AI can write your design doc. It can build your storyboard. It can draft your script, your rubric, your assessment, your video outline, and half of your e-learning module before lunch. So what's left for the instructional designer? According to Jonathan De La Cruz, everything that actually matters.

Recorded live at TCEA, this bonus episode of My EdTech Life cuts through the EdTech noise to focus on what actually works in classrooms. Joined by Elaina Kloecker and Spencer Wright, Dr. Fonz unpacks why ease of use, strong pedagogy, and teacher agency matter more than shiny tools and usage minutes.

Captivate Your Classroom with Dr. Marc Isseks In this episode of My EdTech Life, I sit down with Dr. Marc Isseks, author of Captivate, to explore how educators can break free from “cognitive entrenchment” and rediscover what it means to truly engage learners. Marc brings over 30 years of classroom, curriculum, and leadership experience, and his insights will challenge the way you think about teaching, technology, and student voice. We dig into why success can sometimes stop us from growing, h...

Episode 327: Learning & Development, Instructional Design, and AI Talk with Holly Owens In this episode, I had the honor of chatting with Holly Owens , host of EdUp EdTech , Director of Growth Marketing at Yellowdig , and all-around L&D powerhouse. We talk about everything from instructional design to AI in learning, what "proficiency" really means, and how educators can pivot into the world of L&D with confidence. If you're an educator, learning designer, or someone navigating the fast-moving ...

Episode 322: ¿Instrucciones o experiencias? El nuevo rol del educador en tiempos de IA | Dr. José R. Ferrer ¡Bienvenidos a un nuevo episodio de My EdTech Life ! Hoy tengo el honor de conversar con el Dr. José R. Ferrer López sobre su libro Cómo Diseñar Experiencias de Aprendizaje en la Era de la Inteligencia Artificial . Hablamos de pensamiento crítico, diseño centrado en el estudiante, el verdadero rol de la IA en educación, y la importancia de diseñar vivencias reales de aprendizaje. Prepárat...

Episode 321: 2059 and the Future of Education with Micah Shippee What if we stopped reacting to every new tech tool and started preparing with intention? In this bold conversation, I sit down with educator, futurist, and Samsung’s Director of Education Solutions, Micah Shippee, to explore his new book 2059: The Future of Education. We dive deep into what the future could look like across AI, classroom models, access, agency, and everything in between. If you're an educator, leader, or just cu...

Episode 312: I Used My Boat Money to Start Tech My School with Robby Cobbs What would you do if you saw an entire generation of students being left behind? Robby Cobbs saw the need for better technology, teacher training, and modern resources in Puerto Rican schools—and he took action. Instead of buying a boat, he used his savings to launch Tech My School, a nonprofit dedicated to equipping underserved schools with technology and empowering teachers to bring 21st-century learning to their stu...

Episode 304: Amplifying Student Voices with Bonnie Nieves In this episode of My EdTech Life, I sit down with my great friend, Bonnie Nieves, to discuss the power of amplifying student voices, fostering engagement, and embracing new challenges in the classroom. Bonnie shares her experience transitioning from high school to 6th-grade science, creating meaningful learning opportunities, and her passion for student-led podcasting. This is an inspiring episode filled with actionable strategies fo...

Connect, Create, and Grow with The Art of Education In this episode of My EdTech Life, I reconnect with Jen Leban to discuss the vibrant and supportive Art of Education community. Jen shares her journey from being an art teacher to becoming the Online Community Manager for The Art of Education University. Learn how the community supports art educators worldwide, fosters creativity, and integrates technology like AI into art education. Whether you're an aspiring art teacher, a seasoned educato...

In this exciting episode of My EdTech Life, I welcome back Alyshahn Kara , the Chief Revenue Officer and co-founder of Goosechase , along with first-time guest Jessica Whittaker , an instructional coach. Join us as we discuss the power of digital scavenger hunts to build community and enhance teacher and student engagement by creating lasting learning experiences. Whether you're a tech-savvy educator or just getting started, this episode is packed with insights and practical tips for using Goose...

In this episode of My EdTech Life, I welcome back Shira Moskovitz to talk about her dual role as a special education teacher and technology coach. Shira shares her hands-on experience empowering students and teachers through innovative tech tools and project-based learning. We discuss the importance of providing accessible learning opportunities for all students, including emerging bilinguals and those with diverse needs. Shira and I talk about strategies for supporting teachers in adopting new ...

In this My Edtech Life podcast episode, I speak with Nick Koshnick , the founder of storied.work , a platform designed to transform spoken ideas into clear, visually structured writing. During the conversation, we discuss the application of the tool in various fields, with a particular focus on the education sector. Nick also shares insights on leveraging AI to enhance communication, his experiences with dyslexia, and how these experiences influenced the creation and ongoing development of stori...

