Easy EdTech Podcast with Monica Burns

In this episode, I share practical tips for hosting a virtual book study that feels supportive, focused, and doable for busy educators. You'll also hear strategies for choosing a clear purpose, setting flexible expectations, and keeping momentum going with warm-ups, discussion prompts, and optional action steps. If you want to design a virtual book study that teachers actually enjoy and want to stick with, this episode has you covered! Show notes: https://classtechtips.com/2026/06/23/virtual-book-study-376/ Sponsored by my Amazon Storefront: http://ClassTechTips.com/amazon Follow Monica on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/classtechtips/ Take your pick of free EdTech resources: https://classtechtips.com/free-stuff-favorites/

In this episode, I share four chatbot strategies for teachers to go beyond basic prompts and get more meaningful results. You'll also hear how to assign a role, refine responses through conversation, use the "ask me questions" technique, and transform existing materials with file uploads. If you want to use AI as a collaborative partner to save time and create stronger classroom resources, this episode has you covered! Show notes: https://classtechtips.com/2026/06/09/chatbot-strategies-for-teachers-374/ Sponsored by Pollzy: https://pollzy.co/ Follow Monica on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/classtechtips/ Take your pick of free EdTech resources: https://classtechtips.com/free-stuff-favorites/

In this episode, I chat with Dr. Gina Tesoriero, a researcher and former middle school special education teacher, about how AI tools like ChatGPT can serve as powerful supports for students with disabilities and neurodiverse learners. You'll also hear findings from her dissertation research on how young adults with special education experiences are already using AI in creative ways, plus the unique ethical considerations that come up when thinking about AI in special education settings. If you want to understand how to approach AI in special education and start thoughtful conversations with students and families about its use, this episode has you covered! Show notes: https://classtechtips.com/2026/05/26/ai-in-special-education-372/ Sponsored by my quick reference guide Using AI Chatbots to Enhance Planning and Instruction: https://amzn.to/42Xzds0 Follow Dr. Gina Tesoriero on social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ginatesoriero/ Follow Monica on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/classtechtips/ Take your pick of free EdTech resources: https://classtechtips.com/free-stuff-favorites/

In this episode, I share fun and engaging first day of summer activities for classroom celebrations, from interactive music activities to AI-generated designs. You'll also hear creative ideas like virtual summer trips, student goal-setting with digital tools, and storytelling with emojis. If you want to bring excitement, reflection, and EdTech-powered creativity into your lessons, this episode is for you! Show notes: https://classtechtips.com/2026/05/12/first-day-of-summer-activities-for-classroom-370/ Sponsored by my quick reference guide Using AI Chatbots to Enhance Planning and Instruction: https://amzn.to/42Xzds0 Follow Monica on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/classtechtips/ Take your pick of free EdTech resources: https://classtechtips.com/free-stuff-favorites/

In this episode, I welcome back Suzanne Dailey, instructional coach, and introduce Robert Dunlop, middle school classroom teacher—coauthors of You've Got This: Finding Happiness and Success in Your First Years of Teaching. You'll hear practical strategies for supporting new teachers through classroom management, routines, relationship-building, and tech habits that reduce stress instead of adding to it. If you want clear, compassionate guidance for supporting new teachers as they build confidence and sustainable success, this episode has you covered! Show notes: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Hn83DBJq7eLQ4UXZz9RePaYvCeLi5dqcGTwXmnfI17s/edit?tab=t.0 Sponsored by my quick reference guide Using AI Chatbots to Enhance Planning and Instruction: https://amzn.to/42Xzds0 Follow Suzanne Dailey on social: https://x.com/DaileySuzanne Follow Robert Dunlop on social: https://x.com/robdunlopEDU Follow Monica on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/classtechtips/ Take your pick of free EdTech resources: https://classtechtips.com/free-stuff-favorites/

In this episode, I share how AI can help teachers tackle time-consuming tasks and reclaim valuable time during the school day. You'll also hear practical examples for using AI to format materials, draft lesson plans, and organize resources more efficiently. If you want to save time while staying focused on what matters most for your students, this episode has you covered! Show notes: https://classtechtips.com/2026/04/28/ways-to-use-ai-368/ Sponsored by my new ASCD deck of cards, Purposeful EdTech Tips: https://ClassTechTips.com/cards Follow Monica on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/classtechtips/ Take your pick of free EdTech resources: https://classtechtips.com/free-stuff-favorites/

