ClassCast Podcast

In the first highlight clip from ClassCast Podcast Ep.020, Learning Management Systems industry expert Jon Kasica talks with host Ryan Tibbens about implementing a new LMS, the normal teacher learning curve, and what these issues may look like when rushed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Jon uses his experience in the field to describe a normal adoption and implementation in comparison to the rushed processes currently underway around the country. 

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ClassCast Podcast Ep.020 features Jon Kasica, the Northeast Regional Sales Director in K-12 Education for Canvas Learning Management Systems (and a proud JMU Duke!), talking with host Ryan Tibbens about implementing a new learning management system (LMS), blended/distance learning, serving students, leveraging technology, working purposefully, adapting to distance learning in the time of Covid-19, and more. This episode offers classroom teachers a rare glimpse into some of the considerations and concepts behind buying, adapting, and implementing an LMS as well as some advice for how to proceed with the future of the school year in doubt. 

NOTE: In the episode, both speakers discuss a return to school "in a few weeks"; however, this situation is rapidly developing. By the night of 3/14, Ryan Tibbens had reassessed and no longer believes regular school will resume until fall, maybe later. (Recorded 3/13/20.)

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ClassCast Podcast Episode 019 features Tim "The Shop Teacher" Gregory, a beloved educator with a diverse skill set, critical mind, disarming sense of humor, and intense dedication to learning and teaching. He talks with host Ryan Tibbens about TechEd, shop class, expanding vo-tech programs, project-based learning, girls in STEM, post-secondary education, fatherly wisdom, books, and more. 

Five highlight clips have already been released, and in just a few days with no real promotions, they are among the most-streamed ClassCast segments. This discussion hits on many, many major issues in public schools today without ever getting too deep into the weeds, too distracted by terms or trendy pedagogies. This is what the ClassCast Podcast is all about. 

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ClassCast Podcast Clip 019.5 includes a segment we call "Open Mic," in which the guests get time to talk about anything they want that wasn't already covered in the conversation.  Tim "The Shop Teacher" Gregory addresses the necessity of failure: "Let them fail." Host Ryan Tibbens later follows up with one of his favorite quotes about education from the great Thomas Dewey: "Failure is instructive. The person who really thinks learns quite as much from his failures as from his successes." Enjoy this quick clip in which two successful teachers address the necessity of failure in education and why grade consciousness might be limited learning. 

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In this quick clip from ClassCast Podcast Ep.019, host Ryan Tibbens and Tim "The Shop Teacher" Gregory discuss the need for expanding vocational/technical education and increasing students' access to votech programs overall. Each teacher shares his perspective, plus personal anecdotes, about the power of vocational training.  Votech programs are a recurring theme in this episode and are discussed in other ways at multiple points -- check out the full episode for more discussion on the value of specialized vocational programs in public school. 

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In this clip from ClassCast Podcast Ep.019, host Ryan Tibbens and Tim "The Shop Teacher" Gregory discuss girls in shop class, STEM programs, and how girl/boy ratios can affect class dynamics. Tim believes that girls are the best shop students, despite what cultural prejudices might indicate, and hopes to continue promoting hands-on skills for all students. 

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This clip from ClassCast Podcast Ep.019 features host Ryan Tibbens and Tim "The Shop Teacher" Gregory discussing project-based and interdisciplinary learning in Technology Education classes. Tim teaches everything from coding and robotics to traditional wood shop, from CAD to metal working -- probably no one in his building teaches more subjects and skills than him, nor does anyone do more consistent PBL. Hear his take on PBL and student engagement. 

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The proper term is "technology educator," but Tim Gregory embodies the modern "shop teacher." The first highlight clip from ClassCast Podcast Ep.019 features Tim "The Shop Teacher" Gregory discussing his family's influence on his education and career path with our host, Ryan Tibbens. They address the complexity of technology education, a working class perspective on college, and becoming a teacher; they even mention "The Myth of the $100k Welder." 

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ClassCast Podcast Episode 018 features host Ryan Tibbens discussing the significance of knowledge acquisition. Far too often we hear people devalue factual knowledge, arguing that nearly all facts are available for free with a simple Google search.  What those people fail to realize is that knowledge forms the foundation of all higher-order thinking skills, including analysis, evaluation, synthesis, and creation. If you don't know stuff, you can't think stuff; if you can't think stuff, you can't do much. Knowledge deserves an important place in every classroom, curriculum, and pedagogy.  

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ClassCast Podcast Ep.017 features Sam Mull, a Programming & Community Engagement Coordinator with Loudoun County Public Libraries and all-around Renaissance man, talking with host Ryan Tibbens about his love of libraries, his education (including GIS), kayaking, hiking, concerts, woodworking, reading great books, being a good person, and more. This episode is much longer than was originally planned because Sam has so many interesting ideas and diverse experiences.  Five highlight clips are available separately, but for those who enjoy a couple clips (or who love Sam), this full episode is for you. 

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