My EdTech Life

What does it actually mean to be ready for the real world? Not finished. Not just checked out with a diploma. Ready. In this episode, I sit down with Marnie Stockman and Nick Coniglio, authors of The Business of You and Lead It Like Lasso, to talk about Blue, their app built to help middle school, high school, and college students discover who they are, learn to tell their own story, and step into the world with real confidence.This is not your typical EdTech conversation. Marnie and Nick are tackling something that report cards and GPA scores have never been able to measure: character, self-awareness, and the ability to communicate what makes you, you. And in a world where AI can generate a resume, a cover letter, and a personal statement in seconds, your authentic story is the only thing that actually sets you apart.What you will learn:Why is there a big difference between being finished and being readyHow Blue uses scenario-based games to help students discover their core values and strengths without 180-question personality testsWhy self-awareness is one of the top predictors of success and how Blue builds it at scaleHow Blue is closing the equity gap in college coaching, where families are paying up to $10,000 for the same mentorship Blue puts in every student's pocketHow districts can finally measure their Portrait of a Graduate outcomes using Blue's readiness frameworkWhy authentic storytelling is the skill AI cannot replaceChapters00:00 Introduction and Background04:54 The Concept of Blue09:43 Engaging Students with Blue18:16 Personalization and Reflection in Learning24:56 Asking the Right Questions31:24 Enhancing Student Readiness and Support34:04 Equity in Education: Bridging the Gap36:00 The Importance of Personal Branding39:02 Authenticity in Student Narratives40:54 The Future of Blue: Innovations and Feedback44:58 Reflections on Education's Challenges50:37 Connecting with the Innovators📲 Connect with Marnie & Nick:Website: blueapp.aiMarnie Stockman on LinkedInNick Coniglio on LinkedInBook: The Business of You https://amzn.to/43dgqLABook: Lead It Like Lasso https://amzn.to/4vsGyxQ🎧 Listen to Episode 336 — the first time Marnie & Nick joined the show: https://www.myedtech.life/thebusinessofyou/💙 Love the show? Support the mission!If My EdTech Life has ever given you a knowledge nugget you could sprinkle into what you are already doing, consider becoming a member and helping us keep these conversations going. Your support makes it possible to bring you amazing guests, great content, and this community we are building together.👉 Join here: https://buymeacoffee.com/myedtechlife/membership🙌 A huge thank you to our sponsors who keep this mission going:☕ Comeback Coffee for keeping us caffeinated, creative, and ready to record. https://comebackbev.com/📚 Book Creator for empowering student voice in every classroombookcreator.com/ Use Code MYEDTECHLIFE for Premium Access.🤖 Eduaide.AI for putting thoughtful AI tools in educators' handshttps://www.eduaide.ai/We do what we do for you and because of you. Thank you for listening, sharing, and engaging with the show.Stay Techie ✌🏼Support the show

What happens when a former curriculum director becomes an AI strategist for an entire state? You get the kind of zoomed-out view most of us in education never get to see.In this episode, I welcome back my good friend Karle Delo, AI Strategist at Michigan Virtual, for a real conversation about what's actually working in school districts, what's flopping, and what the secret AI culture in your building probably looks like right now.Karle works with districts across Michigan, helping them build AI guidance, professional learning, and integration plans. She's seen the speedboats, the tugboats, and the anchors. And she's not here to sell you on hype.We get into:→ Why one-and-done AI PD is setting your district up to fail→ The "shadow AI" problem and why pretending it doesn't exist makes it worse→ Why students say AI feedback from teachers feels like a slap in the face→ The AI-slop cycle, where teachers, students, and graders are all just feeding the machine→ The three things every school leader needs to read on a billboard→ Why your authentic voice matters more in 2026 than it ever has→ The one question to ask students that will change how you think about AI in your schoolChapters00:00 Welcome and Sponsors00:56 Meet Carly the AI Strategist07:24 District AI Guidance and Onboarding17:51 Why AI Efforts Succeed or Fail27:05 Avoiding AI Mistakes30:39 Spotting AI Slop36:16 What Students Want47:55 Kryptonite and Wrap UpIf you're a superintendent, CTO, instructional coach, or classroom teacher trying to figure out where to start, where to slow down, or where you might already be off track, this episode is for you.Karle reminds us that you don't need every teacher to be an AI super user. You don't need 20 tools. You need a strategy. You need community. And you need to actually talk to your students.This is the kind of conversation that cuts through the noise and gives you something you can take back to your building on Monday.🎙️ Connect with Karle:Social media: @CoachKarleFree resources from Michigan Virtual: michiganvirtual.org/aiIncludes a student guide, teacher guide, admin guide, integration framework, and AI literacy videos for middle and high school students.☕ Support Our ShowIf My EdTech Life has added value to your work, consider supporting the show so we can continue bringing you great episodes like this one:👉 https://buymeacoffee.com/myedtechlife/membership🙏 A huge thank you to our sponsors who make this show possible:☕ Come Back Coffee📘 Book Creator🤖 EduAid📚 Peel Back Education🌐 Visit us at www.myedtech.life to check out this episode and all 364 other conversations where you'll find some great gems you can sprinkle on to what you are already doing great.🔔 Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share this episode with a colleague who needs to hear it.Stay Techie ✌🏼Support the show

What if the missing ingredient in your classroom isn't a new tool, a new curriculum, or another PD session, but curiosity itself?In this episode, I sit down with Olivia Odileke, founder of Spark Curiosity EDU, Education Week contributor, and creator of the Spark Curiosity GPT Coach. Olivia brings an industrial engineering background into the world of education, and her perspective on how we teach, how we evaluate, and how we use AI in classrooms is one you don't want to miss.We get into why so many teachers are burning out trying to cover the curriculum instead of letting students uncover it. Olivia shares her seven-minute teacher talk rule, her Spark Task method with multiple entry points for every learner, and the powerful idea that the smallest unit of school improvement is a teacher who feels psychologically safe to try something new.We also dig into AI in the classroom and how Olivia is using it to amplify student thinking, not replace it. From the Spark Curiosity GPT Coach to her Fearless Educator Radio project with 100+ AI-generated songs for educators, Olivia is showing what it looks like when teachers use AI as a thought partner instead of an answer machine.Plus, get all the details on the Spark Curiosity Conference, July 31 to August 2, 2026 in Austin, Texas, where Olivia and her team are modeling what a curious classroom can actually feel like.Chapters00:00 Welcome and Guest Intro02:38 Olivia’s Path to Inquiry10:00 Engineering Mindset in Teaching14:05 Seeing Students and Sparking Curiosity34:26 Fail Forward Culture39:04 Spark Curiosity GPT Coach45:27 Curiosity With AI49:26 Conference And ClosingConnect with Olivia:🌐 Website: https://oliviaodileke.com/🤖 Spark Curiosity GPT Coach: https://ai.sparkcuriosityedu.com🎵 Fearless Educator Radio: https://fearlesseducator.com🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/olivia-odileke/A huge thank you to our amazing sponsors who make this show possible:☕ Come Back Coffee https://comebackbev.com/📚 Book Creator https://bookcreator.com/🎓 EduAide.AI https://www.eduaide.ai/💛 Support the Show:If My EdTech Life has given you some practical ideas to build on what you're already doing well, consider becoming a Producer or Super Producer through our Buy Me a Coffee membership. Your support keeps the conversations coming.👉 https://buymeacoffee.com/myedtechlife/membershipStay Techie ✌🏼Support the show

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.Jonathan is an instructional designer at a supply chain company and at a Plano, Texas startup building an AI-assisted learning management system. But before all of that, he was a music educator. He worked at DePauw University and Indiana University. He played mariachi on weekends, jazz combos, cathedral gigs, Costa Rican punk reggae, full symphonies. He didn't know "instructional designer" was a job title. He just knew he loved video editing, building websites, and figuring out how learning actually happens.In this conversation, Jonathan and I talk about the parts of instructional design AI is genuinely making faster and the parts no model will ever touch. The language you use when you collaborate. The way you receive feedback. The relationships you build before you ever press record on a training. The reason someone will or won't watch what you built.Jonathan also breaks down the custom AI agent he trained on his reviewers' feedback patterns to cut his iteration cycles from version 5 down to version 2. He shares how he manages a tech stack that includes Articulate, Camtasia, Arcade, Figma Make, Claude Code, Gemini, NotebookLM, and Perplexity, and why he just bought a Claude Code membership last week.If you're an instructional designer wondering where you still fit, an educator thinking about transitioning into ID, or anyone trying to figure out what the human in the loop actually does, this episode is for you.🎙️ What We Cover:✅ Why a music educator's brain is built for instructional design✅ The "agency" lesson Jonathan's first CEO taught him✅ How to build trust in AI inside a workplace that doesn't trust it yet✅ The "but vs. and" language hack that changes team collaboration✅ Why "feedback" is a neutral word and "criticism" isn't✅ The custom AI feedback agent that cut his iterations in half✅ His real working tech stack as an instructional designer in 2026✅ The human capacities to invest in if you want to stay irreplaceable✅ Why your training won't land if nobody in the room likes youChapters00:00 Introduction to Instructional Design and AI12:29 The Journey from Music to Instructional Design21:13 Navigating Confusion in Instructional Design22:54 The Importance of Collaboration in Instructional Design27:33 The Human Element in Instructional Design30:16 Integrating AI into Instructional Design Workflows39:14 The Importance of Communication Skills45:46 Final Thoughts and Advice for Future Designers🔗 Connect With Jonathan De La Cruz on LinkedIn. ☕ Huge thanks to our sponsor Comeback Coffee for keeping us energized and creative through every episode. Check them out and grab some coffee soda!🎧 Listen to My EdTech Life on every major platform:🌐 Website: https://www.myedtech.life🎙️ Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, iHeart, and wherever you get your podcasts💛 Support the Show:If My EdTech Life has given you some practical ideas to build on what you're already doing well, consider becoming a Producer or Super Producer through our Buy Me a Coffee membership. Your support keeps the conversations coming.👉 https://buymeacoffee.com/myedtechlife/membershipStay Techie ✌🏼Support the show

