Podcast appearances and mentions of bill selak

Episode Notes - In the new season of the Hillbrook School Podcast, host Bill Selak engages with Jay Van Buren, an innovative educator in the Hub at Hillbrook, as they explore the transformative potential of augmented reality (AR) in education. Jay shares his passion for integrating AR into the learning experience, highlighting how it differs from virtual reality by enhancing our interaction with the real world rather than isolating us from it. The conversation dives into the practical applications of AR, including Jay's development of the "Selflinder" project, where fifth graders create immersive cylinders that reflect their identities. This project not only allows students to express themselves but also empowers them to design an engaging experience that others can explore. With AR, students learn to create meaningful connections to specific locations, making their projects resonate on a personal level. Bill and Jay also discuss the exciting prospects of augmented reality tours and collaborative projects with local museums, emphasizing the importance of community and storytelling in education. They touch on how AR can make learning more interactive and impactful, helping students to think critically about design and user experience. As they navigate the intersection of technology and art, this episode encourages educators to embrace AR as a tool for fostering creativity, collaboration, and deeper connections among students. Tune in to discover how Hillbrook School is pioneering innovative educational practices that prepare students for a future where AR will play a significant role in learning and community engagement. Read transcriptRead transcript

Episode Notes - In this thought-provoking episode of the Hillbrook School Podcast, host Bill Selak delves deep into the evolving intersection of AI, education, and the creative arts. As we navigate the burgeoning landscape of artificial intelligence, Bill challenges the narrative surrounding AI in schools, focusing on the burgeoning role of creative writing in an AI-driven future. He introduces the concept of prompt engineering as an emerging career path, underscoring the importance of preparing students for jobs that are just beginning to take shape. Bill also breaks down the exciting capabilities of Sora, the latest AI tool that transforms text into video, revolutionizing the way we approach storytelling and film-making. He argues that the ability to craft descriptive writing is no longer just a marker of good prose; it's now the key to producing compelling visual content. By highlighting the direct correlation between the richness of language and the quality of AI-generated images and videos, this episode emphasizes the critical need for creativity and descriptive prowess in the classroom. As we head into Spring Break, Bill encourages educators and parents to embrace the potential of AI as a tool for enhancing the arts and equipping students with the skills to become the content creators and storytellers of tomorrow. This episode is not only a reflection on the current season's theme but also a forward-looking discussion about the essential role of the arts in shaping the educational landscape in an era of rapid technological advancement. Tune in for an insightful exploration of how AI is not just reshaping the future of media but is also reinforcing the value of artistic expression and writing skills in our students' education. Don't miss out on this enlightening conversation that bridges the worlds of writing and creative arts in unprecedented ways. And stay tuned for the remaining episodes of the season, where we continue to celebrate the integral role of the arts in learning at Hillbrook School. Listen in, get inspired, and join us on this journey through innovation and creativity.Read transcript

In this episode of Bill Selak Talks, we take a twisty turn into the colorful world of Rubik's cubes and the unexpected lessons they hold for educators and lifelong learners. Join me as I share my personal journey from curiosity to conquering the iconic puzzle, all thanks to the democratizing power of YouTube tutorials. Discover […]

Episode Notes - In this melodic episode of the Hillbrook School Podcast, host Bill Selak sits down with the multifaceted Derek Primo Silverman, music and "other things" maestro at Hillbrook. The conversation strikes a harmonious blend of music, technology, and education as they delve into the intricacies of the Winter Concert and the role AI played in refining the show choir's performance. Derek shares the behind-the-scenes magic of arranging popular songs, the unexpected tempo tweaks, and the innovative use of AI-driven audio manipulation software from iZotope to polish the choir's recordings. The duo also explores the broader implications of AI in audio, from enhancing student creativity to its potential for improving urban soundscapes and overall well-being. As they discuss the transformative power of tools like GarageBand and Loopy HD, the episode resonates with the excitement of making music production more accessible and inspiring for students. Tune in for an enlightening symphony of ideas, illustrating how AI is not just changing the future of music but also amplifying the educational experience at Hillbrook School. Listen in as Bill and Derek riff on the future of sound, and don't miss the buzz about upcoming musicals "13" and "Beauty and the Beast Junior."Read transcript

