Welcome to "Ask the Tech Coach," a podcast for Instructional Coaches and Technology Integration Specialists.

In this episode of “Ask the Tech Coach,” Jeff and Susan welcome Ben Strouse from GenZ Media to discuss the how podcasts can be used in the classroom to support student creativity.

If you would like to be a part of future podcasts and share your thoughts, please contact the podcast.  We would love to have you join the show.
Weekly Topic
What is GZM Classroom?

GenZ Media began as a platform for creating media for family audiences. Teachers have brought these storytelling episodes in the classroom and have used them in various ways. These audio shows cover various aspects of storytelling in various genres as well as content areas.

How do teachers access the platform? -

GZM Classroom
Gen-Z Media

Why is it important to provide students an audio format such as podcasts for learning new content?

How our shows are being used by innovate teachers in middle school classrooms, and how we're supporting those teachers with GZMClassroom.com materials.

What kinds of shows does Gen-Z Media create?

GZMshows.com
Various age ranges can find content at their age/grade level
Six Minutes is the most popular show


Who listens to your shows? What does your audience look like?
How did GZM shows like SIX MINUTES wind up in classrooms...? What do teachers use it /them for?

Teachers began reaching out and creating resources to share that went along with each grade level / episode of the different shows.
ELA skills / critical thinking / summarizing
Keeps learning at the center and creates a collaborative effort among the teacher and the students


What grades/levels are appropriate?
Have you talked to the teachers and students using your shows? 1.
What are some of your plans around EduTech for 2023? (FETC, App) 1.
Why would teachers want to bring podcasts into their classroom?

Speaking/Listening Standards
Recording / Voice experience
Learning Styles


What do teachers need to bring podcasts into their classrooms...?
Where can teachers find out more about your shows and supporting materials (www.GZMClassroom)?

Shows can be found here as well as materials to support the teacher in the classroom
Choice boards, learning guides, graphic organizers, etc., etc


What does it cost?

About our Guest: Ben Strouse
Peabody Award-winning creator Ben Strouse oversees Gen-Z Media, the studio behind the biggest middle-grade and family podcast mysteries and adventures. Its slate of more than 20 shows includes “Six Minutes,” the most downloaded family drama in history; “Tomorrow,” an expansion of the iconic “Annie” universe; and the Peabody Award-winning classic “Mars Patel.” GZM Shows have won nearly all major podcasting awards that stand for great quality programming, including the Peabody Award, Best Kids & Family Podcast from the Academy of Podcasters, multiple Parent’s Choice Gold Awards, and iTunes Best of the Year, plus notable Ambie and Webby award nominations for Best Kids & Family Podcast of the Year. Most importantly, GZM Shows have been widely adopted by thousands of middle-grade classrooms all across the U.S. and Canada as a means...