What happens to your judgment when AI starts answering before you finish the question?In this episode, Dr. Fonz sits down with Cheryl Strauss Einhorn, founder of Decisive, decision-sciences educator at Cornell and the University of Miami, and author of the new book The Human Edge: Smarter Decisions in the Age of AI (Cornell Publishing, May 8th). Cheryl spent over a decade as an investigative journalist at Barron's, where her bearish company stories halted stock trading, shut down companies, and once helped send a CEO to ten years in prison. That work taught her something every educator and student needs to hear right now: the hardest part of any decision isn't the information. It's the judgment.Cheryl walks us through her AREA Method (Absolute, Relative, Exploration & Exploitation, Analysis), a system for complex problem solving built to check our cognitive biases and protect our thinking when we work with AI. She unpacks why "AI as a time-saver" is a myth doing real damage in classrooms, why students still feel pressure to run their assignments through AI to "polish them up," and why the eight moments of human judgment in any complex decision are the things educators should be teaching first.We also get into the cautious advocate's question: what mindset shift do tenured professors need to feel their expertise still matters? How do we lower the barrier for the educators who haven't started using these tools yet? And what does learning look like five years from now if we get this right?Whether you're a K-12 teacher, a professor, a district leader, or a student wondering how to keep your own voice in your own work, this conversation will give you a framework to stop outsourcing your thinking and start leading the machine.Chapters00:00 Introduction to AI and Decision Making04:59 Cheryl's Journey and the Area Method09:57 Understanding the Human Edge in AI14:59 Reclaiming Agency in Decision Making20:10 The Area Method Explained24:48 Challenges and Insights from Teaching AI31:06 The Role of Educators in AI38:37 Debunking AI Myths📚 Connect with Cheryl:Website: areamethod.comBook: The Human Edge: Smarter Decisions in the Age of AI (May 8)LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cherylstrausseinhorn/🙌 A huge thank you to our sponsors who keep this mission going:☕ Comeback Coffee for keeping us caffeinated and ready to podcast📚 Book Creator for empowering student voice in classrooms everywhere 🏫 Peel Back Education for helping teachers do more with less🤖 Eduaide.AI for putting thoughtful AI tools in educators' handsWe do what we do for you and because of you. Thank you for listening, sharing, and engaging with the show.Stay Techie ✌🏼Peel Back Education exists to uncover, share, and amplify powerful, authentic stories from inside classrooms and beyond, helping educators, learners, and the wider community connect meaningfully with the people and ideas shaping education today. Authentic engagement, inclusion, and learning across the curriculum for ALL your students. Teachers love Book Creator.Support the show

There's no opt-out button for AI. That's the reality Valerie Brock, Curriculum Lead at Day of AI, brings to this conversation, and it changes how we think about AI literacy in K-12.In this episode, Dr. Fonz sits down with Valerie to unpack what AI literacy actually means (hint: it's not prompt engineering), why early childhood classrooms belong in this conversation, and how Day of AI is building developmentally appropriate, tool-agnostic curriculum that's now reaching students in Australia, Rwanda, Taiwan, New Zealand, Vietnam, Uzbekistan, the Philippines, and beyond.Valerie draws on 13 years as a New York City special education teacher and six years with NYC's Computer Science for All initiative to explain how accessibility, UDL, and real classroom experience shape every lesson her team creates. She also shares the stories behind Day of AI's NYC Public Library pilot, the family toolkits built with Common Sense Media, and the new AASA fellowship putting superintendents at the center of AI rollout.Whether you're a teacher, a school leader, a curriculum designer, or a parent trying to figure out where to start, this episode gives you the language, the framework, and the free resources to move forward.⏱️ CHAPTERS00:00 Welcome to My EdTech Life01:20 Meet Valerie Brock02:30 From NYC classrooms to Day of AI05:00 What Day of AI actually is06:30 The "opt out" button doesn't exist09:30 Accessibility, UDL, and designing for every learner13:30 What AI literacy really means17:00 The fear teachers bring to PD19:00 The NYC Public Library pilot20:45 Why kindergartners can handle this conversation24:30 How Day of AI decides what's developmentally appropriate30:00 Program Hubs around the world35:00 The AASA superintendent fellowship40:00 How to get started with Day of AI45:00 Valerie's AI kryptonite and billboard message🔗 CONNECT WITH VALERIE🌐 Day of AI: https://dayofai.org💼 LinkedIn: Valerie Brock🙌 THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS☕ Come Back Coffee📚 Book Creator🎓 EduAid.AI🌱 Peel Back Education👍 If this episode helped you, smash that LIKE button, SUBSCRIBE for more conversations with EdTech's best, and share it with an educator who needs to hear it.☕ SUPPORT THE SHOWIf My EdTech Life has added value to your work, consider becoming a member and helping us keep the conversations going.🔗 https://buymeacoffee.com/myedtechlife/membershipStay Techie ✌🏼Peel Back Education exists to uncover, share, and amplify powerful, authentic stories from inside classrooms and beyond, helping educators, learners, and the wider community connect meaningfully with the people and ideas shaping education today. Authentic engagement, inclusion, and learning across the curriculum for ALL your students. Teachers love Book Creator.Support the show

Episode 360: The #1 AI Governance Mistake Schools Are Making ft. Betsy CooperWhat's the biggest mistake schools are making with AI right now? According to Betsy Cooper, it's not taking it seriously from day one. In this episode, Dr.Alfonso sits down with Betsy Cooper, Founder and Executive Director of the Aspen Policy Academy, for a powerful conversation on the AI governance decisions quietly reshaping schools — and what educators, leaders, and parents can do about it.Betsy brings a one-of-a-kind perspective shaped by her work as a former DHS attorney, her time leading the UC Berkeley Center for Long-Term Cybersecurity, and her doctorate from Oxford. Through Aspen Policy Academy, she's on a mission to democratize policymaking, helping teachers, parents, technologists, and community advocates learn how to identify problems, build solutions, and actually drive change.Together, Dr. Alfonso and Betsy unpack why "ooh, that looks pretty, let's try it" is the wrong way to evaluate new tools, how smooth vendors and shrinking budgets are pushing districts into risky decisions, and why K-12 students need adult stewards more than ever in this moment. Betsy also shares the castle and moat metaphor every school leader needs to hear, a three-step crisis plan for overwhelmed CTOs and superintendents, and her four-step policy impact framework for educators ready to advocate for change.Whether you're a teacher, CTO, superintendent, or parent, this episode will leave you with practical tools and a renewed sense of agency to push back, ask better questions, and advocate for the students who can't speak up for themselves.Chapters00:00 — Welcome & Sponsor Shoutouts01:30 — Meet Dr. Betsy Cooper & The Origin of Aspen Policy Academy07:00 — What Policy Literacy Means for Educators (and Why It's Free)14:00 — The 4-Step Policy Impact Framework19:30 — The #1 AI Governance Mistake Schools Are Making24:30 — How CTOs Should Evaluate AI Tools & Vendors31:00 — Who Should Be Writing AI Policy for Schools35:00 — Cybersecurity in K-12: The Castle, The Moat & The Breach Plan39:30 — Cyber Civic Engagement & Becoming a Local Advocate43:30 — Speed Round & Closing ThoughtsDon't forget to:✅ Subscribe to My EdTech Life on your favorite podcast platform✅ Leave a review and share this episode with a fellow educator✅ Visit www.myedtech.life for more amazing conversations💜 Thank you to our sponsors:Eduaide.AI | Book Creator | Peel Back Education | Comeback CoffeePeel Back Education exists to uncover, share, and amplify powerful, authentic stories from inside classrooms and beyond, helping educators, learners, and the wider community connect meaningfully with the people and ideas shaping education today. Authentic engagement, inclusion, and learning across the curriculum for ALL your students. Teachers love Book Creator.Support the show

What happens when you take public high school students with zero computer science background — 87% of whom are below the federal poverty line — and put them in one of only two quantum computing programs for high schoolers in the entire nation?That's exactly what A.M. Bhatt and his nonprofit DAE are doing in Connecticut, and the results are challenging everything we think we know about education reform, student potential, and what it really means to prepare young people for the future.In this episode of My EdTech Life, host Dr. Alfonso Mendoza sits down with A.M. Bhatt to unpack why traditional education is stuck in an industrial-era mindset, why the push for "job readiness" might actually be more dangerous than the problem it's trying to solve, and why real education reform starts with identity formation — not content coverage.Bhatt shares how his students complete 24 college credits worth of computer science in just 10 months, why he left a successful career advising Fortune 500 executives to work with underserved youth, and what a simple bowl of soup has to do with building a real learning community.Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest01:37 A.M. Bhatt's Journey in Education09:36 The State of Education: Challenges and Opportunities15:37 Identity Formation in Education22:01 Preparing Students for the Future: Players vs. Audience26:31 The Importance of Non-Technical Skills28:09 Real-World Hiring Insights32:13 Remedial Humaning in Education34:32 Infrastructure vs. Human Development39:10 Dropping Seeds of Knowledge43:46 Kryptonite in Education45:50 Messages for the FutureConnect with Dr. Fonz:🎙️ Website: https://www.myedtech.life/📲 Follow on LinkedIn, TikTok, Instagram, Facebook & YouTubeThank you to our sponsors:📚 Book Creator: Use Code MYEDTECHLIFE for Premium Access!🤖Eduaide.AI🎓 Peel Back Education☕Comeback CoffeePeel Back Education exists to uncover, share, and amplify powerful, authentic stories from inside classrooms and beyond, helping educators, learners, and the wider community connect meaningfully with the people and ideas shaping education today. Authentic engagement, inclusion, and learning across the curriculum for ALL your students. Teachers love Book Creator.Support the show

They’re Only 19… And Already Rethinking EducationWhat happens when two 19-year-olds look at education and say… this isn’t working?In this episode, I sit down with Almar Tishenko and Max Litvinenka, two young founders building Reading Rooms, a platform designed to rethink how students read, write, and receive feedback in the age of AI.This isn’t about replacing teachers.This is about giving them time back, strengthening critical thinking, and using AI the right way.🚀 What You’ll Learn•Why delayed feedback is hurting student learning•How Reading Rooms is changing reading & writing workflows•Why banning AI isn’t the answer•How to use AI without killing critical thinking•What teachers actually want from EdTech•The future skills students NEED right nowChapters00:00 Introduction and Background of Guests02:07 Celebrating 6 Years of My EdTech Life04:56 Meet Almar and Max: Young EdTech Innovators08:51 Problems in Education: Grading and Critical Thinking11:46 Impact of AI on Education and Teachers' Concerns16:49 Connecting with Educators and Understanding Needs32:29 Introducing Reading Rooms Platform36:27 Features of Reading Rooms: Homework Builder and Tools48:07 Skills for the AI-Driven Future01:01:57 Advice for Educators and District Leaders01:04:33 Final Thoughts and Contact InformationConnect with Dr. Fonz:🎙️ Website: https://www.myedtech.life/📲 Follow on LinkedIn, TikTok, Instagram, Facebook & YouTubeThank you to our sponsors:📚 Book Creator Use Code MYEDTECHLIFE for Premium Access!🤖Eduaide🎓 Peel Back Education☕Comeback CoffeePeel Back Education exists to uncover, share, and amplify powerful, authentic stories from inside classrooms and beyond, helping educators, learners, and the wider community connect meaningfully with the people and ideas shaping education today. Authentic engagement, inclusion, and learning across the curriculum for ALL your students. Teachers love Book Creator.Support the show

