Apps & Apples Podcast

In this episode, featuring Mayo Elementary School's first grade teachers April Crovo and Katie Auld, we explore taking chances with technology. Our guests offer insights into establishing consistent routines from the beginning of the school year, setting the stage for student success. Through engaging anecdotes and practical tips, they demonstrate how integrating technology tools can make a significant impact on literacy development. From storytelling in WeVideo to immersive learning adventures in Minecraft, and creative expression in Wixie, these educators showcase the power of technology in cultivating both literacy and digital skills in young learners.  (~18 mins)

Episode 13 - Slide Away From Slides

Google Slides excels in traditional presentations and straightforward lectures, yet it can become vexing when aiming to craft an engaging, interactive learning experience for students. Are your students inadvertently editing the wrong slide? Do they frequently resize objects instead of moving them as intended? Are you weary of managing separate files for students and teachers? In this episode, featuring OIT's Kerri Lambert, explore alternative teaching tools that offer enhanced engagement and interaction for students, all while minimizing frustration for both you and your learners.  (~22 mins)

Episode 12 - Our Tiniest Techies and Bringing Joy Back

Join us as we delve into the wonderful world of Kindergarten and how Hillsmere Elementary teacher, Sheila Norris, introduces her tiny techies to their Chromebooks and creating digital projects. Over the course of a school year Sheila takes her students from logging in and creating in Wixie to making videos in Adobe Express and modeling math concepts in Minecraft! Even now, she's still in awe, and you will be too, at just how much our littlest learners are capable of when given the chance and freedom to express themselves digitally. (~22 mins)

Episode 11 - Cosmetechnology at CAT-North: A Cut Above The Rest

When asked about using technology in the classroom, Tracey Martinez, Cosmetology teacher at the Center of Applied Technology - North, says "Embrace what is and not what was... technology is not the future, it's the present. Teaching without technology is hard and learning technology is hard - pick your hard..." In this episode Tracey candidly expresses her hesitation to integrate tech and why she took the leap with Lumio by SMART but also celebrates how far she has come, how it has helped engage students and what she's looking forward to learning next! (~23 mins)

Episode 10 - Coding and Podcasting in 3rd Grade

In this episode, we have the pleasure to chat with Megen Salerno, 3rd grade teacher at Arnold Elementary. She discusses three projects she has tried so far with students and how they went with her students from the beginning of the year until now. She covers scaffolding the projects, when she fits them into the curriculum and timing of the day, and how she reflects on the lessons to make improvements. (~20 mins)

Episode 9 - Creative Projects in Social Studies

Annapolis High School social studies teachers, Ryan Knowlton and PJ Shuey, share the evolution of their instructional technology journey from the first time they used Minecraft to their most recent project in Wixie. Ryan and PJ offer a candid look at how they got started and where they plan on taking their new found confidence in using technology for creative projects. (~23 mins)

Episode 8 - Test Prep for Testing Season

Darren Towers, LMS Specialist, makes his debut on the podcast as he discusses the benefits to using Nearpod and Brightspace for formative assessments and state testing practice. Learn about the Creator Plus elements and Quiz options offered and how to utilize them to optimize student practice and build digital skills. Episode includes ideas for differentiation and student scaffolding. (~19 mins)

Link: Nearpod Test Prep Toolkit.

Episode 7 - Materials of Instruction 101

Paige Richardson, Materials of Instruction Technician for AACPS, shares her knowledge about the process for evaluating materials and resources for our students to use. Learn about where to check to see if websites are approved for use, and for which age groups. Hear about the steps involved in ensuring digital and print materials are safe and accessible. In this episode, you will gain an understanding of the rationale and procedures behind this important part of curriculum development. (~19 mins)

Episode 6 - Intro to Generative A.I.

Join hosts Sam and Koralina in an enlightening conversation with AACPS's Danny McKinney as they delve into the world of generative artificial intelligence. Discover what A.I. truly entails and gain insights into its effective utilization through prompt engineering within the classroom setting. Uncover the nuances of potential bias and learn why your unique perspective and expertise play a pivotal role in harnessing the full power of these transformative tools. (~27 mins)

Episode 5 - Accessiblity in Tech & The Purple Puzzle Piece

Sam and Koralina interview AACPS's Kaity Luisi, about her experience as an Assistive Technology Specialist.  Kaity talks about "teaching to the edges", what to be mindful of when creating lessons, and about the magical purple puzzle piece in our Chrome browser. (~24 mins)

Episode 4 - Minecraft: More Than a Game

Sam and Koralina interview another Teacher Specialist, Tracey Brown about her experience using Minecraft Education for student projects last year. Tracey discusses what she learned, why she loved it and how it has inspired what she's doing with Minecraft now. (~21 mins)

Episode 3 - The Folks Behind Brightspace

Sam and Koralina interview our LMS Teacher Specialist, Morgan Thompson and learn about what new features Brightspace has to offer, as well as, how Morgan would set up her course knowing what she knows now. (~16 mins)

Episode 2 - Who Are We?

Sam and Koralina introduce themselves and discuss how they came into teaching, what they do now and where they think instructional technology and education are heading. (~20 mins)

Episode 1 - Sphero Bolt

Sam and Koralina discuss using the Sphero BOLT instructional robot to make content connections in middle school science and outline their top tips and trick for using the BOLT in your own classroom.  (~18 mins)