Shows
Cool Cat Teacher TalkISTE Live '25 Supershare: AI, Edtech, and VR with Dr. Rachelle Dené Poth, Jaime Donally, Mike TholfsenIn today's show, some edtech and AI experts share what's hot (and not) as we approach ISTE Live '25 in San Antonio. We have news from AR and VR in edu, AI news, Microsoft's big announcements about some new AI tools for kids 13 and up and for teachers (and how the computer's system architecture has changed dramatically.) I'm copresenting with some of these friends at ISTE Live '25 on Monday at the Edtech and AI Power Hour and it is going to be fast and fun. But if you can't go or if you want to get ahead of...2025-06-2658 min
Cool Cat Teacher BlogMicrosoft 365 Copilot Breakthroughs for Educators [Updated 2025 #ISTELive Guide]From the Cool Cat Teacher Blog by Vicki Davis Subscribe to the 10 Minute Teacher Podcast anywhere you listen to podcasts.
Mike Tholfsen unveils Microsoft's game-changing education AI breakthroughs at ISTE 2025, starting with the landmark announcement that Copilot Chat is now FREE for students 13+, complete with enterprise data protection that schools can trust. Many educators have been waiting for tools that IT administrators can control while giving students the power to learn and explore responsibly.
Note from Vicki: This post includes a vocabulary section, as I have done for previous posts. The purpose is to...2025-06-2600 minCool Cat Teacher BlogMicrosoft 365 Copilot Breakthroughs for Educators [Updated 2025 #ISTELive Guide]From the Cool Cat Teacher Blog by Vicki Davis Subscribe to the 10 Minute Teacher Podcast anywhere you listen to podcasts.
Mike Tholfsen unveils Microsoft's game-changing education AI breakthroughs at ISTE 2025, starting with the landmark announcement that Copilot Chat is now FREE for students 13+, complete with enterprise data protection that schools can trust. Many educators have been waiting for tools that IT administrators can control while giving students the power to learn and explore responsibly.
Note from Vicki: This post includes a vocabulary section, as I have done for previous posts. The purpose is to...2025-06-2600 min
10 Minute Teacher Podcast with Cool Cat TeacherTop 5 Copilot Breakthroughs Unveiled at ISTE 2025 with Mike TholfsenMicrosoft's Mike Tholfsen unveils game-changing AI breakthroughs for educators at ISTE 2025, including Copilot Chat for teens 13+, the revolutionary Teach module that creates standards-aligned lessons in minutes, and AI-powered study guides that transform how students learn. Discover how Learning Zone on Copilot+ PCs brings AI directly to your classroom without internet, plus exciting updates to Learning Accelerators and seamless LMS integration that puts powerful AI tools right where teachers need them. Key takeaways: FREE Copilot Chat now available for students 13+ with enterprise data protection New Teach module creates lesson plans, rubrics, and assessments aligned to standards from 35...2025-06-2613 min
The EdTech News Brief006 Chromebook Screencast App, Multiple Text Selections in Docs, Flipgrid Changes, Embed TikToks in OneNote, and Immersive Reader in SchoologyChromebooks are getting their own screencasting app, you can now select multiple sections of text in Google Docs, Flipgrid made some changes to how topics and topic titles work, you can embed TikTok videos in OneNote, and, finally, students can now use the Immersive Reader in Schoology. VIEW THIS EPISODE ON YOUTUBE - youtube.com/watch?v=n4B0c6CByh0 TODAY’S CONTENT: Segment #1 - Chrome OS Screencast App “The Anywhere School 2022” - https://blog.google/outreach-initiatives/education/theanywhereschool-overview “Control Alt Achieve: Introducing...2022-06-2016 min
Fran’s Not HereFran's Not Here S03E03 - This Thing Has SixThis is a city full of coffee places and no coffee or whatever.
Show notes:
trying every coffee shop in Toronto
Coffe Run - Rob Ford
Carmen Grey (@carmengreyxx) TikTok
Kellen (@cocoaferret) TikTok
Lesbian vampires for Halloween🩸
Mike Tholfsen - Microsoft tips (@mtholfsen) TikTok
Fran’s Not Here is a show about Toronto, co-hosted by Sawyer Paul and Robert Pilgrim. Read blog posts about each episode. The show is hosted at Anchor, where you can subscribe however you want.2021-10-3124 minFran’s Not HereFran's Not Here S03E03 - This Thing Has SixThis is a city full of coffee places and no coffee or whatever.
