Heart First. Tools Second. — How to Teach and Use Tech in Today's World

Heart first, tools second. That's the secret to teaching well in the age of AI — and on this Cool Cat Teacher Talk, Vicki Davis and three educators show you how. Great teaching still happens, even in the hardest times, and the research is clear: the most powerful thing in any classroom is still a human relationship. In this episode, Vicki talks with Dr. Patricia Dickenson (author of "Smart Teaching in the Age of AI") about teacher-driven instruction and using AI to plan, differentiate, and rethink assessment; with Dr. Jie Tao (founding director of Fairfield University's AI & Technology Institute) about building AI out of compassion and using agentic AI without giving up control; and with instructional coach Amy Storer about the practical tools teachers are most excited about right now. In this episode, you'll learn: Why teacher-driven instruction still wins — and how to bring your authentic self into the room How to use AI to plan, differentiate, and assess without offloading your thinking How to build a custom GPT or Gem that knows your standards The PAIRR framework for teaching writing WITH AI How to use agentic AI safely — the interview pattern, the scratchpad, and keeping control The classroom tools teachers love right now: Adobe Express, Canva Code, and Scribe A note: one segment includes a brief, age-appropriate discussion of research being done to detect and prevent suicide. The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (call or text 988) is referenced. Full show notes, links, and transcript: https://www.coolcatteacher.com/heartfirst Enjoying Cool Cat Teacher Talk? A quick rating and review in your podcast app helps more teachers find the show.