# Carl Hooker: Artificial Intelligence, Personal Branding, Creative PD for Engaging Audiences

- Link: https://teachercast.net/captivate-podcast/jbs-ep48-carl-hooker/
- Published: 2024-05-17T05:00:00-04:00
- Author: Jeff Bradbury

In this episode of the Jeff Bradbury Show Podcast, Jeff welcomes author, speaker,
and digital learning guru Carl Hooker on the program to discuss how he creates dynamic
professional learning opportunities that are creative, engaging, and involve a bit
of pop culture.

If you are a new listener to TeacherCast, we would love to hear from you.  Please
visit our [Contact Page](http://teachercast.net/contact) and let us know how we 
can help you today!

## **In This Episode …**

 * Who is Carl Hooker?
 * How to create opportunities for Professional Learning Opportunitities
 * How to choose what sessions topics to propose for conferences
 * How to name your presentation session
 * Weekday PD vs Weekend PD
 * ISTE Presentations vs Edcamp Presentations vs Staff PD Presentations
 * Favorite Ice Breakers to begin PD
 * Presenting as Improv vs being fully prepared and scripted

## **Follow Our Host**

 * Jeff Bradbury | [@JeffBradbury](http://www.twitter.com/jeffbradbury)
 * TeacherCast | [@TeacherCast](http://www.twitter.com/teachercast)

## **About our Guest:**

Carl has been an educator for over 25 years. He has held a variety of positions 
in both multiple districts, from 1st grade teacher to Director of Innovation & Digital
Learning.  He’s a father of three girls, Sophia, Lauren, and Caroline and a wonderful,
understanding wife Renee, all of which play a large role in any presentations he
gives or blogs & books he writes.

As Director of Innovation & Digital Learning for the Eanes Independent School District
he utilized his background in both education and technology to bring a unique vision
to the district and its programs.  During his time in the position, he helped spearhead
the LEAP (Learning and Engaging through Access and Personalization) which put 1:
1 iPads into the hands of all K-12 students at Eanes.

From his start as a teacher to district leadership, he’s always had one common belief–
the kids need to drive their own learning. He realizes the challenges in our current
educational institutions and meets them head on. His unique blend of educational
background, technical expertise, and humor make him a successful driving force for
this change. As a speaker and consultant, he brings this background as well as a
wealth of practical tools and ideas that teachers can use in their classroom tomorrow.

Carl has written 8 books including a 6-part book series titled _Mobile Learning 
Mindset_.  His book _[Ready, Set, FAIL!](https://mrhook.it/fail)_ focuses on how
we should embed risk-taking and failure as part of the creative process in the classroom.
His latest book _[Learning Evolution](https://mrhook.it/ai)_ is all about the new
era of AI in the classroom.

He speaks on a multitude of topics from thoughtful technology integration with mobile
devices to strategies on how to utilize flexible furniture in the classroom. He 
also enjoys talking to students and parents in the community around the topic of
digital wellness.

Carl is also a podcast host for multiple podcasts including the _[ISTE Learning Unleashed](https://www.bamradionetwork.com/genre/learning-unleashed-on-iste-radio/)_
podcast and is co-host with good friend Dr. Adam Phyall on the Future Ready Podcast
called *[Undisrupted*.](https://futureready.org/podcasts/undisrupted/)

Aside from his speaking and consulting work, Carl also works as an advisor for multiple
Ed Tech companies. He’s also a national faculty member for the Future Ready Schools
Initiative. He blogs regularly at his blog [HookEDonInnovation.com](http://hookedoninnovation.com/)
and guest authors a regular blog on Tech & Learning and has written guest blogs 
for the Huffington Post and Edutopia.

### Links of Interest

 * [https://twitter.com/mrhooker](https://twitter.com/mrhooker)
 * [https://www.linkedin.com/in/carlhooker](https://www.linkedin.com/in/carlhooker)
 * [https://www.facebook.com/CarlHookerFanPage/](https://www.facebook.com/CarlHookerFanPage/)
 * [https://www.instagram.com/hookertech/](https://www.instagram.com/hookertech/)
 * [https://www.tiktok.com/@hookertech](https://www.tiktok.com/@hookertech)
 * [https://k12leaders.com/k12/carl/](https://k12leaders.com/k12/carl/)
 * [http://carlhooker.com/](http://carlhooker.com/)
 * [https://hookedoninnovation.com/](https://hookedoninnovation.com/)

## **Join Our PLN**

Are you enjoying the TeacherCast Network, please share your thoughts with the world
by [commenting on Apple Podcasts](https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/teachercast-podcast-teachercast-educational-network/id546631310)
today? I enjoy reading and sharing your comments on the podcast each week.

## **Let’s Work Together**

 * Host: **Jeff Bradbury [@TeacherCast](http://www.twitter.com/teachercast) | [@JeffBradbury](http://twitter.com/jeffbradbury)**
 * Email: **[info@teachercast.net](https://teachercast.net/captivate-podcast/jbs-ep48-carl-hooker/info@teachercast.net)**
 * Voice Mail: **[http://www.TeacherCast.net/voicemail](http://www.TeacherCast.net/voicemail)**
 * YouTube: **[http://www.TeacherCast.net/YouTube](http://www.TeacherCast.net/YouTube)**

## **Check Out More TeacherCast Programming**

 * Digital Learning Today
 * [Ask The Tech Coach](http://www.askthetechcoach.com/)
 * [Educational Podcasting Today](http://www.educationalpodcasting.com)
 * The Jeff Bradbury Show

## **Need A Presenter?**

 * **Jeff Bradbury** **[(@TeacherCast)](http://www.teachercast.net/twitter)** is
   available as a **[Keynote Speaker, Presenter](http://jeffreybradbury.com/)**,
   or to **Broadcast** your conference LIVE!
