
In this episode of House of #EdTech, we take a deep dive into the world of AI-driven personalized learning. From how AI adapts to individual student needs to address concerns about environmental impact and ethical use, I cover it all. This episode is perfect for educators, school administrators, and tech enthusiasts who want to understand the benefits, challenges, and best practices for incorporating AI into education. For complete show notes please visit: https://chrisnesi.com/258
Jan 13
49 min

Welcome to the House of #EdTech! In this special episode, I celebrate the 11th annual #EdTech Smackdown. Prepare for a jam-packed showcase of the best edtech tips, tools, and insights from incredible educators in our community. Let’s get into the 2024 edition! Guest Contributions: Noah King (Math Club Podcast): NotebookLM—a transformative tool for organizing and connecting your ideas. Stephanie Howell: Putting Out Fires: A Framework for Solving Problems in Your Classroom or School by Kaylah Holland—an essential read for tackling challenges in education. Matt Smith: SchoolAI—innovative AI solutions for educators. Adobe Podcast—audio editing made easy and professional. Martin Byford-Rew: Microsoft Copilot—an AI assistant integrated with Microsoft tools. Microsoft To-Do—an intuitive task management app. Joe: Flippity.net—turning spreadsheets into engaging activities and tools. Nicole Naditz: Generative AI Tip—encourage students to ask 3-4 clarifying questions before starting tasks to foster deeper understanding. Bryon Carpenter: Adobe Express—creative projects made simple. Microsoft Teams—collaboration at its best. Tony Vincent: Shapegrams—engaging activities for creativity and problem-solving. Trish Hinchman: Speaker Spotlight in Google Slides—enhance your presentations with dynamic speaker cues. Derek Larson: AppSmackdown.com LastPass Toggl Track Timery WaterMinder Google Voice Chris Nesi: Poe.com - Poe lets you ask questions, get instant answers, and have back-and-forth conversations with AI. Gives access to GPT-4, gpt-3.5-turbo, Claude from Anthropic, and more! You can view all previous recommendations on older editions of the smackdown here.
Dec 23, 2024
55 min

I wrap up the podcasting journey outlined in my book with a comprehensive recap of the essential steps to launch, grow, and sustain your podcast. Whether you're a seasoned podcaster or just starting out, this episode is packed with actionable insights and inspiration to help you refine your craft and achieve your podcasting goals. Key Takeaways: Recap of Podcasting Fundamentals: A summary of the critical steps covered in the book, including choosing a topic, planning, recording, editing, promotion, and monetization. Overcoming Challenges: Troubleshooting common podcasting hurdles like technical issues and low engagement while staying motivated. Next Steps for Growth: Practical advice on audience engagement, brand building, and continuous improvement. Leveraging Resources: How to tap into podcasting forums, conferences, courses, and other learning opportunities to sharpen your skills and connect with the community. Why Listen to This Episode? Discover how to set actionable goals for your podcast, maintain momentum, and take your content to the next level. Whether your aim is growing your audience, increasing revenue, or refining your production quality, this episode provides the tools and motivation you need to keep evolving as a podcaster. Episode Resources: Get the Book: https://chrisnesi.com/iliketopodcast Join the HOET Discord Community Explore Equipment Recommendations: https://chrisnesi.com/schoolpodcast
Dec 1, 2024
24 min

I discuss the most common challenges podcasters face and how to troubleshoot them effectively. Whether you’re a seasoned podcaster or just starting out, mastering these solutions can elevate your podcasting game and ensure your show runs smoothly. PURCHASE "I LIKE TO PODCAST AND YOU WILL TOO!: A HOUSE OF #EDTECH GUIDE TO PODCASTING!" What You’ll Learn in This Episode: How to improve poor audio quality and avoid technical hiccups. Best practices for editing and post-production, including software tips. Strategies for dealing with negative feedback and turning it into growth opportunities. Tips for staying motivated and consistent with your podcasting schedule. Key Takeaways: For Current Podcasters: Regularly maintain your recording equipment to prevent audio issues. Develop a consistent workflow to save time and streamline production. Handle listener feedback with professionalism to build trust and credibility. For Aspiring Podcasters: Start with basic equipment and learn essential recording techniques. Practice editing with beginner-friendly tools before launching your podcast. Plan your content and schedule for a smooth and successful start. Resources Mentioned: Editing Tools: Audacity, Descript, Adobe Audition. Hosting Platforms: Buzzsprout, Podbean, Anchor. Social Media Tips: Promoting your podcast on Instagram, TwiX, BlueSky, and Facebook. CLICK HERE FOR ALL MY PODCAST RESOURCES
Nov 25, 2024
30 min

