The conversation around AI in education has shifted from fear to practical implementation. In this episode, I sit down with two trusted voices in educational technology: Eric Curts from Ohio and Gabriel Carrillo from San Antonio, to share 8 practical AI recipes that work in real classrooms.

What You'll Learn in This Episode

Eric shares an exciting trend: "What I'm getting excited about is the shift from AI to support teachers to AI for students."

Gabriel notes the AI tool landscape has consolidated, giving educators clearer choices for classroom implementation.

We dive deep into:

• AI Recipe #1: Moving from AI fear to student empowerment
• AI Recipe #2: Face the academic integrity challenge wisely
• AI Recipe #3: Implement practical assessment strategies (like Snorkl)
• AI Recipe #4: Consider ethics and student well being as you look at AI.
• Plus 4 more practical recipes for immediate classroom implementation

Academic Integrity: The New Approach

Both guests emphasize moving away from "gotcha" mentality. Eric provides crucial guidance: "We need to spend more time looking for evidence of student learning than evidence of student cheating." Gabriel's powerful analogy: detecting AI misuse after submission is "like trying to un-bake a cake."

We share better approaches that work.

Critical Safety Insights

A sobering reality: 78% of people discuss health issues with ChatGPT, and companionship ranks among top AI uses. Gabriel shares the essential safety test every educator should perform before using any AI tool with students.

Research-Based Implementation

Stanford research reveals AI tools promoting productive struggle often yield better learning outcomes. We break down what this means for your classroom and how to implement these findings immediately.

Get the Complete AI Recipe Collection

📖 Get all 8 AI recipes and complete show notes: www.coolcatteacher.com/caik-practical-ai-recipes

Featured Guests

Eric Curts - Technology Integration Specialist, author of "Control Alt Achieve," and authorized Google Education Trainer with 33 years in education.

Gabriel Carrillo - Author of Cooking Up Experiences In The Classroom, EdTech Bytes podcast host, and instructional technology specialist who believes great conversations happen when we break bread together.

Ready to implement AI in your classroom with confidence? Listen now and visit the show notes for your complete practical AI recipe collection at www.coolcatteacher.com/caik-practical-ai-recipes

*And go to www.coolcatteacher.com/iste2025 for all of the shows on the latest education technology from ISTE 2025 / ASCD Live. We have several more shows to go!

Discover the secrets to raising thriving readers who are not only proficient in literacy skills but also genuinely engaged in the reading process. Every parent and educator wants their kids to experience reading success, and it all starts with unlocking the literacy secrets that inspire a love for reading. By implementing these strategies, you can help your child become an engaged reader, eager to explore new worlds and ideas through the pages of a book. The key to achieving this lies in understanding what makes kids thrive in reading, and with the right approach, you can set your child on the path to becoming a confident and enthusiastic reader. Learn how to nurture a lifelong love of reading in your kids and watch them flourish into thriving readers with a strong foundation in literacy skills.

Guests: Jennifer Serravallo, Ezera Washington, Nathaniel Hansford

Show notes: https://www.coolcatteacher.com/talkreading

In today's show, some edtech and AI experts share what's hot (and not) as we approach ISTE Live '25 in San Antonio. We have news from AR and VR in edu, AI news, Microsoft's big announcements about some new AI tools for kids 13 and up and for teachers (and how the computer's system architecture has changed dramatically.) I'm copresenting with some of these friends at ISTE Live '25 on Monday at the Edtech and AI Power Hour and it is going to be fast and fun. But if you can't go or if you want to get ahead of the game, this is the talk show you'll want to listen to. Whether you're curious about classroom AI ethics, ready to explore immersive AR learning, or need cybersecurity basics for K-12, my conversations with Dr. Rachelle Dené Poth, Jaime Donally, and Microsoft's Mike Tholfsen will equip you with tools you can implement immediately.

Plus, don't miss the three simple AI prompts I teach every student on day one – they transform AI from a cheating tool into a powerful learning partner.

See all of the ISTELive '25 shows at coolcatteacher.com/iste2025

#ISTELive #ASCDAnnual

Learn how to master Response to Intervention (RTI) and the Individualized Education Program (IEP) process to help every child succeed. RTI is a proven framework for providing targeted support to students who struggle, while IEPs are personalized plans designed to meet the unique educational needs of students with disabilities. In this episode, we explore strategies and actionable insights to optimize these essential tools, empowering teachers, parents, and administrators to support diverse learners effectively.

What You'll Learn about IEP's, RTI and reaching every child:

• 📘 IEP Essentials: Discover the key components of creating effective IEPs, from measurable goals to collaborative planning.
• 📊 RTI Strategies: Learn how to implement RTI correctly to provide tiered support for every student.
• 🤝 Collaboration: Explore how parents, educators, and students can work together to overcome challenges and foster success.
• 🎓 Student Motivation: Hear a powerful story of resilience, perseverance, and the effort required to thrive academically from a former NBA player who is now working to inspire kids.

