#38 Organizing Your Own AI Conference (and Other Tech Tips) with Chris Giles

Make It Mindful: An Education Podcast

In this thought-provoking episode of "Make It Mindful," Seth Fleischauer converses with Chris Giles, an instructional technology coach with a rich background in educational technology. Moving through various roles from a district Canvas administrator to his current position, Chris's journey reflects a deep commitment to enhancing educational experiences through technology. This episode dives into the nuanced application of technology in classrooms, particularly focusing on the mindful integration of digital tools to support and not overshadow traditional teaching methods.

Chris provides an insightful look into his approach of not pushing technology for its own sake but aligning it with the teachers' goals to enrich learning experiences. He emphasizes the importance of understanding what teachers aim to accomplish in their classrooms and how technology can facilitate these goals without becoming a crutch. The discussion explores various technological tools that have proven effective in enhancing educational practices without diluting the essence of personal teaching.

A significant portion of the conversation is dedicated to exploring the potential and challenges of integrating AI in educational settings. Chris shares practical examples of how AI can serve as an aid to not only streamline administrative tasks like creating rubrics and lesson planning but also in fostering a deeper engagement in learning among students. The dialogue critically examines the reluctance and the slow adoption rate of AI technologies among educators, attributing it to a blend of unfamiliarity with the technology and inherent fears associated with its misuse.

Listeners will gain a comprehensive understanding of the delicate balance required to integrate technology into education effectively. Chris's experiences and insights offer valuable lessons on leveraging technological tools to enhance but not replace the human elements that form the core of educational experiences. This episode is a must-listen for educators, technology enthusiasts, and anyone interested in the intersection of education and technology.

Guest Links:
Chris Giles Twitter: @ohcanadatweet

Tools Mentioned in the Episode:

1. Canvas - The Learning Management System (LMS) used by the district.
2. Canva - A design tool that includes AI features.
3. Adobe Express - A tool for creating visual content.
4. Adobe Firefly - An AI tool by Adobe.
5. WeVideo - A video creation tool.
6. Book Creator - A tool for creating digital books.
7. ChatGPT - An AI tool by OpenAI.
8. Magic School - An AI tool for creating educational content.
9. Google Gemini - A tool for generating questions from YouTube videos.
10. Turnitin - A tool for checking plagiarism and improving student writing.

Co-Host Links:
Seth Fleischauer
Founder and President of Banyan Global Learning
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/seth-fleischauer/
Website: https://banyangloballearning.com/

Lauren Pinto
Cofounder of Ambitious Ed, Educational Technology Specialist
Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauren-s-pinto/
Website: https://www.ambitioused.com/