Easy EdTech Podcast with Monica Burns

In this episode, I chat with Crystal Uhiren, an instructional technology facilitator and certified Apple Learning Coach, about keeping student thinking at the center of AI use. You'll also hear practical, low-prep strategies like the two-minute idea sort, mid-class progress pit stops, and screenshot check-ins that build accountability without adding to your workload. If you want to embrace AI while protecting the productive struggl...

In this episode, I share ten classroom book study ideas that use AI to support reading experiences from start to finish. You'll also hear how AI-powered tools can help you build background knowledge, introduce vocabulary, spark discussion, create paired passages, and gather student feedback in any subject. If you want to use AI for book studies in practical and engaging ways, this episode has you covered!

In this episode, I chat with Alper Donmez, VP of Quality Assurance at Jotform, about how the platform is building accessibility into every layer of the form creation and form filling experience. You'll also hear what Jotform's built-in accessibility checker catches that you might not expect, how the team supports users who rely on screen readers and keyboard navigation, and why accessibility should be the starting point of your pro...

In this episode, I chat with Lori Cohen, education consultant, coach, and author of The Science of Lesson Planning, about what the science of lesson planning looks like in the age of AI. You'll also hear her human first, human last approach to using AI as a planning companion, where AI falls short, and how rituals can make planning feel sustainable instead of overwhelming. If you want to strengthen yo...

In this episode, I chat with Erlend Klouman Høiner, a former teacher and co-founder of WeWillWrite, and Bonnie Watson, a fourth grade language arts teacher, about making back-to-school writing something students beg to do. You'll also hear how short, live writing sessions put every student on equal footing, why building a writing routine from the first weeks of school pays off all year long, and how anonymous peer voting helps stud...

In this episode, I share one of my favorite ways to introduce AI images with a quick "guess the prompt" activity I've used with thousands of educators in workshops and webinars. You'll also hear an excerpt from the second edition of EdTech Essentials on three reasons to try AI images (replacing a search, upgrading old resources, and explaining complex topics), plus the tools I reach for when creating an image. If you want a simple,...

In this episode, I chat with Dr. Deborah Higdon and Dr. Chacko Abraham about father engagement and how schools can intentionally engage fathers to build stronger school communities. You'll also hear no-cost, hit-the-ground-running strategies from their new book, The Dad Difference, including the power of using father-friendly language and choosing the right communication tools to reach every family. If you want practical ideas for ...

In this episode, I share practical ways to use AI to support student readers across content areas and in the reading classroom, from creating audio companions to designing interactive reading activities. You'll also hear how tools like AI-powered podcasts, text-to-speech, quizzes, visuals, and reader's theater scripts can help you scale support while keeping learning goals front and center. If you want to use AI to make reading mor...

In this episode, I share a quick introduction to vibe coding and five websites I recently built with the help of AI. You'll also hear how I used Claude, Gemini, and Google Sites to turn simple ideas into working tools without traditional coding skills. If you want to try vibe coding and create a useful website, app, or classroom resource of your own, this episode has you covered!

Show notes: https://c...

In this episode, I chat with Heidi Samuelson, instructional technology coach for two elementary schools in Tennessee, about how to mix and match EdTech tools for stronger, more intentional student projects. You'll also hear a step-by-step breakdown of a multi-app project using, plus practical strategies for keeping workflows simple, modeling transitions between apps, and focusing on depth over quantity. If you want ideas for combin...

In this episode, I chat with Dr. Gene Kerns, Chief Academic Officer at Renaissance, about instructional coherence and how AI can help connect the assessment, curriculum, and practice tools that too often live in separate places. You'll also hear why having more data isn't the same as having useful data, what to look for when evaluating an AI-powered tool, and how Renaissance Intelligence aims to make personalized learning doable at...

In this episode, I share ten easy-to-use AI prompts for families to try for everyday activities, from planning day trips and creating bedtime stories to helping with homework and weekly meal planning. You'll also hear how to model responsible AI use with your kids and customize each prompt for better results. If you're looking for simple ways to start using AI as a family, this episode has you covered!

In this episode, I chat with Sheila Dokken, Coordinator of Prevention and Safety for a large district in Minnesota, about how AI can support educator wellness and emotional intelligence instead of just adding more to an already full plate. You'll also hear about her PRISM framework for moving from overwhelm to clarity, plus the idea of owning your 10% and using AI as a reflective thought partner during high-stress moments. If you w...

In this episode, I share practical tips for hosting a virtual book study that feels supportive, focused, and doable for busy educators. You'll also hear strategies for choosing a clear purpose, setting flexible expectations, and keeping momentum going with warm-ups, discussion prompts, and optional action steps. If you want to design a virtual book study that teachers actually enjoy and want to stick with, this episode has you cove...

In this episode, I chat with Melinda Glowacki, a supervisor at the UCI School of Education, about leading meaningful coaching discussions with educators around AI integration. You'll also hear her approach to drafting AI guidance that centers critical thinking over compliance, plus a powerful coaching move that invites educators into reflective dialogue instead of shutting down discussion. If you want practical strategies for AI co...

In this episode, I share four chatbot strategies for teachers to go beyond basic prompts and get more meaningful results. You'll also hear how to assign a role, refine responses through conversation, use the "ask me questions" technique, and transform existing materials with file uploads. If you want to use AI as a collaborative partner to save time and create stronger classroom resources, this episode has you covered!

In this episode, I share my favorite Google Slides for teachers tips, from customizing layouts to creating interactive lessons. You'll also hear tips on using speaker notes, hyperlinking images, and designing collaborative projects to enhance student engagement. If you want to make the most of this free and versatile EdTech tool, this episode has you covered!

Show notes: https://classtechtips.com/202...

In this episode, I chat with Dr. Gina Tesoriero, a researcher and former middle school special education teacher, about how AI tools like ChatGPT can serve as powerful supports for students with disabilities and neurodiverse learners. You'll also hear findings from her dissertation research on how young adults with special education experiences are already using AI in creative ways, plus the unique ethical considerations that come ...

In this episode, I share how to use AI tools to quickly create classroom infographics that make complex information easier for students to understand. You'll also hear about specific tools, practical prompt examples, and tips for designing visuals that align with your students' needs. If you want to save time while creating engaging, student-friendly visuals, this episode has you covered!

Show notes:&...