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Help Me Understand with Dr. Robert Dillon

Help Me Understand with Dr. Robert Dillon

By Dr. Robert Dillon

School Designer Dr. Robert Dillon focused on issues surrounding the innovative of school systems include what, how and where we learn. The podcast raises awareness about essential topics in education as well as leans into opportunity to explore, discover and grow curious about the world that surround us.
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Help Me Understand- Eric Menkhus

Help Me Understand with Dr. Robert DillonMar 18, 2020

00:00
25:30
Lane Education Service District- Equitable Grading Practices

Lane Education Service District- Equitable Grading Practices

This episode looks at how one ESD partnered with school districts and a teacher's union to bring more equitable grading practices to the students and families that they serve. 

Jun 07, 202238:43
TED 2022- Day Four

TED 2022- Day Four

Chris and I recap the final long day of TED 2022. We talk about art, science and how to get more people into this type of learning space. 

Apr 14, 202226:20
TED 2022- Day Three

TED 2022- Day Three

Chris and I recap our day including our trip to the hockey game. Lots of great ideas on topics surrounding play, wellbeing and vision

Apr 13, 202221:19
TED 2022- The Audacity of It All

TED 2022- The Audacity of It All

Chris McGee and I discuss day two through our late night dispatch after a long day of thinking, listening, talking and riding bikes.

Apr 12, 202224:32
TED 2022- Day 1

TED 2022- Day 1

Dr. Chris McGee joins me as we recap our experience from day one of the TED Conference in Vancouver.

Apr 11, 202225:43
April-Mailbag

April-Mailbag

We reach into the mailbag for some questions on learning space design as well as discuss some future projects coming to the podcast. 

Apr 04, 202209:25
Equitable Grading Practices- Beaverton School District

Equitable Grading Practices- Beaverton School District

This episode originally aired as a part of a project that I worked on for the Oregon Department of Education. You can listen to the original at: https://anchor.fm/oregon-egp. If you want to know more about this project, there are links in their show notes. Today, you hear from a team at Beaverton School District.

Mar 14, 202232:14
Equitable Grading Practices at Athey Creek Middle School

Equitable Grading Practices at Athey Creek Middle School

This episode originally aired as a part of a project that I worked on for the Oregon Department of Education. You can listen to the original at: https://anchor.fm/oregon-egp. If you want to know more about this project, there are links in their show notes. Today, you hear from a team of teachers at Athey Creek Middle School. 

Mar 07, 202230:17
Mailbag 1- Learning Space Questions

Mailbag 1- Learning Space Questions

This is a start of a mini-series of mini-podcasts answering some frequently asked questions by listeners and educators. In this episode, we talk about soft seating in middle school, outdoor learning spaces and seating charts

Feb 28, 202205:54
A Conversation with Kelly Hyatt

A Conversation with Kelly Hyatt

This episode features Kelly Hyatt. She serves as the librarian at Central High School in Knox County, TN. Kelly has recently co-designed and launched a calming space in their library. She talks about her process to make the new space a reality, the initial reaction of students and outlines suggestions for others that are looking to create spaces to meet the needs of students. 

Jan 25, 202224:28
The Learning Playground: Adaptable design strategies for equitable access to restorative learning environments.
Jan 14, 202237:08
A Conversation with Doug Timm

A Conversation with Doug Timm

This conversation provides some perspective of the life of a school principal during a pandemic. We talk about staying connected to families. Helping teachers feel safe in their school space, and how he has worked to continue learning in these trying conditions. Doug is an elementary principal in the Colonel School District in Delaware. 

Feb 12, 202137:56
A Conversation with Derek Hoven

A Conversation with Derek Hoven

Derek and I kick off season five with a conversation about community. Our pandemic year has made being in community difficult, and it has shined a bright light on the power of community. This conversation started from my reading of The Power of Ritual, a book that I highly recommend. Derek is the pastor of Salem Lutheran Church in Bay Hill, Florida. 

Feb 09, 202135:38
A Conversation with Sam Chaltain

A Conversation with Sam Chaltain

Sam Chaltain (@samchaltain) is a partner at 180 Studio, a global design collaborative dedicated to advancing people’s understanding of the future of learning — and what it requires.

