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, we explore the trusted world of World Book's educational content, focusing on how their nonfiction materials are created, updated, and used in classrooms. Guest Tom Evans shares insights into the process, the importance of quality, and the future of digital learning with AI support.
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!
In This Episode …
- How World Book creates, reviews, and updates content to stay accurate and classroom-ready
- What “trustworthy nonfiction” looks like—and why it matters more than ever
- How articles are adapted for print vs. digital, and for elementary, middle, and high school readers
- The scaffolding moves that help students build knowledge (not just collect facts)
- How ClassMate uses responsible AI—inside a walled garden of vetted World Book resources—to help teachers build lessons
- Wild (and wonderful) World Book history: from the Yeti expedition to the Loch Ness submarine
- What’s next for digital learning as AI grows—and the guardrails educators should demand
Chapters:
- 00:00 Introduction to World Book and Tom Evans
- 03:06 The Evolution of World Book: 20 Years of Change
- 05:52 Content Creation: Balancing Print and Digital
- 08:49 The Importance of Quality Nonfiction Texts
- 11:53 Scaffolding Knowledge: Effective Nonfiction Writing
- 14:54 Navigating Current Events in Nonfiction
- 16:13 How ClassMate Supports Teachers in the Classroom
- 17:31 Introducing ClassMate: A New Educational Tool
- 20:25 AI in Education: Enhancing Learning with ClassMate
- 21:13 World Book's Legacy and Future
- 23:54 Responsible AI and the Future of Learning
- 27:20 Final Thoughts and Resources
Resources Mentioned in This Episode:
About our Guest: Tom Evans
Tom Evans is Vice President of Editorial at World Book, Inc., serving on the company’s executive leadership team and overseeing both Editorial and Marketing. With more than 20 years in educational publishing, he leads content strategy across print and digital platforms, guiding the development of trusted instructional and reference materials used in schools and libraries worldwide.
Earlier in his career, Tom held roles with organizations including The Times (London) and Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures. He has co-authored and edited dozens of children’s books, advised the Poetry Foundation, been speaker at the American Society of Picture Professionals, contributed to School Library Journal, and received a Partnership Award from NASA.
Meet ClassMate by World Book
Meet ClassMate by World Book — the reading and learning platform built for and trusted by middle school teachers!
For over 100 years, World Book has inspired curiosity and built reliable knowledge. ClassMate carries that legacy forward.
Unlike AI tools built on the open web, ClassMate works exclusively within World Book's expert-written, editorially reviewed content library. Teachers create engaging classroom activities quickly and with confidence.
The result: students build knowledge, strengthen literacy, and think critically, while educators spend more time teaching.
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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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