Student voice is one of the most powerful forces in education — but only when it has a real stage. In this episode, Dr. Fonz welcomes back returning guest Tim Belmont, Language Arts teacher and Technology Coordinator at Lyndhurst High School in New Jersey, for a rich conversation on what it actually means to give students an authentic voice — and the innovative project he built to make that a reality.Tim breaks down how he integrates podcasting into his Public Speaking and Advanced Public Speaking classes, why choice and personal connection are the secret ingredients to genuine student expression, and how the NPR Student Podcast Challenge transforms reluctant students into passionate communicators. He also shares the story behind the Bell Tower — a privacy-conscious podcast platform he built from the ground up to give student voices a stage that goes beyond the classroom walls, while staying FERPA and COPPA compliant.Whether you are a classroom teacher, a tech coordinator, or a district leader, this episode will challenge you to rethink how you define assessment, student engagement, and what authentic learning looks like in the age of AI.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Welcome02:43 Tim Belmont's Background in Education05:51 Integrating Podcasting in the Classroom10:26 Authentic Student Voice vs. Performative Voice15:15 The Impact of Authentic Audiences20:24 The Importance of Scripted Communication22:32 The Bell Tower Project Overview23:40 The Bell Tower Project: Vision and Goals29:57 Authentic Audience Engagement in Education34:45 Transformative Student Experiences through Podcasting39:34 Getting Started with Podcasting in the Classroom44:25 The Future of Student-Created Media and AssessmentConnect with Tim Belmont:🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timbelmont/Tools & Resources Mentioned:NPR Student Podcast Challenge & Curriculum — npr.orgAdobe Podcast https://podcast.adobe.com/Screencastify https://www.screencastify.com/The Bell Tower https://www.linkedin.com/company/belltower-edu/Connect with Dr. Fonz:🎙️ Website: https://www.myedtech.life/📲 Follow on LinkedIn, TikTok, Instagram, Facebook & YouTubeThank you to our sponsors:📚 Book Creator Edu: Use Code MYEDTECHLIFE for Premium Access!🎓 Peel Back EducationPeel Back Education exists to uncover, share, and amplify powerful, authentic stories from inside classrooms and beyond, helping educators, learners, and the wider community connect meaningfully with the people and ideas shaping education today. Authentic engagement, inclusion, and learning across the curriculum for ALL your students. Teachers love Book Creator.Support the show

In this episode, Dr. Alfonso sits down with Caleb Hurd, founder of Chatperone, an AI chat platform built specifically to keep kids safe online. As a father of two and a 20-year tech industry veteran, Caleb built Chatperone not for investors or school district contracts, but for his own children first. What started as a personal solution has become a mission to give parents and educators peace of mind in a world where AI chatbots are already in the hands of our kids.From the Character AI controversy to COPPA compliance gaps, Caleb and Dr. Fonz unpack the real dangers lurking in unguarded AI platforms and why Big Tech is getting it wrong. They also explore what it truly means to put the child at the center of EdTech design, how parents and teachers can work together to guide healthy AI interactions, and why data ownership matters more than ever in 2026.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Context Setting06:04 The Birth of Chatperone12:01 Navigating Parental Concerns17:48 Building Trust with Parents23:52 Challenges with Big Tech29:52 The Future of Child Safety in EdTech30:47 Understanding AI in Education35:46 Building Solutions with Children in Mind40:39 The Philosophy Behind Chatperone42:44 Navigating the Current Educational Landscape47:46 Reflections on Parenting and TechnologySponsor ShoutoutThank you to our sponsors: Book Creator, Eduaide.AI, and Peel Back Education for supporting My EdTech Life.Get 3 Months of Book Creator Premium Access Free!Use Code: MyEdTechLifeStay Techie ✌️Peel Back Education exists to uncover, share, and amplify powerful, authentic stories from inside classrooms and beyond, helping educators, learners, and the wider community connect meaningfully with the people and ideas shaping education today. Authentic engagement, inclusion, and learning across the curriculum for ALL your students. Teachers love Book Creator.Support the show

Dr. Alfonso sits down with Aaron Makelky of Descript to unpack the real future of podcasting beyond vanity metrics, beyond over-polished edits, and beyond the AI hype.This conversation is a masterclass for creators, educators, and entrepreneurs who want to amplify their voice without burning out.From workflow wisdom to sponsorship strategy to the rise of hyper-niche podcasts, Aaron delivers practical insight with zero fluff. If you’ve ever wondered whether your downloads are “enough,” whether video matters, or how AI fits into authentic storytelling, you won't want to miss this one.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Podcasting and Descript02:50 The Evolution of Podcasting and Its Accessibility06:04 Changing Perspectives on Sponsorships08:53 Building Relationships and Trust in Podcasting11:58 The Surge in Podcasting and Content Formats15:00 The Role of Video in Podcasting18:02 Enhancing Audio and Video Quality with Descript20:54 Leveraging AI Tools for Podcasting Efficiency29:02 Enhancing Video Interaction with AI Tools32:00 Streamlining Podcast Editing with AI33:37 Balancing Polish and Authenticity in Content41:30 The Importance of Learning and Repetition in Podcasting44:51 Future Trends in Podcasting and Content CreationTry Descript: https://descript.cello.so/hVfs5yHcBjxSponsor ShoutoutThank you to our sponsors: Book Creator, Eduaide.AI, and Peel Back Education for supporting My EdTech Life.Get 3 Months of Book Creator Premium Access Free!Use Code: MyEdTechLifeStay Techie ✌️Peel Back Education exists to uncover, share, and amplify powerful, authentic stories from inside classrooms and beyond, helping educators, learners, and the wider community connect meaningfully with the people and ideas shaping education today. Authentic engagement, inclusion, and learning across the curriculum for ALL your students. Teachers love Book Creator.Support the show

Four years after ChatGPT changed everything, schools are still treading water.In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Kip Glazer, principal of Mountain View High School, home of Google, and author of Ready to Lead With AI: A Practical Guide for School Leaders. Dr. Kip has been in this conversation since 2015 and she is bringing ALL of that experience to the table.We talk about why the AI cheating conversation is failing our students, what questions every school leader should be asking vendors before letting ANY tool into their school, and why the real work has always been about human connection, not detection.If you are a school leader, educator, or aspiring administrator trying to navigate AI without losing sight of what matters most, this one is for you.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Context Setting02:55 The Impact of AI on Education05:48 Navigating AI as a School Leader08:49 Practical Applications of AI in Schools11:37 Mindset and Attitude in Leadership14:48 Actionable Tips for School Leaders17:43 The Role of Pedagogy in Technology Integration20:36 Community and Collaboration in Learning26:31 AI and Equity in Education30:06 Innovative Pedagogy and Student Engagement34:41 Empowering Student Voices in Decision-Making39:09 Navigating Tech Chauvinism in Education43:51 Enhancing Human Connection through AISponsor ShoutoutThank you to our sponsors: Book Creator, Eduaide.AI, and Peel Back Education for supporting My EdTech Life.Get 3 Months of Book Creator Premium Access Free!Use Code: MyEdTechLifeStay Techie ✌️Peel Back Education exists to uncover, share, and amplify powerful, authentic stories from inside classrooms and beyond, helping educators, learners, and the wider community connect meaningfully with the people and ideas shaping education today. Authentic engagement, inclusion, and learning across the curriculum for ALL your students. Teachers love Book Creator.Support the show

Neuroscience expert Dr. Mark Hobson reveals why educators MUST understand how AI works—and why your brain learns exactly like AI does.What You'll Learn:The shocking AI gap between business and educationHow your brain processes information (90% through emotions—AI can't)Why banning AI fails studentsPractical ChatGPT strategies for classroomsThe 4 Rs: Read, Recite, Repeat, RememberHow AI mimics your neural networksWhy "intentional screen time" beats screen time limitsKey Quote: "Our learners need to know more about AI and how it works—and so do our faculty." - Dr. Mark HobsonDr. Hobson studied at Johns Hopkins & Northeastern, specializing in mind, brain, and teaching. He breaks down neuroscience into actionable ed strategies. Dr. Hobson's NotesChapters00:00 Introduction and Guest Background04:59 The Impact of AI on Education09:53 Neuroscience and AI: A Learning Link14:55 The Role of Emotion in Learning19:43 AI's Influence on Student Learning24:44 Shared Learning Principles: AI and the Brain29:41 The Future of AI in Education34:19 Final Thoughts and ReflectionsSponsor ShoutoutThank you to our sponsors: Book Creator, Eduaide.AI, and Peel Back Education for supporting My EdTech Life.Get 3 Months of Book Creator Premium Access Free!Use Code: MyEdTechLifeStay Techie ✌️Peel Back Education exists to uncover, share, and amplify powerful, authentic stories from inside classrooms and beyond, helping educators, learners, and the wider community connect meaningfully with the people and ideas shaping education today. Authentic engagement, inclusion, and learning across the curriculum for ALL your students. Teachers love Book Creator.Support the show

Simplifying EdTech for Teachers & Amplifying Learning for Students Bonus episode recorded live at TCEARecorded 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.This conversation tackles real questions educators are asking right now: When does technology truly support learning? When does it get in the way? And how do we make sure teachers stay at the center of instruction while students stay engaged, thinking, and communicating?No hype. No buzzwords. Just honest insights from educators in the trenches.🎧 Listen in and rethink how EdTech should really show up in classrooms. Episode Chapters00:00 – Welcome & Live from TCEASetting the stage for a real conversation on EdTech beyond the hype.02:15 – What “Simple” EdTech Actually MeansWhy ease of use and pedagogy matter more than flashy features.07:10 – The Marketing vs Classroom Reality GapWhere EdTech promises break down once teachers close their doors.12:40 – When Tools Get Too ComplexWhy more clicks usually means less learning.18:05 – Teachers Are Still the Tier 1 InstructionTechnology as support, not replacement.24:30 – Automation, Grades, and Losing Teacher EyesThe hidden risks of fully automated workflows.31:10 – Amplifying Learning Without Making Tech the StarCollaboration, discourse, and productive struggle.38:45 – Student Voice, Communication, and ConfidenceWhy loud classrooms often mean deeper learning.46:20 – What Districts Get Wrong About AdoptionUsage doesn’t equal impact and why buy-in matters.53:30 – Saying No to the Shiny StuffHow teachers protect their time and sanity.58:40 – The Mindset Shift Educators Need NowPedagogy first. Tools second. Always.1:03:30 – Final Takeaways & Closing ThoughtsSimplify EdTech. Amplify learning. Stay human.Big shoutout to Eduaide, Book Creator, and Peel Back Education for believing in the mission of My EdTech Life and for championing tools and practices that actually serve teachers and students.Stay Techie ✌️Peel Back Education exists to uncover, share, and amplify powerful, authentic stories from inside classrooms and beyond, helping educators, learners, and the wider community connect meaningfully with the people and ideas shaping education today. Authentic engagement, inclusion, and learning across the curriculum for ALL your students. Teachers love Book Creator.Support the show

