AI is here to stay. So, what’s next?

Matt Miller—educator, author of Ditch That Textbook and AI for Educators—joins us to explore how AI is reshaping teaching and learning. Fresh from his return to the classroom, Matt shares first-hand insights into how AI is transforming education. He highlights the practical ways these tools can lighten the load for teachers and spark fresh ideas for lesson planning.

But more than that, he reminds us that no matter how powerful AI becomes, the heart of education is still about human connection and creativity. While AI tools are powerful, they are constantly evolving. We must equip our students with the ability to adapt, analyze, and innovate – skills rooted in the very core of human intelligence.

In the spirit of Thanksgiving, we’re celebrating the EdTech tools that truly make a difference in education. For this special episode, the One-to-One Podcast hit the road, interviewing teachers, coaches, technology leaders, and LTC staff from across Illinois about the tools they’re most thankful for.

You’ll hear from listeners like you as they share the EdTech tools they rely on to engage students, streamline their work, and enhance learning. From apps that ignite creativity to platforms that save time, our educators reveal how technology empowers them to make a difference every day.

Ready to make White Castle stuffing?

Check out some resources from our interviewees: Workflow management with Kumar Kayastha

When we ask students to write an essay or take an exam, it can feel like we've asked them to create a masterpiece like Picasso—overwhelming and intimidating. But what if we could use technology to give students more choice in how they demonstrate their understanding?

In this episode, we sit down with Eric Curts, educator and author of Control Alt Achieve, who has spent over 30 years transforming classrooms through creative Google projects. Eric shares how teachers can move beyond basic uses of tech to unlock students' creativity and personalize learning. Join us as we explore innovative ways to use EdTech to empower student voice and offer more flexible, meaningful learning experiences!

The One-to-One Podcast is back for an exciting Season 2, featuring fresh guests and a brand-new co-host! Tune in for a sneak peek at what’s in store this month.

Digital Equity Advisor Ji Soo Song, from the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Educational Technology, walks us through the National Educational Technology Plan, or NETP. Ji Soo discusses the three Digital Divides—Use, Design, and Access—and how more than a thousand people came together to help develop this plan, which supports the work that educators do in classrooms every day.

Interviewed in this episode

Ji Soo Song, Digital Equity Advisor, USED OET

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We discuss the importance of digital literacy with Darren Hudgins, co-author of Developing Digital Detectives: Essential Lessons for Discerning Fact from Fiction in the ‘Fake News’ Era, published in 2021 by ISTE. Darren discusses some of the elements in the book, as well as the need for every educator to directly teach digital literacy in every classroom during the dawn of this era of artificial intelligence. 

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Mindy Fiscus joins us to discuss her role as the Director of Government Affairs for the Learning Technology Center. Mindy also shares some updates on upcoming changes to rules and regulations involving educational technology.

Interviewed in this episode

Mindy Fiscus, LTC Director of Government Affairs

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Matt & Brian look back at the 2023 Illinois Education and Technology Conference (IETC), held November 1-3, 2023, and the Bank of Springfield Center in Springfield, Illinois. Don’t miss the big reveal at the end of the episode: Next year’s keynote speaker is… 

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Brian and Matt discuss some of the tech they’re thankful for, then chat with Dr. Monica Burns about ways that any educator might use artificial intelligence. The episode wraps up with the LTC’s Eric Santos, who describes how educators can use A.I. in several readily available tools.

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Dr. Mike Ribble, author of a number of works on digital citizenship, joins us to discuss the role of digital citizenship and digital literacy as we all come to grips with the age of artificial intelligence. We’ll look at how educators, administrators, parents, and families can work together to help students understand and adapt to an AI-infused world. We’ll also take a look back at NIU STEM Fest with Dr. Kristen Brynteson from episode 1.