In this episode, we dive deep into strategies for growing your podcast audience and building a strong brand. Learn how to define your target audience, create engaging content, and develop a cohesive brand identity that resonates with listeners. We'll explore the importance of networking, leveraging social media, and creating consistent, high-quality episodes to not only attract an audience but keep them coming back for more. Plus, discover tips to monetize your growing platform and turn your podcast into a sustainable success. For complete show notes please visit: https://chrisnesi.com/254
Nov 18, 2024
34 min

In today’s episode, we dive into Chapter 6 of I Like to Podcast and You Will Too!—all about monetizing your podcast. We’ll explore the essential steps for transforming your passion project into a profitable venture. From traditional advertising and sponsorships to innovative methods like selling merchandise and offering consulting services, we cover the top strategies to help you decide what works best for you. Plus, we discuss the vital role of building a loyal audience and delivering high-quality content to maximize income potential and keep listeners engaged. Whether you’re podcasting for fun or aiming to build a sustainable income, these insights will guide you on the path to podcasting success. Episode Highlights: Do You Need to Monetize Your Podcast? Monetization isn’t essential for every podcaster, but if your goals include generating income or promoting a business, it’s worth considering. For some, monetization is a natural progression that can fund growth and increase quality, while for others, podcasting might simply be a creative outlet. Why Monetize Your Podcast? Monetizing allows you to make a living, support your content creation, and enhance the quality of your episodes. Plus, a revenue stream can give you the resources to invest back into your podcast. Top Strategies for Podcast Monetization: Advertising & Sponsorships: Partner with advertisers or find sponsors who align with your audience’s interests. Crowdfunding: Platforms like Patreon let listeners contribute financially in exchange for exclusive perks. Merchandise Sales: Capitalize on a loyal audience by offering branded merchandise. Courses & Workshops: Leverage expertise by offering paid educational content. Consulting & Coaching: Use your podcasting experience to guide others on their journeys. Setting Up a Payment System: Selecting the right payment processor is key. Platforms like PayPal, Stripe, and Patreon can facilitate transactions and help you streamline support options for your listeners. Building a Loyal Audience: High-quality content, consistent engagement, exclusive perks, and regular episode schedules can help you build and maintain a dedicated audience, ensuring long-term support and increasing revenue potential. Profiting Beyond Money: Even if you don’t monetize directly, podcasting can still boost your brand, expand your network, and provide personal growth opportunities. Consider how podcasting may enhance your overall professional and personal journey. Key Takeaways: Monetizing a podcast can offer more than just financial benefits; it can open doors to new opportunities and enhance your personal brand. Start by considering your goals, experiment with strategies, and focus on audience-building for sustainable success.
Nov 10, 2024
33 min

Welcome to House of #EdTech! Today, we're diving into Chapter 5 from my book I Like to Podcast and You Will Too!: A House of #EdTech Guide to Podcasting. This chapter is all about what comes after you hit record – hosting, promoting, and distributing your podcast to ensure it reaches as many ears as possible. We'll cover essential strategies to help you expand your audience and engage listeners effectively. For complete show notes visit: https://chrisnesi.com/252
Nov 3, 2024
35 min

In this episode, we're diving into the essentials of recording and editing a podcast -- Chapter 4 of my book --to help you produce high-quality episodes that captivate your audience. Whether you're new to podcasting or looking to refine your skills, we’ll cover everything from selecting the right equipment to key editing techniques that ensure professional results. Key Topics Covered: Recording Your Podcast: Essential Equipment: Learn about the importance of investing in a good microphone, pop filter, and headphones to achieve crystal-clear audio. We’ll guide you through the best choices for both budget and professional setups. Choosing the Right Recording Space: Tips for finding a quiet, distraction-free environment, and how to test your recording setup to minimize background noise. Monitoring While Recording: Discover why wearing headphones during recording is crucial for consistency and how to catch mistakes in real-time. Taking Breaks and Re-recording: The value of pausing and redoing sections to ensure your final product is flawless. Editing Your Podcast: Basic Editing Techniques: Master key editing processes like trimming unwanted sections, splitting audio tracks, fading transitions, and using normalization and compression to balance your audio. Advanced Tools: Learn about equalization for refining sound quality and how these techniques can make your podcast more pleasant for listeners. Software Recommendations: Explore free and paid options for editing software that are accessible and effective. Adding Music and Sound Effects: Choosing Music Wisely: How to select music that fits your podcast’s style and tone, and avoid letting it overshadow your content. Podsafe Music: Understanding the importance of using royalty-free or Creative Commons-licensed music and how to find safe audio sources like Free Music Archive and Incompetech. Do’s and Don’ts for Music Integration: Ensure that your music enhances your content rather than distracts from it. Check out my podcasting resources here.
Oct 20, 2024
30 min

