ClassCast Podcast Ep.016 features host Ryan Tibbens discussing the fallacy of learning styles, the problems with ideological and dogmatic thinking in the classroom, the need for variety, and the value of personal relationships. This brief solo episode was prompted by an ongoing discussion of differentiation and individualization as well as a blog post shared by a coworker.  To put it all simply -- There is no one ideology or pedagogy that works when it is the only option; teachers must pick and choose strategies to fit the goals. Also, using extensive stations or immense amounts of choice within a given lesson takes too much time away from relationship building and student support.  Links to the three articles discussed in the episode are available below (out of order because Article #1 is only available in download format). 

Article #2 -- "The Problem with Learning Styles" from Scientific American
Article #3 -- "Why Teacher-Student Relationships Matter" from Education Week

Check out two highlight clips from ClassCast Podcast Episode 015, featuring host Ryan Tibbens and GIS leader, science teacher, curriculum designer, and expert weather forecaster Mike Wagner.

In this highlight from ClassCast Podcast Episode 015, lead GIS teacher and curriculum developer Mike Wagner discusses the implementation and value of geographic information system classes in schools.  Every school should strive to offer GIS classes like Mike suggests because of the kind of inquiry-based, career-skills focused opportunities they provide (not to mention dual enrollment college credits). Check  out this clip to learn more! 
For more information about LCPS GIS, check Twitter (@LCPS_GIS) and the LCPS GIS website (https://www.lcps.org/Page/212324).
For more information about using ArcGIS Online and the manual that Mike Wagner wrote, check http://learn.arcgis.com/en/educators .

In this highlight clip from Ep.015, expert weather forecaster and GIS teacher Mike Wagner discusses the science (and art) of weather forecasting and why good forecasters should be cautious and conservative. Check out Everyday Weather Services on Facebook for the best snow day (and major event) forecasting in Northern Virginia, Western Pennsylvania, and throughout the MidAtlantic region.

ClassCast Podcast Episode 015 features a discussion between Mike Wagner, lead GIS teacher in Loudoun County, VA (as well as science teacher, curriculum developer, and expert weather forecaster), and host Ryan Tibbens. ​

They discuss using geographic information systems (GIS), particularly ArcGIS, in the classroom; Mike's background and current projects as a professional weather forecaster (specializing in snow day predictions); and why a more experience-based, hands-on, and interdisciplinary style school is needed. GIS can work in every class and subject area and is considered a top five career "area of need," so implementing this technology can create valuable job skills in addition to deeper project-based learning.  Two highlight clips, one featuring an introduction to the GIS class in LCPS and one featuring Mike's Everyday Weather Services forecasts on Facebook, are available in a separate ClassCast update. 

For more information about LCPS GIS, check Twitter (@LCPS_GIS) and the LCPS GIS website (https://www.lcps.org/Page/212324).
For more information about using ArcGIS Online and the manual that Mike Wagner wrote, check http://learn.arcgis.com/en/educators . 
For more information about Mike's forecasts, check Everyday Weather Services on Facebook. 
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