Podcast
The DIESOL Podcast | EdTech in ESL
Hosted by Brent Warner & Ixchell Reyes · EN
The DIESOL Podcast covers EdTech in the field of English as a Second or Other Language. The show helps teachers consider best practices for their English Learning students and how to integrate technology into the classroom to help students where they are.
DIESOL: Developing Innovation in English as a Second or Other Language
17episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
DIESOL 139 - Encouraging Writing in the AI Era
6d ago00:36:36Tap to summarizeHow do we help students build genuine writing skills when AI tools can easily do the work for them? In this episode, Brent & Ixchell share practical strategies, low-tech solutions, and clever ways to use AI as a scaffold rather than a shortcut, ensuring students still do the hard work of learning. Show Notes: www.DIESOL.org/139
Transcribe →DIESOL 138 - Summer Splash! A Curriculum for Summer Exploration
3w ago00:38:45Tap to summarizeHow can you explore new ideas while still taking time to unwind from the school year? In this episode, Ixchell & Brent share practical tools, creative pedagogy, and accessible resources to keep your innovative juices flowing without leading to summer burnout. Show notes: www.DIESOL.org/138
Transcribe →DIESOL 137 - Creative Thinking Strategies to Increase Productive Fluency with Sara Davila
May 500:36:41Tap to summarizeBrent Warner and Ixchell Reyes are joined by internationally recognized consultant and former teacher, Sara Davila, to explore how creative thinking strategies can boost productive fluency in language learners. From practical techniques like the Idea Box and reverse brainstorming to the role of AI as a creative partner, Sara shares actionable ideas teachers can use right away, whether low-tech or no-tech environment. If you've ever wondered how to move students from knowing English to actually using it with confidence, this episode is for you! Show notes: www.DIESOL.org/137
Transcribe →DIESOL 136 - Finding Ways to Incorporate Vocabulary Across the Curriculum
Apr 2000:40:26Tap to summarizeIn today's episode, we're tackling a common challenge. Your students want to build their vocabulary, but your class isn't really focused on vocabulary learning. So what can you do? We're looking at simple, practical ways to weave vocabulary into any lesson, without needing to redesign your whole curriculum. From choosing the right words to helping students actually use them in real contexts, we'll share ideas you can start using right away. Show Notes: www.DIESOL.org/136 YouTube: www.YouTube.com/@DIESOLpod
Transcribe →DIESOL 135 - How to Be Tech-Friendly During a Tech Backlash.mp3
Apr 600:41:10Tap to summarizeWe're seeing many reports of schools banning the use of mobile devices during school hours. There are multiple articles sharing the impact that the use of mobile devices has on student academic achievement scores. Is the backlash against classroom tech justified, or are we missing something important? In this episode, Brent and Ixchell dig into the growing global movement to ban phones and devices from schools, and discuss ways for more thoughtful approach to EdTech without compromising student achievement. Show notes: www.DIESOL.org/135
Transcribe →DIESOL 134 - Trauma Awareness in the Adult ESL Classroom
Mar 1600:39:23Tap to summarizeIn this episode, Brent and Ixchell look at trauma in the adult ESOL classroom. It's a heavy subject, but it's also incredibly relevant, both right now and for anyone working with English learners. Our field serves populations who, more often than not, have experienced some form of trauma in their lives. Most instructors are not trained in trauma counseling or mental health support. Because of that, Brent and Ixchell turned to research articles and expert perspectives to help listeners better understand how educators can create supportive, responsive classroom environments for students who may be carrying these experiences. Show Notes: www.DIESOL.org/134
Transcribe →DIESOL 133 - IceCrushers 2026
Feb 200:30:54Tap to summarize"Find someone who," "Give your self-introduction," and "Speed Dating Classmate Interviews" are commonly used activities as ice-breakers. However, over time, these can become stale, predictable, and dreaded by both students and teachers. Fear not! A simple twist and a fresh purpose can add some spark to these activities. Better ice-breakers can promote community and rapport from day 1! Join Brent and Ixchell as they help teachers upgrade from stale icebreakers to fun icecrushers! Show notes: www.DIESOL.org/133
Transcribe →DIESOL 132 - NotebookLM for English Language Teachers
Jan 2600:32:24Tap to summarizeIn this episode, Brent and Ixchell talk through NotebookLM from a classroom teacher's perspective. What problems does it solve for language teachers? How can students utilize it? We look at how it works with your own lesson notes and materials, what it's genuinely helpful for, and what still needs a human touch. It's an honest conversation about where this tool fits into ELT language tasks without the pressure to use "all the things." Show notes: www.DIESOL.org/132
Transcribe →DIESOL 131 - 26 Tools for 2026
Jan 500:45:27Tap to summarizeHappy New Year!! There are lots of tools and resources to explore, and it's hard to keep on top of them all. In our annual tradition, Ixchell and Brent share 26 tools for 2026. Whether they're resource collections, useful websites, or physical items, we hope something on this list will pique your interest! Show notes: www.DIESOL.org/131
Transcribe →2025 Winter Interlude
Dec 2300:02:09Tap to summarizeNo December episodes, but we do have a message from a very special guest as we wrap up 2025! We'll be back with new episodes starting on January 5th! Happy Holidays, everyone!
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