In this episode the Maine Learning Technology Team (MLTI) and Learning Through Technology (LTT) Team discuss the topic of teacher wellness. Because this topic is so wide-ranging, the team split the discussion into five segments. Joshua Schmidt and Chris Beckwith discuss augmented reality and virtual reality and how those tools can impact both physical and mental wellbeing. Nicole Karod and Martha Thibodeau explore artificial intelligence tools and how they can save teachers time. AJ Rog and Jeff Ireland chat about some tech tools that can promote physical wellbeing and even save some money for ..read more

In this episode the Maine Learning Technology Team (MLTI) and Learning Through Technology (LTT) Team continue their discussion on artificial intelligence and its place in the classroom. We will hear from the entire ambassador team on tools we have found useful in our professional and personal lives as well as our thoughts on AI in general with some advice for anyone who is just starting out on their AI journey. Joshua Schmidt interviews Andy Wallace, Technology Director from South Portland Schools and president of METDA (Maine Educational Technology Directors Association) along with Mike Arsen ..read more

This month we are returning to the topic of artificial intelligence and its role in the classroom. Last season, we published two episodes with the major goal of defining artificial intelligence - both what it is and what it isn’t. We explored AI as a thought partner for educators, as a tool to save time but also as a way to increase productivity or creativity. This season, we wanted to explore the ways that artificial intelligence has evolved over the last year. While the technology consistently grows in power and flexibility, it makes conversations around proper use and the best methods of i ..read more

In this episode, MLTI (Maine Learning Technology Initiative) Ambassadors Chris Beckwith, AJ Rog, and Yuhong Sun continue the conversation around computational thinking, and its role in solving real world problems. They each talk about their own classroom experiences, suggestions for teachers to introduce the concept to their students, and why it can be a valuable tool in teaching problem-solving skills. Joshua Schmidt interviews Jeff Bailey, Computer Science teacher at Mount Valley High School in Rumford, Maine who shares how he’s used computational thinking to address real world problem solvi ..read more

In this episode, MLTI (Maine Learning Technology Initiative) Ambassadors Chris Beckwith, AJ Rog, and Jeff Ireland answer the question, “What is computational thinking?” AJ interviews Sean Wasson, who is the CSTA (Computer Science Teachers Association) President and a computer science teacher at Lyman Moore Middle School in Portland, Maine who helps the Ambassadors demystify computational thinking and how the process extends beyond the realm of computer science. The group returns after the interview to discuss more applications of computational thinking in multiple classroom settings ..read more

This episode continues our conversation of innovative ways that educational technology is being used in the Arts. Last week focused specifically on Music, and this week we want to expand our scope a bit. We will be hearing about computer science in a music tech class with Tessa McArthur, who teaches at Woodland Jr. Sr. High School in Baileyville, but then we will move to Theatre with Mahaley Lozano, former ELA teacher and drama coach at Princeton Elementary School. And we will close today’s episode with Matthew Peinado, who teaches Art Teacher at Edward Little High School. If you wanted to sh ..read more

While educational technology can be a vital tool in all classrooms and schools, this month we wanted to focus on innovative ways it is being used in the Arts. When we talk about the Arts, we are encompassing everything from Music and Visual Art to Dance, Theater and Media Arts. Even though they all fall under the same umbrella of The Arts, each area is unique in content and delivery. In this episode we'll be focusing our lens on Music and in future episodes we will turn our attention to other branches of the visual and performing arts. Come join Tracy and Joshua as they speak with Rob Westerbe ..read more

School's (nearly) out for the Summer and so are the MLTI Ambassadors. The team will be returning in late August or early September to begin season 2 of the Teaching With Tech podcast. That being said, the MLTI 2.0 team will still be hard at work, and they can be reached at DOE-MLTI2.0@maine.gov with any questions, comments, or technology integration needs. This episode covers some of the Summer plans of the MLTI team while also discussion season 1 and the plan for season 2. We wanted to thank each and every one of our listeners for joining the conversation this year, and we can't wait to see a ..read more

As artificial intelligence grows in scope, teachers and schools have many different strategies to maximize the benefits and minimize the challenges. This conversation is especially focused on whether schools should ban artificial intelligence like ChatGPT. In this episode, Joshua is joined by Kate and Nicole who share their opinions, ideas, and strategies on using AI in schools and whether banning is the best strategy. Nicole also has an interview from Dr. Kim O'Donnell from the Westbrook School Department on how she views artificial intelligence impacting her schools. You can contact the MLTI ..read more

In this episode, Joshua meets with Kern Kelley, technology integrator for Nokomis schools. Kern talks about his school's SLAM (Student Leadership Ambassadors of Maine) club and how the SLAM program from the Maine Department of Education can help schools give student authentic learning opportunities all around Maine. He also discusses the SLAM Showcase events, which provide a full day of technology integration activities for students in a school and how this contributes to a new culture of learning. For those interested in learning more about about SLAM clubs and SLAM Showcase events, check ou ..read more