Jen Randall is a 17-year veteran of the high school classroom. She started as a choral and show choir director and now travels the country hosting clinics, consulting and judging competitive show choir. In recent years, she has gone back to her journalistic roots, and now teaches Digital Media and produces KDGN (broadcast channel) for Carroll ISD in Southlake, TX.  Using her background in stage performance and knowledge of social media, Randall and her co-teacher Natalie Brown, are working to create a digital and print media department that prepares their students to be a part of the future of news production on all platforms. During this interview, we spoke with Jennifer about social media, content creation and how she's inspiring the next generation of content creators. You can follow her student’s work on Instagram, Facebook and Snapchat: @slcdragonmedia  

Jennifer Randall, Teaching Digital Media In Schools

The Content Generation podcast is focused on inviting, influencing and inspiring a generation of content creators.

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Join us for a conversation with Dr. Marialice Curran, founder and executive director of the Digital Citizenship Institute. With three decades of experience in education as a teacher, administrator, and professor, Marialice shares insights on digital citizenship, and its impact on how school communities engage online.  Marialice talks about how a third-grade classroom sparked a pursuit  to transform the narrative around technology and social media. What started as a three-credit higher education course on digital citizenship, evolved into tailored programs that inspire local, global, and digital communities to use technology for good. You’ll also learn how the Digital Citizenship Institute is advancing conversations around artificial intelligence in schools with Mundo, an AI classroom assistant that offers a safe space for students to learn and explore AI. Marialice shares how embracing the positives of technology can create a ripple effect of good.

The Impact of Digital Citizenship on School Culture

Join us as we welcome Sydney Jensen, returning guest and 2019 Nebraska Teacher of The Year. Sydney is an esteemed educator from Lincoln High School (located in the heart of the state’s capital city).  She first appeared on The Content Generation Podcast in December 2019. Now, after a decade of teaching, Sydney not only imparts her wisdom on ninth-grade English students but also manages the school’s social media presence.   At first, Sydney was hesitant when Principal, Mark Larson, suggested she take on this responsibility, but after seeing the pages could use some extra care, she made a video at the eighth-grade open house that went viral. From highlighting new clubs to capturing quirky moments like alien hugs in the cafeteria, Sydney's content has resonated deeply with Lincoln High's community, propelling it to become the most followed high school in the district.   Drawing from the vibrant experiences of one of the state's largest and most diverse high schools, Sydney shares her plans for growth and the meaningful impact social media has had on both the school and its community. It’s a tale of authenticity, connection, and the influence of engaging stories.

From Teacher to Social Media Manager: The Power of Authentic Storytelling

Join us for a conversation with Chad Stevens, Chief Strategy and Marketing Officer at ParentSquare, the leading provider of innovative family and community engagement solutions for K-12 education. With a rich 28-year background that spans both public and private sectors in education and technology, Stevens shares his insights into the interplay between teaching and tech.  This conversation explores the evolving world of digital education, shining a light on the crucial role of effective school public relations, the art of genuine storytelling, and the strategic use of technology to enhance the educational journey for students and families alike.   You’ll also learn how ParentSquare is leading a communication revolution, directly impacting 17 million families nationwide. Stevens opens up about the company’s latest strategic partnerships and acquisitions, highlighting how these developments are reinforcing the company’s commitment to fostering a culture of innovation and positive impact. 

Engaging Families and Empowering Students Through Unified Communications with Chad Stevens

This episode of the Content Generation Podcast features  Kyleigh Kumm, a computer science and technology integration teacher at  Harlan Community High School in Harlan, Iowa. In response to the need to get social media channels running for the district and buildings, Kumm proposed recruiting student content creators to help.  Now, these talented and experienced content creators are chasing after a new goal: Kumm is developing an authentic learning class aimed at building student resumes and portfolios. After a successful rollout of the first iteration of the class, local businesses are getting involved, creating a unique opportunity for student content creators to gain real world experience not only with school social media content, but with content for actual local businesses. Her innovative, hands-on approach to working with students to learn, explore, and apply a range of skills has even led to the first ever live student social media contest at the Nebraska Education Technology Association spring conference.  Catch this episode for especially innovative insights on student involvement, championing student voice, real world learning, authentic assessment in practice, and more.   

Using Social Media for Real World Learning & Community Engagement

In this episode, hear from Nicole Eimer, digital communications specialist for Valley View Public Schools. Located in a suburb of Chicago, VVSD, proudly serves a diverse community of about 15,000 students and 21 educational facilities. During a recent revamp of the district's strategic plan, focus shifted to building a heightened sense of belonging among students, families, and staff. In response to this initiative, Eimer worked with schools to determine the best way to connect with students and families. Now, with a digital content creator at each school, VVSD social media accounts have blossomed. From compelling campaigns like “Friday Favorites”, to showcasing their reading facility dogs, engagement has skyrocketed with student stories at the forefront. But, with a range of social media experience, from teachers to front office secretaries, how does Eimer ensure her team is creating quality content? And what has their experience been getting students involved in this initiative? The results are a testament to the power social media can have when people see themselves represented in the stories being told.

Jennifer Randall, Teaching Digital Media In Schools

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