Summary:

In this episode of "Practical Access," hosts Lisa Dieker and Rebecca Hines are joined by Dr. Maggie Mosher, an assistant research professor at the Achievement and Assessment Institute at the University of Kansas. Dr. Mosher specializes in using evidence-based practices and innovative technologies to improve academic, social, emotional, and behavioral instruction for students, particularly those with high-incidence disabilities. The discussion covers various topics, including building relationships with students and families, setting goals, progress monitoring, and leveraging technology in education.

Resources:
https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Maggie-Mosher

https://shorturl.at/klGOW

https://voissadvisor.org/

https://www.projectvoiss.org/

Highlights:
- Building Relationships: Dr. Mosher emphasizes the importance of building strong relationships with students and families as a foundation for effective teaching and learning. She highlights the significance of getting to know students individually, understanding their goals, and collaborating with families to support students' academic and personal growth.
-Personalized Instruction: The discussion underscores the importance of personalized instruction tailored to meet the unique needs of students, particularly those with high-incidence disabilities. Dr. Mosher advocates for individualized goal-setting and progress monitoring to ensure that instruction is meaningful and effective for every learner.
- Practical Strategies: Practical strategies for teachers include minimizing teacher talk time, using graphic organizers, and making connections between learning objectives and real-world applications. These strategies help engage students, enhance understanding, and foster a positive learning environment.
- Technology Integration: Dr. Mosher shares insights into the transformative role of technology in education, particularly tools like PDF readers and note-taking apps. These tools enable students to access information more effectively and manage tasks efficiently, thereby enhancing accessibility and productivity in the learning process.

Summary:
In this episode of "Practical Access," hosts Lisa Dieker and Rebecca Hines welcome special guest Dave Stewart Jr., a veteran high school teacher with nearly two decades of experience teaching English and history and his journey with AI. Dave also writes articles and books to support fellow educators in their classroom practices. The conversation delves into integrating AI tools like ChatGPT into the classroom environment. Dave shares his initial apprehensions about the impact of AI on teaching but highlights the practical applications he's discovered, such as using ChatGPT for brainstorming sessions and debates. Despite concerns about students potentially relying too heavily on AI for their work, Dave emphasizes the importance of maintaining focus on the central purpose of education: fostering critical thinking and independent learning.

Resources:
Dave Stuart Website: https://davestuartjr.com/about/

Highlights:
- Exploring AI in Education: Dave Stewart Jr., an experienced high school teacher, joins hosts Lisa Dieker and Rebecca Heinz to discuss the integration of AI tools like ChatGPT in the classroom.
- Practical Applications: Dave shares how he uses ChatGPT for brainstorming sessions and debates, dispelling concerns about over-reliance on AI and emphasizing its supplementary role in teaching.
- Teacher as Coach: The conversation highlights the role of teachers as coaches in guiding students' learning journeys and fostering intrinsic motivation.
- Cultivating Key Beliefs: Dave outlines five key beliefs educators should cultivate in students to promote meaningful learning experiences.

Summary:
In this week's episode, we delve into the cutting-edge realm of virtual reality (VR) technology, specifically tailored to assist students in mastering problem-solving within social contexts through simulated scenarios mirroring real-world challenges. Our guest, Sean Smith, serves as the Principal Investigator for Project VOISS, alongside his role as a professor in the Department of Special Education at the University of Kansas. Sean provides valuable insights into the project's overarching goal: fostering knowledge and skills acquisition through evidence-based practices geared towards addressing social issues among middle school-aged students. VOISS stands as a groundbreaking computer-based VR platform, immersing students in diverse school environments such as classrooms, buses, and hallways. Here, they navigate through interactive social narratives and confront situations demanding problem-solving skills. Join us as we uncover the innovative strategies behind VOISS, aimed at empowering students with essential social competencies for navigating the complexities of the real world.

Resources:
VOISS Advisor: https://voissadvisor.org/

Sean Smith Email: seanj@ku.edu

Highlights:
-Targeting Social Competence: Providing immersive experiences for individuals lacking social skills.

-Evidence-Based Practice: Focus on developing social knowledge and skills through proven methods.

-Simulated Educational Environment: Students engage in less immersive VR scenarios mimicking school challenges.

-Guided Interaction: Narrator and coach guide students through scenarios, interacting with avatars.

-Targeted Questions & Skill Transfer: Children are prompted to respond to questions tailored to individual growth needs. These questions help guide them to make decisions/ mistakes and gain consequences in a confined environment. They can learn from them and apply them in real-life situations.

-Domain Application: Receptive and expressive communication domains crucial, with applications in school, home, and community settings.

-Practical Classroom Implementation: Steps outlined for middle schoolers, aligning curriculum with targeted skills and domains.