Why Haven't You Read My Book?

Dean welcomes educator and author and friend, George Couros to discuss using technology only when it improves learning and opens doors for students, emphasizing authenticity, agency, and “going first” as educators. Couros shares how he accidentally entered tech-focused roles, grew through blogging and reflection, and learned to avoid shallow tech use that replaces thinking. They explore examples like student-created documentaries and digital portfolios to deepen understanding, literacy, and audience beyond the teacher, while resisting polarizing “all in/all out” arguments around tech, phones, and AI. Couros introduces his book, “Forward Together,” inspired by a community-building school video and focused on principles and perspectives for moving from conflict to community with humility, challenge, and shared goals. He closes with advice for young educators to consistently blog to find their voice.00:00 Tech With Purpose00:46 Meet George Couros02:20 How We First Met03:45 Accidental Tech Teacher06:37 Going First With Social Media09:15 Student Work That Sticks12:59 Deep Learning Over Memorizing14:20 Why Tech Still Matters16:03 Portfolios And Literacy19:50 Nuance Agency And Access25:23 Stress Testing AI Tools26:29 New Book Forward Together29:15 Principles Perspectives And Conflict31:06 A Blogging Blowup Story31:44 Tone And Self Critique32:47 Defusing AI Pushback34:47 Diversity Toward Shared Goals36:33 Invite Challenge In Room37:26 Rusty And Tech Wisdom40:28 Identity And Credibility45:13 Advice Start A Blog51:35 Consistency And Health Habits53:11 Gratitude And Quickfire57:36 Hidden Gem Windermere59:49 Closing Thanks And Farewell