Design Cast Podcast

Introduction: Rita Bateson shares her educational journey, highlighting her American-Irish background and experiences teaching in various countries.Career Path:Transition from teaching in Ireland to the UK, then Switzerland, Bermuda, and finally back to Dublin.Involvement with the International Baccalaureate (IB) and curriculum development.Current Projects:Focus on AI in education, exploring both its potential and challenges.Discussions around ethical AI and sustainable practices in educational settings.AI Literacy:The importance of helping students, teachers, and parents understand the AI landscape.Addressing concerns about authenticating student work in the age of AI.Sustainable AI:The need for schools to develop policies that consider energy consumption and ethical implications of AI tools.Future of Education:The role of AI in shaping the future of assessment and learning practices.Book Recommendations:“AI: A Very Short Introduction” by Margaret A. Boden - Offers insights into AI's impact and implicati

In this episode of Design Cast, Jason chats with Dan Thomas, a dedicated STEM teacher from Jamestown, New York. They discuss the value of play-based learning (PBL), the importance of creativity in the classroom, and Dan's upcoming projects.Dan's Background:·      33 years of teaching experience.·      Currently teaches 7th grade STEM, covering robotics, coding, woodshop, metal shop, and CAD.Teaching Philosophy:·      Focuses on creating "aha moments" for students.·      Emphasizes fun and play in learning, arguing that engagement leads to better retention.Incorporating LEGO inEducation:·      Dan uses LEGO for creative builds to spark student engagement and creativity.·      Discusses the educational benefits of LEGO, including the development of cognitive skills.·      LEGO's meaning in Latin: "I build" and the importance of open-ended building activities.Current Projects:·      Dan is retiring soon and working on the "Tech Ed Clubhouse," which aims to promote tech e

In this episode of the Design Cast Podcast, host Jason welcomes Stephanie Simoes, a critical-thinking educator and founder of Critikid.com. Stephanie shares her journey into critical-thinking education and discusses the importance of teaching these skills to students, especially in the age of social media. She highlights the lack of critical thinking training in traditional education and the need for resources tailored for children and teens.Stephanie explains her innovative approach, using storytelling and engaging content to teach concepts like logical fallacies through a sci-fi theme. She addresses the challenges of running a startup, focusing on marketing and financial sustainability. The conversation touches on her plans for expanding her curriculum to include media literacy and how she envisions her courses being used in classrooms. Importance of critical thinking in today's digital age Stephanie's journey and the founding of Critikid.com Creative approaches to teaching critical thinking throug

Hey everyone! I’m Jason Reagin, your host, and I’m thrilled to be back with a brand-new season of DesignCast after a year-long break.In this episode, I’ll share what I’ve been up to, why I took some time off, and what’s next for the podcast. Whether you’re a long-time listener or new to the show, thank you for tuning in!---In This Episode:-What I’ve Been Up To: I’ve been busy with various projects, including teaching at an international school in Beijing, where my family and I have been living for the past few years. I’ve also been diving back into the world of design education, and I’m excited to share more about that.-My New Book: I’m thrilled to announce the release ofmy book,The Future of Learning: Designing Innovative Spaces That Transform Schools and Inspire Tomorrow’s Leaders. It’s not a step-by-step guide but rather a deep dive into the philosophy and culture behind creating innovative learning spaces. You can find it on Kindle Unlimited or in paperback—check the notes below for links!-Creative Pursui

On this episode of #DesignCast, I was joined by Darrin Peppard.  Darrin is a “Leadership Coach, Speaker, Author, & Publisher” and has a website named ‘Road to Awesome.’ He and I talk about the ups and downs of leading in today’s educational environment. I am certain you will find some joy and knowledge through listening to this episode! Connect with Darrin through his website: https://roadtoawesome.net --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/design-cast-podcast/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/design-cast-podcast/support

On this episode of #DesignCast, I had the pleasure of speaking with Lindsay Lyons.  Lindsay calls herself an ‘Educational Justice Coach’ and when you listen to this episode you can see why!  What an amazing journey she has been on for many years as she has worked with all kinds of organizations regarding #Equity #Inclusion #SocialJustice #Diversity.  She describes her work as ‘co-creating’ lessons, units, and curriculum around these timely and important topics! Connect with Lindsay and check out her podcast at her website: https://www.lindsaybethlyons.com --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/design-cast-podcast/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/design-cast-podcast/support

On this episode of Design Cast, I had the pleasure of speaking to Adam Morris.  Adam is the “Schools Technology & Integrations Director” at Faria Education Group.  We talk all things EdTech and listening to his perspective about using a Professional Network Model to improve platforms and systems is interesting and refreshing! You can connect with Adam through his LinkedIn profile:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-morris-08905a20/ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/design-cast-podcast/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/design-cast-podcast/support

