Technology and Media Literacy Archives

Oct 14 2025

Students Need to Explore the Nature of AI

By John Spencer Artificial Intelligence, Podcast, Technology and Media Literacy 5 Comments

In 2014, Microsoft launched a hugely successful AI bot named Xiaoice in China. With over forty million conversations, users often described feeling as though they were interacting with a real human. Microsoft founder Bill Gates described it this way, “'Xiaoice has attracted 45 million followers…

Apr 22 2025

In a World of AI, Content Curation Is More Important Than Ever

By John Spencer Artificial Intelligence, Creativity, Podcast, Technology and Media Literacy One Comment

Content curation is a vital part of the creative process. In this blog post and podcast, we explore why curation matters and how we can help students learn how to engage in the curation process. Listen to the Podcast If you enjoy this blog but…

Jul 08 2024

Carl Azuz on Media Literacy and Journalism in Age of Machine Learning

By John Spencer Literacy, Podcast, Technology and Media Literacy No Comments

In my latest podcast episode, I talk to Carl Azuz, who shares insights into media literacy and current events within the K-12 classroom. Listen to the Podcast If you enjoy this blog but you’d like to listen to it on the go, just click on…

Mar 07 2023

What Does Personalized Learning Look Like in an Age of Smart Machines? #ChatGPT

By John Spencer Artificial Intelligence, Future of Learning, Podcast, Technology and Media Literacy 3 Comments

Eight students stood in line whispering to one another and fidgeting in excitement. A few of them had peeked into the windows to see what was new. One girl had a tiny notebook with a list. Most of the students had pulled out their phones…

Feb 04 2023

We Can’t Predict How A.I. Will Change Learning #ChatGPT

By John Spencer Artificial Intelligence, Podcast, Technology and Media Literacy 12 Comments

"What do you think all of this means for the future?" a friend asks. We'd been talking about ChatGPT for nearly an hour but suddenly it starts to hit closer to home. "I don't know," I answer. "I mean, our kids are about to go…

Jan 10 2023

In a World of AI, Our Students Need Project-Based Learning

By John Spencer Artificial Intelligence, Project-Based Learning, Technology and Media Literacy 7 Comments

The Artificial Intelligence revolution is here. That might sound like hyperbole. After all, the world looks the same. The revolution didn’t arrive with Skynet and robots or with Blade Running cyborgs. It’s been subtle. Auto-correct here. Grammarly suggestion there. An auto-fill option in G-mail and…

Dec 09 2022

Human Skills in a World of Artificial Intelligence

By John Spencer Artificial Intelligence, Podcast, Technology and Media Literacy, Vintage Innovation 13 Comments

Three years ago, I stood in a high-tech lab at a technical university and stared at the giant flat screen monitor. The professor asked me, "Can you tell me which of these samples was generated via Artificial Intelligence?" At the top, a student had asked…

Sep 14 2021

Dr. Kristen Mattson on Redefining Digital Ethics and Digital Citizenship

By John Spencer Distance Learning, Podcast, Technology and Media Literacy No Comments

In this podcast interview Dr. Kristen Mattson shares a bold vision for how we define digital citizenship and digital ethics. She also provides practical strategies that teachers can use in the classroom and integrate into their curriculum. Listen to the Podcast If you enjoy this…

May 18 2021

Getting Started with Content Curation in the Classroom

By John Spencer Creativity, Podcast, Technology and Media Literacy 37 Comments

Apr 28 2020

Empowering Students in Distance Learning Environments

By John Spencer Distance Learning, Podcast, Technology and Media Literacy 9 Comments

Student engagement can be a real challenge in this sudden shift toward distance learning. But one way to improve engagement is by empowering students. In this article, we explore how to improve equity and access and how to shift toward student ownership. Listen to the…

Dr. John Spencer

As a former middle school teacher and current full-time professor and best-selling author, I’m a big believer in empowering students (and teachers) through the power of creativity. Whether you sign up for one of my online courses, enroll in one of my cohorts or invite me to spend time with your staff, I promise you’ll walk away with a fresh perspective and new ideas to transform your classroom.

Technology and Media Literacy

Students Need to Explore the Nature of AI

In a World of AI, Content Curation Is More Important Than Ever

Carl Azuz on Media Literacy and Journalism in Age of Machine Learning

What Does Personalized Learning Look Like in an Age of Smart Machines? #ChatGPT

We Can’t Predict How A.I. Will Change Learning #ChatGPT

In a World of AI, Our Students Need Project-Based Learning

Human Skills in a World of Artificial Intelligence

Dr. Kristen Mattson on Redefining Digital Ethics and Digital Citizenship

Getting Started with Content Curation in the Classroom

Empowering Students in Distance Learning Environments

Dr. John Spencer

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