Episode Notes - Join host Bill Selak, Director of Technology at Hillbrook School, for an engaging and lively discussion with two special guests, both named Vanessa. In this episode, Vanessa Fernandez, Program and Research Lead for the Scott Center, and VanNessa Hulme Silberman, Performing Arts Director at Hillbrook, dive into the world of art and activism. They explore how art serves as a powerful tool for teaching and understanding complex subjects like early 20th-century literature, and how it reflects cultural shifts and technological advancements. The conversation also touches on the public art renaissance in San Jose and its impact on education. The Vanessas share their personal journeys in art and activism, discussing how they incorporate these elements into their teaching and personal projects. From transforming classic plays to reflect modern sensibilities to fostering student-led social impact projects, this episode is a testament to the power of art in shaping perspectives and driving change. Listen in for an inspiring blend of art, education, and activism, and how these elements are interwoven at Hillbrook School.Read transcript

Episode Notes - In this episode of the Hillbrook School podcast, host Bill Selak engages in a one-on-one conversation with Martin, the Hub Engineer at Hillbrook. Martin shares his unique journey from aspiring designer to industrial design graduate, highlighting his passion for helping students bring their creative dreams to life. He discusses the challenges and rewards of teaching, emphasizing the importance of failure as a learning tool. Martin also delves into his personal venture of crafting wallets, blending aesthetics with functionality, and the lessons learned from running a business. The episode explores the Hillbrook Engineering Learning program, where students are encouraged to experiment and innovate, and the impact of design thinking in education. Join Bill and Martin for an inspiring discussion on creativity, education, and the power of pursuing one's passions.Read transcript

In this episode, I delve into a curious parallel that struck me recently: the stark contrast between the fluid timelines of construction projects and the rigid deadlines we adhere to in education. As I reflect on a roundabout construction near my house, it becomes a metaphor for the challenges and flexibilities we encounter in teaching. […]

In this episode, I celebrate a milestone: the 100th episode of the podcast! We'll dive into themes like Student Engagement and Learning, revisiting anecdotes from past episodes. From ed tech experimentation to personal teaching experiences, join me in reflecting on the journey we've taken and the future of education. This special episode is not just […]

Episode Notes - In this episode, art teachers Laura and Susie join host Bill Selak to discuss how visual arts education enhances creativity and imagination in ways that benefit every profession. From amusing elementary student dream jobs like "duck helper" to thought-provoking insights about art's impact on happiness and fulfillment, this episode how skills like keen observation, perseverance, and design thinking lend themselves to careers like detective, architect, and engineer. Laura and Susie share anecdotes about teaching techniques like blind contour drawing to train sight and hand-eye coordination. Their passion for the arts shines through as they assert visual arts' role in improving lives by building community and fulfillment.Read transcript

In this episode, I talk about a topic that often flies under the radar: phishing in schools. But wait, this isn't your typical cybersecurity chat. We delve into how seemingly innocent ‘check-in' questions during admin meetings might just be the backdoor into compromising your security. Join me for a journey that's part storytelling, part silly […] The post Phish & Chips: Serving Up Security Questions at This Year's Admin Meetings first appeared on Bill Selak.

In this episode, I find myself reflecting on a casual chat with a parent about past tours of his band opening for Jimmy Eat World and how that leads me to thinking about guitar pedals and their influence on my sound as a guitarist. That naturally leads me into a conversation about the power of […]

In this episode, I sit down with Scott Bedley, the co-founder of Global School Play Day and all-around EduAwesome human. We explored the necessity and benefits of incorporating environmental education in today's classrooms. Scott shares about the launch of GreenGuardians.com, a novel platform aimed at making environmental literacy fun, engaging, and accessible. Scott highlights how […]

In this episode, I share thoughts on Operation Ivy, music lyrics, and even pizza! We're exploring the monumental shift that's taken place right under our noses: We've moved from an information-poor to an information-rich world. And yet, our schools are staying mostly the same. In this episode, I challenge the status quo, call for a […]

Bill is the Director of Technology at Hillbrook School in Northern California. Passionate about helping educators harness the ever-changing face of technology to better individualize teaching and learning, he shares resources at billselak.com and through his Bill Selak Talks podcast. In this episode, Bill shares the incredibly important reminder that it's not just okay for us to take a break to engage in a creative outlet, it's essential. It's not a waste of time. It's an investment of time.

I'm a big fan of “just right”. Goldilocks started it, and I'm continuing it. After two separate conversations–one with my Leadership Coach Aimee Giles and another with the EduAwesome human John Eick–I realized that I need to take time during my day to be creative. It's not a “I like to be creative” thing… it's […]

Episode Notes- Music Teacher VanNessa Hulme Silbermann and Art Teacher Susie Heeter sit down with Bill Selak to talk about the inaugural 4th grade drama performance. Hear about the collaborative process of creating costumes and masks, and how our fourth graders brought down the house in their plays.