Sam’s writings about his work have appeared in both magazines and newspapers, including the New York TimesWashington Post, and USA Today. A former speechwriter for each of President Obama’s U.S. Secretaries of Education, Sam has also written for Oscar and Grammy Award winning artists. A periodic contributor to CNN, Sam is the author or co-author of seven books; a co-producer of the PBS documentary film, 180 Days: Hartsville; and co-creator of the 10-part online film series, A Year at Mission Hill.

Sam has a Master’s degree in American Studies from the College of William & Mary, and an M.B.A. from George Washington University, where he specialized in non-profit management and organizational theory. He received his undergraduate degree from the University of Wisconsin at Madison, where he graduated with a double major in Afro-American Studies and History.

Dec 21, 202037:46
A Conversation with Dr. Sandra Duncan

A Conversation with Dr. Sandra Duncan

With over 45 years of experience and a doctorate in education, Dr. Sandra Duncan has a wide and varied background in early care and education. She has extensive experience in working with young children and parents, teaching at the university level, designing professional development programs for practitioners, and authoring several teacher resource books. In this episode, we talk about how our work around intentional design comes together and her vision for what is possible going forward. 

Dec 18, 202024:15
A Conversation with Glenn Barnes on Civics, Democracy and the Future of Social Studies Education

A Conversation with Glenn Barnes on Civics, Democracy and the Future of Social Studies Education

Glenn Barnes is the coordinator of social studies learning for Saint Louis Public School. He is a graduate of Drury University as well as part of the leadership team for Connected Learning. Following Glenn on Twitter @socratesaskswhy.

Nov 08, 202028:27
A Conversation with Josh Stumpenhorst- Part Two

A Conversation with Josh Stumpenhorst- Part Two

Josh and I discuss opening a school library during a pandemic as well as how he is working to keep the maker culture rolling in his school. 

Oct 18, 202029:36
A Conversation with Me- Flipping the Script with Derek Hoven

A Conversation with Me- Flipping the Script with Derek Hoven

Derek takes over as the host, and I answer some of questions about the future of school, taking care of kids in a pandemic, and what makes me tick as a leader. I hope you enjoy what is destined to be an ongoing feature of the podcast. 

Oct 15, 202028:38
What have we learned about school in a pandemic? Part Two

What have we learned about school in a pandemic? Part Two

This episode continues our conversation about what we have learned from teaching and learning during a pandemic. This episode and part one of this series was supported by Color Art Interiors

Oct 13, 202054:24
What have we learned about school in a pandemic? Part One

What have we learned about school in a pandemic? Part One

This podcast was crafted in partnership with Color Art Interiors. They are helping schools and districts to design innovative spaces in the Saint Louis area and beyond. This episode features a number of educators discussing what is working and what remains a challenge in our current learning environments during this pandemic. 

Oct 09, 202059:18
Activating a Master Plan

Activating a Master Plan

Joseph Phelan and I come back together to talk about projects on the campus at Saint Andrews (MD). This conversation looks at some of the technical elements of design, and how he is going about bringing new projects to life in a pandemic. Some great ideas for considerations for those that are designing any type of space. 

Oct 02, 202023:52
2+3 Doesn't Equal 5

2+3 Doesn't Equal 5

In this mini-episode, I talk about the many impressive things that teachers are doing to adjust to virtual learning as well as how we may take two steps forward and one step back as we move from full virtual to hybrid models of learning. 

Sep 28, 202005:56
Impact Learning Podcast Preview

Impact Learning Podcast Preview

This episode is a preview of my guest appearance on the Impact Learning Podcast. For the full episode, click here. https://impactlearning.simplecast.com/episodes/robert-dillon

Sep 21, 202006:12
A Conversation with Kristina Ishmael

A Conversation with Kristina Ishmael

The episode dives into the changing role of teaching and learning as well as some of the opportunities that schools have to make long-term changes in the way that they support students. 

Sep 18, 202036:01
Learning Environments, Living Spaces- CEO of Natural Pod

Learning Environments, Living Spaces- CEO of Natural Pod

This conversation starts with us discussing the future of learning spaces in this time of disruption, and then we broaden the scope to talk about how we can positively impact families, communities, and the planet with our work for excellent spaces for all. 

Sep 08, 202014:38
Safer Not Safe

Safer Not Safe

This episode looks at some of the issues facing schools as they return for the new year. 

