KEDC Podcast Empowering EdTalks

AI Summit - Christy Hoots - Lesson Planning With a Co‑Pilot: How AI Helps Teachers Build Clarity and Structure

What if AI could give you more of the one thing every teacher needs—time? In this episode, AI Summit presenter Christy Hoots shares how she’s using Microsoft Copilot to streamline lesson planning, allowing her to spend less time creating materials and more time where it matters most: working one-on-one with students. Hear how AI is helping make teaching more efficient while strengthening meaningful classroom connections. If you’re looking for practical ways to save time without sacrificing student engagement, you won’t want to miss this conversation.

Breanna Adams - I can do that in Canva?

Can Canva do that? According to AI Summit presenter Breanna Adams, absolutely. In this episode, Breanna gives a preview of her AI Summit session, “You Can Do That in Canva?” and shares how she’s using Canva’s growing collection of AI tools to create more engaging, interactive classroom experiences. From saving time on lesson planning to designing activities that capture students’ attention, you’ll discover practical ways educators can put Canva’s newest features to work right away. If you’ve ever thought Canva was just for making graphics, this conversation might change your mind.

Perceptual Learning - A fresh take on an older idea

A group of educators want you to think about how we traditionally teach math. A student memorizes that 3 + 4 = 7. They can get the answer right on a worksheet, but do they actually understand what 7 means? Perceptual learning is about helping students see the relationships behind the numbers. Instead of memorizing facts, students begin to recognize patterns: • 3 + 4 = 7 • 4 + 3 = 7 • 5 + 2 = 7 • 10 - 3 = 7 Now they’re not just calculating. They’re seeing how numbers relate to one another. Take multiplication. A traditional approach might teach that: 6 × 8 = 48 A perceptual learning approach helps students recognize that: • 6 groups of 8 is the same as 8 groups of 6 • 6 × 8 is double 3 × 8 • 6 × 8 is 6 × (4 + 4) Students begin to notice patterns and structures that mathematicians naturally see. The goal isn’t for students to memorize hundreds of facts. The goal is for them to develop “mathematical vision.” When a mathematician looks at a problem, they don’t just see numbers. They see relationships, patterns, shortcuts, and connections. Perceptual learning helps students build that same ability. That’s why the graphic says “Teach the cognitive skills of seeing and hearing so that math is understood.” In other words: Don’t just teach students the answer. Teach them to see why the answer makes sense.

KEDC 2nd Annual AI Summit Keynote Speaker - Brian Buffington

Brian Buffington brings the kind of energy that makes people want to be in the room. In our conversation, he talked about using AI not to replace the human side of education, but to bring more of it back. His focus is on helping teachers create experiences students cannot just Google, copy, or click through. He also made a powerful point about students needing connection now more than ever. AI can help teachers save time, brainstorm ideas, and create more engaging lessons, but the real magic still comes from educators building relationships, creating memorable moments, and helping students feel like they belong. That is exactly the kind of conversation we want at the KEDC AI Summit.

Dr. Jordyne Carmack discusses keeping humanity in an AI world

Dr. Jordyne Carmack is a dynamic communication strategist, educator, andthought leader who empowers individuals and organizations to thrive throughtransformative learning experiences. As the Founder and CEO of AuthentiLEAD,Dr. Carmack delivers coaching and workshops on authentic leadership,communication skills, and personal branding, specializing in fostering genuineconnections in an increasingly automated world. She is the creator of FutureReady Teams, an applied AI development program that helps mission-drivenorganizations move from change fatigue and resistance to confident technologyadoption through practical, skills-based training.An popular speaker and recognized expert in authentic leadership, Dr. Carmack’sinsights have been featured at conferences, including her TEDx talk, “EmbracingAuthenticity in an Artificial World.” Her research and practical applications ofauthenticity focus on helping leaders embrace self-awareness and transparentdecision-making as a competitive edge. She is an expert in using assessmentbased solutions to connect and empower teams to communicate with excellence.Dr. Carmack taught Communication Arts full-time for seven years at theundergraduate level early in her career, cultivating future leaders andcommunicators. She now shares her expertise at the doctoral level, teachingCurrent Trends and Issues in Leadership, where she guides emerging scholars andprofessionals in navigating the complexities of modern leadership challenges.Dr. Carmack brings a rich academic background to her work, holding a Ph.D. inLeadership from the University of the Cumberlands and an M.S. in IntegratedMarketing Communication from West Virginia University. Her academic andprofessional journey reflects her passion for cultivating human-centered, valuedriven leadership across industries and communities.Beyond her professional endeavors, Dr. Carmack is a dedicated community leaderand advocate. She serves as the Executive Director of Leadership Tri-County andsits on the Strategic Advisory Board for the Women’s Business Center of Kentucky.A recipient of accolades such as Central Kentucky’s Remarkable Woman Awardand the Young Professionals of Lake Cumberland’s 40 under 40, Dr. Carmackexemplifies excellence in leadership, service, and innovation.