Episode 307: AI in Education: Disruption, Challenges, and Opportunities In this episode of My EdTech Life, I sit down with Dagan Berenstein, an innovative educator and digital content expert, to discuss the transformative impact of AI on education and how it’s reshaping the learning landscape. Discover how AI tools like ChatGPT are empowering students and educators, the importance of thoughtful integration, and the challenges schools face when navigating this rapidly evolving technology. From...

Episode 306: Unlocking Engagement in Education with Curipod In this episode of My EdTech Life, I sit down with Eirik Berre and Frikk Fossan, co-founders of Curipod, an innovative AI-powered platform transforming classrooms by fostering collaboration, engagement, and 100% participation. Discover how Curipod helps educators create dynamic lessons, spark classroom discussions, and lower participation barriers for all students. From STAAR test prep success to bilingual support and groundbreaking u...

In this episode of My EdTech Life, we dive into a crucial topic for parents and educators: creating safer digital spaces for kids. Fonz Mendoza sits down with Bill Brady, CEO of Troomi, to discuss how their innovative phone technology is empowering parents to navigate the challenges of screen time, social media, and digital safety. Tune in for valuable insights, actionable tips, and a look at how Troomi is revolutionizing the tech landscape for families. Timestamps: 0:00 - Introduction: Welcomi...

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...

Blending Creativity, Education, and Technology with Manuel Herrera Welcome to another inspiring episode of My EdTech Life! Today, we sit down with the multi-talented Manuel Herrera, an illustrator, educator, and consultant, to discuss his journey through education, creativity, and EdTech. Manuel shares how his passion for drawing and creativity has shaped his career and inspired countless students and educators. Get ready for an engaging conversation full of actionable insights and inspirati...

Episode 302: A Practical Roadmap for AI in K-12 Education with Mike Kentz & Nick Potkalitsky, PhD In this episode of My EdTech Life, I had the pleasure of interviewing Mike Kentz and Nick Potkalitsky, PhD, to discuss their new book, AI in Education: The K-12 Roadmap to Teacher-Led Transformation. We dive into the transformative power of AI in education, exploring its potential for personalization, its impact on traditional teaching practices, and the critical need for teacher-driven expe...

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...

Episode 300: Navigating AI and Human Cognition In this special 300th episode of My EdTech Life, I sit down with Benjamin Riley, founder of Cognitive Resonance, to explore the intersection of AI and human cognition in education. We discuss everything from the hype surrounding AI, the challenges of automation in learning, and why understanding human cognition is crucial to navigating new educational technologies. Join us as we question the assumptions about AI’s role in schools, dig into the b...

Episode 299: Guardrails for Growing Minds with Dr. Sonia Tiwari In this episode of My EdTech Life, I had the pleasure of talking with Dr. Sonia Tiwari, an innovative researcher diving deep into the impact of AI and parasocial relationships on children. We discuss her unique career journey from character design in gaming to focusing on AI’s ethical design for young learners. Together, we explore essential guardrails, the concept of parasocial relationships with AI, and the implications of unr...

Welcome to another amazing episode of My EdTech Life! Today, I’m super excited to bring you an insightful conversation with Dan Meyer, a thought leader in the EdTech space. If you’ve ever wondered how Generative AI fits into the classroom or whether it’s all just hype, this episode is for you! Dan has been an influential voice in mathematics education and EdTech for over a decade, and we dive deep into some burning questions: Is Generative AI truly helping teachers and students? How can EdTech ...

Building a Human-Centered Future I’m excited to share this incredible conversation with the dynamic team from the Human Intelligence Movement. In this episode, we discuss their mission of transforming education to prepare students for an AI-driven world while preserving and elevating human-centered learning. Michelle, Brooke, Stacy, and Rachel share insights into the challenges of today's educational system and how we can better equip students with essential human skills like empathy, adaptab...

In this episode of My EdTech Life, I sit down with Patricia Cortez, coach of the Lady Bots, as she shares her powerful journey of promoting girls in STEM through the Girl Powered initiative. We talk about her experiences, the challenges girls face in robotics, and the inspiring story behind her all-girls team. Patricia's dedication to fostering leadership and technical skills among young women is truly remarkable, and her upcoming Girl Powered event is set to make a significant impact. Join us f...

Navigating Technology and Parenting with Converlation Today, we're tackling one of the biggest challenges parents and educators face—navigating technology with our kids. I sat down with Kathy Van Benthuysen, co-creator of Converlation, to explore how this incredible tool is helping families and schools foster better communication in the digital age. Trust me, after hearing this, you’ll want to jump on board! We talk about everything from tech’s impact on kids' social skills to actionable st...

