ClassCast Podcast

Episode 022 of the ClassCast Podcast features host Ryan Tibbens discussing how teachers and school stakeholders are coming to terms with Coronavirus school closings (and how they might capitalize on this opportunity).  This episode begins with a personal reflection on the rise of the illness and predicting school responses; later discussions include being wrong, announcing school closures, innovation, the wisdom of caution, leadership, and more. Most school divisions now have some form of distance learning plan in place, and as new instruction gains momentum, it is important for teachers to consider the long-term implications of our current situation and decisions. At the end, there are also book recommendations to help listeners regain some balance and confidence in their lives as well as a reference to how school stakeholders are handling the closures. Stay home; stay safe!

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In this highlight clip, which actually comprises nearly half of ClassCast Podcast Ep.022, host Ryan Tibbens discusses Coronavirus school closings as an opportunity for progress and innovation in education.  He addresses some of the risks and threats inherent in the situation as well. From looking at what we might gain to what we could lose, from bureaucratic decision-making to leaders in the classroom, Tibbens points out how long term goals for public education might actually be supported by the current closings and pandemic. 

If you appreciate any of the ideas in this clip, you might also enjoy the full episode or another highlight clip about 'being wrong' and announcing school closures.  At the end of the full episode, there are also book recommendations to help listeners regain some balance and confidence in their lives as well as a reference to how school stakeholders are handling the closures. Stay home; stay safe!

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In this highlight clip from ClassCast Podcast Ep.021, former professional dancer and current dance educator Ashley Tibbens talks about her dance journey, including college, dancing at the elite Jacob's Pillow, setbacks, and post-performance career plans. If you or someone you know dances or is considering a career in the arts, this quick clip contains some great insights. 

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In this highlight from ClassCast Podcast Ep.021, dance teacher and former professional dancer Ashley Tibbens discusses the importance of learning the right way early, of making good habits, and why strong foundations are vital for later successes.  This discussion starts with dance but ultimately encompasses nearly everything we do in life and reaffirms the wisdom that "it's easier to make a good habit than to break a bad one."

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In this highlight clip from ClassCast Podcast Ep.021, dance teacher, business owner, and parent Ashley Tibbens discusses the availability and value of extracurricular programs for young children as well as the dangers of over-scheduling. This quick clip provides great insights for anyone who has or works with young children. 

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ClassCast Podcast Ep.021 features dance teacher and owner/operator of Tiny Toes Dance LLC Ashley Tibbens discussing her experiences in dance and dance education, her schooling, starting a business, how to improve schools, and a special add-on at the end in which Ashley describes how she pivoted her business in response to the Coronavirus pandemic and school closures. Ashley Tibbens is among the most accomplished and sought-after dance teachers in the mid-Atlantic region. In this discussion with her husband (our host, Ryan Tibbens), she describes the significance of dance, extracurricular participation, how school could work better for all students, and how businesses like hers have responded to the economic and health issues resulting from the Coronavirus. If you love dance, school, extracurriculars, or small business, this episode is not to be missed! 

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The first highlight clip from ClassCast Podcast Ep.021 features dance teacher and owner of Tiny Toes Dance, Ashley Tibbens, discussing her pivot to online dance education in response to closures and social distancing due to the Coronavirus. This clip was recorded several days after the main portion of Ep.021, which will be available soon, because her business and teaching situations had changed so much so quickly. If you are a teacher shifting to remote/online teaching or a business owner trying to stay afloat during these trying times, this clip includes some great insights in how quick changes can make progress possible. 

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This highlight clip from ClassCast Podcast Ep.020 features host Ryan Tibbens and online learning management system expert Jon Kasica discussing how the current rush to implement distance learning across the country might affect students' and schools' success as well as perceptions about the effectiveness of blended/distance learning and new learning management systems. Both men share fears that this frantic, disorganized implementation might yield frustrations and doubts that could jeopardize the future of blended learning. 

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In this highlight clip from ClassCast Podcast Ep.020, education industry expert Jon Kasica describes to host Ryan Tibbens the process and teams involved in choosing a Learning Management System for a school division. In perhaps the greatest irony of the student-centered, project-based learning trends promoted by many educational leaders, Jon points out that students are rarely involved in adopting technology that aims to increase students' "voice and choice."  If you're a teacher who wonders how the tech is chosen, but you never get invited to the meeting, this clip is for you. 

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In this highlight clip from ClassCast Podcast Ep.020, Jon Kasica, the Northeast Regional Sales Director in K-12 Education with Canvas Learning Management Systems, addresses issues related to accessibility and special education when working with a new LMS or with blended/distance learning in general. For many teachers, accessibility and Sp.Ed. issues are among the most serious concerns as we prepare to adapt to distance learning during the time of COVID-19. Here, Jon works to ease concerns and point to special features in the technology that can help all students. 

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