Hosted by John Mikton and Dan Taylor. Every two weeks we discuss all aspects of technology and life in International Schools.
Episodes
Sunday May 12, 2024
Sunday May 12, 2024
Join us for a conversation with Dale Plotzki exploring the case for why international educators should understand Bitcoin and its place in financial security. Dale and Dan share a breakdown of what this is, how it works, what are its benefits for internationally mobile professionals as well as their own reflections from their personal experience. We also learn from Dale experiences working in Peru and South Korea as an international school educator focused on supporting his community with technology
About Dale Plotzki
Dale Plotzki is on a mission to revolutionize the way we teach and learn. He is currently serving as the Learning and Innovation Coordinator at the International School of Busan in South Korea. Dale's passion for technology goes beyond mere gadgetry; he's driven by the desire to make education more efficient, meaningful, and captivating. Whether it's using emergent technology to explore new pathways in schools,, data visualization to make complex systems digestible, gamification to make learning fun, or coaching to help teachers hone their skills, Dale is all about enhancing the learning experience. When he's not busy transforming education, you'll find him spending time with his family, riding the waves on his surfboard, whipping up culinary masterpieces, or promoting financial sovereignty and security through Bitcoin.
Dale Plotzki on Social Media
Twitter: https://twitter.com/dale_rickardo
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dale-plotzki/
Resources
John Mikton on Social Media
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jmikton/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/jmikton
Web: beyonddigital.org
Dan Taylor on social media:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/appsevents
Twitter: https://twitter.com/appdkt
Web: www.appsevents.com
Listen on: iTunes / Podbean / Stitcher / Spotify / YouTube
Would you like to have a free 1 month trial of the new Google Workspace Plus (formerly G Suite Enterprise for Education)? Just fill out this form and we’ll get you set up bit.ly/GSEFE-Trial
Sunday Apr 28, 2024
Sunday Apr 28, 2024
Join us for a conversation with Julia Walker, host of the Across Oceans podcast, and guest Brogan Lund. Julia, a child of international school educators, and Brogan, a Third Culture Kid (TCK) and international school graduate, share what it means to be TCKs, as young adults and professionals. Together they share how growing up in various countries and attending different international schools has shaped their identities and perspectives. They share their stories and insights about growing up overseas, returning to their passport countries, and the unique experiences and challenges that come with being a TCK.
About Julia Walker
Julia grew up attending the international schools her parents worked at. As a family, they lived in Canada, Egypt and Singapore before she returned to Canada to study. Now, she is finishing her masters degree in Switzerland. In 2022, she started her own podcast, Across Oceans, discussing all things related to being a Third Culture Kid (TCK) and a child of international school educators.
Across Oceans Podcast Instagram:@acrossoceanspodcast
acrossoceanspodcast@gmail.com
About Brogen Lund
Brogan was born in Dallas, Texas to Canadian parents. His family moved to Singapore, then Atlanta, before finally settling in Geneva where he attended the International School and eventually became a Swiss citizen.
After studying in Montreal, he has returned to his adopted home in Switzerland where he now works in IT.
Resources
Across Oceans Podcast
Across Oceans is a podcast where we discuss all things related to Third Culture Kids (TCKs), growing up overseas, returning to passport countries, unique travel stories and more. You will hear a unique TCK perspective of someone who is now an adult, but who grew up moving around the globe because of their international school teacher parents. We’ll discuss the benefits, the challenges and everything in between with growing up as a global nomad.
https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/acrossoceans
Books:
Third Culture Kids: Growing Up Among Worlds by Ruth Van Reken and David Pollock
https://www.amazon.com/Third-Culture-Kids-Growing-Revised/dp/1857885252
Incredible Lives and the Courage to Live Them: Thoughts of a Third Culture Kid Therapist by Rachel Cason
https://www.explorelifestory.com/book/
Arrivals, Departures, and the Adventures In Between by Chris O’Shaughnessy
https://www.chris-o.com/chriso/index.html
Ted Talk: Don’t ask me where I’m from, ask where I’m a local
https://www.ted.com/talks/taiye_selasi_don_t_ask_where_i_m_from_ask_where_i_m_a_local?language=en
John Mikton on Social Media
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jmikton/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/jmikton
Web: beyonddigital.org
Dan Taylor on social media:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/appsevents
Twitter: https://twitter.com/appdkt
Web: www.appsevents.com
Listen on: iTunes / Podbean / Stitcher / Spotify / YouTube
Would you like to have a free 1 month trial of the new Google Workspace Plus (formerly G Suite Enterprise for Education)? Just fill out this form and we’ll get you set up bit.ly/GSEFE-Trial
Saturday Apr 13, 2024
Saturday Apr 13, 2024
As artificial intelligence is being integrated in international schools more prominently, we take this opportunity to connect with three educators: Cora, Dalton and James to explore how AI tools are being integrated into the classroom. What are the dispositions, approaches and tools that are having the most impact with student learning. How do classroom teachers navigate integrating these tools, what are some tips and strategies to consider in a classroom setting.