Is critical thinking becoming a lost skill in the age of AI?In Episode 352 of My EdTech Life, Dr. Alfonso Mendoza sits down with Melissa Morgan, Founder of Coraltalk , to explore why conversation, not content consumption, is the key to real learning.This episode dives deep into why oral assessment, dialogue-based learning, and conversational AI may be the most effective way to combat AI-assisted cheating while actually improving student understanding. Melissa shares the origin story of Coraltalk , inspired by teaching Buddhist monks through dialogue, and explains how speaking out loud strengthens retention, metacognition, and critical thinking.Chapters0:00 Welcome And Guest Introduction1:45 Melissa’s Path To Edtech3:42 Dialogue Over Monologue Insight6:51 Coraltalk  Mission And Approach10:25 Combating AI Cheating With Orals13:22 Teacher Setup And Voice Options15:45 Student Growth And Learning Artifacts18:42 Assessment Modes And Adaptive Difficulty22:37 Classroom Feedback Loops And Data25:47 Practice, VR Potential, And Efficacy28:47 Stats On Retention And Critical Thinking31:02 Teacher Sentiment And Adoption33:52 Privacy, Compliance, And Trust36:37 Efficiency Gains And Small-Group Teaching39:57 Misconceptions: AI Replacing Teachers42:29 Human Connection And Lasting Impact44:39 Lightning Round: Kryptonite, Billboard, Swap47:44 Closing, Thanks And ResourcesSponsor ShoutoutThank you to our sponsors: Book Creator, Eduaide.AI, and Peel Back Education for supporting My EdTech Life.Get 3 Months of Book Creator Premium Access Free! Use Code: MyEdTechLifeStay Techie ✌️Peel Back Education exists to uncover, share, and amplify powerful, authentic stories from inside classrooms and beyond, helping educators, learners, and the wider community connect meaningfully with the people and ideas shaping education today. Authentic engagement, inclusion, and learning across the curriculum for ALL your students. Teachers love Book Creator.Support the show

Why EdTech Usage Doesn’t Equal Impact ft. Dr. Paula Cushanick In this episode of My EdTech Life, I sit down with Dr. Paula Cushanick, known as Dr. C on TikTok, to unpack one of the most misunderstood ideas in education technology:EdTech usage does NOT equal impact.Districts often measure success through logins, minutes, and usage reports because they’re easy to pull. But Dr. Cushanick’s research and classroom experience tell a very different story.In this conversation, we dig into what actually drives student growth, especially for emergent bilingual learners, and why equity must mean access and effectiveness, not just access alone.Questions We Explore:1. How should districts really measure EdTech effectiveness?2. What does meaningful equity look like in digital learning?3. Why do some students log thousands of minutes with no growth?4. How can districts support teachers beyond “one-and-done” PD?5. What are the consequences of bad implementation for students?Chapters00:00 Introduction to Dr. Paula Cushanick03:21 Dr. Koshanek's Journey in Education06:21 Research Insights on Technology and Language Acquisition11:39 The Importance of Intentional Technology Use16:50 Measuring Implementation Effectiveness20:20 Consequences of Poor Implementation in the Classroom24:26 The Importance of Language Output26:33 Technology's Role in Immediate Feedback32:21 Misconceptions About Bilingual Learners36:31 Creating Supportive Educational SystemsSponsors ShoutoutThank you to our sponsors: Book Creator, Eduaide.AI, and Peel Back Education for supporting My EdTech Life.Peel Back Education exists to uncover, share, and amplify powerful, authentic stories from inside classrooms and beyond, helping educators, learners, and the wider community connect meaningfully with the people and ideas shaping education today. Authentic engagement, inclusion, and learning across the curriculum for ALL your students. Teachers love Book Creator.Support the show

In Episode 350 of My EdTech Life, Dr. Alfonso “Fonz” Mendoza sits down with Lindy Hockenbary (LindyHoc), a K–12 EdTech advisor, strategist, and professional learning leader known for helping teachers make technology work for real learning. This conversation goes straight to the issues educators actually face, the “one more thing” overload, AI misconceptions, and how to move beyond AI detectors toward authentic assessments students can’t fake. Lindy breaks down how AI literacy fits inside core instruction (not as a separate add-on), why we must redesign assessment to emphasize process over product, and how tools with guardrails + teacher dashboards change what “safe classroom AI use” can look like. You’ll also hear why Lindy’s work is especially grounded in small and rural schools, where staffing, compliance review, and budget constraints make AI adoption harder, but also more urgent.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction02:05 Lindy Hockenbary's Educational Journey04:57 The Impact of Technology on Education09:19 Changing Mindsets in Education11:00 Integrating AI into Core Curriculum16:42 Redesigning Assessment in the Age of AI23:37 Authenticity in Learning and AI Challenges24:24 Misconceptions About AI in Education25:52 AI Literacy and Compliance in Teaching31:58 The Impact of ChatGPT on Educators36:00 Challenges in Rural Education and AI Adoption40:39 Final Thoughts and Future DirectionsLindy’s website: https://www.lindyhoc.com/Make EdTech 100 podcast page: https://www.lindyhoc.com/podcastSponsors ShoutoutThank you to our sponsors: Book Creator, Eduaide.AI, and Peel Back Education for supporting My EdTech Life.Peel Back Education exists to uncover, share, and amplify powerful, authentic stories from inside classrooms and beyond, helping educators, learners, and the wider community connect meaningfully with the people and ideas shaping education today. Authentic engagement, inclusion, and learning across the curriculum for ALL your students. Teachers love Book Creator.Support the show

How Mega Minds Brings Real-World CTE to Classrooms ft. Eric Tao & Austin Levinson | My EdTech Life 349In Episode 349 of My EdTech Life, Dr. Alfonso “Fonz” Mendoza sits down with Eric Tao, Founder & CEO of Mega Minds, and Austin Levinson, veteran educator and learning designer, to unpack how immersive AI-powered simulations are reshaping Career and Technical Education (CTE).This conversation goes beyond AI hype. Eric and Austin explain why most AI tools in education focus on productivity instead of learning and how immersive environments can restore student engagement, agency, and real-world skill development.We explore how Mega Minds uses AI characters, simulations, and 3D environments to help students practice CTE skills safely before entering real workplaces. From healthcare triage simulations to job interviews, retail scenarios, and construction environments, students are learning through experience, not worksheets.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Guest Introductions02:30 Exploring MegaMinds: An Overview04:49 The Role of Engagement in Education07:03 The Future of EdTech and AI in Learning10:39 Data-Driven Insights for Teachers13:45 The Importance of Student Agency18:10 Creating Safe Spaces for Learning20:38 Real-World Applications of MegaMinds27:46 CTE Lessons and Immersive Experiences33:05 Experiential Learning in Healthcare Education38:32 The Role of AI in Education42:39 Understanding AI Bias Through Immersive Learning48:38 AI Literacy and Its Importance in Education53:43 Final Thoughts and Future DirectionsMega Minds Resources Mentioned in EpisodeMegaMinds WebsiteFree AI Literacy Pilot InfoSponsors ShoutoutThank you to our sponsors: Book Creator, Eduaide.AI, and Peel Back Education for supporting My EdTech Life.Peel Back Education exists to uncover, share, and amplify powerful, authentic stories from inside classrooms and beyond, helping educators, learners, and the wider community connect meaningfully with the people and ideas shaping education today. Authentic engagement, inclusion, and learning across the curriculum for ALL your students. Teachers love Book Creator.Support the show

Career and Technical Education is often overlooked, misunderstood, or siloed. In this episode of My EdTech Life, Dr. Alfonso Mendoza sits down with Tisha Richmond, veteran CTE educator and author of The Magical CTE Classroom, to unpack what meaningful, joyful, and real-world CTE learning actually looks like.Tisha shares her journey from the classroom to edtech and back again, why CTE teachers face unique challenges, and how intentional design can transform labs, kitchens, workshops, and hands-on learning spaces into powerful environments for creativity, collaboration, and career readiness.This conversation explores how CTE classrooms can move beyond compliance and certifications toward engagement, student agency, and authentic learning experiences that prepare students for the real world of work.⏱️ Chapters 00:00 – Welcome to My EdTech Life02:10 – Who Is Tisha Richmond05:20 – From Industry to the CTE Classroom08:45 – Why CTE Teachers Feel Siloed12:30 – The Story Behind The Magical CTE Classroom16:10 – The MAGICAL Framework Explained21:40 – Gamifying Vocabulary in CTE26:30 – Safety, Structure, and Lab-Based Learning31:20 – Industry Certifications and Real-World Skills36:10 – Teaching Employability Through Play41:10 – Challenges Facing CTE Educators Today45:30 – Where to Find Tisha’s Work48:00 – Final Thoughts and Stay TechieConnect with Tisha Richmond:Website: tisharichmond.comLinkedIn: Tisha RichmondInstagram: @tisharichmondAbout the Host:Dr. Alfonso Mendoza is the host of My EdTech Life, a podcast amplifying educator voices and exploring how technology, creativity, and intentional design shape learning experiences.👉 Subscribe for conversations that move beyond buzzwords and focus on what actually works in classrooms.Peel Back Education exists to uncover, share, and amplify powerful, authentic stories from inside classrooms and beyond, helping educators, learners, and the wider community connect meaningfully with the people and ideas shaping education today. Authentic engagement, inclusion, and learning across the curriculum for ALL your students. Teachers love Book Creator.Support the show

In this episode of My EdTech Life, Jeff Riley breaks down the mission behind Day of AI and the work of MIT RAISE to help schools, districts, families, and students understand artificial intelligence safely, ethically, and with purpose.Jeff brings 32 years of experience as a teacher, counselor, principal, superintendent, and former Massachusetts Commissioner of Education. His transition to MIT RAISE reveals why AI literacy, student safety, and clear policy matter more than ever.Timestamps00:00 Welcome & Sponsor Shoutouts01:45 Jeff Riley’s Background in Education04:00 Why MIT RAISE and Day of AI06:00 The Challenge: AI Policy, Safety & Equity08:30 How AI Can Transform Teaching & Learning10:30 Differentiation, Accessibility & Student Support12:30 Helping Teachers Feel Confident Using AI15:00 Leading AI Adoption at the District Level18:00 What AI Literacy Should Mean for Students20:00 Teaching Healthy Skepticism & Bias Awareness23:00 Student Voice in AI Policy26:00 Parent Awareness & Common Sense Media Toolkit29:00 Responsible AI for America’s Youth31:00 America’s Youth AI Festival & Student Leadership34:30 National Vision for AI in Education37:00 Closing Thoughts + 3 Signature Questions41:00 Stay TechieResources MentionedDay of AI Curriculum: https://dayofai.orgMIT RAISE: https://raise.mit.eduSponsors📚 Book Creator🤖 Eduaide🎓 Peel Back EducationPeel Back Education exists to uncover, share, and amplify powerful, authentic stories from inside classrooms and beyond, helping educators, learners, and the wider community connect meaningfully with the people and ideas shaping education today. Authentic engagement, inclusion, and learning across the curriculum for ALL your students. Teachers love Book Creator.Support the show

