How This Teacher Is Using TikTok and ChatGPT to Teach Smarter

In this episode of Shifting Schools, host Jeff Utecht sits down with Aaron, a forward-thinking high school social studies teacher from Casper, Wyoming, who is redefining what it means to teach smarter in the digital age. Aaron shares how he's using TikTok and ChatGPT to engage students and make AI in education both accessible and meaningful. From prompt engineering lessons using the RAFT framework to incorporating AI tools like ChatGPT into daily classwork, Aaron explains how he builds structured yet flexible learning environments that support student creativity and critical thinking. He also shares insights on how wearable AI technology is changing the game and why tool agnosticism matters in the classroom. You’ll also hear about the common misconception that all students are digitally literate, the need for equitable access to tech, and how social media platforms like TikTok can actually enhance learning when used with intention. Sponsored by Newlight.io, this conversation is packed with real-world strategies and inspiration for any educator looking to integrate AI into their classroom and truly teach smarter. ???? Perfect for: teachers using ChatGPT, AI in classrooms, social studies educators, and anyone curious about blending TikTok with education. Follow us on: https://www.instagram.com/shiftingschoolspod/ https://www.tiktok.com/@shiftingschoolspod https://www.facebook.com/jeffutecht Visit Our Website : https://pod.shiftingschools.com/ Connect with him: https://www.aaronmakelky.com/links Huge thanks to our show sponsor: https://www.neulight.io/?utm_source=shiftingschool&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=fallsponsorship&utm_id=1 ???? Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction and Setting the Scene 01:42 Meet Aaron: From Football Coach to AI Literacy Champion 04:31 The Power of TikTok and AI in Education 08:10 AI Integration in the Classroom: Challenges and Strategies 11:29 Creating Structured Learning Environments with AI 17:57 AI Integration Levels and Student Engagement 24:02 Tool Agnosticism in Education 24:56 The Evolution of Search in Education 28:19 AI Integration in the Classroom 30:35 Wearable Technology and AI 33:33 AI Tools for Studying and Learning 36:44 The Future of AI in Education 37:36 Social Media and Education 40:49 Conclusion and Final Thoughts #AIinEducation #ChatGPT #TeachSmarter #TikTokForTeachers #EdTech #ClassroomTechnology #EducationPodcast #PromptEngineering #HighSchoolTeacher #ShiftingSchools #DigitalLearning #AItools #ChatGPTinClassroom #WearableTech #21stCenturyLearning