Schools Reinvented

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LinkedUp: Breaking Boundaries in Education

Jamie Saponaro

184 episodes

4 days ago

Jamie Saponaro and Jerri Kemble are two lively ladies passionate about education. Further flamed by the many changes in schools in 2020, they set out to make a positive contribution to the profession they love by creating LinkedUp: Breaking Boundaries in Education. LinkedUp’s mission is to have lively and in-depth discussions about relevant educational topics that matter and to link the movers and shakers of the education world with listeners. Jamie and Jerri both work for ClassLink, an edtech company powering this podcast as a service to educators everywhere.

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Schools Reinvented

LinkedUp: Breaking Boundaries in Education

32 minutes 20 seconds

5 months ago

Schools Reinvented

How can school leaders harness the power of AI to fuel innovation, personalize learning, and support educators? Dyane Smokorowski and Rob Dickson, from Wichita Public Schools (WPS), are setting the pace. Join us as they unpack WPS's bold approach to AI integration: one that's focused not just on technology, but on people.

Dyane and Rob share how their district is using AI to create more meaningful, customized learning experiences for students while also providing educators with practical tools that enhance their work, not replace it. Together, they dive into the mindset shifts, professional learning, and strategic planning it takes to move from AI curiosity to sustainable implementation. From tackling common fears to celebrating quick wins, this conversation explores what it really takes to lead AI adoption in education and why WPS is positioning its educators and students to thrive in an AI-powered world.

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ABOUT OUR GUESTS

Dyane Smokorowski is a passionate educator, speaker, and edtech advocate dedicated to making learning an adventure. As the Coordinator of Digital Literacy for Wichita Public Schools, she designs meaningful learning experiences for students and educators alike. Dyane was named one of EdTech Focus on K–12's "30 K–12 IT Influencers to Follow in 2024" and received the Wichita Business Journal's 2023 Community Innovator Award. Her career has also been marked by honors such as Kansas Teacher of the Year (2013), Dolly Parton's Chasing Rainbows Award (2015), and induction into the National Teachers Hall of Fame (2019).

Rob Dickson is the Chief Information Officer for Wichita Public Schools, where he leads transformative technology initiatives that expand digital access, personalize learning, and create secure, future-ready environments for 50,000 students. Under his leadership, the district launched Education Imagine Academy—now a Microsoft Showcase School—and a districtwide esports program in partnership with Wichita State University. Rob has been honored as the 2021 Kansas City Orbie CIO of the Year, a 2022 National CIO of the Year Finalist, and one of District Administration's 2024 Top 100 Education Influencers. He also actively consults with districts across the country, helping them shape strategic technology visions that drive real-world impact.

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POWERED BY CLASSLINK: ClassLink provides one-click single sign-on into web and Windows applications, and instant access to files at school and in the cloud. Accessible from any computer, tablet, or smartphone, ClassLink is ideal for 1to1 and Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) initiatives. Learn more at ⁠⁠⁠classlink.com⁠⁠⁠.