Today on My EdTech Life, I sit down with Kyle Sumrow, educator, developer, and Director of Outreach and Development at Tech My School, to break down Relief Roster, a powerful substitute management and volunteer coordination system designed to streamline the entire sub process for schools.Kyle shares how Relief Roster solves the daily scramble schools face with substitutes, onboarding, scheduling, PTO tracking, and volunteer management. We unpack how customizable schedules, skill-based sub assignments, integrated communications, and equity-based pricing make this tool a real solution for under-resourced schools and large districts alike.If you're looking for smarter ways to manage substitutes, automate absence tracking, improve communication, and bring more efficiency to your campus or district, this episode is packed with practical insights.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Technical Setup02:09 Kyle's Background and Journey in Education05:00 The Birth of Relief Roster08:21 Customizability and User Experience of Relief Roster11:13 Analytics and HR Integration14:19 Volunteer Management and Onboarding Process17:25 Demonstration of Relief Roster Features33:58 Navigating Absence Management40:26 Customizing Substitute Requests43:16 Optimizing Substitute Utilization48:45 Volunteer Management Integration54:59 Data-Driven Decision Making01:00:29 Equity-Based Pricing in Education TechnologySponsors📚 Book Creator🤖 Eduaide📊 Yellowdig🎓 Peel Back EducationThank you for supporting My EdTech Life and helping bring meaningful conversations to educators everywhere.Peel Back Education exists to uncover, share, and amplify powerful, authentic stories from inside classrooms and beyond, helping educators, learners, and the wider community connect meaningfully with the people and ideas shaping education today. Authentic engagement, inclusion, and learning across the curriculum for ALL your students. Teachers love Book Creator.Support the show

Inside the UK’s Big Adobe Express Movement ft. Sean McLaughlin | My EdTech Life 345In this conversation, I sit down with Sean McLaughlin, Adobe for Education’s UK Community & Partnerships Lead, to explore how Adobe Express, guided creativity, and purposeful AI are reshaping teaching and learning across the UK. From live lessons with Dom & Merit, to outreach programs with Manchester United Football Club, to powerful creative workflows that build student confidence, Sean shares what’s possible when teachers have the right tools — and the right community.If you’ve ever wondered how Adobe Express works in real classrooms, why UK educators are embracing scaffolded creative tools, or how community-driven EdTech grows globally, this episode brings you front-row insight.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction02:57 Adobe Express and Its Impact on Education05:51 Community Building and Engagement in EdTech08:55 Guided Learning Activities and Student Engagement11:50 Overcoming Misconceptions About Adobe Express15:06 The Role of Community in Educator Empowerment17:51 Live Lessons and Real-World Applications27:29 Meeting Teachers Where They Are29:58 12 Days of Creativity32:50 Amplifying Creativity in Education36:47 Creating Yee-Haw Moments40:34 Connecting with the CommunitySean's Shared Links:Adobe Express UK Education Links12 days of creativity | Adobe for EducationEurope ACE CommunitySponsor Shoutout:A massive thank-you to our sponsors: Book Creator, use code MYEDTECHLIFE for 3 months of premium access.Thank you, EduAide, Yellowdig, and Peel Back Education for supporting these conversations.Peel Back Education exists to uncover, share, and amplify powerful, authentic stories from inside classrooms and beyond, helping educators, learners, and the wider community connect meaningfully with the people and ideas shaping education today. Authentic engagement, inclusion, and learning across the curriculum for ALL your students. Teachers love Book Creator.Support the show

How CTE Really Works for Students ft. Dr. Joey Mendoza | My EdTech Life 344CTE is changing fast. Certifications, digital skills, pathways, tutoring, attendance, career pipelines—there’s a lot happening behind the scenes. In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Joey Mendoza, a South Texas educator and freshly-minted doctoral researcher who has worked across classrooms, regional service centers, EdTech companies, and now the CTE space with YaizY. We unpack what CTE really looks like today: what works, what doesn’t, where students get stuck, and why attendance—yes, attendance—may matter more than tutoring when it comes to math achievement. We also break down how digital-first CTE programs can help students earn real certifications that actually translate into job-ready skills. Timestamps:0:00 Welcome And Sponsor Shoutouts1:16 Introducing Dr. Joey Mendoza2:50 From Classroom To Edtech And STEM5:20 Hands‑On STEM And Student Impact8:05 Entering CTE: Digital Skills And Pathways11:07 Digital Nomads And Remote Work Futures13:18 Certifications And Early Pathway Access16:20 Myths And Mindsets About CTE19:10 Funding, Access, And Stacking Credentials22:00 How YaizY Works From Grade 4 Up24:20 Barriers To Strong CTE Programs28:10 Culture, Data, And ROI In CTE31:10 Why Districts Must Lead With Industry32:32 Dissertation Setup: Tutoring And STAR Math34:30 Key Finding: Attendance Outweighs Tutoring37:10 Rethinking Tutoring, Fidelity, And Alignment39:40 Attendance Realities And Family Factors42:00 Next Steps For After‑School Effectiveness44:00 Closing Thoughts And Rapid‑Fire Questions47:10 Thank Yous, Links, And Sign‑OffSponsorsA massive thank-you to our sponsors: Book Creator, use code MYEDTECHLIFE for 3 months of premium access.Thank you, EduAide, Yellowdig, and Peel Back Education for supporting these conversations.Peel Back Education exists to uncover, share, and amplify powerful, authentic stories from inside classrooms and beyond, helping educators, learners, and the wider community connect meaningfully with the people and ideas shaping education today. Authentic engagement, inclusion, and learning across the curriculum for ALL your students. Teachers love Book Creator.Support the show

How AiDigiCards Help Kids Learn AI Safely ft. Amber Ivey | My EdTech Life 343 In Episode 343 of My EdTech Life, I sit down with Amber Ivey to explore AiDigiCards, a new screen-free way to introduce kids to AI literacy, curiosity, and critical thinking. Amber breaks down the journey from her AI-for-adults work, to her children’s book AI Meets AI, to her new hands-on learning system for kids ages 4–8.We talk about parent concerns, privacy, LLM overreliance, ethical design, and why AI learning should start at the kitchen table, not on a tablet. If you're an educator, parent, or anyone thinking about the future of AI readiness for kids, this conversation is packed with insight and practical takeaways.Timestamps00:00 – Introduction 02:00 – Why Amber focuses on AI for kids 05:30 – From books to workshops 09:15 – Introducing AiDigiCards 10:30 – Why screen-free AI learning matters 12:00 – Parent concerns about AI 14:00 – Protecting curiosity and creativity 17:00 – The four C’s of AI literacy 21:00 – Kids spotting real vs fake 26:00 – “Are kids too young for AI?” 27:00 – Teach kids AI… or AI teaches them 29:00 – The problem with unsafe AI tools 35:00 – Amber’s personal journey 37:30 – What keeps her up (in a good way) 40:00 – AiDigiCards Kickstarter 46:00 – Thank you to our sponsors! 🔗 Learn more about AiDigiCards: https://aidigicards.com 🔗 Follow Amber Ivey: LinkedIn 🎧 Listen to Episode 317 (Amber’s first appearance)A massive thank-you to our sponsors: Book Creator, use code MYEDTECHLIFE for 3 months of premium access.Thank you EduAide, Yellowdig, and Peel Back Education for supporting these conversations.Peel Back Education exists to uncover, share, and amplify powerful, authentic stories from inside classrooms and beyond, helping educators, learners, and the wider community connect meaningfully with the people and ideas shaping education today. Authentic engagement, inclusion, and learning across the curriculum for ALL your students. Teachers love Book Creator.Support the show

How AI Is Transforming School Technology Planning ft. Robbie Cobbs | My EdTech Life Ep.342In this episode of My EdTech Life, I sit down with Robbie Cobbs, the founder of Tech My School and creator of Tech Plan Genie, a groundbreaking platform built by tech directors for tech directors.We talk about how school leaders can create meaningful, data-driven technology plans that bring their vision to life, empower teachers, and make innovation sustainable. No hype, no buzzwords—just real stories and practical solutions that work in schools.⏱️ Timestamps00:00 – Welcome and sponsor shoutouts (Book Creator, Eduaide.ai, Yellowdig, Peel Back Education) 01:00 – Catching up with Robbie Cobbs and his big news 03:00 – How Tech My School is transforming education in Puerto Rico 05:00 – The Google encounter that sparked Tech Plan Genie 08:00 – The reality of being a tech director without support 10:00 – Building a tool that helps schools plan and grow smarter 13:00 – Collaboration, inclusion, and creating the right task force 15:00 – Using data and strategy to drive professional learning 18:00 – Turning tech plans into ongoing project management 21:00 – Introducing the Genie assistant: an AI that knows your school 24:00 – Equity, access, and making EdTech affordable for all 31:00 – Why Tech Plan Genie belongs in every school 40:00 – How Tech My School is changing education in Puerto Rico 44:00 – Bringing innovation, esports, and PD to underserved schools 49:00 – Inviting educators and vendors to join the Tech My School Conference 53:00 – My reflections on transparency, leadership, and impact 54:00 – Robbie’s Edu Kryptonite 55:00 – The billboard message that sums up his mission 56:00 – The one person Robbie would trade places with 58:00 – Closing thoughts and my reminder to always “Stay Techie”💡 What We Talk AboutHow Tech Plan Genie helps tech directors and school leaders design smarter, customized technology plansWhy Puerto Rico’s education system needs innovative support and how Tech My School is making it happenHow AI, data, and collaboration can empower entire school communitiesThe importance of transparency and equity in educational technologyWhat it takes to build lasting systems that work for teachers and students alike🔗 Resources and Links🌐 Explore Tech Plan Genie: https://techplangenie.com💰 Use code FONZ for 10% off your Tech Plan Genie purchase🌐 Learn more about Tech My School: https://techmyschool.org/🎟️ Join the Tech My School Conference: https://techmyschool.org/conference/💬 Connect with Robbie Cobbs on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robbiecobbs📣 SponsorsHuge thanks to Book Creator, Eduaide.AI, Yellowdig, and Peel Back Education for supporting this show and helping me continue to amplify educator voices around the world.👋 Subscribe to My EdTech Life to hear more conversations with educators, founders, and creators who are shaping the future of learning. Peel Back Education exists to uncover, share, and amplify powerful, authentic stories from inside classrooms and beyond, helping educators, learners, and the wider community connect meaningfully with the people and ideas shaping education today. Authentic engagement, inclusion, and learning across the curriculum for ALL your students. Teachers love Book Creator.Support the show

