What happens when students turn to AI chatbots instead of people for connection?

In this episode of Schoolwide Download, hosts Dave Clark and Robin Szary explore The Chatbot Effect—why students are leaning on tools like Character.AI for belonging, what that says about loneliness in schools, and how educators can foster genuine connection in an AI-driven world.

You’ll hear:
✅ Why students are confiding in AI chatbots like Character.AI
✅ The risks of replacing real friendships with digital conversations
✅ How schools can restore belonging and meet students’ emotional needs
✅ Practical activities—like “The AI Effect” game—that get students reflecting on the role of AI in relationships

💡 Try This Tomorrow: Use “The AI Effect” activity with your class. Have students sort AI scenarios into categories—when it supports connection, when it erodes it, and when it depends. It’s an easy way to spark discussion and build critical thinking around AI.

Because AI isn’t going away. The challenge—and the opportunity—is making sure students still feel truly seen, supported, and connected in your classroom.

Resources & Links:
🌐 Learn more → bcesc.org/schoolwidedownload
📅 Register for the Schoolwide AI Conference → bcesc.org/schoolwideai
📖 Article referenced: ASCD – “Why Students Turn to AI for Belonging”

Consistency beats complexity. The secret to smoother classroom days isn’t the flashiest app or the newest tool—it’s creating smart, repeatable tech routines that free up your time and mental energy.

In this episode of Schoolwide Download, hosts Dave Clark and Robin Szary share practical routines that keep classrooms running smoothly, reduce chaos, and give students the structure they crave.

You’ll hear strategies like:
✅ Digital check-in forms for instant feedback and attendance
✅ Morning slides with timers, links, and polls to start the day right
✅ Digital station rotations to keep transitions flowing
✅ Weekly announcement videos with Loom or Flip
✅ Exit tickets in Google Forms or Padlet for daily reflection

💡 Try This Tomorrow: Use a digital student check-in for positive shoutouts. Build community, set the tone, and use tech to spread kindness.

Because when students know what to expect, they settle in faster—and teachers gain back precious minutes for what matters most.

Resources & Links:
🌐 Learn more → bcesc.org/schoolwidedownload
📅 Register for the Schoolwide AI Conference → bcesc.org/schoolwideai

#SchoolwideDownload #EdTech #TeachingAndLearning #Podcast

Wi-Fi down? App crashing mid-lesson? Projector bulb out five minutes before presentations? We’ve all been there.

In this episode of Schoolwide Download, hosts Dave Clark and Robin Szary keep it real with stories of technology fails in the classroom—and the strategies that help you bounce back with confidence.

You’ll learn how to:
✅ Build a classroom culture of flexibility when tech glitches happen
✅ Create backup plans so learning never stops
✅ Involve students in troubleshooting (they might surprise you!)
✅ Use humor and calm to keep the focus on connection, not perfection

💡 Try This Tomorrow: Build a “Plan B Board” with your students—quick backup ideas for when tech doesn’t cooperate. From paper exit tickets to AI-generated prompts, it’s a simple way to build resilience and keep learning moving forward.

Remember: it’s not about the glitch—it’s about how you handle it.

Resources & Links:
🌐 Learn more → bcesc.org/schoolwidedownload
📅 Register for the Schoolwide AI Conference → bcesc.org/schoolwideai
🛠️ Tools referenced: Pear Deck, Google Slides, Google Forms