I had the privilege of speaking with Claudio Zavala Jr. for this episode of Design Cast. Claudio is a true Renaissance man with many talents and interests. He is an educator, photographer, YouTuber & videographer. We have an awesome chat about where he finds inspiration for his videos and how he gets to help students around the world with Adobe Express.  I know that you will find so much value in this conversation! Connect with Claudio:https://bio.link/claudiozavalajr (connect to all of his socials through this link!) --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/design-cast-podcast/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/design-cast-podcast/support

For this episode of​ Design Cast, I spoke to AJ Crabill.  Improving student outcomes is AJ Crabill’s focus. He serves as Conservator at DeSoto, Texas ISD. During his guidance, DeSoto improved from F ratings in academics, finance, and governance to B ratings. He’s also Faculty at the Leadership Institute of Nevada and Director of Governance at the Council of the Great City Schools. He served as Deputy Commissioner at the Texas Education Agency and spearheaded reforms as board chair of Kansas City Public Schools that doubled the percentage of students who are literate and numerate. Crabill is a recipient of the Education Commission of the State's James Bryant Conant Award. Connect with AJ! https://www.facebook.com/ajcrabill/ https://www.twitter.com/ajcrabill7/ https://www.instagram.com/ajcrabill7/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/ajcrabill/ https://www.youtube.com/AJCrabill Find out about his books:https://www.ajc7.com/p/books.html --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/design-c

For this episode of Design Cast, I had the pleasure of chatting with Jill DuBois! Jill is a veteran elementary teacher and owns her own publishing imprint where she shares her stories of inspiration and helps others tell their stories!  She is creating content full-time for her own website and for her podcast, in addition to the professional development provider that she works with.  Our conversation was about her journey to becoming a published author and illustrator.  Ultimately, her mission is to impart joy through her words and action! I have no doubt you will enjoy our conversation as much as I did! Connect with Jill: www.impartedjoy.comwww.facebook.com/jilliandee  www.instagram.com/jilliande  www.linkedin.com/jill-dubois  www.twitter.com/JillDuBois22 --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/design-cast-podcast/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/design-cast-podcast/support

For this episode of Design Cast I sat down with James Abela. James has such a diverse background and touches on some of those experiences during our conversation.  He has a passion for making learning fun by adding an element of playfulness and gamification to his lesson.  James is the author of several books including ‘The Gamified Classroom!’. I know that you will enjoy our conversation! You can connect with James: His website: https://sites.google.com/view/rdpt/ On Twitter: @eslweb Or find him on LinkedIn --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/design-cast-podcast/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/design-cast-podcast/support

On this episode of Design Cast I had the distinct pleasure of chatting with my long-time friend Sara Candela.  Sara is leading community development at Focusable.  She is an educator by trade and EdTech community champion by passion!  You will not be disappointed by our discussion and constant shenanigans.  Please comment on your favorite part of the show by tagging us both and using the hashtags in the episode! Connect with Sara! www.linkedin.com/in/sara-candela-42742694/ twitter.com/Scandela9 https://theoptimalist.substack.com/ --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/design-cast-podcast/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/design-cast-podcast/support

For this episode of Design Cast, I was so pleased to have the opportunity to talk with Jeff Imrich.  Jeff is the co-founder of Rock By Rock. He believes that kids benefit academically from real-world, project-based learning and that it can ignite a passion for learning. Our world requires kids to solve meaty problems, innovate, and come up with creative solutions. Kids need to be learners for life that see the joy in a challenge.  With this in mind, Rock By Rock was created! I know you will enjoy this chat with Jeff. Connect with Jeff at: rockbyrock.com or rockbyrock.llc on Instagram --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/design-cast-podcast/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/design-cast-podcast/support

For this episode of Design Cast, I had the pleasure of connecting with Christin Mohammed King.  Christin is a former colleague with so much value to add to any organization.  Her perspective on her recent experience in an all-boys school is incredibly insightful.  We discussed her experience working with boys in several different contexts and what she learned from them. I do want to mention that we discuss a tragic event in her school and how it affected the boys.  This is a very sensitive topic, and if you are sensitive to hearing about trauma, I would suggest starting to listen to the episode at around the 10 or 12-minute mark.  While we are respectful and do not make light of this event, it is a sensitive topic. It is my sincere hope that you will find value in our discussion and will share this with your networks and reach out to continue the conversation with me and other listeners!  Please sit back, relax, and enjoy this episode with Christin Mohammed King. --- Send in a

