Thursday, August 3, 2017

Ep 54 - Tara Hunt: "Get out of your comfort zone"

Image result for tara hunt

Tara Hunt is currently the President and Founder of Truly Social Inc (the best place for businesses to learn how to dive into the digital world) and is the host of "Truly Social with Tara", YouTube video series to help people understand and "get" what it means to be social in the digital world. Tara is also the author of "The Power of Social Networking: Using the Whuffie Factor to Build Your Business", a book about harnessing the power of the web to increase Whuffie, a currency based on reputation (being nice and/or notable). 

Listen in to hear what Tara has to say about the work she is currently doing, the work she had been doing before starting Truly Social and her YouTube video series, what it's like to hire people, what got her into social media, how she feels about having been deep in social media before we knew what it was, memes and viral videos, her book, what motivates her day to day, her involvement in politics and the Trudeau campaign, how school boards can better use social media to connect with their families, the first time she used the internet, what she would say to someone to help them find motivation/inspiration, what she feels like when she speaks publicly, the mispronouncing of Whuffie, and whether she would start her own podcast 


You can listen to the podcast here.


Tara's TEDx talk (https://youtu.be/zykK0oUS8aw):



You can connect with Tara on Twitter (@missrogue), her website (www.tarahunt.com), and on YouTube (Truly Social with Tara video series) https://goo.gl/Ah9YEH. Learn more about Truly Social Inc and what they do at www.trulysocial.ca. If you are interested in learning more about Tara's book, you can find it on Amazon (https://goo.gl/igbacL).

Tuesday, July 11, 2017

Ep 53 - Ed Campos Jr: "I would invite them to hangout with us"

Image result for ed campos jr twitter

Ed Campos Jr is a High School Math Teacher in California. After earning a B.Sc in Math/Applied Science (Actuarial Plan) and a Minor in Computer Programming, he set out into corporate America enjoying the travel, pay, and the challenges that came with his work. After a few years of being out in the 'real' world, Ed realized that he needed more than financial compensation. He saw himself as a natural educator so he became a Math teacher and has never looked back.

Listen in to what he has to say about his name and what he prefers to be called, his journey growing up in Central California - studying at UCLA - entering into the work force (and the impact that 911 had on him) - and then becoming a teacher, the first time he used the internet, how the #straightouttacampos idea/design/nickname came to be, what generally motivates him, his involvement with CUE - Computer Using Educators (http://www.cue.org/), his connection with Brown University, having his own podcast, and what he might say to others to help them find motivation (ex. disconnect and go for a hike, hit the beach, take time to be alone with your thoughts)

You can read more about #straightouttacampos and his class redesign here (goo.gl/nRWy7c).

You can listen to Ep 53 of the podcast here.

You can connect with Ed on Twitter @edcamposjr or via email edcamposjr@gmail.com.

Thursday, July 6, 2017

Ep 52 - Dr. Will Deyamport, III: "What replenishes your spark and sense of wonder?"

Image result for dr will deyamport
Dr. Will Deyamport III is a K-12 Instructional Technologist with the Hattiesburg Public School District in Mississippi. He is a connected educator with a background in the use of social media to reach an audience and connect with people. His passion for education and digital media is serving him well as he works to transform classroom practices to enhance the learning experiences of the teachers and students he works with. His understanding of the power of social media led him to his doctoral dissertation (Capella University) which was all about implementing a Twitter supported PLN to individualize professional development. Aside from his work as an educator, he also has his own Podcast entitled The Dr. Will Show (www.thedrwillshow.com).

Listen in to hear what Dr. Will has to say about his show (Podcast) The Dr. Will Show, his work as an Instructional Technologist, his interest in doing a podcast full time, how he chooses who he would like to have on his podcast, what generally motivates him, the path he took that has led him to his current work as an Instructional Technologist, his work as a social strategist and how his first podcast came to life, his Doctorate in Educational Leadership and how it came to be, his perspective regarding the 'openness' to tech integration in the classroom, diversity/variety of speakers at Edtech conferences, and what he would say to others to help them find motivation/inspiration.

You can listen to Ep 52 of the podcast here.

You can read Will's dissertation here and you can check out his podcast here.

You can connect with Will via Twitter (@iamDrWill), LinkedIn, and his website (www.thedrwillshow.com)

Friday, June 23, 2017

Ep 51 - Jennifer Casa-Todd: "Seek out people who are inspiring"

Image result for jennifer casa todd

Jennifer Casa-Todd is a Teacher Librarian in Aurora, Ontario. Prior to her current role, she worked as a Program Resource Teacher for Literacy and as a Literacy Consultant. She worked with teachers from K to 12 to integrate technology in the classroom to support literacy, assessment and differentiation, and to promote 21st century competencies. Jennifer is the author of a newly released book entitled Social LEADia: Moving Students from Digital Citizenship to Digital Leadership.