Show notes:
trying every coffee shop in Toronto
Coffe Run - Rob Ford
Carmen Grey (@carmengreyxx) TikTok
Kellen (@cocoaferret) TikTok
Lesbian vampires for Halloween🩸
Mike Tholfsen - Microsoft tips (@mtholfsen) TikTok
Fran’s Not Here is a show about Toronto, co-hosted by Sawyer Paul and Robert Pilgrim. Read blog posts about each episode. The show is hosted at Anchor, where you can subscribe however you want.2021-10-3124 min
Age of Awareness PodcastEp. 8 - Microsoft Education and the Path to Inclusive Tech: A Conversation with Mike TholfsenThis 8th episode was really fun to do. As a Design and Tech teacher, I really enjoyed hearing about the design process, the creative freedoms, and then the impacts of the final products they are producing over at Microsoft Education. For the educators listening in to this episode; you will notice that it is clear that Microsoft makes it a priority to communicate and collaborate with in-class teachers for their design phases. Enjoy our conversation with Microsoft Education's Mike Tholfsen and be sure to subscribe! Connect with Mike Tholfsen and his work below:2021-09-081h 08
#IDIODC Instructional Designers In Offices Drinking CoffeeTikTok as Corporate Training Support Platform with Mike TholfsenJust when I thought TikTok was ONLY for teenagers and the shuffle dance, I see one of our own corporate L&D colleagues, Mike Tholfsen, CRUSHING IT on TikTok with microlearning tutorials. Who knew?So, of course, I had to invite him on the show to talk about how he does it. And why!Check out this "microtip" for excel: https://www.tiktok.com/@mtholfsen/video/6966327280356379909?lang=en&is_copy_url=0&is_from_webapp=v1&sender_device=pc&sender_web_id=6966263930818627078If you're anything like me, you've probably downloaded TikTok, tried it, then de...2021-06-0944 min
EdTech TodayBetter Access from Microsoft Means Success for AllMicrosoft last month announced a new five-year commitment to help bridge the “Disability Divide” the gap in societal inclusion for people with disabilities. Given the impact of the pandemic on people with disabilities, the commitments focus on talent development (employment and education), workplace culture (hiring), and accessible technology. On this episode of EdTech Today, Mike Tholfsen details Microsoft's efforts and speculates the effects post-pandemic.Some of these efforts include:Artificial intelligence (AI) in Microsoft Word will detect and convert to heading styles crucial for blind and low vision readers; new AI for Accessibility Low-Cost Assistive Technolo...2021-06-0117 min
TNT EdTech Podcast48. Matthew can't talk & Scott is Pandering to his Boss Mike Rich!This is a super fun episode (pay special attention to Matthew) where Matthew and Scott have on Mike Rich--their boss! Well...Scott's current boss and Matthew's former boss.
Mike Rich has been in the field of education since the early 2000s (He taught at the high school Scott attended) and has played a significant role in the district as a Math Teacher, Principal, Director of Innovation, and Now Director of Curriculum/Instruction & Professional Development. He also served on the Central California CUE Board and is a humble leader that empowers those around him to a...2020-10-2159 min
TNT EdTech Podcast41. FlipGrid Live 2020 RecapWelcome to Episode 41! In this episode, Scott and Matthew discuss if TNT Ed Tech Podcast will continue... We also share our thoughts on the FlipGrid Live 2020 Online Event on June 29 showcasing new updates to our favorite tool FlipGrid. We delve into Apple news coming from their WWDC Event the past week and share about collaborative tools in the classroom.
