In this episode of the Play Ed3 podcast, hosts Rick and Tisha welcome Amber Barton, a third-grade teacher and aspiring PhD student, who shares her insights on integrating technology in the classroom and empowering students through project management. The conversation explores the importance of productive struggle, learning from failure, and the role of educators as leaders. Amber emphasizes the significance of student voice and engagement, and how educators can creatively assess student mastery. The episode also touches on nostalgic elements from the 80s and 90s, making it a fun and insightful listen for educators and anyone interested in innovative teaching strategies.
Takeaways
Amber Barton is a third-grade teacher and an aspiring PhD student.
Engagement in the classroom is about finding student voice, not just noise.
Students can take ownership of their learning through project management.
Productive struggle is essential for student growth.
Learning from failure is a key part of the educational process.
Educators should model learning and risk-taking for their students.
Technology can enhance learning experiences when integrated thoughtfully.
Assessment should allow for creativity and choice in demonstrating mastery.
Every educator is a leader in their classroom.
It's important to create a safe space for students to express themselves.
About Amber Barton
Amber Barton is a passionate educator, Apple Learning Coach, and Ph.D. student specializing in special education and instructional technology. With over a decade of experience in K-12 classrooms, she has served as a digital learning coach, conference presenter, and professional development leader for educators across Alabama. Amber is especially focused on helping teachers integrate technology in meaningful, accessible ways to reach all learners, including those with diverse needs.
Currently, she is designing and teaching a university-level course on technology integration for pre-service teachers while conducting research on hybrid professional development models. Whether it’s using podcasts in the classroom, designing project-based learning experiences, or guiding others in tools like Canva, Keynote, and Magic School, Amber’s mission is to empower educators through practical, engaging, and equity-focused technology strategies.
Follow Amber Barton on:
Tiktok: https://tiktok.com/@edtechelevate
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amber-barton2015/
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