Making Learning Stick: Innovative Strategies with Dr. Luke HobsonIn this episode of My EdTech Life, Dr. Mark Hobson , a neuroscience education expert, dives deep into various aspects of neurobiology and learning. The conversation covers how learning takes place in the brain, the implications of the emotional component of learning, and strategies to enhance and make learning stick by incorporating the four Rs of learning – Reading, Reciting, Rehearsing, and Remembering. Dr. Hobson introduces a br...

Join us tonight My EdTech Life for an enlightening conversation with Terence Tan , the co-founder and General Manager of edm8ker LLC . From his early days teaching English and History to his significant role in Singapore's Ministry of Education, Terence has been a driving force in STEAM/STEM education. Discover how his work bridges the gap between traditional schooling and the needs of the modern workforce. Learn about edm8ker's innovative approach in the US, using 'Eddy' to empower educators an...

In this revealing episode of My EdTech Life, we invite Devlin Daley , the co-founder and CEO of Derivita , to discuss his revolutionary math platform and its impact on K-12 education and beyond. From Devlin's early journey as a computer science student frustrated with existing education technology to his innovative solutions to complex mathematical education challenges, this episode is an eye-opener. Listen as Devlin shares the story behind the creation of Derivita and its mission to improve mat...

Join us for a transformative episode of My EdTech Life as we explore the dynamic fusion of education and technology with Adam Sparks , co-founder of Short Answer . From his roots on a Nebraska farm to teaching in diverse global contexts and a stint at Stanford, Adam's journey culminates in creating Short Answer—an edtech marvel revolutionizing K-12 education through peer feedback. In this episode, you will uncover the future of formative assessment, engaging writing, and the profound impact of i...

Join us on this episode of My EdTech Life as we dive into the Girl Powered initiative by the Robotics Education & Competition (REC) Foundation. We'll explore how the REC Foundation strives to make the realm of robotics reflect our diverse world and spark excitement among young minds for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). Dive into the discussion on fostering diversity and inclusion in robotics and beyond. Don't miss the lively discussion filled with insights and inspiring ...

Join us as we explore the intersection of technology and storytelling with Chris Willey , Director of Technology at Islands of Brilliance. A dedicated educator and Adobe Innovator, Chris harnesses creative tech to empower autistic individuals to share their stories visually. From his artistic journey to his mission of creating inclusive spaces for the 14+ community, this episode unveils how Chris makes the educational revolution irresistible, one story at a time. --- Support this podcast: https:...

Dive into the world of Tim Needles, renowned artist, educator, and author of "STEAM Power." A TEDx speaker and technology specialist, Tim's work has been showcased on NPR, the New York Times, and in major museums. With accolades like ISTE’s Technology in Action Award and roles such as NASA Solar System Ambassador, Tim seamlessly blends art with technology. Join us for a captivating chat with an education trailblazer. Want to get your brand in front of passionate educators and tech enthusiasts...

In this episode, we dive into Tricia Fugelstad's latest creation, "PETER O’ Meter," an AR-enhanced children’s book that entertains and educates in the sphere of social-emotional learning (SEL). It's a book that turns reading into an immersive, imaginative, and (Fugle)fun adventure. Discover how Tricia’s transdigital lessons, her passion for integrating technology, and her students' award-winning Fugleflicks led to this moment. Prepare to be inspired by her dream-turned-(augmented)-reality! --- S...

In this episode of "My EdTech Life," I sit down with Kelsi, a trailblazer in the field of educational technology and a champion for transitioning teachers. Kelsi's work guides educators as they navigate new paths, whether shifting roles within education or moving into entirely new careers. Her insights, strategies, and compassionate approach have made a tangible difference in the lives of countless teachers. Tune in to learn from Kelsi's expertise and discover how to successfully transition i...

Join me on My EdTech Life for an enlightening conversation with Margie Meacham , known as "The Brain Lady." A pioneer in applying neuroscience to instructional design, Margie has been at the forefront of AI in education, building award-winning bots and AI-based learning platforms. Her innovative BrainyBots™ suite won the Tech & Learning Excellence award in 2021, and she's authored influential books on AI and neuroscience in talent development. Discover how Margie's groundbreaking work transforms...

Join me for an inspiring episode with Michele Haiken, Ed.D. , an experienced educator and advocate for EdTech and literacy. Michele shares her expertise in integrating design thinking, literacy, and STEAM to drive social-emotional learning (SEL) skills. Her recently published book, "Creative SEL," presents a collection of creative lessons promoting self-awareness, mindfulness, responsible decision-making, and social awareness. By bridging the gap between creativity and SEL, Michele's book offers...

In this episode, we catch up with Tania Gonzalez , a Bilingual Educator MAEd from the Rio Grande Valley in South Texas. Tania shares her experiences teaching creativity and technology in the classroom and how she motivates her students to break barriers and become productive members of society. We also talk about Tania's travels with Adobe Express #AdobeEduCreative, where she spreads the love of creativity at EdTech conferences and teaches at Creative Institutes with the ACE Team. Join us as we ...