Finding Balance with AI, Embracing Multimodal Learning, and the Nostalgia of Floppy Disks

Video for Intervention, Edufluencing, and the Origin of "Country Joe"

Episode Description In this episode of The Lecture Is Dead Podcast, Joe Wolff and Ryan Kochevar are joined by educator Heather Brown to explore how creativity, technology, and hands-on learning can make school more meaningful for students. The conversation dives into STEAM education, real-world learning connections, student engagement, and how teachers can embrace play, experimentation, and technology in the classroom. In This Episode: * How STEAM learning helps students build collaboration and problem-solving skills * Connecting classroom learning to students' real interests and experiences * Using video and creative technology tools to increase student engagement * Why play, experimentation, and productive struggle matter in learning * Heather's journey from classroom teacher to nationally recognized edtech presenter and EduGuardians cofounder Guest: Heather Brown — Elementary Educator and Co-Founder of the EduGuardians Heather is an elementary educator with over fifteen years of experience and a master's degree in instructional design and technology. She travels all over the United States presenting about how to make learning more engaging and exciting for students. In addition to teaching and presenting, she is also a cofounder of the EduGuardians and a copy editor and interior book designer for TeacherGoals. Resources & Links Heather Brown [https://www.linkedin.com/in/heathergbrown/] About the Podcast Two former educators. One big question: If the lecture is dead, what comes next? A bi-weekly podcast on reimagining teaching as active, creative, and human. Credits Hosted by Joe Wolff and Ryan Kochevar Produced by WeVideo Edited by ThrottleUp Media Subscribe & Follow 📌 Follow The Lecture Is Dead on your favorite podcast platform 🌐 Learn more at https://lectureisdead.com/ [https://lectureisdead.com/]

Finding Balance with AI, Embracing Multimodal Learning, and the Nostalgia of Floppy Disks

Episode Description In this episode of The Lecture Is Dead Podcast, Joe Wolff and Ryan Kochevar are joined by educator and Canva Learning Consultant Janice Wintermyer to explore how teaching is evolving in the age of AI and multimodal learning. The conversation dives into how educators can find balance with AI tools while still prioritizing student creativity, how traditional assignments like essays can be transformed into podcasts and other real-world media, and why nostalgia for early tech like floppy disks still offers meaningful perspective on today's rapidly changing classroom. In This Episode: * Finding balance between AI use and preserving student creativity * Turning traditional writing assignments into multimodal, real-world learning experiences like podcasts and digital storytelling * How educators can use technology to move beyond information delivery into student creation and engagement * The importance of teaching students how to use AI responsibly and in moderation * Reflections on early classroom technology, from floppy disks to modern ed tech tools Guest: Janice Wintermyer — Canva Learning Consultant Janice is a former ELA teacher and instructional technology coach with over a decade of classroom experience across middle and high school settings. She now works globally with educators to help them integrate Canva and other creative tools into their teaching practice. Her work focuses on empowering students as creators while helping teachers design more engaging, efficient, and multimodal learning experiences. Resources & Links Janice Wintermyer [https://www.linkedin.com/in/janicewintermyer/] About the Podcast Two former educators. One big question: If the lecture is dead, what comes next? A bi-weekly podcast on reimagining teaching as active, creative, and human. Credits Hosted by Joe Wolff and Ryan Kochevar Produced by WeVideo Edited by ThrottleUp Media Subscribe & Follow 📌 Follow The Lecture Is Dead on your favorite podcast platform 🌐 Learn more at https://lectureisdead.com/ [https://lectureisdead.com/]