Aug 31, 202016:19
A Conversation with Robert Dillon Sr.

A Conversation with Robert Dillon Sr.

This special episode of the Help Me Understand Podcast features my father, Robert Dillon, Sr. We actually recorded the audio for this episode a few years ago as a part of the Mobile StoryCorps project when it came to Saint Louis. This was a memorable conversation for me as we talked about my dad’s childhood, important memories for him, and a bit about how he sees the world. I’m excited to have the Help Me Understand podcast in which to share this conversation, and a special thanks to StoryCorps for creating the environment to make this possible.

May 22, 202041:40
A Conversation with Jason Michel

A Conversation with Jason Michel

Dr. Jason Michel is an assistant principal at Parkview High School in Springfield Missouri. It is a graduate of Drury University. Jason is a true servant leader that puts students and teachers first. In this episode, we talk about leading a school from quarantine, and how schools need to evolve going forward. 

May 19, 202025:38
A Conversation with Dr. Stacey Ulrich

A Conversation with Dr. Stacey Ulrich

In this episode, we discuss Stacey's work in emergency medicine as well as how she continues to look for challenges, adventures, and experiences through her work and at home. Dr. Stacey Ulrich, MD is a pediatric emergency medicine specialist in San Diego, CA. She was a graduate of Pattonville High School in 1992. Stacey is the mother of two boys. 

May 15, 202021:14
A Conversation with Rayna Freeman

A Conversation with Rayna Freeman

Rayna is an amazing educator, and she currently serves as the president for MASSCUE.  Rayna Freedman is currently a 5th grade teacher at the Jordan/Jackson Elementary School in Mansfield, MA.  Rayna has a B.S. in Education from the University of Vermont and a M.Ed in Educational Technology from Lesley University.  She is a Google Level 2 certified educator, a BrainPOP certified educator, Flipgrid Ambassador, Fablevision Ambassador and Wakelet Ambassador. Rayna has presented for ISTE, Ed Tech Teacher, Tech and Learning, Medfield Digital Learning Day, FETC, BPLC, and BLC.

May 12, 202025:38
A Conversation with Andy Marcinek

A Conversation with Andy Marcinek

Andy Marcinek is a thinker, leader, and educator. He has helped schools continue to rethink what is possible in learning through technology and innovative practices. Andrew Marcinek is currently the Chief Digital Officer (CDO) at Buckingham Browne & Nichols School. Andrew was the first Chief Open Education Advisor for the US Department of Education. In that role, Andrew focused on accelerating the adoption of open education policies within the Department and across the federal government. As part of this campaign, Andrew organized a White House event that launched a national movement called #GoOpen and brought together EdTech companies, district and state leaders, and nonprofits. His ultimate goal is to increase the curation and sharing of open educational materials by educators throughout the country. Prior to that, he served as Director of Technology, Instructional Technology Specialist, and secondary English teacher in schools in Massachusetts and Pennsylvania.

May 08, 202025:12
A Conversation with Don Wettrick

A Conversation with Don Wettrick

Don Wettrick is a leader and educator that supports innovation and entrepreneurship in schools and communities. Don Wettrick is the President and founder of STARTedUP, a nonprofit that provides entrepreneurial events, training, and seed funding for young entrepreneurs. STARTedUP also supports Innovate WithIN, a state wide pitch competition in Indiana. Don is also a podcast host for STARTedUP, which hosts some of the world's most successful entrepreneurs and authors. 

May 05, 202029:13
A Conversation with Noah Williams

A Conversation with Noah Williams

Noah is a coach and head of athlete development for the Williams Racing Academy, https://www.williamsracingacademy.com/. He also hosts The Second Echelon Podcast, https://www.williamsracingacademy.com/thesecondechelon. Noah and I discuss competitive cycling, and how his work as a coach continues to grow more and more technical in nature. Noah has seen and experienced cycling over many years as a fan, competitor, and now coach. More about Noah can be found here, https://www.williamsracingacademy.com/noah-williams

Apr 29, 202045:46
A Conversation with Amber Teamann
Apr 27, 202026:14
A Conversation with Bill Selak

A Conversation with Bill Selak

This episode future Bill Selak. Bill and I discuss the future of learning as well as his passion around sound design. Bill is an ISTE Kay L. Bitter Vision Award winner, ISTE Emerging Leader, Google Certified Innovator, Apple Distinguished Educator, Google Certified Educator Level 2, Apple Teacher, ISTE Certified Educator, and I’m Leading Edge Certified in Online & Blended Teaching, the Digital Educator, and Professional Developer certifications.