 Teaching in an AI World ft. David L. Jackson | My EdTech Life Ep. 341 In this episode of My EdTech Life, Dr. Fonz Mendoza sits down with David L. Jackson of Digital Promise to talk about how educators can slow down, refocus, and bring humanity back to teaching in an AI-driven world.David shares insights from the upcoming Elevating Innovation: Thinking in an AI World conference, a research-based, human-centered event designed to help educators, leaders, and district teams move from surviving the AI shift to shaping it.• Questions Explored• How do we humanize tech integration in classrooms?• Can AI improve or harm critical thinking?• What does AI literacy really mean?• How can leaders and teachers prepare for ethical and equitable AI adoption?• What keeps education experts up at night about AI?Timestamps00:00  Welcome + Sponsors (Eduaide, Yellowdig, Book Creator)01:30  Meet David L. Jackson (Digital Promise)03:30  Elevating Innovation: Thinking in an AI World05:00  The Human Side of Tech Integration07:00  Pedagogy Before Technology09:00  Reconciling Fear and Hope in AI14:00  Slowing Down to Move Forward17:00  Has AI Closed the Equity Gap?19:00  The Understand–Use–Evaluate Framework22:00  What AI Literacy Really Means24:00  Play, Test, and Evaluate27:00  Student Voice, Choice, and Ownership31:00  ROI for Superintendents & District Leaders34:00  From Surviving AI to Shaping It37:00  Staying Ahead of the Curve39:00  Challenges & Hopes for AI’s Future43:00  Speed Round: Kryptonite + Billboard47:00  Closing + Stay Techie🔗 Resources & Links🌐 Digital Promise – Elevating Innovation Conference🎧 Listen to More Episodes of My EdTech Life💼 Connect with David L. Jackson on LinkedIn🎙️ Follow Dr. Fonz Mendoza (My EdTech Life) on LinkedInPeel Back Education exists to uncover, share, and amplify powerful, authentic stories from inside classrooms and beyond, helping educators, learners, and the wider community connect meaningfully with the people and ideas shaping education today. Authentic engagement, inclusion, and learning across the curriculum for ALL your students. Teachers love Book Creator.Support the show

Episode 340: La Lucha Productiva en el Aula con Austin LevinsonBienvenidos a otro episodio de My EdTech Life, con tu anfitrión, el Dr. Alfonso “Fonz” Mendoza, donde exploramos las conversaciones que conectan la tecnología, la educación y lo humano. En este episodio, tengo el honor de conversar con Austin Levinson, educador, economista y Director de Aprendizaje en MegaMinds, una plataforma inmersiva que impulsa el aprendizaje activo y la agencia estudiantil. Desde Colombia, Austin comparte su experiencia en la enseñanza diferenciada, el pensamiento crítico, y cómo la lucha productiva puede transformar la forma en que nuestros estudiantes aprenden y enfrentan la frustración.Hablamos sobre cómo crear una cultura de pedir ayuda, fomentar la curiosidad, y devolverle al aula el valor del proceso —no solo del producto. También discutimos el papel de la inteligencia artificial en la educación, la importancia de la motivación intrínseca, y cómo la vulnerabilidad docente puede abrir espacios seguros para aprender, equivocarse y crecer. ⏰ Momentos clave00:00 Bienvenida y agradecimiento a la audiencia00:04 Qué es la lucha productiva y cómo fomentarla00:12 Estrategias prácticas para maestros nuevos00:25 MegaMinds y el poder del aprendizaje inmersivo00:38 Cómo recuperar la curiosidad en tiempos de TikTok00:50 Reflexión final y mensaje inspirador🙌 Agradecimientos EspecialesEste episodio es posible gracias al apoyo de nuestros increíbles patrocinadores: 📘 Book Creator — Crea, publica y comparte historias con tus estudiantes. 🤖 Eduaide.AI — Tu asistente inteligente para crear recursos educativos. 💬 Yellowdig — Conecta comunidades de aprendizaje a través de la conversación.Gracias por creer en nuestra misión de amplificar voces educativas y fomentar conversaciones que transforman la práctica docente. 💙🎧 Escucha más episodios en👉 www.myedtech.lifePeel Back Education exists to uncover, share, and amplify powerful, authentic stories from inside classrooms and beyond, helping educators, learners, and the wider community connect meaningfully with the people and ideas shaping education today. Authentic engagement, inclusion, and learning across the curriculum for ALL your students. Teachers love Book Creator.Support the show

 Episode 339: Merissa Sadler-Holder | Teaching with Machines In this episode of My EdTech Life, Dr. Fonz Mendoza talks with Merissa Sadler-Holder, founder of Teaching with Machines. Merissa shares her journey from French teacher to AI consultant and shows how educators can embrace AI without losing their voice, creativity, or purpose.They discuss what human-centered AI really means in the classroom, how to build meaningful professional development, and ways to keep teaching focused on people instead of platforms.Merissa also breaks down her AI Coherence Cycle, explains why teachers should stop chasing every new tool, and highlights the power of authenticity in a world full of automation.This episode will help you rethink AI in education and remind you that the real value is you.Timestamps00:00 — Intro & Sponsors 01:00 — Meet Merissa Sadler-Holder 03:00 — From French Teacher to Teaching with Machines 06:00 — The Aha Moment: Seeing AI’s Potential 10:00 — What Human-Centered AI Really Means 14:00 — Helping Students Find Their Authentic Voice 20:00 — The AI Coherence Cycle Explained 24:00 — Making PD Meaningful and Ongoing 28:00 — Avoiding the “Shiny Tool” Trap 33:00 — Ethics, Data Privacy & District Challenges 36:00 — Involving Parents and Communities 38:00 — Teaching is Messy—And That’s Good 41:00 — Preview: Speaking at EdTech Week NYC 44:00 — The Future of Teacher-Built Tools 49:00 — The Value is YOU 55:00 — Closing Thoughts + Stay TechieConnect with MerissaWebsite: teachingwithmachines.comFacebook GroupSpecial Thanks to Our SponsorsHuge thanks to Book Creator, Eduaide.AI, and Yellowdig for supporting our mission to amplify educator voices and spark meaningful conversations about the future of learning.Stay Techie! ✌️Peel Back Education exists to uncover, share, and amplify powerful, authentic stories from inside classrooms and beyond, helping educators, learners, and the wider community connect meaningfully with the people and ideas shaping education today. Authentic engagement, inclusion, and learning across the curriculum for ALL your students. Teachers love Book Creator.Support the show

Captivate Your Classroom with Dr. Marc IsseksIn 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, how teachers can overcome rigidity and the dreaded phrase “this is the way we’ve always done it,” and why technology should be treated as a microphone, not an encyclopedia. Marc shares stories that will resonate with every educator—from rethinking assessment to giving students choice and voice in their learning.Whether you’re a classroom teacher, administrator, or EdTech leader, this conversation will spark reflection and give you fresh ideas to amplify student engagement and your own growth as an educator.Timestamps 00:00 – Welcome to My EdTech Life + Sponsor shoutout 01:00 – Introducing Dr. Marc Isseks and his 31 years in education 04:00 – The story behind Captivate and why he wrote it 08:00 – Breaking cognitive entrenchment in schools 12:00 – Test #3 story: why success can stall innovation 16:00 – Technology shifts: from Tic-Tac-Toe to TikTok 21:00 – Engagement vs. learning: choosing the right apps 25:00 – Tech as a microphone, not an encyclopedia 30:00 – Process over product: lessons from Pixar 35:00 – The three new R’s: remixing, recording, researching 40:00 – Reframing screen time, dopamine, and classrooms 44:00 – Marc’s biggest takeaways for educators 47:00 – Rapid-fire closing questions 48:30 – How to connect with Marc + final thoughts Big thanks to our amazing sponsors for supporting this mission:Book Creator – where student stories come to life Eduaide.ai – empowering teachers with smarter tools Yellowdig – building communities that thriveStay inspired. Stay innovative. Stay Techie!Peel Back Education exists to uncover, share, and amplify powerful, authentic stories from inside classrooms and beyond, helping educators, learners, and the wider community connect meaningfully with the people and ideas shaping education today. Authentic engagement, inclusion, and learning across the curriculum for ALL your students. Teachers love Book Creator.Support the show

 La IA no reemplaza al maestro con Pedro AparicioEn este episodio de My EdTech Life, converso con Pedro Aparicio sobre un tema que nos toca a todos: el papel real de la IA en el aula y el rol insustituible del docente. Desde la mirada de Latinoamérica, Pedro nos comparte cómo la tecnología puede ser una aliada cuando se usa con intención, verificación y presencia humana.Hablamos del retroceso post-COVID, las falsas promesas de “2 horas al día”, el riesgo de caer en el hype y por qué el mejor recurso en el aula siempre será el docente. Este episodio es una invitación a reflexionar, cuestionar y seguir creciendo como educadores.Capítulos: 00:00 Bienvenida y agradecimiento a patrocinadores 02:00 Reencuentro con Pedro y el contexto en LatAm 07:00 ¿Cómo se percibe la IA en México y la región? 12:00 Dos bandos: entusiasmo vs. preocupación informada 19:00 Post-COVID: el riesgo de volver al “así se ha hecho siempre” 23:00 Las falsas promesas de “2 horas al día” 31:00 Uso responsable: intención, verificación y profundidad 35:00 NotebookLM y la creación de recursos útiles 41:00 “Cada viaje inicia con un pequeño paso” 54:00 Mensaje final y reflexionesUn agradecimiento especial a nuestros patrocinadores Book Creator, Eduaide.AI y Yellowdig por hacer posibles estas conversaciones que importan.Until next time, don't forget, Stay Techie!Peel Back Education exists to uncover, share, and amplify powerful, authentic stories from inside classrooms and beyond, helping educators, learners, and the wider community connect meaningfully with the people and ideas shaping education today. Authentic engagement, inclusion, and learning across the curriculum for ALL your students. Teachers love Book Creator.Support the show

The Business of You with Marnie Stockman and Nick ConiglioIn this episode of My EdTech Life, Dr. Fonz Mendoza sits down with Marnie Stockman and Nick Coniglio to explore their book The Business of You. They share how students, educators, and professionals alike can begin running their lives like a well-led company—by becoming the CEO, CMO, HR, and CFO of their own story. We also talk about adaptability, time as capital, the importance of asking better questions, and their upcoming project Blue, a gamified app designed to help students lead themselves first.Whether you’re a teacher guiding students, a counselor preparing learners for college and career, or someone seeking personal growth, this conversation is packed with insights on why the most important project you’ll ever work on is yourself.Timestamps00:00 – Welcome & sponsor thanks 03:00 – Nick’s journey into EdTech and authorship 04:15 – Marni’s path from math teacher to author 05:05 – What it means to be the CEO of you 06:30 – Running your life like a business: vision, skills, and story 10:45 – Sydney’s story and why it matters to students 16:00 – Branding as story: controlling your narrative 22:20 – The power of asking better questions 28:15 – Time and energy as your real capital 35:10 – Adaptability and designing your personal path 42:25 – Introducing Blue: gamifying personal growth for students 48:30 – Waitlist and book links 50:00 – Lead yourself first: final takeaways 52:00 – Fun wrap-up: kryptonite, reflections, and closing thoughtsLearn More📘 The Business of You – thebusinessofyou.aiSpecial Thanks to Our SponsorsBook Creator | Eduaide.AI | YellowdigStay Techie!Peel Back Education exists to uncover, share, and amplify powerful, authentic stories from inside classrooms and beyond, helping educators, learners, and the wider community connect meaningfully with the people and ideas shaping education today. Authentic engagement, inclusion, and learning across the curriculum for ALL your students. Teachers love Book Creator.Support the show

