Home Podcasts The DIESOL Podcast | EdTech in ESL
The DIESOL Podcast | EdTech in ESL

The DIESOL Podcast | EdTech in ESL

Brent Warner & Ixchell Reyes 147 Episodes Jul 6, 2026

The DIESOL Podcast focuses on educational technology in the field of English as a Second or Other Language. It helps teachers consider best practices for their English learning students and how to integrate technology into the classroom. The show emphasizes practical strategies to support students at their current level. DIESOL stands for Developing Innovation in English as a Second or Other Language.

Episodes

DIESOL 140 - What's in the Box? Building a Classroom Kit
DIESOL 140 - What's in the Box? Building a Classroom Kit Jul 6, 2026 38:48 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-wh
DIESOL 139 - Encouraging Writing in the AI Era
DIESOL 139 - Encouraging Writing in the AI Era Jun 2, 2026 36:36 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 
DIESOL 138 - Summer Splash! A Curriculum for Summer Exploration
DIESOL 138 - Summer Splash! A Curriculum for Summer Exploration May 18, 2026 38:45 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
DIESOL 137 - Creative Thinking Strategies to Increase Productive Fluency with Sara Davila
DIESOL 137 - Creative Thinking Strategies to Increase Productive Fluency with Sara Davila May 5, 2026 36:41 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
DIESOL 136 - Finding Ways to Incorporate Vocabulary Across the Curriculum
DIESOL 136 - Finding Ways to Incorporate Vocabulary Across the Curriculum Apr 20, 2026 40:26 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
DIESOL 135 - How to Be Tech-Friendly During a Tech Backlash.mp3
DIESOL 135 - How to Be Tech-Friendly During a Tech Backlash.mp3 Apr 6, 2026 41:10 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
DIESOL 134 - Trauma Awareness in the Adult ESL Classroom
DIESOL 134 - Trauma Awareness in the Adult ESL Classroom Mar 16, 2026 39:23 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 th
DIESOL 133 - IceCrushers 2026
DIESOL 133 - IceCrushers 2026 Feb 2, 2026 30:54 "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 a
DIESOL 132 - NotebookLM for English Language Teachers
DIESOL 132 - NotebookLM for English Language Teachers Jan 26, 2026 32:24 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
DIESOL 131 - 26 Tools for 2026
DIESOL 131 - 26 Tools for 2026 Jan 5, 2026 45:27 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 
2025 Winter Interlude
2025 Winter Interlude Dec 23, 2025 02:09 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!
DIESOL 130 - A Very DIESOL Thanksgiving
DIESOL 130 - A Very DIESOL Thanksgiving Nov 17, 2025 24:20 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 th

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