Digital Learning Today: Where Productivity Meets Innovation in the Classroom.

Learn how Microsoft YouthSpark is helping to bring a rich coding and programming education to students worldwide.

Dot and Dash from Wonder Workshops are great robots for your classroom. Learn how to infuse them into your curriculum today!

Dot and Dash from Wonder Workshops are great robots for your classroom. Learn how to infuse them into your curriculum today!

On this episode of the TeacherCast Podcast, we welcome the Hardcore Closer Ryan Stewman on to discuss how he went from high school drop out to being a multi-time best selling author and entrepreneur.

On this episode of the TeacherCast Podcast, we welcome the Hardcore Closer Ryan Stewman on to discuss how he went from high school drop out to being a multi-time best selling author and entrepreneur.

Satya Nadella: Microsoft CEO’s Vision for Education Speech

On May 2, 2017, I had the privilege of being invited to attend the #LEARNWHATSNEXT keynote produced by Microsoft. The first of its kind during Microsoft Satya Nadella's tenure as CEO, the keynote revolved around education and what Microsoft thinks the classroom of the future should look like. More than 20 educators from across the world representing Pre-K through University studies were invited to attend and meet with representatives from the Education team to share their thoughts about how this new direction for Microsoft can be implemented in their classrooms. Establishing a Laser Focused Philosophy for the Future The keynote started off with Nadella telling the story of how his grandfather started his journey into education and helped his father become an educated man.  It was a powerful story. “Talent is everywhere, but the opportunity is now”.  “Today's event is about education and technology . . . more importantly, it is about empowering the students today to create the world of tomorrow.” Throughout the opening remarks, Nadella kept referring to Microsoft's top priorities on education.  The concept of teachers spending less time focusing on technology and more time doing what they love is a powerful example of the new direction that Microsoft and it's products will be headed in the future. One key to Nadella's speech was the focus on making sure that all learners are brought into the conversation.  A Focus on students with Dyslexia and students who struggle with reading and writing is clearly at the heart of Microsoft future. It was very clear after spending 2 amazing days with the team from Microsoft Education that this wasn't just a product launch, rather it was a philosophy launch.  The motto of Nadella and the entire Microsoft team is clear now more than ever. Windows 10 S This summer, a new education-focused operating will be launched called Windows 10 S.  What does the S stand for?  Some say Safety, Security, Simplicity, or perhaps Streamlined.  As it was described at the keynote the S was added because it adds a little bit of Soul to the Windows experience. Windows 10 S essentially puts a safe and secure shell on an already powerful and robust Windows 10 environment.  This means students will experience better battery, better browsing, and a much faster experience logging into their devices.  By default Windows 10 S actives the powerful Edge web browser that has also received some notable upgrades such as a Tab Preview Bar and the ability for users to use inking technologies to write and annotate directly on websites and videos. Learn more about the new Windows 10 S Here New Devices For All Ages New Laptops Starting at $189 There were two big announcements about hardware.  The first was the addition of several inexpensive students focused laptops starting at just $189.  All of these PC's feature Windows 10 S and a dynamic touch screen experience. To bring these devices to market, Microsoft teamed up with Acer, ASUS, Dell, Fujitsu, HP, Samsung, and Toshiba. Surface Laptop In addition to the slate of inexpensive touch screen devices, Microsoft closed the keynote with a brand new device called the Surface Laptop.  Starting at only $999, the Surface Laptop completes and compliments a very successful line of Windows 10 devices that include the Surface Pro, Surface Book, and Surface Studio.  The Surface Laptop provides 14 hours of battery on it's 7th generation Intel Core Processor and comes in 4 beautiful colors (Platinum, Burgundy,