As my phone auto-played a song this morning, I was vividly reminded about the hour we spent in 2002 at Orange Whip Recording Studio with the band Bad Astronaut trying to find the one perfect lyric. That level of passion, detail, critical thinking, and perseverance is something we need to be doing way more in […]

Episode Notes In this episode, Bill Selak sits down with Gulliver LaValle to discuss Hillbrook School's DEI Lens--a tool used for employees and board members for making decisions and having discussions in a more inclusive way.

Technology in education keeps getting better, faster, cheaper, and easier. In this episode, I talk about how the audio plugin Abbey Road One: Orchestral Foundations completely changes how you can write and record music (unless you happen to have access to an entire orchestra and can rent out a world-class studio). Click on that link […]

In your early 20s, you really don't need to have everything figured out. I'm glad I didn't. In this episode, I share how following what matters to you–particularly in your 20s, but also throughout your entire life–is one of the most important things you, your students, and your kids can do.

I am talking about my professional goals for the 2021-2022 year. Spoiler alert… here are the goals: Advance diversity, equity, and inclusion work.  Upgrade and fine tune Hillbrook's technology infrastructure  Support our new Tech Support Specialist  Next Steps with The Hub 

Being an educator during a global pandemic is incredibly challenging. Hear how this slice of deep dish pizza is getting me across the finish line.

Being inclusive is important. We all know that. In this episode, we dive deeper into how to be mindful of including members of your community as your school is opening its campus during a pandemic.

Being uncomfortable as an educator… is that a good thing, or not? And how might we lean into the discomfort and use it as a way to learn how we need to grow as educators.

Hear about my plans for ISTE20 Live, and how it’s unlike any other Annual ISTE Conference before. I also share a bit about my presentations that I’m preparing for the conference.

This episode future Bill Selak. Bill and I discuss the future of learning as well as his passion around sound design. Bill is an ISTE Kay L. Bitter Vision Award winner, ISTE Emerging Leader, Google Certified Innovator, Apple Distinguished Educator, Google Certified Educator Level 2, Apple Teacher, ISTE Certified Educator, and I’m Leading Edge Certified in Online & Blended Teaching, the Digital Educator, and Professional Developer certifications. He uses technology to shape the experience of each of my students. On this website, http://www.billselak.com/, he writes about how technology is shaping the face of modern education. Bill believes that technology empowers educators to better individualize teaching and learning, and empowers students to communicate in their own style.

It’s our first live podcast! Hillbrook School’s Vision 2020 strategic plan challenged us to reimagine the student experience, with a strong call to develop more concrete ways that we achieve...

2020 is the year of podcasts… for me, at least. I’ve noticed a huge uptick in educator interest in podcasts, as well as many more ways to consume content (so many smart speakers!). I tend to undershare projects I’m working on, so this podcast aims to do just that. I’m really proud to part of […]

In this episode, I talk with Annie Makela, Founding Director of The Scott Center for Social Entrepreneurship at Hillbrook School. As promised, lots of links and EduAwesome resources: Scott Center for Social Entrepreneurship on Facebook @scott_center_soc_ent on Instagram Annie Makela contact: email and Twitter (@anniemakela) Hillbrook CTE podcast on Apple Podcasts, or playable on hillbrookcte.org […]

Bill (@billselak ) and I talk about his many hats, including; K-2 teacher, Director of IT, Musician, Podcaster, Presenter and all around awesome guy!

Prompted by a question on Twitter, I talk for an unusually long time (33 minutes!) about the needs of a makerspace in this episode. Quick warning: I was walking around Hillbrook School looking at our own spaces on a windy day, so you'll likely hear some wind in the recording. Also, spoiler alert: makerspaces are more about mindsets than tools.

In this episode, I talk about the Beginner’s Mind vs. the Burden of Expertise. You’ll hear how I used to be a materials engineer, and how playing guitar is just like shooting a 3-pointer, sort of.