Peel Back Education with April Braithwaite  Educators are the backbone of society, yet their stories often go unheard. In this episode of My EdTech Life, I sit down with April Braithwaite, founder of Peel Back Education, a new project dedicated to telling the authentic stories of teachers. April shares how a late-night reflection sparked her mission to capture educator journeys in writing, giving teachers a platform that isn’t about products or checklists, it’s about dignity, recognition, and impact.We talk about the ripple effect of great teachers, the importance of narrative in sustaining educators, and how storytelling can bring healing, validation, and even systemic change. April opens up about the teachers who shaped her life, why she believes “you’re here for a reason,” and how she’s building a space where every educator can feel seen.If you’ve ever doubted whether your work matters, this episode is a reminder that your story could change lives.Timestamps0:00 Welcome and sponsor shout-outs2:00 How April and I first connected at TCEA3:20 The toothbrush epiphany that sparked Peel Back Education6:00 Moving beyond products: Why teacher stories matter8:30 The mentors who shaped my own journey in education11:20 April’s inspiration from her own teachers who believed in her14:30 How storytelling gives educators recognition and dignity19:00 The ripple effect of teachers and the seeds they plant24:00 Education as the backbone of society25:30 How educators can share their stories with Peel Back Education28:45 The overwhelming response after launch34:00 Future plans: from blog to clips to podcast36:00 Lightning round: EduKryptonite, billboards, and role swaps39:00 Closing reflections and ways to connect with AprilBig Thank You to Our SponsorsThis episode is made possible thanks to the support of Book Creator, Eduaide.AI, and Yellowdig. Your belief in these conversations helps keep My EdTech Life thriving and accessible to educators everywhere.Stay Techie!Peel Back Education exists to uncover, share, and amplify powerful, authentic stories from inside classrooms and beyond, helping educators, learners, and the wider community connect meaningfully with the people and ideas shaping education today. Authentic engagement, inclusion, and learning across the curriculum for ALL your students. Teachers love Book Creator.Support the show

 Research First Approach to AI Tools with Short AnswerIn this episode of My EdTech Life, I sit down with Adam and Alexa Sparks, the husband-and-wife founders of Short Answer, a writing platform built to strengthen peer-to-peer learning and classroom dialogue.We dive into their journey from classrooms and Stanford labs to building an edtech startup that puts pedagogy first. Adam shares how a tough reception at a ResearchED conference burst the EdTech bubble and reshaped their vision for AI in schools. Alexa explains why her research left her more skeptical of AI than when she started, and how that skepticism helps keep Short Answer grounded in solid pedagogy.Together, they open up about:Why EdTech needs more dialectical thinkingHow Short Answer blends AI feedback with student discourseTheir new partnership with EduProtocols and what it means for teachersThe tension between tool-driven conferences and pedagogy-first practicesWhat’s next on the roadmap for Short AnswerThis conversation is for every educator, leader, or EdTech enthusiast who wants to see technology serve teachers and students—not replace them.⏱️ Time Stamps0:00 – Welcome and sponsor shoutouts2:00 – Adam and Alexa’s journey into EdTech7:00 – Why EdTech needs dialectical thinking10:00 – ResearchED pushback and bursting the EdTech bubble15:00 – From hype to caution: AI in writing feedback20:00 – Short Answer’s approach to peer-to-peer learning27:00 – Tool-first vs pedagogy-first conferences31:00 – Partnering with EduProtocols37:00 – New features: Quick Write and Pen Pals43:00 – What’s next for Short Answer45:00 – Edu Kryptonite: time and the EdTech bubble49:00 – Billboard messages and who they’d trade places with50:00 – Closing thoughts and final shoutouts 🔗 Adam's Substack Article: EdTech Needs More Dialectical Thinking🎧 Listen to more episodes: https://www.myedtech.lifeBig thanks to our amazing sponsors Book Creator, Eduaide.AI, and Yellowdig for powering these conversations that matter.  As always, my friends… Stay Techie!Peel Back Education exists to uncover, share, and amplify powerful, authentic stories from inside classrooms and beyond, helping educators, learners, and the wider community connect meaningfully with the people and ideas shaping education today. Authentic engagement, inclusion, and learning across the curriculum for ALL your students. Teachers love Book Creator.Support the show

 AI in Schools: Strategy Over Shiny Tools with Kyler CheathamWhen it comes to AI in school districts, rushing in without a clear why can cost millions, crush teacher buy-in, and derail your entire tech strategy.In this episode of My EdTech Life, I sit down with Kyler Cheatham, a system architecture expert in AI and predictive analytics, to break down what districts are getting wrong and how to get it right.Kyler shares hard truths about AI adoption in K-12 and higher ed:Why CTOs must own their “I don’t knows”How to avoid the “move fast and break things” trapThe real cost of chasing buzzwords without solving actual problemsWhy 50% of your implementation team should be end usersHow to keep vendors honest and ensure they meet your district’s needsWhether you’re a district leader, tech director, or educator navigating AI, this conversation will give you the questions, strategies, and fail-safes you need before signing that next contract. 00:00 – Welcome and introduction 02:17 – Kyler’s background in AI and education technology 04:26 – The toughest challenges districts face with AI adoption 07:00 – Teachers as “speedboats, tugboats, and anchors” 09:14 – Advice for CTOs feeling overwhelmed 12:32 – The dangers of rushing into AI for the sake of hype 15:43 – Why vendor partnerships can make or break implementation 20:00 – Building a core team with 50% end users 22:58 – “Phase Zero” and defining your why before selecting tools 32:21 – The AI sticker joke—and why labels aren’t strategy 35:15 – Two wins and two losses Kyler sees in AI adoption 40:42 – Final advice for districts, CTOs, and vendors 46:25 – Closing thoughts and how to connect with Kyler Big thanks to our sponsors for supporting these important conversations: 📚 Book Creator 🧠 Eduaide.ai 🗣️ YellowdigListen in, take notes, and as always…Stay Techie!Peel Back Education exists to uncover, share, and amplify powerful, authentic stories from inside classrooms and beyond, helping educators, learners, and the wider community connect meaningfully with the people and ideas shaping education today. Authentic engagement, inclusion, and learning across the curriculum for ALL your students. Teachers love Book Creator.Support the show

AI Optimism with Becky KeeneIn this episode of My EdTech Life, I sat down with author, educator, and thought leader Becky Keene to unpack her new book AI Optimism. We tackled everything from AI literacy and data privacy to the SAMR model, edtech skepticism, and what it really takes to shift classroom practice forward, not with hype, but with intention.Becky shares her “AI Optimism” framework, talks candidly about the realities of edtech implementation, and reminds us all that if AI can do your job, maybe it’s time to teach differently.Whether you're a classroom teacher, district leader, or edtech developer, this conversation is for you. Dive in and walk away with clarity, strategy, and a renewed sense of agency.Timestamps 00:00 – Intro & Becky’s background 03:10 – Why she wrote AI Optimism 07:00 – The SAMR model & AI’s role 11:30 – From substitution to redefinition 15:00 – Empowering student agency with AI 17:30 – Rethinking PD for meaningful AI use 23:30 – Higher ed vs. K–12 AI needs 28:30 – Data privacy concerns 31:30 – Equity, access & the freemium problem 35:45 – Can AI replace teachers? 40:00 – Encouraging teacher reflection 42:00 – Final questions & takeaways 📚 Grab Becky’s book AI Optimism + free study guide: 🌐 https://beckykeene.com🎉 Shoutout to our amazing sponsors: 📘 Book Creator – Create, read, and publish student work with ease 🤖 Eduaide – AI tools designed to empower teachers, not replace them 🟠 Yellowdig – Social learning built for real engagementVisit our site for more great episodes!🔗 Website: https://www.myedtech.life 💛 Support the show: Become a Podcast Partner👇 Like, comment, and share this episode with your network. Let's keep growing together. 🎤 And as always... Stay Techie!Peel Back Education exists to uncover, share, and amplify powerful, authentic stories from inside classrooms and beyond, helping educators, learners, and the wider community connect meaningfully with the people and ideas shaping education today. Authentic engagement, inclusion, and learning across the curriculum for ALL your students. Teachers love Book Creator.Support the show

 Learning, Agency, and EdTech | Erik ParsonsIn this episode of My EdTech Life, I reconnect with the brilliant Erik Parsons, better known as The PhDad on TikTok, for a bold conversation on what really matters in education. We dig into behaviorism vs. developmentalism, and how too many classrooms are still operating on compliance over collaboration.From Chromebooks as babysitters to the over-promise of AI-powered personalized learning, we question the transactional mindset that keeps students locked out of agency. Erik shares how improvisational theatre, playground culture, and student discourse can reshape how we think about learning and how the classroom should feel more like a community than a factory.We also break down the risks of cognitive offload when students rely on AI to do the thinking for them. Are these tools helping or harming? What does it really mean to teach with students, not to them?Whether you’re a K-12 teacher, higher ed faculty, or policy maker, this episode challenges you to stop, think, and ask yourself: Are we preparing learners or performers? 00:00 – Welcome Back, Erik Parsons: The PhDad Returns 02:45 – The Story Behind "The PhDad" and TikTok Content 06:00 – Behaviorism vs. Developmentalism Explained 12:30 – The Power of Play, Agency, and Classroom Discourse 18:00 – What Developmentalism Looks Like in a Tech-Rich Classroom 24:00 – Are We Managing Students or Empowering Them? 30:00 – When Tech Becomes a Distraction Instead of a Tool 35:15 – Rethinking the Teacher's Role in EdTech 38:30 – Improvisation in Learning: From Theater to Classroom 43:00 – Personalized Learning or Programmed Learning? 48:20 – What Happens When Students Only Care About the Grade 51:00 – The “Banking Model” of Education and Why It Fails 55:00 – The Real Dangers of AI: Cognitive Offload and Student Dependency 01:01:00 – Supporting Neurodivergent Students with Ethical AI 01:05:00 – Final Thoughts: From Performers to Learners 🔔 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share if this sparks your thinking.A huge shoutout to our sponsors who make this work possible: 📚 Book Creator 🎓 Eduaide.ai 🗣️ YellowdigStay Techie!Peel Back Education exists to uncover, share, and amplify powerful, authentic stories from inside classrooms and beyond, helping educators, learners, and the wider community connect meaningfully with the people and ideas shaping education today. Authentic engagement, inclusion, and learning across the curriculum for ALL your students. Teachers love Book Creator.Support the show

