How can technology enhance students' engagement in classroom learning? When are technologies helpful, and when are they harmful?

In this episode, I talk to Dr. Dan Krutka, associate professor of social studies education at the University of North Texas. Dan's research sits at the intersection of technology, education, and democracy.

We discuss how teachers can decide which technologies would strengthen their teaching or whether technologies would even be helpful at all. We also discuss many specific online tools and how they can be useful for enhancing student engagement and learning.

In our conversation, Dan touches on a variety of other issues, as well, such as how to teach effectively in online learning environments.

This episode was originally released in 2021.


Links Related to this Episode:

Dan Krutka's Homepage

PICRAT Model for Tech Integration in Teacher Ed (CITE Journal)

Glenn Wiebe's Blog - Technology in Social Studies Ed


Teacher Resources:

Padlet Site (digital creation tool)

DocsTeach Site (primary sources & activities)

Chronicling America (historical newspapers)

Smithsonian Learning Labs (documents, recordings, images, & more)

The Redistricting Game (simulation about gerrymandering)


ESD Podcast Resources:

Education for Sustainable Democracy Site

Brett's Open Access Research Articles

Education for Sustainable Democracy Facebook Page (Please Like!)

Support the show

In classrooms around the country and beyond, teachers and students are navigating how to discuss the quick and often surprising actions of our current federal administration. How can and how should teachers help students understand and think critically about these issues? In this episode, Brett speaks with Kyle Dalton, a veteran teacher at Lansingburgh High School in Troy, New York. Kyle is a high-energy social studies educator who prioritizes his relationships with his students and generating their long-term interest in civic and social learning. He teaches various subjects, including sociology, psychology, civics, and economics. Listen as Kyle shares his experiences and suggestions for not only how to get students engaged in civic issues but also how to foster their informed critical thinking and how to create a strong, trusting classroom community.

Episode Resources

Kyle Dalton's Instructional Resources (coming soon)

Lansingburgh High School site

ESD Resources

Brett Levy's Open Access Research Articles

Education for Sustainable Democracy Site

ESD Facebook Page (Please like!)

ESD YouTube Channel (Please subscribe!)


Related ESD Episodes

Integrating History & Current Events and Creating an Open Classroom Climate, with Amber Joseph (East Side Community School, New York City)

Engagement & Equity in Civic Education, with Professor Jane Lo (Michigan State University)

Guiding Productive Political Discussions, with Diana Hess (University of Wisconsin-Madison)

Support the show

How can educators create more holistic learning experiences for students? How can higher education better prepare students to become active civic participants? In this episode, Brett speaks with two educational leaders and innovators from Prescott College, based in Arizona. Emily Affolter is the director of Prescott’s doctoral program in sustainability education and an expert in culturally responsive teaching, and Pavel Cenkl is Prescott’s dean of academic affairs. In our conversation, we discuss how Prescott integrates its core principles of regenerative sustainability, experiential learning, creativity, and justice into their programs; and we also discuss what brought Pavel and Emily to this work after their varied prior experiences in education.

Resources Related to this Episode

Emily Affolter's Website

Pavel Cenkl's Website

Prescott College Website

ESD Podcast Resources

Education for Sustainable Democracy Homepage

Brett Levy's Open-Access Research Articles (Free Downloads)

Education for Sustainable Democracy Facebook Page (Please Like!)

YouTube Channel for Education for Sustainable Democracy (Please Subscribe!)

Support the show