About Cora Yang
Cora Yang is a dedicated Learning Technology Coach at Renaissance College Hong Kong, specializing in PYP and MYP tech integration. With expertise in coding, robotics, VR, digital design, and circuit board, she enhances educational experiences. Cora believes in technology as a bridge to real-world skills, fostering exploration, innovation, and lifelong learning through project-based activities. Always curious, Cora eagerly explores new tech and shares her knowledge, inspiring students to unlock their potential in our ever-changing world.
X: @CoraEdTech
Linkedin: Cora Yang
Website: https://www.coraedtech.com/
About Dalton Flanagan
Dalton is a Learning and Innovation Coach at Chinese International School in Hong Kong, with over a decade of experience in education. He has a passion for designing authentic project-based learning experiences, and strives to connect students' learning journeys with cutting-edge technologies, fostering engagement and promoting in-depth exploration. His recent exploration into the realm of advanced AI models, such as Midjourney, Stable Diffusion, and ChatGPT, have further expanded his ability to engage students and educators.
YouTube: @daltonflanagan
Linkedin: Dalton Flanagan
About James Wilson
James is Coordinator for the ‘PBL for Impact’ programme at Chinese International School in Hong Kong, a programme that cultivates through coaching and in-house workshops the core practices of project based learning across all subject areas. In his other role as a secondary ‘Individuals & Societies’ teacher, James co-creates learning experiences that validate the strengths and interests of students. More recently James has been exploring how AI can be used as a tool to foster both self-directed learning, and human connections.
Education
B.A. History & Philosophy (George Mason University, USA)
M.A. Anthropology (City University of New York)
Ed.D. Information Technology (The University of Hong Kong)
X: @WilsJP
Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/james-wilson-7718b971
Resources
General
- OpenAI GPT for Teachers
- Animated Drawings
- Hugging Face Spaces
- HeyGen
- Prompt Guide
- Blockade Labs
- Canva Magic Studio
- Magic School
- Kaiber
- Prompts for Educator - Made by Dalton
- AI Tools for Educator - Made by Dalton
- Safe Use of AI Generative Tools
AI Tools For:
Conducting Research
- Consensus (summarizing journal articles)
- Perplexity (search engine that shares sources used)
- WiseOne (cross-checking)
Critique & Revision
- Poe.com (create bot for your feedback needs)
Reading Comprehension
Keeping current with AI
John Mikton on Social Media
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jmikton/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/jmikton
Web: beyonddigital.org
Dan Taylor on social media:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/appsevents
Twitter: https://twitter.com/appdkt
Web: www.appsevents.com
Listen on: iTunes / Podbean / Stitcher / Spotify / YouTube
Would you like to have a free 1 month trial of the new Google Workspace Plus (formerly G Suite Enterprise for Education)? Just fill out this form and we’ll get you set up bit.ly/GSEFE-Trial
Sunday Mar 31, 2024
Sunday Mar 31, 2024
In this conversation, Kim and Christina, authors of 'Finding Your Path as a Woman in School Leadership,' provide invaluable insights for educators and leaders in international schools. Drawing from their experience as international school educators and leaders, they share the experiences that inspired their book. This discussion delves into the challenges and achievements encountered by women navigating the landscape of international school leadership, offering unique perspectives and guidance for women exploring educational leadership roles in an international setting.
About Kim Cofino
Kim has been an educator in international schools since August 2000. Having lived and worked in Germany, Malaysia, Thailand and Japan, Kim has had a variety of roles in international schools, including (her favorite) instructional coach. Now based in Bangkok, Thailand, Kim is the Founder and CEO of Eduro Learning, author of Finding Your Path as a Woman in School Leadership (Routledge), host of the #coachbetter podcast, and the creator of the Eduro Learning The Coach, Women Who Lead, and COETAIL certificate programs. Find out more about Kim and Eduro at: https://www.edurolearning.com.