In this milestone episode, we dive into Chapter 3 of my book, which focuses on the essential steps for planning and preparing your podcast. Whether you're just starting or looking to refine your existing show, this episode provides actionable tips to help you build a strong foundation for success. Key Points: The Importance of a Content Plan and Schedule A content plan helps organize ideas and ensure your podcast maintains a smooth flow. A schedule helps you stay consistent, keep your audience engaged, and track your progress. Goals are easier to set and monitor when you plan your episodes in advance. Pick up a copy of the Pod Journal Creating a Consistent and Engaging Flow Start each episode with a hook to capture attention. Follow a structure: overview, main segments, and closing call-to-action. Use storytelling techniques and vary content to keep things fresh while maintaining a central theme. Naming and Branding Your Podcast Your podcast name should be memorable, unique, and reflective of the content. Branding includes developing a visual identity (logo/artwork) and defining a consistent tone. Ensure consistency across platforms, from your website to social media, to establish a professional image. Setting Up Recording Equipment and Software Essentials include a quality microphone, an audio interface (if needed), recording software (like Audacity or Adobe Audition), and headphones. Check out ALL the podcast gear I recommend! Choose a quiet recording space and adjust your settings for the best sound quality. Action Steps: Develop a Content Plan Map out your first 5-10 episodes with topic ideas and target release dates. Set a Consistent Schedule Decide how frequently you’ll release episodes (e.g., weekly, biweekly) and stick to it. Choose a Podcast Name Brainstorm names that reflect your show's content and check availability across social media platforms and podcast directories. Create Your Brand Design a logo, select a color scheme, and define your podcast’s tone. Ensure consistency across all materials. Set Up Your Equipment Invest in a microphone and headphones, choose your recording software, and test your setup before recording. By the end of this episode, you'll have the tools and knowledge to create a well-structured, engaging podcast that stands out.
Oct 13, 2024
31 min

In this episode, I share the crucial first steps of starting a podcast: choosing a topic and format. Drawing from Chapter 2 of my book, I share the importance of understanding your target audience and selecting a niche that resonates with them. Key Points Covered: Identifying Your Target Audience: Define the purpose and content of your podcast to attract the right listeners. Analyze demographic factors (age, gender, location) and psychographics (interests, values) to develop a clearer audience profile. Use competitor analysis to gather insights on what engages listeners in your niche. Create listener personas to visualize your audience's needs and interests. Finding Your Niche: Balance specificity with broad appeal to make your topic interesting and relevant. Research current trends and identify gaps in the market that your podcast could fill. Select a topic you are passionate about and knowledgeable in, ensuring an authentic and engaging experience. Exploring Podcast Types: We highlight various podcast genres, including Interview, News and Politics, True Crime, Education, Storytelling, Health and Wellness, and Comedy, each catering to different audience interests. Choosing Your Format: Align your podcast format with your content and strengths, considering audience expectations and available resources. Experiment with different formats to see what works best for you and your audience. Maintain consistency to build listener loyalty. Developing Your Hook: Focus on a unique angle or niche within your topic to stand out in a crowded market. Consider innovative perspectives, storytelling elements, or interactive features to engage your audience. By the end of this episode, you’ll have a clearer understanding of how to effectively choose a topic and format that resonate with your audience, setting you on the path to creating an engaging podcast. Resources Mentioned: WTF with Marc Maron Fresh Air The Daily Serial Stuff You Should Know TED Talks Daily The Happiness Lab Sleepy Conan O'Brien Needs a Friend The Education Podcast Network If you're considering starting your own podcast or just want to understand how podcasting works, this series of episodes and my book are your go-to resource. Click here to purchase "I Like To Podcast and You Will Too!: A House of #EdTech Guide to Podcasting"
Oct 6, 2024
25 min
Load more