On this episode of #DesignCast I had the opportunity to speak to Dr. Chris Allen.  Chris currently serves as ‘coordinating principal’ for an international secondary school in Surabaya, Indonesia.  He has loads to share about his experiences in international education so far and how his current school is inviting students to engage in entrepreneurship opportunities!  I know that you will enjoy our conversation! This is episode #100!  I am so humbled and honored that something that started as a way to share some very specific information with some very specific people in June 2017 has grown into a community that is passionate about sharing and learning!  Heard in 120 countries, Design Cast has been ranked among the top education podcasts in over 40 countries during the first 100 episodes!  Episodes have been listened to over 21,000 times.  It is available on nearly every podcast streaming application and platform. Words cannot express my appreciation for all of the guests and

On this episode of #DesignCast I had the pleasure of speaking to Rezuan Chowdhury.  He is based in Bangladesh and is currently a PYP coordinator.  Rezuan is a researcher, author, and educator, but actually started his career in business administration!  He has several interesting insights into his career so far.  I invite you to sit back, relax and enjoy this chat with Rezuan Chowdhury. Connect with Rezuan: https://www.facebook.com/rezuan.chowdhury.9?mibextid=ZbWKwL https://www.linkedin.com/in/rez-chowdhury-0147871ab https://www.researchgate.net/publication/346122582_Impact_of_COVID_on_Online_Teaching_Platform_Study_on_IB_Curriculum_in_Bangladesh) http://saruna.mnu.edu.mv/jspui/handle/123456789/13124 --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/design-cast-podcast/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/design-cast-podcast/support

On this episode of Design Cast I had the incredible experience of talking to Dianne Blackburn.  Dianne is an independent Educational Consultant working with international schools globally. She has many years of consultancy experience in pedagogical leadership, change management, and educator training solutions. Dianne has worked extensively with large groups of schools in the Middle East and Europe, supporting their development of inclusive practice through the introduction of Universal Design for Learning (UDL). Our conversation was really fun and enlightening!  Now sit back, relax and enjoy this chat with Dianne Blackburn! Connect with Dianne: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2155581654620072/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/dianne-blackburn-ma-ed-leadership-7838a951/ https://www.dianneblackburn.com/ --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/design-cast-podcast/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/design-cast-podcast/support

On this episode of Design Cast, I had the terrific honor of speaking to Ryan Ford.  Ryan is a 25-year veteran of digital design. He has been fortunate enough to lead design at some of the internet’s most interesting destinations: DeviantArt, Crunchyroll, chime, vida health, and now Crackle & Redbox (where he is working to revitalize these brands). His background in the industry motivated him to share thinking around topics like leadership, career paths, and (most notably of late) the design process itself. Ryan’s “Design Odyssey” framework topic has been read over 80,000 times as of December 2022 and has led to big reactions: global outreach from educators who want to teach it in their classes, book opportunities, and a TEDx Salon conversation that occurred in early January 2023. We had a wonderful discussion and I am sure that you will find some value in many of the topics that we cover.  Now let us set fire to the design process and use Design Cast as a catalyst!  Enjoy! Connect with Ryan

On this episode of Design Cast I had the pleasure of chatting with my longtime friend and colleague Dr. Barbara Wrightson.  Spanning more than 25 years in the field of education, Barb's career has encompassed a myriad of roles in PK-12 schooling, ranging from a teacher (of multiple Secondary subjects) to Curriculum Coordinator to Administrator. Additionally, she teaches and trains teachers at the tertiary level. Throughout her time in the field of education, Barb has gained a wealth of knowledge, experience, and education about education, and has developed a talent for engaging in lifelong learning. Currently, Barb is a lecturer at Pacific Islands University in Guam and Handong Global University in South Korea.  We talk about several topics, but our time discussing our thoughts about the future of education is fascinating and shouldn't be missed. I have no doubt that our chat will leave you wanting to hear more! Connect with Barb through LinkedIn and Twitter at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/barbarawr

On this episode of Design Cast, I was fortunate enough to chat with Fonz Mendoza. Fonz is the charismatic host of the popular podcast “My EdTech Life”. He currently serves as an Instructional Software Specialist at a public school district in south Texas.  A student himself, Fonz has been able to see first-hand how technology can be used to create positive change in the education system and has become a prominent advocate for its use in schools, universities, and other educational institutions. He speaks from experience when it comes to understanding what works and what doesn’t in using technology to enhance learning. My chat with Fonz was filled with hope and positivity.  I am confident that you will enjoy this as much as I did!  Please connect with him through the links in the show notes. Now, sit back, relax and enjoy this chat with Fonz Mendoza. Connect with Fonz! www.myedtech.life www.facebook.com/myedtechlife www.instagram.com/myedtechlife https://www.linkedin.com/in/amendoza1381 www.twit