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If you're searching for an easy way for you or your students to make videos, Google Vids or Clipchamp may be the solution you've been looking for. Both platforms have their own approaches to making videos you can use for lectures, tutorials, presentations, and more. Check it out as Brent & Ixchell break down how to use them, an overview of the main features, and why you might choose one over the other. Show notes: https://DIESOL.org/142

Ever heard the term "vibecoding" and immediately assumed it wasn't for language teachers? Think again! In this episode of the DIESOL Podcast, Brent and Ixchell break down what vibecoding actually is, why it's less about computer science and more about clear communication, and how adult ESL educators can leverage it to create customized learning tools without knowing a thing about "coding". Show notes: www.DIESOL.org/141

While we frequently focus on digital tools and EdTech, what about the physical items in your room that impact your students' focus, energy, and overall mood? In this episode, Brent and Ixchell get physical and discuss how to build a tangible "classroom kit" that can lower the affective filter and set your students up for success. Show Notes and Transcript: https://diesol.org/episode/episode-140-whats-in-the-box-building-a-classroom-kit/

How 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

How 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

Brent 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

In 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

We'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

In 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

"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

In 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

Happy 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

No 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!

Research shows that finding things to be grateful for actually releases dopamine and serotonin (the happy chemicals!) in the brain, which means more calmness during difficult times, resiliency, a stronger will to survive and thrive, and overall groundedness. This means we can make better decisions under stress, and who doesn't want to be better at that? Join Brent and Ixchell as they share what they're thankful for this year! Show notes: www.DIESOL.org/130

We tend to think expertise is always an advantage, but what if knowing too much can actually hold you back? In this episode, Ixchell & Brent explore the research showing that experts can struggle with creative problem-solving in ways beginners don't. Discover why well-worn mental pathways can become traps, how automaticity makes it harder to explain what you know, and when a fresh perspective beats years of experience. Listen in for ways to open your mind back up to the "beginner's mindset" and seeing your students' learning experience with fresh eyes. Show Notes: www.DIESOL.org/129