Screencastify Transforms Classroom Communication Join me as I dive into the power of video in education with Shaun. We will discuss innovative ways to enhance learning, improve communication with parents, and save teachers valuable time. I will share my own experiences using Screencastify in the classroom and district-wide, while Shaun will provide insights on their latest features and their impact on learning. Time Stamps: 0:00 - Introduction and welcome 2:27 - Shaun's background and role ...

Episode 293 Meshed Gears with Omar Cortez In this exciting episode of My EdTech Life, I sit down with Omar Cortez, a passionate educator and robotics coach, to discuss his journey in STEM education and his newly published book, "Meshed Gears." Join us as we explore the transformative power of robotics in education and how it can help students find their voice. 🔧 Timestamps: 0:00 - Introduction and welcome 1:37 - Omar's background in education and robotics 3:58 - The unexpected journey into ...

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 Goosecha...

Episode 291 Reimagining Education's Future with ⁠Anna Shildrick⁠ and ⁠Lucy Hutchinson⁠ Hey everyone, Fonz here from My EdTech Life! In this episode, I sit down with the amazing Anna Sheldrick and Lucy Hutchinson, two passionate educators making connections in the world of AI and education. We dive deep into the teaching and learning landscape, exploring how AI can catalyze positive change. Here's what we cover: ⁠0:00⁠ - Introduction and welcome 2:20 - Anna's background and journey in educatio...

From Listener to Podcast Leader Hey everyone, Fonz here from My EdTech Life! In this episode, I sit down with the incredible Arielle Nissenblatt, a podcast industry expert and community manager at Descript. We dive deep into the world of podcasting, exploring its evolution and offering practical tips for creators. Here's what we cover: 0:00 - Introduction and welcome 2:30 - Arielle's journey in the podcasting industry 5:18 - The evolution of podcasting tools and technology 9:09 - Storytelling...

Balancing Technology and Human Intelligence with Matt Karabinos Join Fonz and Matt Karabinos for an insightful discussion on the evolving landscape of education, the role of AI in the classroom, and the importance of digital literacy. Matt, a passionate 6th-grade teacher with a diverse background as a musician and former oil field worker, shares his unique journey and innovative approaches to education. 🕒 Time Stamps: 00:00:30 - Introduction and welcome 00:02:56 - Matt's diverse background: F...

In this episode of My EdTech Life, I welcome Michael Copass, an experienced science teacher and AI education advocate. We discuss the rapid integration of AI in education, its potential benefits, and the critical need for responsible implementation. 0:00 - Introduction and welcome 1:31 - Michael's background in education and initial excitement about AI 4:54 - The need for AI literacy and responsible implementation in schools 11:51 - Discussion on AI as a "humble classroom servant" 15:36 - C...

AI Hype Exploits Educator Expertise with Sophie Theodorou In this episode of My EdTech Life, I sit down with Sophie Theodorou to unpack the complex relationship between educators and EdTech companies in the age of AI. From the allure of "ambassador" programs to the ethical concerns surrounding data privacy, we delve deep into the challenges facing teachers as we navigate the rapidly evolving world of educational technology. Timestamps: 0:00 - Introduction and welcome 2:44 - Sophie's backgroun...

AI Literacy in Academia Join me as I welcome Jessica Parker, Ed.D., and Dr. Kimberly Becker, co-founders of Moxie. In this episode of My EdTech Life, my guests unpack the complexities of AI in academic settings, from AI literacy to the concept of a "post-plagiarism era." Jessica and Kimberly offer great insights into how AI is reshaping academia, the critical importance of understanding large language models, and the potential biases lurking within AI systems. Whether you're an educator, s...

Risk, Create & Inspire with Claudio Zavala Jr. Join me for an inspiring conversation with Claudio Zavala Jr., Adobe for Education Evangelist, as he shares his journey from classroom teacher to creative innovator. Discover how Claudio's diverse experiences and passion for creativity have shaped his approach to education and technology. Time Stamps: 00:00:30 - Introduction and welcome 02:43 - Claudio's background in education and journey with Adobe 07:26 - The importance of creativity and ove...

From DJ Decks to Amplifying Creativity Join me for an inspiring conversation with Joe Santiago, Adobe Education Evangelist, as he shares his journey from DJ to tech support to educator to creativity champion. Discover how Joe is revolutionizing education by infusing creativity into learning and empowering both students and teachers. In this episode, we explore: →Joe's unique career path and how it shaped his approach to education→The importance of creativity in learning and assessment→Strateg...