Listen in to hear what Jennifer has to say about being a Teacher Librarian in a High School, her concussion and recovery, writing a book, the importance of inviting students to be part of the process, the Voxer app and its potential for learning/connecting, the use of Flipgrid for ongoing dialogue with respect to her book, what motivates her, what she will be presenting at ISTE, becoming a GEG Ontario Leader, and what she would say to someone to help them find motivation.

You can listen to the podcast here.

You can order a copy of her book from Amazon. You can explore additional resources for the book at socialleadia.org.

You can connect with Jennifer on Twitter (@JCasaTodd) and her at her blog jencasatodd.com.

Wednesday, June 21, 2017

Ep 50 - Allie Ruby: "How do you feel right now? How do you want to feel?"



Allie Ruby works in Information Management for a research company in Des Moine, Iowa. Aside from her day job, she is a power lifter. She embarked on a journey a couple of years ago to transform herself (body and mind) and has found success. She has been sharing her journey on Instagram and has gained quite a following. Her posts provide a lot of insight and nuggets of wisdom.

Listen in to hear what Allie has to say about the series of events that led her to want to transform herself, her degree in genetics from the University of Iowa and learning how to learn, using social media to hold herself accountable, document her transformation journey, and to connect with people on a global scale, human needs, fulfillment, and helping people, her experience with YouTube and how it is helping people, what motivates her, the story of her tattoos, what she would say to help others find motivation, how the people around her dealt with her transformation, why people don't do what they really want to do.

Check out the article written about Allie on Bodybuilding.com.

You can listen to the podcast here.

You can connect with Allie via email (allierubyfit@gmail.com) and/or Instagram (@ididitformyself).

Thursday, June 15, 2017

Ep 49 - Leigh Cassell: "What makes you happy?"

Leigh Cassell

Leigh Cassel is a Technology Coach with the Avon Maitland District School Board. First and foremost, Leigh is a mom! Her role as a Technology Coach has her supporting technology integrated learning from K-8. She is also founder and president of the Human Digital Library, and co founder of A Kids Guide to Canada.

Listen in to hear what Leigh has to say about her day job and the work she does on the periphery, her experiences with the Teacher Learning and Leadership Program (TLLP), the work she did in Education before becoming a Tech Coach, what motivates and inspires her, her work with A Kids Guide to Canada and the amazing things coming out of it, the Digital Human Library and how it came to be, her teaching practice and how it has transformed since integrating video conferencing, and what she would say to someone if they asked her to to help them find motivation and inspiration.

You can listen to the podcast here.

You can connect with Leigh on Twitter (@LeighCassel) or (@akgtCanada), at the Kids Guide to Canada website (www.akgtcanada.com), and at the Human Digital Library (www.digitalhumanlibrary.org).

Tuesday, May 23, 2017

Ep 48 - Tan Huynh: "Start with questions and continue with questions."


Tan Huynh is an ELL teacher in Laos. His story of how he ended up in Education is an interesting one. Never intending on becoming a teacher, Tan felt a pull to the profession. In his 10 year career, he has tried to go in other directions but just kept getting dragged back to teaching.

Listen in to what Tan has to say about starting out as a Teach for America teacher in New Orleans, his background and how he was one of the last boat people (South of Saigon) and ended up in Pennsylvania, his studies at Dickinson College and his Mother's perspective on the fact that he is an educator, his journey back to the part of the world where he came from, his current teaching assignment, his name and the proper pronunciation of it, making sure kids (particularly ELLs) fit in and feel at home, being so much more than teachers (service to the community), what motivates him, his thoughts on what is the most important thing he has learned so far as a teacher, and what he might say to others to help them find motivation.  

You can listen to the Podcast here.

You can connect with Tan on Twitter (@TanELLclass) and at his website (www.empoweringells.com).

Sunday, May 7, 2017

Ep 47 - Mike Farwell: "Do what you love, life is short"

Mike Farwell

Mike Farwell is a radio broadcaster in Kitchener, Ontario. On weekday mornings (5am - 10am) you can catch Mike on Country 106.7 and on 570 News. If mornings don't work well for you, you can find him and his colour commentary of the OHL Kitchener Rangers on 570 News on Friday nights and Sunday afternoons. During the month of May, you can find Mike in the community busy with the "Farwell 4 Hire in Support of Cystic Fibrosis Research" campaign where he does whatever work people want him to do in return for a donation.

