Bill Selak Talks

In this episode, I share a candid conversation with my third grader that reshaped my understanding of identity and creativity in the age of AI. As I delve into the world of app development with the help of ChatGPT, I confront my own self-identity and explore how emerging technologies are redefining what it means to be a creator.

Also, join me as I reflect on my 15-year podcasting journey and anticipate the excitement of the 100th episode. It’s a celebration of embracing new roles and recognizing the transformative power of AI in our lives.

In this episode, I take you through an exciting journey into the world of AI-assisted app development. As an educator constantly exploring the possibilities within technology, I delve into the process of creating a podcasting app for iOS. This isn’t just about coding; it’s about breaking barriers and embracing AI to make significant strides in educational technology. I discuss the challenges, triumphs, and the immense learning curve involved in developing an app with the help of ChatGPT. From conceptualizing app features to navigating the intricacies of Xcode and Swift, this episode is a testament to the power of curiosity and the transformative potential of AI in education. Join me in exploring how educators can step into the realm of app development, making what once seemed impossible, possible.

In this episode, I explore how Blink 182’s unwavering authenticity paved their path to stardom and how embracing our own unique selves can make us not just better teachers, but better people. From my college days recording music to my current role as Tech Director at Hillbrook, this episode is all about the power of being the “me-est” me as an educator and allowing students the space to be the “they-est” thems. Tune in for a blend of nostalgia, music, and educational philosophy.

In this episode, I discuss how ChatGPT has seamlessly integrated into my daily workflow—amplifying my strengths and compensating for my weaknesses. From rapidly turning jumbled thoughts into polished emails to accelerating the journey from a vague idea to a final draft, this tool has elevated my creativity and productivity to new heights. I share my firsthand experiences, including coding an iOS app and Discord bot, to demonstrate how you can do the same. Tune in to explore how to wield artificial intelligence as a multipurpose tool that enhances your unique capabilities. Don’t just use AI; let it transform you.

In this episode, I talk about a topic that often flies under the radar: phishing in schools. But wait, this isn’t your typical cybersecurity chat. We delve into how seemingly innocent ‘check-in’ questions during admin meetings might just be the backdoor into compromising your security. Join me for a journey that’s part storytelling, part silly idea, and a whole lot of ‘Did we just do that?’ moments.

In this episode, I find myself reflecting on a casual chat with a parent about past tours of his band opening for Jimmy Eat World and how that leads me to thinking about guitar pedals and their influence on my sound as a guitarist. That naturally leads me into a conversation about the power of iPads as creation devices. How can these tools unlock creativity in our students? How do we shape an environment that fuels their imaginative spirit? Join me as I ponder the bridge between music, tech, and classroom creativity. And hey, while we’re at it, rock or punk for Jimmy Eat World? Just curious.

In this episode, I sit down with Scott Bedley, the co-founder of Global School Play Day and all-around EduAwesome human. We explored the necessity and benefits of incorporating environmental education in today’s classrooms.

Scott shares about the launch of GreenGuardians.com, a novel platform aimed at making environmental literacy fun, engaging, and accessible. Scott highlights how the resources are designed to be self-contained, coming with slides and multimedia content to limit the need for additional internet research.

If you are one of the first ten listeners to use the code RNFD-D4WD-JF0C9 on GreenGuardians.com, you’ll receive six free months of access to the platform!

Find Scott on Twitter @scotteach to learn more about his projects or to request a code if you miss out on the first ten in the promo.

Resources we talked about on the show:

* Nimbus Fish Hatchery

* The Ugly Truth Of Fast Fashion | Patriot Act with Hasan Minhaj

* https://www.greenguardians.com/

* https://speedandscale.com/

In this episode, I share thoughts on Operation Ivy, music lyrics, and even pizza! We’re exploring the monumental shift that’s taken place right under our noses: We’ve moved from an information-poor to an information-rich world. And yet, our schools are staying mostly the same. In this episode, I challenge the status quo, call for a rethink of our education system, and discuss how we can better equip our children to thrive in the age of the internet and AI.

In this episode, I explore the concept of co-creation and its transformative power. As a former professional musician, I’ve experienced the magic of creating live music and how it connects to the educational world.

Tune in to hear me discuss the importance of creating opportunities for learners (students and adults alike) to collaborate in a truly interconnected way, leading to outcomes that are greater than the sum of their parts. Let’s “note” the difference and unlock the potential of co-creation in education!

In this episode, I talk about working with two classes of 5th graders to create AI-generated images on Midjourney. We used ChatGPT to create a prompt, Midjourney to create and fine tune an image, and upscaled the images with imglarger.com.

With adults, conversation quickly turns to “Is this art?” Hear how it’s a different conversation with 5th graders and how it’s more about teamwork in art, learning, co-creation, and technology.