In today's episode we will share eight tips and two books to help improve classroom management. Michelle Singh will talk about what happens if you feel like you're not engaged as a teacher and what to do about it. Then, Andrew Vanden Heuvel will share how he uses Fortnite Creative to teach physics and resources you can use.

The show notes are at www.coolcatteacher.com/talkclassroommanagement

his episode of Cool Cat Teacher Talk explores critical topics relevant to educators navigating the rapidly evolving landscape of technology, social media, and artificial intelligence. Host Vicki Davis delves into strategies for managing news consumption, teaching students about AI, and addressing digital privacy concerns.

Key segments include:

Navigating Social Media and News: Insights on tools like Feedly, Flipboard, and local newspapers to curate trustworthy content while avoiding algorithm-driven misinformation.

Artificial Intelligence in Education: Practical examples of integrating AI into classrooms, such as a dream house project using AI art tools, and the ethical considerations educators must address, including privacy and data protection.

The Future of AI and Digital Citizenship: A conversation with Laurel Aguilar-Kirchhoff on safeguarding student data and fostering AI literacy.

Human-Curated Content and the Fediverse: Discussions on alternative platforms like Flipboard and Mastodon for creating and sharing meaningful educational resources.

Personal Learning and Innovation: Tips on lifelong learning, including the "3-2-1 strategy" for personal development and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.

This episode emphasizes the importance of teaching students to engage with technology responsibly, maintain a moral and ethical perspective, and build meaningful skills for the future. Listeners are encouraged to stay informed, embrace innovation, and focused on what matters.

Show notes: https://www.coolcatteacher.com/talknews2025/

Today, we’re exploring one of the most exciting and relevant topics in education—teaching kids to code. Featuring insights from leading computer science educators, this episode provides actionable strategies, tools, and ideas to make coding education engaging for all ages.

This episode showcases insights and expertise from these amazing educators and leaders put together with highlights from their interviews that combine to add meaning to the topic of coding. If you want an overview on this topic, watch the whole show. If you want to dig deeper into one of the full interviews excerpted in the show, visit one below.

• Felinne Hermans: Discover the Hedy programming language, a free tool accessible in 50 languages. Learn more at www.coolcatteacher.com/e847
• Dr. Marina Umaschi Bers: Learn seven key strategies for introducing coding in early childhood. Visit www.coolcatteacher.com/e202
• Aditya Batura: Explore simple steps for teaching coding, including unplugged activities. Check it out at www.coolcatteacher.com/e262
• Doug Bergman: Gain insight into trends like AI, cybersecurity, and computational thinking. Full episode at www.coolcatteacher.com/e433
• Angela Cleveland: Learn how school counselors are helping more girls pursue careers in computer science. Visit www.coolcatteacher.com/e254
• Omar Shepherd: Find out how California is advancing computer science teaching. Learn more at www.coolcatteacher.com/e860
• Alfred Thompson: Discover practical teaching tips for computer science educators. See the episode at www.coolcatteacher.com/e182
• Vicki Davis: Explore 12 creative ways to teach coding during the Hour of Code. Full episode at www.coolcatteacher.com/e871

1. Coding Across the Curriculum

Explore how coding can integrate with art, science, and math, creating interdisciplinary learning experiences that engage students.

2. Unplugged Coding Activities

Not all coding lessons need screens! Activities like “Code with Hot Wheels” and outdoor chalk grids are great for teaching sequencing and logic to young learners.

3. Early Childhood Coding

Dr. Marina Umaschi Bers shares seven practical strategies for introducing coding concepts to preschoolers, helping to build problem-solving and logical thinking skills early on.

4. Promoting Diversity in Tech

Angela Cleveland highlights ways to close the gender gap in computer science, from building awareness to creating opportunities for girls and underrepresented groups.

5. Emerging Trends in Computer Science

Doug Bergman discusses how schools can prepare students for the future of coding, with a focus on AI, cybersecurity, and computational thinking.

In this episode, Vicki Davis interviews James Clear, discusses the news and AI conversations happening in classrooms now, and talks about the tools she uses to build her 20 year platform in educational technology.

Show notes:

News - https://www.coolcatteacher.com/e900

James Clear - https://www.coolcatteacher.com/e381

This show and the full 3 part series on personal branding https://www.coolcatteacher.com/brandtips

In this powerful and deeply personal episode of Cool Cat Teacher Talk, Vicki Davis opens up about the journey of building her platform with purpose and integrity. From early blogging days to international influence, she shares how her calling, faith, and values shaped every step. This episode isn’t just for educators who want to grow their voice—it’s for anyone navigating the tension between visibility and values.

Plus, in the opening news segment, Vicki unpacks the launch of World App’s WorldID—an iris-scanning ID system with major implications for privacy, education, and global identity verification. Highlights include: The Rise of WorldID & Biometric Concerns: Understand the ethical, privacy, and educational implications of a global ID system.

News Show Links: https://www.coolcatteacher.com/e898

Personal Branding Show Notes: https://www.coolcatteacher.com/brandtips

• How Vicki Built Her Platform from Scratch: A candid journey from "what’s a blog?" to building a trusted education voice.
• Three Core Platform Principles for Educators: Learn how to align your strengths, understand your weaknesses, and stay true to your purpose.
• Navigating Sponsorships & Ethics: How to earn income and remain rooted in your values—without compromising integrity
• y. Faith, Family & Legacy: Vicki shares heartfelt insights about balancing influence with personal convictions, family, and long-term impact.

In this episode of Cool Cat Teacher Talk, host Vicki Davis and producer John Davis explore how both students and teachers can build a strong personal brand. Guests Elisabeth Bostwick and Dr. Will Deyamport join the conversation to share real-world advice on personal branding, reputation management, and guiding students in today’s digital age.

Highlights include:

• Practical strategies for building a positive digital footprint

• How students and teachers can "algorithm-proof" their reputation

• Inspiring personal branding stories and advice from top educators

• Insights on using Canva, Google Sites, and social media wisely

Resources:

• Personal Branding Resources: coolcatteacher.com/brandtips

• News Links and Headlines: coolcatteacher.com/e894

Subscribe and stay tuned for more ideas to elevate your teaching and learning journey!

Discover why students and teachers have mixed feelings about Artificial Intelligence in education. Learn about the pros and cons of AI from students and teachers themselves in this eye opening conversation. In this episode, Audrey Watters, Edtech's "Cassandra" talks about her concerns about artificial intelligence and the things we need to preserve in schools as we adopt its use.

Also, Vicki's students Will and Lucy talk about how students are using AI today, how students are beating AI detectors (the only students who get caught are those who don't really know how to use AI) and their thoughts about what teachers and professors should do at the beginning of each semester related to AI.

Additionally, Vicki's producer and son, John, joins the show to talk about what his recently graduated friends think about AI at work and also the perspectives of those who may not be fans as well as some positive uses even as we edit this show.

The full show notes can be found at https://www.coolcatteacher.com/talkai

Subscribe to Vicki's podcasts and newsletter at Cool Cat Teacher