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The Innovators Mindset PodcastAuthor: George Couros
I am a learner, author, speaker, and sometimes I make podcasts talking about any and all of these things. One day, I will rap in my podcasts officially making me a SoundCloud rapper. Language: en Genres: Education Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it |
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How to Captivate Students in the Age of AI and Digital Distractions | Marc Isseks
Episode 154
Sunday, 26 April, 2026
How do educators keep students engaged in a world full of digital distractions, while also using artificial intelligence to deepen thinking rather than replace it? In this episode of The Innovator’s Mindset Podcast, George Couros sits down with educator, assistant principal, and speaker Marc Isseks, author of Captivate: Engaging and Empowering Students in a World of Digital Distractions. Together they explore practical strategies for designing learning experiences that truly capture student attention while helping them develop creativity, critical thinking, and ownership of their learning. Marc shares insights from his work as a Long Island school leader and how staying connected to daily school life shapes his ideas about teaching, engagement, and leadership. The conversation highlights why educators who actively work in schools often become stronger speakers and thought leaders, and how presenting at conferences can also bring new ideas back into classrooms. The discussion also explores how artificial intelligence can support deeper learning when used intentionally. Instead of replacing thinking, AI can help educators design better questions, spark reflection, and create learning environments that challenge students to go beyond surface level answers. Additional topics include: • Strategies to engage students in a world of constant digital distraction • How AI can support creativity, reflection, and deeper thinking in learning • The Portrait of a Graduate concept and why execution matters more than vision • Why school leaders and speakers benefit from staying connected to classroom practice • Practical ways teachers can adapt traditional instruction for modern learners Whether you are a teacher, school leader, or someone interested in the future of education, this conversation offers practical ideas for helping students stay engaged and empowered in today’s technology-rich world. 📘 Marc Isseks’ Book: Captivate: Engaging and Empowering Students in a World of Digital Distractions https://a.co/d/0fZcfNa3 Subscribe for more conversations about innovation, leadership, and learning in education. Share your thoughts in the comments or connect with me on social media using #InnovatorsMindset 🌐 More at: https://georgecouros.com 🎙 Full audio podcast: https://linktr.ee/gcouros Follow George Couros: Twitter: https://twitter.com/gcouros Instagram: https://instagram.com/gcouros Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/georgecourosauthor/ LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/george-couros-a5146519 📚 Books by George Couros: Forward, Together: https://a.co/d/99RGvl3 The Innovator's Mindset: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0986155497?ref=exp_gcouros_dp_vv_d What Makes a Great Principal: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1948334739?tag=onamzgeorge0f-20 Because of a Teacher: https://www.amazon.com/dp/194833433X?ref=exp_gcouros_dp_vv_d Because of a Teacher 2: https://www.amazon.com/dp/194833450X?tag=onamzgeorge0f-20 Innovate Inside the Box: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1948334127?ref=exp_gcouros_dp_vv_d Music from Bensound - http://bensound.com/







