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

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🌐 More at: https://georgecouros.com

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📚 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/