Quick links to topics we discuss in this episode:
Flipgrid Live Recap
WWDC 2020 Recap
Dyknow--Tech Coach Corner--Scott Nunes
Power School Live
Dyknow Tech Coach Workshop
Chirpty2020-06-3051 min
All Who Wander with Anne Taylor HartzellPart Two: Why an Inclusive Classroom is easier than you think w/ Mike Tholfsen, Microsoft EducationPart two with Mike Tholfsen, Microsoft. In this episode you will learn:What is an "inclusive classroom?" What free, mainstream, non-stigmatizing tools are already built into the digital programs teachers and students use everyday How these tools are leveling the playing field for students with diverse learning needs such as dyslexia, dyscalculia, dysgraphia, ADHD, and other accessibility needsWhy as a parent taking the time to learn these tools will help you be a better advocate for your student and educate your own schoolWhat is Made By Dyslexia and how Microsoft is partnering to change perception and empower dyslexic awa...2020-03-1800 min
All Who Wander with Anne Taylor HartzellPart One: Our wake up call for remote learning in 2020 w/ Mike Tholfsen, Microsoft EducationPart one of two Interviews with Mike Tholfsen, Microsoft Education. In this episode you will learn to:What remote learning is and why it is not newTools Microsoft Education provides for free across all platforms for educators and studentsThe resources and training available to transition to a digital classroomHow you as a parent can learn these tools and be an advocate for your child and schoolMicrosoft's new Remote Learning Community for educators, administrators and school leadersWhy it is critical that educators, students and parents SHIFT to a "growth mindset" and rapidly implement remote teaching nowConnect with M...2020-03-1600 min
Digital Learning TodayCanvas and Microsoft Education Team Up To Offer Immersive Reader To 8 Million Teachers And StudentsIn this episode of the TeacherCast Podcast, Jeff welcomes VP of K-12 Strategy, Hillary Scharton and Principal Product Manager for Microsoft Education, Mike Tholfsen on the show to discuss how the Immersive Reader can now be used to help millions of students using the Canvas Learning Management System.
“Reading is foundational to learning, and through this partnership Instructure and Microsoft will help more students of all abilities learn,” said Tara Gunther, VP of partnerships at Instructure. “Accessibility is a top priority for Instructure and we are committed to ensuring our customers have tools that support all levels of lea...2019-11-0127 min
TeacherCast Educational NetworkCanvas and Microsoft Education Team Up To Offer Immersive Reader To 8 Million Teachers And StudentsIn this episode of the TeacherCast Podcast, Jeff welcomes VP of K-12 Strategy, Hillary Scharton and Principal Product Manager for Microsoft Education, Mike Tholfsen on the show to discuss how the Immersive Reader can now be used to help millions of students using the Canvas Learning Management System.2019-11-0127 min
The Practical Ed Tech PodcastThe Practical Ed Tech Podcast - Episode #15 - Featuring Mike Tholfsen from Microsoft EDUIn this episode of the podcast I talked with Mike Tholfsen. Mike is a Product Manager on the Microsoft EDU team. He works on Immersive Reader, OneNote, and Teams. In the podcast we talked about the many free accessibility tools that Microsoft offers and how those tools can help students and parents.
Follow Mike on Twitter: twitter.com/mtholfsen
Learn more about Immersive Reader through this interactive guide: http://aka.ms/inclusivereader
Find all of the 3rd party services that utilize Immersive Reader: https://support.office.com/en-us/article/immersive-reader-partners-8ce56191-83cd-490f...2019-10-2221 min
SPS Digital Learning HourEpisode 80: Brianna CiceroThis week I sat down with an amazing teacher over at White St. Elementary School who is doing some awesome things in her classroom. Learn about the process she is going through to develop a try, discuss, connect classroom environment.Tools and sites mentioned: https://www.powerschool.com/solutions/unified-classroom/https://portal.office.comhttps://www.beardedtechedguy.com/https://www.curriculumassociates.com/products/iready/iready-educators-love-us.aspxhttps://wakelet.com/homeMike Tholfsen's Wakelet: https://wakelet.com/wake/dfce60d8-ec46-4e20-b695-4955aaf140beFollow Me on...2019-10-0324 min
SPS Digital Learning HourEpisode 78: Melany LaroeBlog Updates! Awesome Tools! A shout out to Mike Tholfsen from Microsoft EDU! Check out this week's podcast featuring Melany Laroe from Glickman Elementary and hear her journey as a teacher in the Springfield Public School District! Learn about what technology looked like in the classroom back in 2006 compared to today, listen to Ms. Laroe's journey through teaching and technology and some awesome advice she has for new teachers.Tools and sites mentioned:https://www.powerschool.com/solutions/unified-classroom/https://portal.office.comhttps://www.beardedtechedguy.com/https://quizlet.com/https://wakelet...2019-09-1939 min
The Microsoft Innovative Expert Spotlight Series PodcastOffice 365 Updates LIVE from ISTEThis year at Microsoft Education (https://www.teachercast.net/instructional-technology/microsoft/) booth.
