Host, Brandy Breeze, and guest, Matt Miller, discuss the transformative shifts in education, focusing on the integration of technology and AI in the classroom. Matt shares his journey from traditional textbook teaching to creating engaging learning experiences, emphasizing the importance of building relationships with students. They explore the impact of the pandemic on digital learning and the evolving role of AI in education, offering insights on how teachers can navigate the overwhelming landscape of EdTech tools. In this conversation, Brandy Breeze and Matt Miller delve into the transformative role of technology in education, particularly focusing on AI tools that enhance teaching and learning. They discuss various tech tools like Brisk Teaching and Snorkel, which facilitate resource creation and student engagement. The conversation emphasizes the importance of critical thinking, student voice, and choice in the classroom, as well as the future trends in education shaped by AI and personalized learning. Matt shares insights on how educators can adapt to these changes and the resources available to support them.

Listen today and please share our podcast.  Thanks for visiting!  Empowering educators is important to us through information through discussions and the exchange of thoughts.   

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Educational Transformation

02:54 From Textbooks to Engaging Learning

05:55 The Birth of 'Ditch That Textbook'

09:04 Collaboration and the 'Tech Like a Pirate' Journey

12:13 Navigating the Pandemic and Digital Learning

15:01 The Role of AI in Education

19:52 Overcoming Overwhelm with EdTech Tools

25:57 Exploring Exciting Tech Tools in Education

30:19 Enhancing Critical Thinking with EdTech

35:14 Empowering Student Voice and Choice

40:40 Future Trends in Education and AI

44:58 Resources for Educators and Lifelong Learning

Matt’s Website:

https://ditchthattextbook.com/

Find Matt on socials

x.com/jmattmiller

x.com/ditchthattxtbk

facebook.com/ditchthattextbook 

instagram.com/ditchthattextbook 

tiktok.com/@ditchthattextbook 

youtube.com/ditchthatextbook 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ditchthattextbook/ 

ditch.link/toolkit

ditch.link/join

Guest Kristina Ishmael is an educator, speaker, and consultant with nearly two decades of experience advancing equitable and transformative education policies. As the founder of Ishmael Consulting, she partners with leaders to promote digital equity, inclusive technology, and accessible learning for all.

Kristina served as Deputy Director of the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Educational Technology under the Biden-Harris Administration, where she led national efforts on digital equity and artificial intelligence in education, including the publication of Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Teaching & Learning. Her experience spans federal, state, and school levels, focusing on culturally responsive practices, open education, and professional learning.

A digital nomad, Kristina explores new places in her camper van alongside her mischievous Wheaten Terrier, Fergus. She’s an avid reader and coffee enthusiast, bringing curiosity, authenticity, and energy to every project.

https://www.edtecheurope.org/resource-library 

OET Archive

Kapor Foundation Responsible AI and Tech Justice 

Digital Promise The Responsible, Ethical, and Effective Acceptable Use Policies for the Integration of Generative AI in US School Districts and Beyond (RAPID) project

Digital Promise AI Literacy Framework 

https://leonfurze.com/2024/08/28/updating-the-ai-assessment-scale/ 

KEDC’s, Dr. Rachel Holbrook, joined the podcast to describe experiences planned for the upcoming KEDC AI Summit, scheduled for July 7th and 8th at the Marriott Griffin Gate in Lexington. They discuss the importance of AI in education, the keynote speaker Dr. Rochelle Denae-Poth, and the various breakout sessions designed for administrators, teachers, and tech staff. The summit will feature interactive workshops, vendor exhibits, and opportunities for community involvement. Listen for special promo offers for registration.  

00:00  Introduction to the AI Summit

01:48  Keynote Speaker and Her Expertise

04:52  Target Audience and Breakout Sessions

08:02  Interactive Formats and Vendor Hall

09:58  Registration Details and Special Promotions

12:11  Community Involvement and Future Plans

AI Summit Registration Link:

https://KEDC-AI-Summit.rsvpify.com

General Flyer

Tech Specific

Teacher Specific

Admin Specific 

Tenisha Castle, Morgan County senior, discusses her journey as a senior preparing to graduate and her passion for helping others through her Miss Kentucky service initiative, Don't Miss the Mark, which focuses on addiction recovery. She shares her personal experiences with addiction in her family, the impact of her father's struggles, and how she aims to inspire others through her work in recovery centers. Tanisha emphasizes the importance of community support, the need for open conversations about addiction, and offers advice to young people facing similar challenges. You won’t want to miss hearing her story of empowerment.  

00:00  Introduction and Background

04:37  The Impact of Addiction on Families

08:50  Creating Change Through Vision Boards

11:43  Lessons Learned from Recovery Conversations

16:20  Hope and Support for Those Struggling with Addiction

Our guest, Suzanne Dailey, an instructional coach and author, discusses the importance of happiness in education. In this episode we discuss the significance of reflection, practical strategies for educators to cultivate happiness, and the role of gratitude in enhancing well-being. Suzanne emphasizes that happiness is a discipline that requires consistent practice and offers insights on how educators can create a sustainable happiness practice in their lives. The conversation also touches on the legacy educators leave behind and the feedback from those who have implemented these strategies.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Suzanne Dailey and Her Work

02:55 The Importance of Happiness in Education

06:14 Understanding Happiness as a Discipline

09:09 Practical Strategies for Educators

12:03 Building a Happiness Routine

15:09 Teaching Happiness to Students

18:03 Feedback from Educators

21:00 Resources for Further Learning

24:11 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

35:15 Keeping Up

You can find links to her book and other services on her website https://suzannedailey.com/.