Future-Ready Skills, Design Learning, and the Simple Beauty of an Oxford Comma

In this episode of "The Lecture Is Dead Podcast," hosts Joe Wolff and Ryan Kochevar explore future readiness with English teacher, Rich Bertrand. Tune into this rich discussion on alchemizing language arts, mathematics, and the sciences to create unmatched real-world career applications. In This Episode 1. Effective design learning with summative assessments 2. Creating relevant, cross-disciplinary future readiness experiences 3. Mediating big tech in the real world Guests Rich Bertrand — Grade 10 and 11 English Teacher, Clarkstown Central School District Georgetown University and SUNY New Paltz grad and educator, Rich Bertrand, empowers students to become future-ready by creating dynamic learning spaces that bridge the humanities with STEM. Resources & Links Rich Bertrand [https://www.linkedin.com/in/rich-bertrand-792164314/] About the Podcast Two former educators. One big question: If the lecture is dead, what comes next? A bi-weekly podcast on reimagining teaching as active, creative, and human. Credits Hosted by Joe Wolff and Ryan Kochevar Produced by WeVideo Edited by ThrottleUp Media Subscribe & Follow 📌 Follow The Lecture Is Dead on your favorite podcast platform 🌐 Learn more at https://lectureisdead.com/ [https://lectureisdead.com/]

Media Literacy, Intentional Consumption, and Toy Story Talk

In this episode of "The Lecture Is Dead Podcast," hosts Joe Wolff and Ryan Kochevar speak with Alaina Clark, COO and co-founder of TeacherGoals, about why media literacy is essential for students today. They discuss practical strategies for teaching critical thinking, helping students create and evaluate media, and navigating the emotional and persuasive impacts of digital content. Clark also highlights tools and resources, including a middle-grade book that brings media literacy concepts to life through storytelling. In This Episode 1. Why media literacy is essential for students and how to integrate it into everyday lessons 2. Teaching critical thinking to evaluate digital content, including propaganda and AI-generated media 3. Strategies for helping students understand the emotional impact of media consumption 4. How creating their own media projects builds resilience and a deeper appreciation for content 5. Using storytelling and books to naturally teach media literacy concepts Guest Alaina Clark — COO and cofounder of Teacher Goals Alaina Clark joined TeacherGoals in 2017 and has played a key role in advancing the organization while spearheading new initiatives. She oversees day-to-day operations and strategic projects, bringing a strong background in science from her previous work as a bioanalytical chemist at Eli Lilly Resources & Links * TeacherGoals podcast [https://teachergoals.com/podcasts/] * Follow TeacherGoals Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/teachergoals], LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/teachergoals/], Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/teachergoals/], Pinterest [https://www.pinterest.com/teachergoals/], X [https://x.com/teachergoals/], and YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCv8nEa3h2xiAWn5d_y_HXtA] * "Gram and Gran Save the Summer [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCv8nEa3h2xiAWn5d_y_HXtA]" About the Podcast Two former educators. One big question: If the lecture is dead, what comes next? A bi-weekly podcast on reimagining teaching as active, creative, and human. Credits Hosted by Joe Wolff and Ryan Kochevar Produced by WeVideo [https://www.wevideo.com] Edited by ThrottleUp Media [https://www.throttleupmedia.com/] 📌 Follow "The Lecture Is Dead Podcast" on your favorite podcast platform 🌐 Learn more at: https://lectureisdead.com/ [https://lectureisdead.com/]

Genius Hours, Purposeful Play, and The Ballad of Coach "Koch"

In this episode of "The Lecture Is Dead Podcast," lifelong educator Ryan McGinnis shares his journey from elementary school teacher to principal and eventually to a professional development specialist working with schools across Western Pennsylvania and New York. The conversation focuses on how technology, project-based learning, and student-driven approaches can transform classrooms and empower both students and teachers. In This Episode: 1. Why focusing on what kids learn versus how they learn misses the point 2. The concept of "genius hour" and how they get students to take ownership of their learning 3. How to go beyond simple academic standards to create learning experiences Guest: Ryan McGinnis — Account Executive at WeVideo Ryan is an education expert with more than 16 years of experience under his belt. He spent time in Pennsylvania and southern New York educating students, then moving into a Principal role and technologist. He's seen all sides of an educator's experience and now uses that to support schools and teachers in his role at WeVideo. About the Podcast Two former educators. One big question: If the lecture is dead, what comes next? A bi-weekly podcast on reimagining teaching as active, creative, and human. Credits Hosted by Joe Wolff and Ryan Kochevar Produced by WeVideo Edited by ThrottleUp Media 📌 Follow "The Lecture Is Dead Podcast" on your favorite podcast platform 🌐 Learn more at: https://lectureisdead.com/ [https://lectureisdead.com/]