Topics IncludeBrand New Updates
Microsoft Teams
Rubric Grading inside of Teams assignments
Individualized Assignments
Microsoft Forms integration
Sway (https://www.teachercast.net/iste-2015-sway-in-the-classroom/)
Immersive Reader
OneNote (https://www.teachercast.net/microsoft-onenote-2015/) Page Locking
Integration with Teams
Microsoft Education at ISTE (http://teachercast.net/microsoftedu)
STEM Education
Hacking STEM (https://www.teachercast.net/blog/microsoft-stem-saturdays/)
Make Code / Computer Science
Minecraft: Education Edition (https://www.teachercast.net/blog/how-can-we-use-minecraft-education-to-enhance-our-curricular-activities/)
Personalized Learning
Creating activities that reach each and every student
How to work around the challenges that teachers...2018-08-2300 min
TeacherCast Educational NetworkOffice 365 Updates LIVE from ISTEThis year at ISTE, I had the opportunity to sit down with Tricia Van Hollebeke, Justin Chando and Mike Tholfsen from the Microsoft Education team at the Microsoft Education booth.Topics Include* Brand New Updates* Microsoft Teams* Rubric Grading inside of Teams assignments* Individualized Assignments* Microsoft Forms integration* Sway* Immersive Reader* OneNote* Page Locking* Integration with Teams* Microsoft Education at ISTE* STEM Education* Hacking STEM* Make Code / Computer Science* Minecraft: Education Edi...2018-08-2320 min
The Microsoft Innovate EducatorOffice 365 Updates LIVE from ISTEThis year at ISTE, I had the opportunity to sit down with Tricia Van Hollebeke, Justin Chando and Mike Tholfsen from the Microsoft Education team at the Microsoft Education booth.Topics Include* Brand New Updates* Microsoft Teams* Rubric Grading inside of Teams assignments* Individualized Assignments* Microsoft Forms integration* Sway* Immersive Reader* OneNote* Page Locking* Integration with Teams* Microsoft Education at ISTE* STEM Education* Hacking STEM* Make Code / Computer Science* Minecraft: Education Edi...2018-08-2320 minThe Microsoft Innovative Expert Spotlight Series PodcastMicrosoft Education 2017 Year In ReviewIn this episode of the Microsoft Innovative Educator, Spotlight Series Podcast, we speak with Principal Product Manager Mike Tholfsen from the Microsoft Education Team about his favorite moments from 2017.
