Tech This Way

What happens when students move from waiting for feedback to owning their progress? In this episode, we visit Meadow Glen Middle School to see how educators Jenny Farmer and Neil Nadkarni are leveraging AI tools like Brisk, Gemini, and NotebookLM in the math classrooms. Discover how AI-driven instant feedback and student-led Success Trackers are redefining classroom roles, allowing teachers to provide deeper analysis while students take the lead in their own learning journey. Featuring insights from Lexington One students on the power of the "digital roadmap."

What happens when you swap a traditional five-paragraph essay for a video production suite? In this episode, host Jennifer Hethcox sits down with English teacher Karlee Reeves and students Clancy and Elijah from The College Center.They dive into a recent project where students used Google Vids and AI tools to research and communicate complex environmental issues like pollution and drought. We explore the "engagement gap," the challenges of mastering AI-generated voiceovers, and why "making mistakes" is a critical part of the modern grading rubric. Whether you're an educator looking to innovate or a parent curious about AI in schools, this episode shows exactly what a future-ready classroom looks like.

Are your students stuck in the "Google Slide" rut? Want to change up how group work functions in your class and engage all students? In this episode of Tech This Way, we explore how to replace static presentations with dynamic, tech-driven micro-products through a new group work system.Host Jennifer Hethcox joins Instructional Coach Cynthia Capers and Social Studies teacher Georgia Workman at Lexington High School to break down a high-tech workflow for the history classroom. They discuss leveraging Adobe Express and Generative AI to have students create animated historical figures, analyze primary sources, and produce digital propaganda. Tune in to learn how these specific digital tools can solve the "free-rider" problem in group work while increasing student engagement and rigor.

In the rush to integrate technology, do we lose the human connection? Not in Senior Leo Cortez’s classroom. In this episode, we explore how AI is actually creating space for what matters most: relationships.We sit down with Senior Cortez and his students to discuss how tools like Gemini and Adobe Express are handling the heavy lifting of lesson planning and standards unpacking. This shift allows Senior Cortez to step away from his desk and reconnect with his students, while giving learners the "creative freedom" to explore language in new, immersive ways.Join us to hear how Lexington High School is using technology to bring the focus back to the people in the room.

Are you truly ready for life after graduation? In this episode of Tech This Way, host Jennifer Hethcox visits The College Center (TCC) to chat with AVID Site Coordinator Dr. Cox and three impressive sophomore students—Haley, McKenzie, and Trinity.Discover how these students are using AI tools like Gemini to:Explore career paths they never considered.Create personalized study guides and receive instant feedback.Build the confidence to navigate college applications and financial aid.Tune in to hear why Dr. Cox believes AI isn't a shortcut, but a powerful tool for building Independent Learners and Critical Thinkers.

Kick off Season 2 of Tech This Way with a look at how technology is transforming research for our young learners. 3rd-grade teacher Stephanie Herring discusses her innovative "Animal Biome" project, which leveraged digital tools like School AI and Adobe Express to move beyond traditional encyclopedias with a special third grade guest, Everly, explains how these tools encouraged her to dive deeper into her animal knowledge.

How do you turn a 4th-grade Westward Expansion lesson into an immersive, interdisciplinary adventure? Or empower 3rd graders to animate Charlotte's Web to showcase their comprehension? In this episode of "Tech This Way," host Jennifer Hethcox is joined by Digital Learning Coaches Amy Dent and Ashleigh Ringus. They share inspiring, practical examples of using technology to build vocabulary for multilingual learners, AI to simulate the Oregon Trail, and creative tools like Keynote and Adobe Express to bring learning to life.

Join us as we dive into a topic foundational to great teaching: accessibility! Digital Learning Coach and Accessibility Specialist Meghan Blackburn shares how integrating technology can make learning better for everyone, not just students with formal accommodations. Learn practical, low-barrier strategies any teacher can use to expand choices and normalize inclusive tech in the classroom—like using built-in features for speech-to-text and content highlighting. Discover why accessibility is a strength and not a stigma, and how these tools benefit all learners every single day.

What does it look like when students move from being consumers of content to passionate creators? In this episode, we explore just that with two of Lexington School District One's Digital Learning Coaches, Laura Beckham (Elementary Lead) and Dr. Dee Pukl (Middle School Lead).Laura dives into a massive 6th-grade interdisciplinary project where students created everything from Shark Tank-style inventions and National Geographic magazines to persuasive podcasts using GarageBand. Dee shares an inspiring story of 3rd graders who designed their own unique animals, using AI and Adobe Express to generate images and build creative trading cards that demonstrated their understanding of animal adaptations.Join us for a conversation packed with actionable ideas, advice for educators wanting to get started, and a look at how tools like Canva, Adobe Express, and artificial intelligence can be used to empower student voice, choice, and creativity.

What happens when you put incredible tech in the hands of creative students? We visit the vibrant STEM classroom of teacher Kelly Parker and sit down with three of her students. From 3D printers to coding robots, hear how they are building the future, one project at a time. An inspiring listen for anyone passionate about the next wave of innovation in education!

World Language teacher Jessica Oberly discusses how integrating the capabilities of SchoolAI in her Spanish classes has enhanced her students' language proficiencies, fostering resilient communicators who are prepared for the future.

Join 8th grade teacher Clay Crawford, along with his English students, Mica and Ellie, as they guide us through their learning journey. Mr. Crawford reveals how his innovative approach to enhancing the student experience by meeting them at their level elevated the project and inspired students to take social and personal responsibility for their learning.

Director of Instructional Technology Howard Bissell discusses the mission of the Digital Learning Coaches and highlights how technology plays a crucial role in enhancing teaching and learning within the practices of the Lexington School District One Graduate Profile.

Join three members of the Lexington School District One Innovative Learning Designer Cohort for an insightful discussion about their experiences. Discover how incorporating technology into their classrooms has deepened their comprehension of the Graduate Profile.

Join us as we chat with Dr. Rykard about all things AI. Dr. Rykard is a former ELA High School teacher that now serves as the lead Digital Learning Coach for High School. She is an expert in using Artificial Intelligence programs with Teachers and Students. She joins host and fellow Digital Learning Coach, Jennifer Hethcox to discuss AI, being a Technology Coach and using Technology in the classroom.