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.