The Microsoft Education Blog has shared over 200 stories in its first year online, ranging from product announcements, practical technology guides, and glimpses into remarkable classrooms and communities around the world. Back in January, we set out to make a unified location for education news and a useful resource for any educator curious about how to prepare students of today for the world of tomorrow. And though we still have plenty of...2018-01-3000 minThe Microsoft Innovate EducatorLooking Back at 2017 and reflecting on amazing moments with Microsoft EducationIn this episode of the Microsoft Innovative Educator, Spotlight Series Podcast, we speak with Principal Product Manager Mike Tholfsen from the Microsoft Education Team about his favorite moments from 2017.The Microsoft Education Blog has shared over 200 stories in its first year online, ranging from product announcements, practical technology guides, and glimpses into remarkable classrooms and communities around the world. Back in January, we set out to make a unified location for education news and a useful resource for any educator curious about how to prepare students of today for the world of tomorrow. And though we still have...2018-01-3034 min
TeacherCast Educational NetworkLooking Back at 2017 and reflecting on amazing moments with Microsoft EducationIn this episode of the Microsoft Innovative Educator, Spotlight Series Podcast, we speak with Principal Product Manager Mike Tholfsen from the Microsoft Education Team about his favorite moments from 2017.The Microsoft Education Blog has shared over 200 stories in its first year online, ranging from product announcements, practical technology guides, and glimpses into remarkable classrooms and communities around the world. Back in January, we set out to make a unified location for education news and a useful resource for any educator curious about how to prepare students of today for the world of tomorrow. And though we still have...2018-01-3034 min
TeacherCast Educational NetworkLooking back at 2017 (MIE)In this episode of the Microsoft Innovative Educator, Spotlight Series Podcast, we speak with Principal Product Manager Mike Tholfsen from the Microsoft Education Team about his favorite moments from 2017. The Microsoft Education Blog has shared over 200 stories in its first year online, ranging from product announcements, practical technology guides, and glimpses into remarkable classrooms and communities around the world. Back in January, we set out to make a unified location for education news and a useful resource for any educator curious about how to prepare students of today for the world of tomorrow. And though we still have plenty of...2018-01-0234 min
The Edtech Podcast#49 - Full interview with Mike Tholfsen, Microsoft EducationWhat's in this episode? 10% of the population are estimated to be dyslexic. That means that for every ten of your colleagues, or ten of your students, or ten of your relatives or friends, on average, 1 has dyslexia. In the work place, the law stipulates that you must make ‘reasonable adjustments’ to accommodate the needs of dyslexics. That might mean managing overloading environments such as open plan offices, adjusting intranets or screens so that they are less stimulating, allowing for longer time periods for organisation or kicking off a dyslexia mentoring scheme within your place of work. But what...2017-01-1131 minThe Edtech Podcast#47 Dyslexia & Technology with Dr Kate Saunders of the British Dyslexia Association and Mike Tholfsen, MicrosoftWhat's in this episode? 10% of the population are estimated to be dyslexic. That means that for every ten of your colleagues, or ten of your students, or ten of your relatives or friends, on average, 1 has dyslexia. In the work place, the law stipulates that you must make ‘reasonable adjustments’ to accommodate the needs of dyslexics. That might mean managing overloading environments such as open plan offices, adjusting intranets or screens so that they are less stimulating, allowing for longer time periods for organisation or kicking off a dyslexia mentoring scheme within your place of work. But what...2017-01-0837 minTeacherCast Educational NetworkMicrosoft OneNoteJeff sits down with Mik Tholfsen and Ari Schorr to discuss how Microsoft OneNote is being used in classrooms to help teachers and students stay digitally organized. About MicrosoftMicrosoft Corporation is an American multinational corporation headquartered in Redmond, Washington, that develops, manufactures, licenses, supports and sells computer software, consumer electronics and personal computers and services. Its best known software products are the Microsoft Windows line of operating systems, Microsoft Office office suite, and Internet Explorer web browser. Its flagship hardware products are the Xbox game consoles and the Microsoft Surface tablet lineup. It is the world's largest sof...2015-01-0834 min
Mr. Suave's Mod Mod WorldModcast #90: I Like What You SayWelcome to Mr. Suave's Mod Mod World, and do I have a big treat for you all this week. Mike Tholfsen is guest hosting and he's a got a great line up for you. Head on over to Mr. Suave's Mod Mod World and get a taste of The Posies, Tahiti 80, The Legends, Super Deluxe and more. Enjoy, people, enjoy.And keep up with me between modcasts:Twitter - https://twitter.com/mistersuaveFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/modmodworldInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/mrrobsuave/Spotify - https://open.spotify.com...2008-04-1739 minMr. Suave's Mod Mod WorldModcast #90: I Like What You SayWelcome to Mr. Suave's Mod Mod World, and do I have a big treat for you all this week. Mike Tholfsen is guest hosting and he's a got a great line up for you. Head on over to Mr. Suave's Mod Mod World and get a taste of The Posies, Tahiti 80, The Legends, Super Deluxe and more. Enjoy, people, enjoy.And keep up with me between modcasts:Twitter - https://twitter.com/mistersuaveFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/modmodworldInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/mrrobsuave/Spotify - https://open.spotify.com...2008-04-1739 min