.ai)

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All Things Digital Learning: A LIVE Session from the 2024 Future Ready Nebraska Conference

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In this special episode of The Good Life EDU Podcast, we bring you a live recording from this summer’s Future Ready Nebraska Conference. We recorded a session titled, “All Things Digital Learning,” which features Dorann Avey and Shaun Young with NDE and Bill Pulte of ESU 3 sharing their insights on current initiatives, resources, and collaborations taking place within Nebraska’s education community. The conversation moves frequently across a myriad of topics, and you can listen in to gain the same insights and learning opportunities as those who were present to participate in this engaging session.

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