Welcome to Digital Learning Today. In this episode, Jeff Bradbury explores the strategic systems that shape the future of education, focusing on Instructional Coaching, Artificial Intelligence, Professional Learning, and the latest Educational Technology Trends.
In this episode, Jeff Bradbury interviews K-12 tech director Chris Warden about managing technology in schools, implementing AI, and effective digital signage solutions. They discuss strategies for vetting apps, AI policies, and fostering community among tech professionals.
Become a High-Impact Leader:
This episode is just the beginning. To get the complete blueprint for designing and implementing high-impact systems in your district, get your copy of my book, "Impact Standards."
- Strategic Vision for Digital Learning:Learn how to create a district-wide vision that aligns digital learning with your educational goals, transforming how standards-based instruction is designed and supported.
- Curriculum Design and Implementation:Discover practical strategies for integrating digital learning into existing curricula, creating vertical alignment of skills, and mapping digital learning across grade levels.
- Effective Instructional Coaching:Master the art of coaching people rather than technology, building relationships that drive success, and measuring impact through student engagement rather than just technology usage.
Purchase your copy of “Impact Standards” on Amazon today!
Chapters:
- 00:00 - Introduction (Jeff + Chris Warden)
- 01:02 - Chris Warden’s role + district overview
- 01:39 - Conferences + professional learning opportunities
- 02:53 - The biggest challenges in K–12 tech right now
- 04:18 - Vetting apps/websites (district approval process)
- 05:45 - Supporting AI use + content creation in schools
- 07:58 - Data privacy + the right questions to ask vendors
- 09:17 - Rise Vision: district-wide digital signage at scale
- 11:27 - The future of AI in schools + building policy
- 13:06 - AI committees + teacher/student engagement
- 15:29 - Supporting AI across elementary, middle, and high school
- 17:26 - Creating AI PD and support resources for staff
- 18:43 - AI concerns: cheating, trust, and classroom implications
- 19:45 - Access disparities + preparing students for the future
- 22:02 - Elementary AI use cases + where this is heading
- 22:54 - Building community for K–12 tech directors
- 24:53 - Go-to resources + communities for school tech support
- 28:20 - Advice for tech directors before the new school year
Resources Mentioned in This Episode:
About our Guest: Chris Warden
Chris Warden is a K-12 Technology Director in Missouri with over 20 years of experience leading school district technology programs. He is the founder of K12TechPro, a community focused on supporting school technology departments. Chris also co-hosts the K12 Tech Talk Podcast, where he shares insights on cybersecurity, edtech trends, and real-world challenges facing K-12 IT departments. He is passionate about helping districts make smarter technology decisions and strengthening collaboration across the K-12 tech community.
Links of Interest
About Rise Vision
Rise Vision helps you communicate, teach, and improve safety affordably with easy cloud-based digital signage, screen sharing, and emergency alerts—all backed by world-class support and flexible hardware options.
Most schools struggle to communicate effectively and keep their students engaged. Rise Vision provides an easy-to-use platform with digital signage, screen sharing, and emergency alerts to improve communication, teaching, and create a positive school culture.
Most schools face challenges with communication, teaching, and safety, which impact their ability to create an engaging and positive learning environment.
- Poor Communication:Schools struggle to ensure students, staff, and parents stay informed about announcements, events, and opportunities. Traditional methods like printed posters or emails often go unnoticed, and inconsistent messaging across the district creates confusion.
- Underutilized Technology:Expensive interactive flat panels and other classroom tools are often used as basic displays, failing to deliver their promised value. Teachers lack intuitive, affordable tools to collaborate and engage students effectively.
- Safety Concerns:Many schools lack streamlined, reliable systems to send critical emergency alerts across buildings. Without fast, clear communication during incidents, schools risk confusion and delays in response.
- Limited Resources:Tight budgets and stretched IT teams make it difficult to adopt and maintain technology. Schools are forced to manage multiple disconnected tools for signage, collaboration, and alerts, increasing complexity and costs.
- Disengaged School Culture:Schools often miss opportunities to celebrate achievements, foster engagement, and build a sense of community among students and staff, leading to lower involvement in extracurricular activities and events.
Links of Interest
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Jeff Bradbury (ISTE “20 to Watch” Award Winner and ISTE Certified Educator) is available for keynote speaking, workshop facilitation, and live event broadcasting. With expertise in educational technology and professional development, Jeff brings engaging content and practical strategies to conferences and professional learning events.
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