Mike Farwell

Listen in to hear what Mike has to say about how he earns a living, the excitement he experiences being a play by play announcer for the Kitchener Rangers, his path to becoming a radio broadcaster, what motivates him, what it feels like to be approached by strangers in the community, Farwell 4 Hire in Support of Cystic Fibrosis Research, what kind of work he would want to do if he wasn't a broadcaster, talking about the first time he used the internet, working on the radio in College, what he likes to do for fun, Farwell 4 Hire swag, and what he would say to someone to help them find their motivation.

You can listen to the podcast here.

You can connect with Mike on Twitter (@farwell_WR), Facebook, email (farwell4hire@gmail.com), and at Country1067.com.

Sunday, April 30, 2017

Ep 46 - Keith Whittier: "What is it about life that gets you excited?"

Image result for keith whittier

Born and raised in Ottawa, ON, Keith Whittier is a passionate individual. Professionally, he works for a telecommunications company. Personally, he sees several movies a week and reviews them at his website, wittywhittier.com - Aside from his love of films Keith is a big sports fan! He does movie reviews on the radio in Ottawa and contributes to Ottawa Life Magazine. 

Listen in to what Keith has to say about the work he does and what he is passionate about, Video Blogs and providing content for Ottawa Life magazine, his enjoyment of movies and his thoughts about people and their opinions, his favourite movies, when his love for movies and reviewing them started, his process (flow), his involvement with the Ottawa Redblacks Cheerleading Team, what generally motivates him, working as a movie review/vlogger, and what he would say to others to help them find motivation. 

You can listen to the podcast here.

You can connect with Keith on Twitter (@cfl_fan) and at his website (www.wittywhittier.com). Also, make sure to check out his movie reviews on the Ottawa Life site (http://www.ottawalife.com/author/keith-whittier). 

Thursday, April 20, 2017

Ep 45 - Rodney Turner: "Where are you emotionally and personally?"

Rodney Turner, M.Ed

Rodney Turner is an Educational Consultant in Phoenix, Arizona. He has a passion for modelling and facilitating the integration of Edtech with faculty, students, and families. He is a leader in his district as he researches, evaluates, and distributes technology resources; coordinates with school administration to provide school wide training; and assists with technology infused curriculum planning and leadership. Aside from his work as an educator, he is a father to two young boys!

Listen in to hear what he has to say about being an authentic social media user, the work he is currently doing as an Educational Consultant, his journey as an educator, whether he always wanted to be a teacher, what it's like to be a father to two young boys, his interest in photography, his experience working with young students (preschool), attending Edtech conferences, what motivates him, what might he say to someone asking him about motivation, the internet - his earliest recollection of it - paper books, the importance of knowing how to research things properly, what "Not wires or pliers but educational consulting that inspires" means and where it came from, and how to connect with him.

You can listen to the podcast here.

You can connect with Rodney on Twitter (@techyturner), Voxer (techyturner), and his blog "What I Know Now" (https://techyturner.blogspot.ca/).


Monday, April 17, 2017

Ep 44: Kyle Pearce: "Self reflection is required"

Kyle Pearce Professional Headshot | Math Educator Teacher Presenter Facilitator Speaker

Kyle is a Math Consultant with the Greater Essex County School Board in Windsor, ON. When Kyle stated teaching in 2006 he quickly discovered that writing on the chalkboard and using traditional teaching methods were not going to engage his students. He starting integrating technology into his teaching and found that students were engaged and learning. In 2011, thanks to TLLP funding, he began integrating iPads into his Math classroom. At the same time, he started a blog to record his process and experiences. His work in Math has flourished and has led him to becoming a sought after presenter. His little blog, "Tap Into Teen Minds", has now turned into a common place to visit to learn more about teaching Mathematics more effectively.  

Listen in to what Kyle has to say about the work he is currently doing as a K-12 Math Consultant, his experience of being out of the classroom so far, his wife's work as a teacher, when he realized that Math was a core subject for him, growth mindset and Math, moving Math from regurgitation to conceptual understanding, what motivates him, his blog (tapintoteenminds.com) and Ontario's Teacher Learning and Leadership Program (TLLP), speaking/presenting outside of his district, what he would say to others to help them find motivation, and reflection - the where and why (miracle morning),

You can listen to the podcast here.

You can connect with Kyle at his website (www.tapintoteenminds.com), on Twitter (@mathletepearce), and on Facebook (www.facebook.com/tapintoteenminds).


Tuesday, April 11, 2017

Ep 43 - Dean Shareski: "Find your unfair advantage"

Image result for dean shareski

Dean is currently the Community Manager for Discovery Education Canada. Before taking on that role, he worked as a Digital Learning Consultant with the Prairie South School Division in Moose Jaw, SK, Canada. Previous to that he taught grades K-8 for 14 years. He specializes in the use of technology in the classroom and believes teachers and students ought to use technology to connect ideas and learners in safe, relevant, authentic ways to answer questions, share ideas and develop community. In 2016, he published a book called “Embracing Cultures of Joy” which assists educators in discovering how to equip students with the skills and qualities they’ll need to achieve academic success, by bringing joy to classrooms each day.