In this episode of the TeacherCast Podcast we sit down with Mike Soules and Dr. Sonja-Hollins Alexander from Corwin to discuss a recent survey of more than 6300 educators on the state of professional development in schools today. Together, we discuss the 7 standards of professional learning and how they being used to guide todays professional learning environments. Topics discussed on the show include * The 7 Standards of Professional Learning * What is Professional Learning? * 4 Findings of the Survey * Teachers report that leaders in their schools and systems are committed to professional learning. * Teachers report that their schools use student achievement data to plan professional learning, but they don't use a variety of data to assess its effectiveness. * Teachers do not appear to be deeply involved in decisions about their own professional learning. * Teachers report that they are not provided adequate time during the school day to follow up on their professional learning by practicing and applying new skills in the classroom. * What role does social media and unconferences play in todays professional learning environment? * What does today’s educator need to be successful? About Corwin Corwin, a SAGE company, is the premier provider of professional learning products and services that equip educators to improve teaching and learning. Corwin offers print books and ebooks, digital products, and on-site consulting services for all types of educators at all stages of their careers. Corwin resources are authored by experts on the topics most relevant to education; formatted for hands-on, practical guidance; research-based and peer reviewed for quality, and designed for professional learning. Links of Interest * www.corwin.com * https://www.facebook.com/corwin.press.5 * https://twitter.com/CorwinPress About our Guests Mike Souies Mike Soules is President of Corwin, the leading provider of innovative professional services and publications for P-20 educators. Corwin is committed to collaborating with schools, districts and departments/ministries of education to deliver training and tools that build capacity, are evidence based and have a positive change on instructional practice.  Through long-term partnerships with authors, policy makers and associations Corwin sits at the nexus of research to practice and practice to research. Mike is most proud of the talented and dedicated all-star team that help bring Corwin’s work to life every day. Mike has held senior leadership roles at the Channel One Network, Laureate, and Teachscape. The through line of his career has been pioneering unique platforms to provide meaningful and impactful content that educators need and want. He serves as Regent of California Lutheran University, President of the Conejo Schools Foundation, and former Chair of the Ventura County Workforce Development Board. Mike has a B.A. in Political Science and a B.A. in History from the University of California, Los Angeles – Go Bruins! Dr. Sonja-Hollins Alexander Dr. Sonja Hollins-Alexander has been in the field of education for 24 years with 18 of those being in educa...

On today's episode of the TeacherCast Podcast, we take a look at the topic of the Gender Gap in STEM Education. For more information on this topic, please visit MakeWhatsNext.com.

On today's episode of the TeacherCast Podcast, we take a look at the topic of the Gender Gap in STEM Education. For more information on this topic, please visit MakeWhatsNext.com.

In this episode, we learn how Microsoft School Data Sync can be used in tandem with Intune for Education to help you sync your school devices.

In this episode, we learn how Microsoft School Data Sync can be used in tandem with Intune for Education to help you sync your school devices.

On today's episode of the TeacherCast Podcast, I welcome educator Dan Rezac from Tynker.com on to discuss STEM Education and how Tynker is offering educators a FREE professional development opportunity called the Blue Ribbon Educator Program.

On today's episode of the TeacherCast Podcast, I welcome educator Dan Rezac from Tynker.com on to discuss STEM Education and how Tynker is offering educators a FREE professional development opportunity called the Blue Ribbon Educator Program.

On today's podcast, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Elementary Principal and ASCD Author Jennifer Schwanke to discuss her new book called “You're the Principal! Now What? Strategies and Solutions for New School Leaders.” I met Jennifer Schwanke on a recent ASCD book chat and was completely amazed at how similar the story of a new administrator can be to the story of a new Tech Coach.  In most situations, you may be the only one in your position in a building, you have to keep your confidence with little opportunity to lean others for support, and you have to remember that no matter what happens during the day, it is the relationships you forge that will ultimately create a successful and long-lasting career. You Must Have Your Head Examined To Be A Principal One of the things that amazed me about my conversation with Jennifer Schwanke was the constant reminder that, quite often, leadership is pointed out by others.  Jen is not the first guest on the show who told me she had little to no ambitions to be an educational leader and instead it was only through a mentor that she found her calling to “the big desk.”  Recently, Jennifer Schwanke wrote a rather interesting post about the fact that in order to be an administrator you might first need to have a little bit of brain surgery. Who is Jennifer Schwanke? Jen Schwanke began her career as a language arts educator eighteen years ago. She has worked at both the elementary and secondary level as a teacher and administrator. A graduate instructor in educational leadership, she has written frequently for literacy and educational publications and presents at literacy and leadership conferences. She is the author of the book, You're The Principal: Now What? Strategies and Solutions for New School Leaders. Connect with Jennifer * Twitter @jenschwanke * Blog: jenschwanke.com   How Can I Find The Book? * Learn more on ASCD.org * Table of Contents * Chapter 1 * Online Study Guide Topics Covered in the Podcast: * Educational Leadership