In this episode, I'm joined by Dr. Nneka McGee, strategic advisor and AI education expert, to explore how we can prepare young learners for an AI world through developmentally appropriate, unplugged learning experiences. You'll also hear practical examples and simple conversation-based activities that help children build foundational AI literacy skills like pattern recognition, prediction, and critical thinking—without using generative AI tools. If you want to confidently introduce AI concepts to early childhood and elementary students in meaningful, age-appropriate ways, this episode has you covered! Show notes: https://classtechtips.com/2026/04/21/ai-world-367/ Sponsored by my new ASCD deck of cards, Purposeful EdTech Tips: https://ClassTechTips.com/cards Follow Dr. Nneka McGee on social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nnekamcgee/ Follow Monica on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/classtechtips/ Take your pick of free EdTech resources: https://classtechtips.com/free-stuff-favorites/

In this episode, I share five creative ways to use NotebookLM for teachers to go beyond basic Q&A and enhance lesson prep. You'll also hear real-world examples of using audio debates, slide decks, infographics, data tables, and cinematic videos in the classroom. Tune in for actionable ideas to create engaging, customizable learning materials with AI. Show notes: https://classtechtips.com/2026/04/14/notebooklm-for-teachers-366/ Sponsored by my new ASCD deck of cards, Purposeful EdTech Tips: https://ClassTechTips.com/cards Follow Monica on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/classtechtips/ Take your pick of free EdTech resources: https://classtechtips.com/free-stuff-favorites/

In this episode, I chat with Dr. Cathy Collins, library media specialist and author of Teaching News Literacy in the Age of AI, about helping students navigate today's information landscape. You'll also hear practical five-minute verification routines, hands-on activities for spotting AI-generated content, and strategies that work across all subjects. If you want to build students' critical thinking and news literacy skills without specialized training or extra time, this episode has you covered! Show notes: https://classtechtips.com/2026/04/07/news-literacy-365/ Sponsored by my new ASCD deck of cards, Purposeful EdTechTips: http://www.ClassTechTips.com/cards Follow Dr. Cathy Collins on social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/collinscathy/ Follow Monica on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/classtechtips/ Take your pick of free EdTech resources: https://classtechtips.com/free-stuff-favorites/

In this episode, I share how teachers can use AI tools as digital drafting partners to provide faster feedback for students. You'll also hear practical prompt examples and strategies for creating consistent, skill-aligned comments and quick formative assessments. If you want to streamline your feedback routines without losing instructional control, this episode has you covered! Show notes: https://classtechtips.com/2026/03/31/faster-feedback-for-students-364/ Sponsored by my quick reference guide Using AI Chatbots to Enhance Planning and Instruction: https://amzn.to/42Xzds0 Follow Monica on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/classtechtips/ Take your pick of free EdTech resources: https://classtechtips.com/free-stuff-favorites/

In this episode, I chat with language arts and journalism teacher Chayanee Brooks about using digital storytelling to strengthen student literacy skills and transform students into active creators. You'll also hear about how to utilize accessible digital tools like smartphones and iMovie, how to structure multi-month video projects that meet academic standards, and practical steps from brainstorming to final production. If you want to start digital storytelling in your classroom and help students share their voices through video, this episode has you covered! Show notes: https://classtechtips.com/2026/03/24/student-literacy-skills-363/ Sponsored by my quick reference guide Using AI Chatbots to Enhance Planning and Instruction: https://amzn.to/42Xzds0 Follow Chayanee Brooks on social: https://x.com/BrooksChayanee Follow Monica on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/classtechtips/ Take your pick of free EdTech resources: https://classtechtips.com/free-stuff-favorites/

In this episode, I share creative ways to bring spring into your classroom decor while integrating EdTech tools for interactive learning experiences. You'll also hear ideas for using AI-generated images, QR codes, and student-created videos to make bulletin boards and displays more engaging. If you want to refresh your classroom with techy, spring decorations that enhance student learning, this episode has you covered! Show notes: https://classtechtips.com/2026/03/17/spring-decorations-362/ Sponsored by my quick reference guide Using AI Chatbots to Enhance Planning and Instruction: https://amzn.to/42Xzds0 Follow Monica on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/classtechtips/ Take your pick of free EdTech resources: https://classtechtips.com/free-stuff-favorites/

In this episode, I spotlight my favorite Teacher Appreciation Week gift ideas to help you celebrate the educators in your life. You'll also hear about practical, fun, and heartfelt presents—from portable fans to personalized photobooks—and why small tokens of appreciation can make a big impact. Tune in for inspiration and a curated list of teacher-friendly gifts to make this special week even more meaningful! Show notes: https://classtechtips.com/2026/03/10/teacher-appreciation-week-gift-361/ Sponsored by my quick reference guide Using AI Chatbots to Enhance Planning and Instruction: https://amzn.to/42Xzds0 Follow Monica on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/classtechtips/ Take your pick of free EdTech resources: https://classtechtips.com/free-stuff-favorites/