Are you heading to TESOL 2025 in Long Beach? Brent and Ixchell share all the details about their presentations, including panels on AI in materials development, AI-generated artwork for language learning, and strategies for individualizing writing. Get the inside scoop on the revival of Drinks with DIESOL as well as their live podcast recording at the conference. They also highlight interesting sessions they're planning to attend, covering everything from social justice issues to neuroscience in language learning. Plus, Brent reveals his exciting new ELT Toolkit being launched through TESOL! Whether you're attending the conference or just curious about what's happening in the TESOL world, this episode offers a useful teacher's preview of what to expect in Long Beach.

Show Notes: www.DIESOL.org/117

Tired of bloated all-in-one platforms that do too much? Discover simple, single-use tools that do one thing well and make your life easier! In this episode, Brent and Ixchell share their favorite free and low-cost tools that can streamline your teaching workflow - most with no logins required. Plus, get the scoop on their upcoming time at TESOL and a potential in-person meetup.

Key Takeaways:

• Discover versatile tools that enhance student engagement and learning

• Learn about accessible, fuss-free alternatives to complex edtech platforms

• Gain insights into leveraging technology to boost productivity as an ESL educator

Show Notes: www.DIESOL.org/116

Feeling overwhelmed by everything happening in the world? You’re not alone. In this candid episode, Brent and Ixchell open up about the struggles of coping with uncertainty, stress, and anxiety—both for themselves and their students. They share practical strategies for staying grounded, maintaining mental well-being, and finding small moments of joy in difficult times.

🎙️ In This Episode, You'll Hear About:

• Practical coping strategies to manage stress and anxiety
• How disconnecting from social media can improve your mental health
• The importance of real-life connections and small acts of creation
• Why humor and positivity can be powerful tools for resilience

Tune in for an honest conversation and helpful takeaways to help you (and your students) navigate these challenging moments.

Show Notes: www.DIESOL.org/115

What’s the buzz about BlueSky? Should you join the migration from Twitter?

In this episode, Brent and Ixchell explore BlueSky, the emerging social media platform educators are flocking to. Reflecting on Twitter’s past and this promising alternative, they dive into BlueSky’s potential for professional networks and classroom impact. Whether you’re curious about its decentralized structure or how it stacks up for educators, this episode will guide you through the ins and outs of this new digital space.

Tune in to learn:

• Why educators are moving from Twitter to BlueSky.
• BlueSky’s unique features, including moderation and data portability.
• How to build your Professional Learning Network (PLN) on this new platform.
• Tips on finding and joining BlueSky educator communities.

Show Notes: www.DIESOL.org/114

Conferences are a good place to get a pulse check on what people are thinking about in the field, and with CATESOL 2024 right up the road, Brent chased down educators in the TESOL field to get their impressions of the conference and what they're focusing on these days. Join us to hear straight from a variety of teachers about their insights and takeaways!

Show Notes: www.DIESOL.org/113

If you've got tech in your classroom that you haven't implemented with your students, Jesus Huerta talks us through some of the reasons and ways you should consider bringing Project Based Learning into your English Language Learning classes. Whether it be opening students' minds to the possibilities of language, or just having fun with talking their way through using tech, there are lots of possibilities to explore!

Show Notes: www.DIESOL.org/112

AI is still here and is coming to get us all! This Halloween season Brent and Ixchell bring you a list of thirteen scary approaches to AI. The discussion points range from assumptions about student cheating and AI proficiency to neglecting AI's impact on critical thinking and the digital divide.

Show Notes: www.DIESOL.org/111

Join the mailing list and learn more about Brent's upcoming book: www.DIESOL.org/book

Are deadlines hurting students? Should we adopt more flexible submission policies? In this episode Ixchell & Brent discuss the pros and cons of deadlines: hard, non-existent, and in-between.

Join in as we discuss how educators are reconsidering their policies and implementing flexible approaches to foster a more supportive learning environment.

Show Notes: www.DIESOL.org/110

Join the mailing list and learn more about Brent's upcoming book: www.DIESOL.org/book

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