Listen in to hear what Dean has to say about his current work as the Community Manager for Discovery Education Canada (connecting educators to each other), Twitter and connecting with people, what motivates him, respect for teachers today as compared to years ago, about his belief that technology be used to connect ideas and learners in safe, relevant, and authentic ways, his book and the philosophy behind it, learning and how it doesn't always have to be "hard", the experience of writing a book, and what he might say to someone to help them find motivation/inspiration (be more of you!). 

You can listen to the podcast here.

Feel free to connect with Dean on Twitter (@shareski), his blog (ideasandthoughts.org), or a number of other social media sites via his about.me site (about.me/shareski).

Friday, April 7, 2017

Ep 42 - Brenda Sherry: "Make new connections"


Brenda is an Education Officer with the Ontario Ministry of Education’s 21st Century Learning Unit. She has experienced a variety of positions in education prior to being seconded to the Ministry (teacher, instructional coach, and vice principal). Brenda is interested in engaging and empowering students using constructivist learning environments that bring the arts, science, math and technology together in powerful ways. She is a collaborative professional around the province, and beyond, to bring the best of learning with technology to Ontario students and teachers.

Listen in to hear what Brenda has to say about visiting Waterloo Catholic DSB to get a feel for the journey they have been on with 21st Century Learning, what led her to teaching and the journey she has been on (spec ed, classroom teacher [primary], literacy teacher, tech coach, vice principal, education officer), what led her to consider trying school administration/leadership, learning new things and accidentally preparing for future life experiences (school leadership), keeping an eye open for potential school leaders, what motivates her, her elementary and high school experience, what she would say to someone to help them find their motivation. 

You can listen to the podcast here.

You can connect with Brenda on Twitter (@brendasherry) and at her website brendasherry.com.

Thursday, March 30, 2017

Ep 41 - Kasey Bell: "Connect with people, share your voice"

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Kasey is a former middle school classroom teacher who is now a digital learning consultant in Dallas, Texas. She is also a national speaker (e.g. ISTE, FETC, TCEA), blogger (www.shakeuplearning.com), podcaster (http://googleteachertribe.com), and an author (The Teacher’s Guide to Google Classroom). She is passionate about technology and learning and it totally comes through when you interact with her. Kasey is a recipient of a Digital Innovation in Learning Award by EdSurge and Digital Promise, has been recognized as one of 20 TrustED educational thought leaders, and has been highly ranked as a EdTech and E-Learning Influencer on Twitter. 
Kasey Bell


Check out what Kasey had to say about her experiences as an educator and her current work, her website (shakeuplearning.com) and blogging, an ISTE ignite speech about "voice", doing keynotes, the importance of writing and getting your ideas out, her Judy Jetson type avatar/cartoon, what motivates her, future job prospects for our children, her podcast (Google Teacher Tribe), Google Teacher Academy experience, what she might say to people to help them find motivation, teacher professional learning (EdCamps), her ebook about Google Certifications, and visiting Canada in the future.  
You can listen to the podcast here.

You can reach Kasey on Twitter (@ShakeUpLearning), her website, www.shakeuplearning.com, or via email - kasey@shakeuplearning.com. 

Monday, March 20, 2017

Ep 40 - Andrew Campbell: "You have to bring focus and passion to what you are doing"

Image result for Andrew Campbell

Aside from being a classroom teacher in Brantford, ON, Andrew Campbell is a father, writer, and a thinker about education and technology. Andrew writes about education and technology on his blog and his thoughts on education have been published in The Toronto Star, The Globe and Mail, The Hamilton Spectator, The Brantford Expositor, on The Canadian Educational Association website, and The National Education Policy Center (US) website. He has been interviewed about education on Rogers Television, CBC, private radio, and on several podcasts. He speaks publicly about education, presents at education conferences in Canada and the US, and to parent groups in Ontario.


Listen in to hear what Andrew has to say about the work he is currently doing as a Junior teacher, being an educator, what he wanted to be when he 'grew' up, the Teaching Apprentice Program, his learning style, integrating technology into his classroom/practice, the realization of how blown away he was using the Internet, teaching overseas, what motivates/inspires him, being a writer and having his work published in newspapers, being invited to speak on the radio (French Immersion, Cell Phone Ban), good discussions, taking the kids to water parks, the experience of conforming to other customs/values/rules, what he would say to help someone find motivation/inspiration, and safe places to say whatever is on your mind. 

You can listen to the podcast here.

You can connect with Andrew on Twitter (@acampbell99) and/or at www.andrewscampbell.com.