Kim Cofino on Social Media
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimcofino/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/superkimbo/
EduroLearning LI: https://www.linkedin.com/company/eduro-learning
EduroLearning Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/edurolearning/
Resources
KimCofino.com
Eduro Learning
#coachbetter podcast
Finding Your Path as a Woman in School Leadership (Routledge): includes links to substack, Book Study, Book Reviews, etc
Fostering a Culture of Growth and Belonging: The Multi-Faceted Impact of Instructional Coaching in International Schools (recent book chapter I wrote)
About Dr. Christina Botbyl
Dr. Christina Botbyl is an experienced teaching and learning leader in international education. She is a facilitator with the National School Reform Faculty leading Critical Friends Group coaches training and is currently the Chief Academic Director at an international school.
John Mikton on Social Media
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jmikton/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/jmikton
Web: beyonddigital.org
Dan Taylor on social media:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/appsevents
Twitter: https://twitter.com/appdkt
Web: www.appsevents.com
Listen on: iTunes / Podbean / Stitcher / Spotify / YouTube
Would you like to have a free 1 month trial of the new Google Workspace Plus (formerly G Suite Enterprise for Education)? Just fill out this form and we’ll get you set up bit.ly/GSEFE-Trial
Saturday Mar 16, 2024
Saturday Mar 16, 2024
A conversation with Wolfgang, Brian, and Garland to gain deeper insights into their project, "Technology Readiness Council: Building". The TRC (https://technologyreadiness.org/) support schools with the capacity for Educational Innovation through Technology. This discussion focuses on Professional Learning and School Improvement Planning. We explore the origins of their project and how they chose to collaborate on it. Additionally, each member shares their personal thoughts on the future of digital environments and ecosystems in schools, particularly looking ahead to the year 2024.
Guests:
About Wolfgang Soeldner
ICT Campus Partner, International School of Geneva
Wolfgang is an experienced educational technology professional with over 18 years of experience in managing, developing, and integrating technology systems in schools. He has served in various leadership roles in international schools, including Head of Global Education, Secondary Technology & Learning Coordinator, Head of Learning Resources & Technology Coach, and Whole Campus Technology Coordinator. Wolfgang has developed and executed distance learning programs, implemented one-to-one iPad programs, and led the integration of educational technology across various schools. He holds a Post Graduate Certificate in Education and is certified as an Apple Distinguished Educator, Microsoft Innovative Educator + Trainer, and Google Certified Educator Level 1 and 2. Wolfgang is proud to be serving as a Board Member of the Technology Readiness Council (TRC).
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wsoeldner/
About Brian Lockwood
Director of Technology International School Manila
With over two decades of experience in educational technology, Brian has contributed his expertise to private schools in the United States and international educational institutions across Asia, Europe, and North America. Renowned for his divergent thinking, Brian possesses an ability to discern patterns and devise solutions for intricate problems that have yet to surface. His analytical prowess extends to dissecting problems from both user and network perspectives, enabling him to articulate elegant solutions to multifaceted challenges. Drawing from his upbringing as a Third Culture Kid, he brings a profound understanding of the students' lives in international school settings.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/how2what4/
About Garland Green
Director of Technology Southwick-Tolland-Granville Regional School District
Garland has over twenty years of experience in educational technology in his native United States and abroad, serving as an educational technologist, school administrator, network engineer, and Director of Information Technology. He is a fierce advocate of the digital privacy of children and a certified GDPR Data Protection Officer. Garland’s area of concentration is on instructional leadership, educational technology, leaders’ impact on student learning, and the role leaders play in ensuring the digital privacy of the individual. Garland is proud to serve as a founder, and the Chairman of the Board of the Technology Readiness Council (TRC).
LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/garland-h-green-jr-1523ab2/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ggreenaz
Resources:
https://technologyreadiness.org/
https://talk.techdirector.org/
Membership Info: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1nVrFaTrwWVT-XjD3mPGMOg9mFXDNL8g2/view?usp=sharing
John Mikton on Social Media
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jmikton/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/jmikton
Web: beyonddigital.org
Dan Taylor on social media:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/appsevents
Twitter: https://twitter.com/appdkt
Web: www.appsevents.com
Listen on: iTunes / Podbean / Stitcher / Spotify / YouTube
Would you like to have a free 1 month trial of the new Google Workspace Plus (formerly G Suite Enterprise for Education)? Just fill out this form and we’ll get you set up bit.ly/GSEFE-Trial