AI isn’t just the elephant in the room anymore—it’s in your students’ backpacks, browsers, and late-night essay drafts. So how do we shift from “catching cheaters” to preparing students for real learning in an AI-driven world?

In this episode of Schoolwide Download, Dave Clark and Robin Szary reframe the “perfect essay” as a design problem for 2025 and share simple, practical moves you can use right away.

You’ll hear:
✅ Why detection tools aren’t enough—and what to focus on instead
✅ How to draw clear, equitable lines for AI use in the classroom
✅ Ways to redesign tasks so student thinking is visible
✅ Practical strategies like adding a one-line disclosure, swapping one homework for process evidence, and running a “Check the Bot” routine with your students

💡 Try This Tomorrow: Use one quick AI move—add a disclosure line to your next assignment or invite students to run their draft through a “Check the Bot” reflection.

Leave with three anchors for your AI-ready classroom:

1. Make thinking visible

2. Teach disclosure

3. Design tasks for the AI era

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

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

In every classroom, there are students who speak up easily—and others with incredible ideas who rarely get heard. How can we make sure every student has a voice?

In this episode of Schoolwide Download, hosts Dave Clark and Robin Szary explore how technology can amplify student voice, making space for both confident speakers and quiet thinkers. You’ll hear how tools like Loom, Padlet, and Google Forms can help students share in ways that feel safe, authentic, and empowering.

💡 Try This Tomorrow: Pick one tool—Loom, Padlet, or Google Forms—and ask your students a simple reflection question like, “What’s one thing you learned this week?” Even one small step can start a culture where every student feels heard.

Because student voice isn’t just about talking—it’s about being heard.

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

Connect with Dave & Robin:
Learn more at bcesc.org/schoolwidedownload.
Follow us @SchoolwideDownload on Facebook & Instagram.
Want to give feedback, be a guest, or sponsor the show? Email us: schoolwidedownload@bcesc.org

#SchoolwideDownload #EdTech #TeachingAndLearning #Podcast

In this episode of Schoolwide Download, Dave and Robin deliver an edtech reality check—exploring whether classrooms really need more teaching tools, or just smarter, simpler use of the ones we already have.

Teachers today are surrounded by technology—new apps, new logins, and endless “must-try” tools. But more doesn’t always mean better. In Episode 2 of Schoolwide Download, hosts Dave Clark (nationally recognized AI and edtech trainer) and Robin Szary (educator and instructional coach) explore the difference between “more tech” and “smarter tech.”

You’ll hear what’s actually working in classrooms—like using Google Classroom as a hub to cut down on logins, Pear Deck and Nearpod for quick checks for understanding, and Canva or Wakelet to empower student creation. You’ll also get honest talk about what’s hindering learning: tool overload, low return on investment, and digital worksheets disguised as innovation.

💡 Try This Tomorrow: Do a quick tech reflection with your students. Ask them which tools help their learning the most, and simplify your toolkit around their answers.

At the end of the day, edtech should amplify good teaching—not overwhelm it.

Resources & Links:
PearDeck
NearPod
Padlet
Screencastify
Canva

🌐 Learn more & Sponsorship opportunities→ bcesc.org/schoolwidedownload

REGISTER NOW for Schoolwide AI National Conference on November 4.

Connect with Dave & Robin:
Learn more at bcesc.org/schoolwidedownload.
Follow us @SchoolwideDownload on Facebook & Instagram.
Want to give feedback, be a guest, or sponsor the show? Email us: schoolwidedownload@bcesc.org

#SchoolwideDownload #EdTech #TeachingAndLearning #Podcast

Welcome to the very first episode of Schoolwide Download — the podcast bringing you fresh takes on teaching, learning, and tech.

It’s back-to-school season, and while you’re setting up classrooms and finalizing lesson plans, there’s one thing that belongs at the very top of your list: relationships.

In this episode, hosts Dave Clark and Robin Szary share 10 tech-savvy ways to build meaningful connections with students from Day One — from digital interest surveys and online posters to Scratch animations and collaborative classroom quilts.

💡 Try This Tomorrow: Start small with the Top 3 List activity. It’s simple, structured, and gives students a voice right away.

Whether you’re a new teacher or a veteran looking for fresh ideas, these strategies will help you set the tone for a connected, engaged year of learning.

👉 Share this episode with a fellow educator and subscribe so you don’t miss what’s next: amplifying student voice with empowering tech tools.

Resources & Links:
FigJam
Scratch
Book Creator

🌐 Learn more & Sponsorship opportunities→ bcesc.org/schoolwidedownload

REGISTER NOW for Schoolwide AI National Conference on November 4, 2025, in Hamilton, Ohio.

Connect with Dave & Robin:
Learn more about Schoolwide Download at bcesc.org/schoolwidedownload.
Follow @Schoolwide download on Facebook and Instagram.
Got feedback about today’s episode, want to be a guest on the show or a sponsor, email us at schoolwidedownload@bcesc.org.

Welcome to Schoolwide Download — the podcast where classroom practice meets possibility!

Hosted by Dave Clark, a nationally recognized trainer in AI and instructional technology, and Robin Szary, a respected educator and instructional coach, this podcast brings you fresh takes on teaching, learning, and tech.

Each short, actionable episode includes:
✨ Opening Spark – a tool, story, or idea to kick things off
💡 Main Chat – real conversations about what matters most in classrooms
✅ Try This Tomorrow – practical takeaways you can use right away

Perfect for teachers, instructional coaches, curriculum leaders, and tech specialists who want professional learning that’s both practical and inspiring.

👉 Subscribe today, and don’t forget to share this trailer with a teacher friend. New episodes drop every Wednesday!

Connect with Dave & Robin:
Learn more about Schoolwide Download at bcesc.org/schoolwidedownload.
Follow @Schoolwidedownload on Facebook and Instagram.
Got feedback about today’s episode, want to be a guest on the show or a sponsor, email us at schoolwidedownload@bcesc.org.