There has been a lot of press recently about the negative affects of screen time on kids. And by a lot, I mean a lot! See here, here, here, or here. And that’s just from the New York Times in the last two months. Dude. This episode focuses on what we should be focusing on […]

I sat down with Ann Lathrop, a founding member of CUE, during a reception at the Spring CUE Conference in March 2018. Ann talks about the foundings of CUE and ISTE (NECC back then), and talks about the early days of educational software. My favorite moment is hearing the origin story of Oregon Trail and […]

In this episode, we asked educators to give us any bonus feedback that they felt might be helpful to educators, new or seasoned. Follow them on Twitter – see links below. Bill Selak, Director of Technology from Hillbrook School Diane Main, Director of Learning Innovation and Design Brian Romero Smith, Sr., -Instructional Content Digital Learning Coach Valerie Lewis – Assistant Principal, GA --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/new-teacher-talk-with-pablo-and-wes/support

While in Chicago for the ISTE Conference, we interviewed educators from across the nation. This was one of our questions: What was your favorite memory from your school experience? Check out their Twitter feed and follow them! Bill Selak, Director of Technology from Hillbrook School Diane Main, Director of Learning Innovation and Design Brian Romero Smith, Sr., -Instructional Content Digital Learning Coach Social media shout-out this episode is: LA Parent Magazine on Instagram. Check out cool parent resources – this is a great example from the LA area – and make yourself familiar with good parent resources (what to do during the summer?!!) so that you can provide those resources to parents and families – or for yourself! --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/new-teacher-talk-with-pablo-and-wes/support

In episode 29, I talk about the 15th track from my old band Rising Decline’s album Socially Acceptable Disaster. In each episode, I try to connect lessons learned (and just fun stories) to educational technology. Lessons learned in this episode: the power of a deadline, how the immediacy of audio production should fundamentally change schools, and a […]

You’ve listened to the episode, now listen to the song, and sing along. Free for a limited time. And by limited, I mean forever. Note: this is the 15th track of the 15-track album, and episode 30 of the 30 episode podcast series.       The Other Side It was 2:00 when I went […]

In episode 8, we chat with @kevthemathguy from the New Teacher Center, https://newteachercenter.org/, on building Professional Learning Communities (PLCs). We also have a little fun share some learning from Bill Selak, @billselak, at #cuebold with Boots and Cats https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nni0rTLg5B8

We take a few minutes to talk about the power of music in the classroom. For more info, including contact information, check out our website, tlc.ninja. Link to article on how music affects coffee taste: http://www.craveonline.com/music/948143-music-can-affect-taste-coffee-try-experiment

Bill Selak @billselak talks about flexible seating and the research behind academic gains when using it. He also shares how flexible seating should go with more student voice and choice in their learning. Prepare to have your mind shift about how we sit in classrooms today! Sponsored by Bloomz. Go to www.coolcatteacher.com/bloomz to find out why Bloomz is the best parent-teacher communication system. Read the show notes at www.coolcatteacher.com/e118 at 5:45 am EDT after this show goes live on iTunes. Search the over 100 episodes of past shows by subject and topic to find just what you need at www.coolcatteacher.com/podcast.

Bill Selak @billselak shares how he's using Amazon's Alexa via the Echo and Dot in the classroom. http://amzn.to/2sjoUwI He shares the ideal grades (in his opinions) and how the Echo is an "assistant" of sorts for his teachers. Read the show notes at www.coolcatteacher.com/e108 about 5 hours after this show goes live on iTunes. Listen to the rest of the shows at www.coolcatteacher.com/podcast.

Before becoming the Director of Technology at Hillbrook School in Northern California, Bill taught elementary music, kindergarten, and second grade. He is an ISTE Kay L. Bitter Vision Award winner, ISTE Emerging Leader, Google Certified Innovator, and is Leading Edge Certified. He shares all things #eduawesome via his website,  Twitter, and Snapchat (@billselak). In this episode, Bill and Brent share stories about taking risks as administrators.

On this episode we had the privilege to have Bill Selak join us on Check This Out. We had a wond...

On this episode we had the privilege to have Bill Selak join us on Check This Out. We had a wond...

In this episode, Jon Samuelson @ipadsammy, Alison Anderson @tedrosececi, Curt Rees @curtrees, and Bill Selak @billselak talk about the world of educational technology. They will also share 5 Twitter users to follow, and some great #eduwins from the past week. Highlighted will be Bill talking about how he creates music with students in Garage Band, the ISTE 14 conference, and how to fail forward and not be afraid to take risks. Be sure to check out all the links on our List.ly list.

Welcome to episode #3 of EdCamp Radio with your host Kristen Swanson. In this segment we discuss highlights from Edcamp Los Angeles. Follow:@kristenswanson,@bamradionetwork Lisa Dabbs spent 19 years as an administrator. Her passion is to support and mentor teachers and administrators. Bill Selak is an elementary music teacher and adjunct faculty member at University of La Verne and Azusa Pacific University. He served on the California State Superintendent’s Education Technology Task Force in 2012.