He uses technology to shape the experience of each of my students. On this website, http://www.billselak.com/, he writes about how technology is shaping the face of modern education. Bill believes that technology empowers educators to better individualize teaching and learning, and empowers students to communicate in their own style.

Apr 22, 202031:10
A Conversation with Josh Stumpenhorst
Apr 14, 202024:30
A Conversation with Monica Burns
Apr 13, 202031:28
Help Me Understand- Wendy Kryah

Help Me Understand- Wendy Kryah

This episode is part of my efforts to feature the contributions of the Pattonville High School Class of 1992, and it was a pleasure or laugh and smile with Wendy. We also explored the  skills that we bring to the work place. The ideas of solving problems, getting things done, helping systems changes, project management, and getting things organized. We even spent a few moments talking about our mutual love of Colorado. 

Apr 04, 202029:52
Help Me Understand- Heather Lantz

Help Me Understand- Heather Lantz

Heather is a 1991 Pattonville graduate, small business owner, and entrepreneur. We talk about the wisdom that comes from growing your own business, the subjects in schools that have crept back into her work, and the joy that she gets in supporting so many around the country as they expand their businesses. It was insightful to hear how communications, marketing, science, and listening are all keys to her success. Heather is Clinical & Business Development Educator at Jan Marini.

Apr 04, 202020:08
Help Me Understand- Michelle Benedict
Apr 04, 202020:06
Help Me Understand- Kelly Tenkely
Apr 04, 202037:11
Help Me Understand- Jane Bannester
Apr 04, 202032:57
Help Me Understand- Michele Eaton

Help Me Understand- Michele Eaton

Michele and I talk about her new book as well as modern learning and all of its elements.  Michele Eaton is the Director of Virtual and Blended Learning for the M.S.D. of Wayne Township in Indianapolis, Indiana. She focuses on staff and course development for Achieve Virtual Education Academy and provides leadership for the district's blended initiatives. Michele is a CoSN CETL and 2016 Next Generation Leader, 2018 EdWeek Leader to Learn From, President Elect of the ISTE Online Learning Network, IUPUI online instructor, Conference Chair for the Indiana Connected Educators organization, member of the EdTech Heroes, and moderator for the #INeLearn chat. You can follow her on Twitter at @micheeaton and @the411vodcast.

Mar 18, 202023:39
Help Me Understand- Joseph Phelan

Help Me Understand- Joseph Phelan

This is our first of many episodes together as we discuss space design through an operations lens. Connect with Joseph at jphelan@saes.org 

Mar 18, 202025:33
Help Me Understand- Dr. Riina Hirsch
Mar 18, 202021:19
Help Me Understand- Mike Kaechele

Help Me Understand- Mike Kaechele

Mike and I talk about PBL and how is meshes with SEL and other areas of learning. More about Mike over at https://www.michaelkaechele.com/. You can also follow him on Twitter at: @mikekaechele

Mar 18, 202020:40
Help Me Understand- Dan Kennedy

Help Me Understand- Dan Kennedy

Dan and I talk about serving others, supporting our families, and being genuine leaders. Reach out to Dan at dan.kennedy@kumveka.org or learn more about Kumveka at https://www.kumveka.org/ 

Mar 18, 202025:41
Help Me Understand- Eric Menkhus

Help Me Understand- Eric Menkhus

Eric Menkhus  is the Associate Dean of New Education Initiatives, Clinical Professor of Law, and Faculty Fellow, Center for Law, Science & Innovation at the Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law. Eric Menkhus is leading the College of Law’s efforts in new initiatives, including expanding online learning and online programs, as Director of New Program Development. Eric can be reached at eric.menkhus@asu.edu

Mar 18, 202025:30
Help Me Understand- April Vernon

Help Me Understand- April Vernon

April and I discuss being parents, supporting teaching and learning, and the best of humanity. You can connect with April at aprilmvernon@gmail.com. 

Mar 18, 202026:59
Help Me Understand- Derek Hoven
Mar 18, 202025:11