Special Guest EXPERTS:

1. Mike Mattos: Co-creator of the RTI at Work™ model, offering expert advice on systematic interventions that truly support student learning.
2. Stephanie DeLussey: Special education veteran and author of The Intentional IEP, sharing her wisdom on how to craft IEPs that empower students and involve parents.
3. Dean Tolson: Former NBA player who overcame illiteracy to earn a master’s degree, inspiring students to value education and effort.

As educators and parents, our goal is to ensure that every child learns and reaches their full potential. This episode sheds light on:

• RTI’s Correct Use: Avoid common mistakes and learn how to implement RTI as a tool for early intervention rather than a bureaucratic hurdle.
• Effective IEP Planning: Understand how to build IEPs that address individual student needs and align with measurable academic goals.
• Student Success Stories: Be inspired by a real life example of a student who overcome the odds as an adult to encourage the effort kids need to have to successfully learn (even if they are a world class athlete.)

Show notes: https://www.coolcatteacher.com/talklearning

In today's episode we will share eight tips and two books to help improve classroom management. Michelle Singh will talk about what happens if you feel like you're not engaged as a teacher and what to do about it. Then, Andrew Vanden Heuvel will share how he uses Fortnite Creative to teach physics and resources you can use.

The show notes are at www.coolcatteacher.com/talkclassroommanagement

his episode of Cool Cat Teacher Talk explores critical topics relevant to educators navigating the rapidly evolving landscape of technology, social media, and artificial intelligence. Host Vicki Davis delves into strategies for managing news consumption, teaching students about AI, and addressing digital privacy concerns.

Key segments include:

Navigating Social Media and News: Insights on tools like Feedly, Flipboard, and local newspapers to curate trustworthy content while avoiding algorithm-driven misinformation.

Artificial Intelligence in Education: Practical examples of integrating AI into classrooms, such as a dream house project using AI art tools, and the ethical considerations educators must address, including privacy and data protection.

The Future of AI and Digital Citizenship: A conversation with Laurel Aguilar-Kirchhoff on safeguarding student data and fostering AI literacy.

Human-Curated Content and the Fediverse: Discussions on alternative platforms like Flipboard and Mastodon for creating and sharing meaningful educational resources.

Personal Learning and Innovation: Tips on lifelong learning, including the "3-2-1 strategy" for personal development and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.

This episode emphasizes the importance of teaching students to engage with technology responsibly, maintain a moral and ethical perspective, and build meaningful skills for the future. Listeners are encouraged to stay informed, embrace innovation, and focused on what matters.

Show notes: https://www.coolcatteacher.com/talknews2025/

Today, we’re exploring one of the most exciting and relevant topics in education—teaching kids to code. Featuring insights from leading computer science educators, this episode provides actionable strategies, tools, and ideas to make coding education engaging for all ages.

This episode showcases insights and expertise from these amazing educators and leaders put together with highlights from their interviews that combine to add meaning to the topic of coding. If you want an overview on this topic, watch the whole show. If you want to dig deeper into one of the full interviews excerpted in the show, visit one below.

• Felinne Hermans: Discover the Hedy programming language, a free tool accessible in 50 languages. Learn more at www.coolcatteacher.com/e847
• Dr. Marina Umaschi Bers: Learn seven key strategies for introducing coding in early childhood. Visit www.coolcatteacher.com/e202
• Aditya Batura: Explore simple steps for teaching coding, including unplugged activities. Check it out at www.coolcatteacher.com/e262
• Doug Bergman: Gain insight into trends like AI, cybersecurity, and computational thinking. Full episode at www.coolcatteacher.com/e433
• Angela Cleveland: Learn how school counselors are helping more girls pursue careers in computer science. Visit www.coolcatteacher.com/e254
• Omar Shepherd: Find out how California is advancing computer science teaching. Learn more at www.coolcatteacher.com/e860
• Alfred Thompson: Discover practical teaching tips for computer science educators. See the episode at www.coolcatteacher.com/e182
• Vicki Davis: Explore 12 creative ways to teach coding during the Hour of Code. Full episode at www.coolcatteacher.com/e871

1. Coding Across the Curriculum

Explore how coding can integrate with art, science, and math, creating interdisciplinary learning experiences that engage students.

2. Unplugged Coding Activities

Not all coding lessons need screens! Activities like “Code with Hot Wheels” and outdoor chalk grids are great for teaching sequencing and logic to young learners.

3. Early Childhood Coding

Dr. Marina Umaschi Bers shares seven practical strategies for introducing coding concepts to preschoolers, helping to build problem-solving and logical thinking skills early on.

4. Promoting Diversity in Tech

Angela Cleveland highlights ways to close the gender gap in computer science, from building awareness to creating opportunities for girls and underrepresented groups.

5. Emerging Trends in Computer Science

Doug Bergman discusses how schools can prepare students for the future of coding, with a focus on AI, cybersecurity, and computational thinking.