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MediaPROJECT

From dispelling misconceptions about AI to the transformative power of student-created podcasts to practical tips for Pre-K settings, delve into innovative strategies for fostering engagement and preparing young learners for the digital future. Join the conversation on redefining education through technology and student-driven content creation!

Empowering Learners: AI, Podcasting, and Best Practices in EducationEmpowering Learners Podcast
00:00 / 29:05

Episode 1: "Empowering Learners: AI, Podcasting, and Best Practices in Education"
 

Introduction (0:53)

    • Brief introduction of hosts and purpose of the podcast- Shaneigh Smith, Deena Duarte-Fell, and Lauren Blasdel 

    • Explanation of the podcast's focus on the intersection of AI in education, student-created podcasts, and best practices for using technology in the PreK classroom.
       

AI in the Elementary Classroom (0:54 - 9:40)

Examples of how AI is being used to enhance teaching and learning experiences across all age groups, including pre-K settings.

 

The Power of Student-Created Podcasts (9:40 - 17:50)

Exploration of how podcasting empowers students to actively engage with course content and express their creativity, even in early childhood education.

Best Practices for the Pre-K Settings (17:51 - 24:57)

  • Providing equity for Pre-K students

  • What it means to be a digital native

  • Typing deemed as developmentally inappropriate by some

  • Then vs Now: Expectations on technology in the hands of littles

  • Speculation of technology over time: Keyboarding to AI

  • What does it look like to implement technology for Pre-K appropriately?

  • Using Station Rotation as a blended learning model for littles

  • Games vs. Curriculum 

  • Preparing students at the Pre-K level for the technology expectations to come

 

Future Directions and Recommendations (24:58 - 29:45)

  • Turning of the tide: More teachers are seeing the need for responsible technology and the need for building digital natives

  • Parents’ understanding of technology use in school

  • Teaching for the future

  • How educational technology has evolved over the last 20 years
     

Conclusion: Empowering Learners (29:55)

  • Empowering learners with AI

  • Empowering learners with student podcasts using choice, voice, ownership, and authentic learning environments (COVA)

  • Empowering Pre-K learners with technology

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Paraphrased Reference:

Harapnuik, D. (2018, July 14). COVA. It's All About Learning. https://www.harapnuik.org/?page_id=6991

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Podcasting is an engaging way to transmit information to the world. Collaborating with Lauren and Deena on this project, I eagerly wanted to apply my passion for student-created podcasts, a topic I've explored extensively in my publication draft. Despite our diverse initial topics—AI in elementary education, student podcasts, and best practices for EdTech in Pre-K—the common thread of empowering learners quickly emerged as our focal point. Throughout our recording session, we remained centered on discussing this idea. 

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My Innovation Plan is not so different. The Empower: Blended Learning Leadership Program was created for learners to feel empowered to transform traditional classrooms into learner-centered environments through the planning and implementation of blended learning while recognizing their role as innovative educators. So, where does student-created podcasting fit into this? Blended learning often revolves around student choice, ownership, voice, and authentic learning experiences and environments. Student-created podcasts perfectly contain each of these principles. While much of my innovation plan has offered a broad overview, I'm excited to share practical classroom implementation with step-by-step processes provided in my publication. 

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