In this episode of "The Lecture Is Dead Podcast," lifelong educator Ryan McGinnis shares his journey from elementary school teacher to principal and eventually to a professional development specialist working with schools across Western Pennsylvania and New York. The conversation focuses on how technology, project-based learning, and student-driven approaches can transform classrooms and empower both students and teachers.

In This Episode:

1. Why focusing on what kids learn versus how they learn misses the point

2. The concept of "genius hour" and how they get students to take ownership of their learning

3. How to go beyond simple academic standards to create learning experiences

Guest:

Ryan McGinnis — Account Executive at WeVideo

Ryan is an education expert with more than 16 years of experience under his belt. He spent time in Pennsylvania and southern New York educating students, then moving into a Principal role and technologist. He's seen all sides of an educator's experience and now uses that to support schools and teachers in his role at WeVideo.

About the Podcast

Two former educators. One big question: If the lecture is dead, what comes next? A bi-weekly podcast on reimagining teaching as active, creative, and human.

Credits

Hosted by Joe Wolff and Ryan Kochevar

Produced by WeVideo

Edited by ThrottleUp Media

📌 Follow "The Lecture Is Dead Podcast" on your favorite podcast platform

🌐 Learn more at: https://lectureisdead.com/

What if the problem isn't lecture, but it's the model? In this episode of "The Lecture Is Dead Podcast," hosts Joe Wolff and Ryan Kochevar sit down with instructional technology veteran Michael Wesely to unpack what flipped learning really looks like beyond "videos for homework." With 28 years of experience and a passion for creativity and student voice, Michael shares how educators can use short, strategic videos to reclaim class time, reduce repetition, and shift from "sage on the stage" to facilitator of deeper learning. The conversation explores instructional risk-taking, supportive leadership, post-pandemic realities, and why so many teachers are burning out. It's a candid, energizing look at how to increase engagement, amplify student voices, and build sustainable teaching practices — without abandoning what works.

In This Episode

1. Misconceptions about flipped classrooms and where they come from
2. The role of supportive leadership and how to garner buy-in from skeptics
3. How to free students from sitting in chairs listening to a lecture without letting them get in trouble

Guests

Michael Wesely — Instructional Technology Specialist at Virginia Beach City Public Schools

Michael helps teachers turn classrooms into places where curiosity and innovation flow thanks to empowered students and educators alike. To support other educators, Michael makes it his mission to share what he knows at conferences all over his district, state, and country.

About the Podcast

Two former educators. One big question: If the lecture is dead, what comes next? A bi-weekly podcast on reimagining teaching as active, creative, and human.

Credits

Hosted by Joe Wolff and Ryan Kochevar

Produced by WeVideo

Edited by ThrottleUp Media

📌 Follow "The Lecture Is Dead Podcast" on your favorite podcast platform

🌐 Learn more at: https://lectureisdead.com/

In this episode of "The Lecture Is Dead Podcast," hosts Joe Wolff and Ryan Kochevar explore how to use AI to empower pedagogy, rather than undermine it. Joined by Alana Winick and Marina Pisto, two award-winning educators from Pocantico Hills Central School District, they discuss the myriad of ways technology and AI tools can bolster creativity. Walk away understanding what it means for educators, especially those who are unsure about how to use them or where to start.

In This Episode

1. How the practice of revising projects is being rethought to give students direction in today's classrooms
2. Why popular games like Minecraft can support active, student-centered learning
3. Practical ideas for using generative AI to bolster creativity

Guests

Alana Winick — EdTech director at Pocantico Hills Central School District and NYSE Gate Director

Alana is an expert and podcast host who uses generative AI to support digital learning, and has received many awards for her leadership in the district (COSN CTO of the year, New York State Digital Leader of the Year 2025).

Marina Pisto — Third Grade Teacher at Pocantico Hills Central School District and NYSE Gate Director Marina is also an award-winning educator (New York State English Council and NYSE Gate Teacher of the Year) expert in gamification and using AI to debug creativity in the elementary school classroom.

Resources & Links

• The Generative Age Podcast

• Minecraft Education

About the Podcast

Two former educators. One big question: If the lecture is dead, what comes next? A bi-weekly podcast on reimagining teaching as active, creative, and human.

Credits

Hosted by Joe Wolff and Ryan Kochevar

Produced by WeVideo

Edited by ThrottleUp Media

Subscribe & Follow

🌐 Learn more at https://lectureisdead.com/

In this episode of "The Lecture Is Dead Podcast," hosts Joe Wolff and Ryan Kochevar explore the evolution of traditional student portfolios. Joined by co-authors, educators, and podcast hosts, Rick Butterworth and Tisha Poncio, they discuss the value of digital portfolios for career readiness, why differentiated learning experiences matter, and what it means for students to experience technology effectively in classrooms today.

In This Episode

1. Why traditional portfolios are rethought in today's classrooms

2. How digital portfolios support active, student-centered learning

3. Practical ideas for differentiating learning

4. What educators can take from student Julie's testimony on adaptable and accessible learning methods

Guests

Rick Butterworth — UX / UI Expert and Aviation Tech | Tisha Poncio — Education Manager at Lumio by Smart

Rick Butterworth, ISTE author and design expert, and Tisha Poncio, former Wakelet employee with 20+ years in education, co-wrote "Today's Learners, Tomorrow's Leaders" to share effective teaching strategies that support successful leadership in both educators and learners today.

Resources & Links

1. Rick Portfolio | Tisha Portfolio

2. Today's Learners, Tomorrow's Leaders

3. The PlayEd3 Podcast

About the Podcast

Two former educators. One big question: If the lecture is dead, what comes next? A bi-weekly podcast on reimagining teaching as active, creative, and human.

Credits

Hosted by Joe Wolff and Ryan Kochevar

Produced by WeVideo

Edited by ThrottleUp Media

Subscribe & Follow

🌐 Learn more at https://lectureisdead.com/

In this episode of The Lecture is Dead Podcast, hosts Joe Wolff and Ryan Kochevar explore effective modes of learning and what lives beyond the conventional lecture. Joined by dedicated edtech leader, educator, and author, Lisa Highfill, they discuss innovative teaching strategies, the birth of the HyperDoc movement, bringing project-based learning to virtual school environments, and why these methods are crucial for learners today.

In This Episode

1. Why lecture is being rethought in today's classrooms
2. How Lisa Highfill supports active, student-centered learning
3. Practical ideas for promoting understanding, authenticity, and leadership in the classroom
4. What educators can take from HyperDoc lessons

Guest

Lisa Highfill — Edtech Leader and Educator

Lisa Highfill is a Google-certified innovator with a master's in edtech leadership, co-author of "The HyperDoc Handbook" and the "Teachers Give Teachers Movement," and an educator of thirty years spanning from fifth grade and technology integration to now serving the district's hybrid project-based virtual academy.

Resources & Links

1. The HyperDoc Handbook
2. Follow Lisa on LinkedIn

About the Podcast

Two former educators. One big question: If the lecture is dead, what comes next? A bi-weekly podcast on reimagining teaching as active, creative, and human.

Credits

Hosted by Joe Wolff and Ryan Kochevar. Produced by WeVideo. Edited by ThrottleUp Media.

Subscribe & Follow

📌 Follow The Lecture Is Dead Podcast on your favorite podcast platform.

🌐 Join the movement: https://community.lectureisdead.com/