Follow her on socials by looking her up on…

X:@DaileySuzanne 

Facebook:TeachHappier 

LinkedIn: @SuzanneDailey

Let’s go back to March Madness in KY! 

Thanks for tuning into the KEDC Podcast—where we spotlight the people and partnerships making powerful moves in education, innovation, and community engagement across Kentucky.

In this episode you'll hear from four guests live from Rupp Arena. Basketball excitement never gets old. Our first guest on this episode is no stranger to this iconic event or to the Big Blue Nation. Stacy Shepard is a former University of Kentucky women’s basketball standout.  Ken Disonette, an avid fan, is a consistent face at Rupp Area as he is on staff for UK games and is dedicated to growing athletes in the state.  As our official licensing executive, Scott Bottoms, describes the referee world and opportunities to partner to support extra curricular sport programs. Finally, you’ll hear from Carla Kersey.  She is the driving force behind KEDC’s presence at Rupp Arena.  and the mastermind behind marketing the KEDC booth.  Look for our booth next year as we always have fun experiences and great giveaways.  

Thanks for joining us to remember the fun that we have at Rupp Arena each March and celebrate the partners that make up this event.

Chapters:

00:00  Introduction to Kentucky Basketball Legends

03:06  The Impact of Community in Kentucky Basketball

04:34  The Journey of Reed Shepherd and Personal Growth

04:51  Introduction to the Sweet 16 Experience

07:53  Connections and Player Success Stories

08:05  The Unique Nature of Kentucky's Basketball Tournament

08:17  The Role of Officials in High School Sports

11:54  The Shortage of Sports Officials

14:28  KEDC Booth at KHSAA Sweet 16

17:32  Community Engagement and Support

20:21  Investing in Our Kids

Links:

https://khsaa.org/information-on-how-to-become-an-official/#google_vignette

In this episode guest, Dr. Kim Zeidler-Watters, discusses the Numeracy Counts Academy, focusing on the role of administrators in enhancing math education. May 1st is the deadline for applying for this administration professional experience.  Listen to this conversation to gain more understanding about how the Numeracy Counts Academy for Administrators came to exist and what it will consist of for participants.  It is encouraged that districts have district, school, and classroom levels involved with the Numeracy Counts Academy for Teachers and Administrators to have the most impact on improving math instruction for your students. You can listen to the Numeracy Counts Academy in Episode 28 with Kelly Stone from KCM for more about the teacher academy.

00:00 Introduction to PIMSR and Numeracy Counts Academy

03:08 The Importance of Student-Centric Approaches

06:02 Building Capacity in Administrators

08:56 Partnerships and Collaborative Efforts

12:03 Resources and Frameworks for Administrators

17:45 Understanding Problem Solving in Mathematics

20:45 Establishing a Whole School Math Agreement

23:36 Guiding Framework for Administrator Academy

26:44 Building Localized Expertise in Math Instruction

29:30 The Importance of Language in Math Education

KCM Numeracy Counts Webpage

Be sure you stay up to date with the Kentucky Numeracy Counts Act, including upcoming professional learning opportunities, available resources and more! Sign up to receive this monthly newsletter here.

Kelly Stone, the Executive Director of the Kentucky Center for Mathematics, discusses the exciting developments at the KCM, particularly the launch of the Numeracy Counts Academy. This initiative aims to enhance math instruction across Kentucky by providing teachers with effective resources, professional learning opportunities, and a supportive community. Kelly emphasizes the importance of collaboration among educators and the need for high-quality instructional practices to improve student achievement in mathematics. 

Registration can be found on this webpage: 

KCM Numeracy Counts Webpage

Be sure you stay up to date with the Kentucky Numeracy Counts Act, including upcoming professional learning opportunities, available resources and more! Sign up to receive this monthly newsletter here.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to KCM and Kelly Stone's Role

02:45 The Importance of the Numeracy Counts Academy

06:02 Building the Academy: Collaboration and Standards

09:07 Effective Math Instruction Practices

11:48 Math Dispositions and Their Impact

15:04 Mentorship and Community in Teaching

17:47 Resources and Tools for Teachers

20:52 The Structure of the Numeracy Counts Academy

23:54 Videotaping and Showcasing Best Practices

26:57 Future Plans and Expansion of the Academy

29:57 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Congratulations to Great Crossing boys basketball team for their win of the state title at Rupp Arena. 

Wow!  This was such a fun event and episode to make.  So many students were willing to sit down with me at the KEDC booth and talk about their experience getting to the game, supporting their team, and their schools and communities.  

You will hear many compliments for those who serve as coaches, educators, families, and community in this episode.  It was obvious that these students understand the commitment people make to help them grow and achieve great things in their lives.  They are appreciative!  

We hope you enjoy the episode.  It is definitely one of my more favorite projects to get to create.  

Thanks for tuning in and don’t forget to rate us and share our show.

This episode is being published as Great Crossings and Bowling Green boys basketball teams are competing for the title of the state championship at Rupp Arena.  Wow!  This was such a fun event and episode to make.  So many students were willing to sit down with me at the KEDC booth and talk about their experience getting to the game, supporting their team, and their schools and communities.  

You will hear many compliments for those who serve as coaches and educators in this episode.  It was obvious that these students understand the commitment people make to help them grow and achieve great things in their lives.  They are appreciative!  

We hope you enjoy the episode.  It is definitely one of my more favorite projects to get to create.  

Thanks for tuning in and don’t forget to rate us and share our show.  

Brandy Breeze, host