Digital Portfolios, Feedback Culture, and Rethinking Readiness with Tisha Poncio and Rick ButterworthIn Episode 330 of My EdTech Life, I sit down with Tisha Poncio and Rick Butterworth, authors of Today’s Learners, Tomorrow’s Leaders. This conversation is all about transforming classrooms by prioritizing neurodiversity, digital portfolios, and building real-world readiness through entrepreneurial thinking.We dig into what it really means to shift from compliance-based learning to authentic student voice, how educators can reframe feedback, and why every learner deserves space to reflect, create, and grow.Timestamps:00:00 – Welcome and intros 03:10 – Tisha and Rick’s origin story 06:35 – The real message behind Today’s Learners, Tomorrow’s Leaders 10:45 – What digital portfolios can unlock in the classroom 14:20 – Why feedback culture needs to change 19:00 – Classroom examples of student voice in action 25:10 – Rick’s take on workplace readiness and how schools miss the mark 29:40 – Branding, identity, and giving students ownership 35:15 – Practical steps to empower neurodivergent learners 42:50 – Why educators should embrace their inner entrepreneur 50:00 – The question: “What’s your EduKryptonite?” 58:00 – Closing thoughts and reflection🛠️ Learn more about Today’s Learners, Tomorrow’s Leaders: Inspire Your Students to Succeed in School and Beyond. 🙏 Big thanks to our sponsors for supporting meaningful conversations in education: Book Creator, Eduaide.ai, and Yellowdig🎧 Listen to more episodes at: https://www.myedtech.life/Peel Back Education exists to uncover, share, and amplify powerful, authentic stories from inside classrooms and beyond, helping educators, learners, and the wider community connect meaningfully with the people and ideas shaping education today. Authentic engagement, inclusion, and learning across the curriculum for ALL your students. Teachers love Book Creator.Support the show

Ep.329 Building with Purpose with Eduaide In this episode, I welcome back two familiar voices: Thomas Thompson and Thomas Hummel, the powerhouse team behind Eduaide.AI. This isn’t just another conversation about AI. It’s a grounded, honest discussion on what it means to build tech for teachers, by teachers.We talk growth, grit, and grounded design. From their classroom beginnings to becoming one of the most trusted teacher-first platforms, we unpack how they’re putting pedagogy over hype, and purpose over buzzwords.🎧 If you are skeptical, curious, or cautiously optimistic about AI in education, this is a great episode for you. ⏱️ Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction and Context Setting06:46 EduAid's Growth and Development14:09 Feedback and Teacher Engagement20:56 Pedagogy and Technology Integration22:16 Community Feedback and Its Impact on EduAid23:38 International Reach and Localized Curriculum26:29 Access and Equity in Education28:23 The Ripple Effect of EduAid32:34 Navigating AI in Education35:18 The Hype and Reality of AI Tools39:37 Public Education vs. Private Success46:24 Revisiting Taxonomy of LLMs in Education53:20 Challenges of AI Integration in Schools56:31 Navigating the AI Landscape in Education01:03:09 Grounding in Reality: The Educator's Perspective01:11:02 Innovations in EduAid: Enhancing Teaching Tools01:17:04 Final Thoughts and Reflections on Education and AI 🫶 A huge thanks to our incredible sponsors for supporting this work: Eduaide.AI, Book Creator, Yellowdig, 🛠️ My EdTech Life is about real conversations that matter. No buzzwords, just honest dialogue with the people building the future of learning.🙏 Like, comment, and subscribe to keep these conversations going—and as always… Stay Techie, my friends.Peel Back Education exists to uncover, share, and amplify powerful, authentic stories from inside classrooms and beyond, helping educators, learners, and the wider community connect meaningfully with the people and ideas shaping education today. Authentic engagement, inclusion, and learning across the curriculum for ALL your students. Teachers love Book Creator.Support the show

AI in Schools: Innovation or Illusion? | Ep. 328 with Job ChristiansenIs AI making classrooms smarter—or just noisier?In this episode of My EdTech Life, I sit down with Job Christiansen, a fellow cautious advocate, educator, and instructional technology specialist, to ask the hard questions about AI’s role in education. From privacy concerns to the illusion of “safe use,” we unpack what most educators, tech leaders, and decision-makers aren’t being told about the tools flooding our schools.Job doesn’t just read privacy policies, he tests them, creating teacher and student accounts to see what’s really happening behind the interface. This episode dives into why most AI tools may still be stuck in the substitution phase and what it’s going to take to truly shift toward responsible, innovative, human-centered use.🎧 Whether you're in K–12 or Higher Ed, this one will challenge your thinking. TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 Welcome and Guest Intro 02:00 Job’s Journey Into EdTech 06:00 First Reactions to ChatGPT in 2022 10:00 Early Adoption vs. Caution in Schools 13:30 AI's Substitution Trap & SAMR Concerns 19:00 Redefining “Safe” in AI Tools 24:30 What Job Found Testing Student-Facing AI Apps 30:00 Historical Accuracy and the AI “George Washington” Problem 36:00 The Concept of AI Pollution and Knowledge Dilution 43:00 Transparency, Trust, and Teacher Responsibility 47:00 Final Takeaways and Reflective Advice 50:00 Where to Connect with Job 54:00 EdTech Kryptonite, Billboards, and Historical Curiosity🙏 Big thanks to our amazing sponsors: 🔹 Book Creator 🔹 Eduaide.AI 🔹 Yellowdig💬 Visit www.myedtech.life to explore more episodes and support the show.👋 Stay curious. Stay critical. And as always—Stay Techie.Peel Back Education exists to uncover, share, and amplify powerful, authentic stories from inside classrooms and beyond, helping educators, learners, and the wider community connect meaningfully with the people and ideas shaping education today. Authentic engagement, inclusion, and learning across the curriculum for ALL your students. Teachers love Book Creator.Support the show

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 world of EdTech, this one's packed with takeaways you’ll want to keep coming back to.We go deep on human-first learning, ethical red flags with AI, and the importance of not letting imposter syndrome get in your way. Whether you’re pivoting careers or just trying to stay ahead of the curve, Holly brings the fire.🔗 Connect with Holly on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hollyowens/ 🎧 Listen to the EdUp EdTech Podcast: https://www.edupedtech.com/👇 Check out the full breakdown and timestamps below:⏱️ Timestamps:00:00 – Welcome and intro 01:00 – Meet Holly Owens 03:00 – Holly’s journey from K-12 to L&D 05:30 – From marketing to education and vice versa 07:00 – The power of knowing your learners 09:00 – Human-first learning and why it matters 11:00 – Helping educators pivot and grow 14:00 – AI in learning: Hype vs. reality 17:00 – TruePeer and other AI tools Holly’s using 19:00 – Evaluating EdTech through an accessibility lens 21:00 – When to use AI—and when not to 24:00 – Losing your voice to AI? Here's Holly’s take 26:30 – AI and the emotional gap 28:00 – Digital wellness and AI companions 31:00 – What does proficiency in EdTech really mean? 33:00 – Navigating tech with teacher instincts 36:00 – Change management in the L&D world 38:00 – Ethical red flags in instructional design 40:00 – Not every problem needs a training 42:00 – AI and automation: What’s next? 44:00 – What skills are still uniquely human? 46:00 – Where to connect with Holly 47:00 – Rapid-fire Q&A: Kryptonite, billboards, and Taylor Swift?🙏 A huge thanks to our amazing sponsors: Book Creator | Eduaide.AI | Yellowdig💻 Visit https://www.myedtech.life for more episodes, resources, and guest spotlights.🎧 Until next time… Stay Techie!Peel Back Education exists to uncover, share, and amplify powerful, authentic stories from inside classrooms and beyond, helping educators, learners, and the wider community connect meaningfully with the people and ideas shaping education today. Authentic engagement, inclusion, and learning across the curriculum for ALL your students. Teachers love Book Creator.Support the show

What Does It Mean to Be Digitally Well? | with Teodora Pavkovic In this episode of My EdTech Life, I sit down with Teodora Pavkovic, psychologist, speaker, and digital wellness expert at Linewize, to unpack how technology shapes our emotions, identity, and relationships. From AI companions and algorithmic influence to parenting in the age of chatbots, Teodora offers practical wisdom and actionable strategies for families and schools seeking healthy digital habits.We dive into why digital platforms aren’t just neutral tools, how emotional regulation is critical in tech use, and what educators can do right now to foster balance in digitally connected classrooms.⏱️ Timestamps00:00 - Intro & Welcome 02:10 - What is Digital Wellness? 06:15 - Are Digital Platforms Truly Neutral Tools? 10:22 - The Rise of AI Companions for Kids 15:03 - Parasocial Relationships with Chatbots 18:50 - How Tech Impacts Identity and Self-Perception 22:11 - Helping Kids Navigate AI and Social Media 27:30 - Why Families Must Co-Play and Co-Reflect 31:00 - The ABCs of Digital Parenting 34:15 - What Schools Can Do Differently 37:40 - The Real Role of Screen Time 41:05 - Teaching Emotional Regulation in a Digital World 45:12 - The Future of EdTech with AI In Mind 48:27 - Final Advice for Parents and Educators 50:10 - Teodora's Billboard Message: "You Are Human" 52:30 - Closing Thoughts🙏 Special Thanks to Our Sponsors:Book Creator — Empower every student to become an author. https://bookcreator.comEduaide.AI — Teacher support at the speed of AI. https://eduaide.aiYellowdig — Build community through conversation. https://www.yellowdig.coThank you for supporting My EdTech Life and the mission to amplify educator and student voices around the world.📢 Subscribe, like, and leave a comment to keep these conversations going. 🎧 Listen on your favorite podcast app or watch here on YouTube. 🌐 Visit https://www.myedtech.life for more episodes.Peel Back Education exists to uncover, share, and amplify powerful, authentic stories from inside classrooms and beyond, helping educators, learners, and the wider community connect meaningfully with the people and ideas shaping education today. Authentic engagement, inclusion, and learning across the curriculum for ALL your students. Teachers love Book Creator.Support the show

Digital Dangers Facing Our Kids with Andy MurphyIn this episode of My EdTech Life, I sat down with Andy Murphy, also known as The Secure Dad, to talk about the uncomfortable truth: kids are being targeted online, and it’s not a fair fight.We unpack how predators use everyday platforms like games and social media to groom and manipulate children, often right under their parents' noses. Andy drops powerful insights that every parent, educator, and EdTech leader needs to hear.Whether you’re a teacher, a parent, or someone working in digital safety, this episode will shift the way you see online interactions.👊 Let’s protect our kids by staying informed and building stronger conversations at home and in our classrooms.⏱️ Timestamps 00:00 - Intro: Why this episode matters 02:18 - “It’s not a fair fight” — How predators approach kids 06:03 - Why predators use gaming platforms 10:45 - The danger of old phones and open access 14:20 - YouTube in the living room: Proximity matters 17:50 - Red flags parents need to watch for 22:10 - “My kid would never…” and the blind spots it causes 25:33 - Open conversations > parental controls 29:00 - Teaching kids to protect themselves online 33:45 - Final advice for parents and educators 36:20 - How to connect with The Secure Dad 39:00 - Wrap-up and sponsor shoutouts🔥 BIG THANKS to our sponsors! 🙏 Book Creator – Empower your students to become published authors with an intuitive, creative platform. https://bookcreator.com 🙏 Yellowdig – A community-focused learning platform that turns passive learners into engaged contributors. https://www.yellowdig.co 🙏 Eduaide.AI – Your co-teacher in the classroom. Create lesson plans, assessments, and more using safe, educator-friendly AI. https://eduaide.ai📢 Subscribe for weekly conversations with educators, innovators, and creators who are shaping the future of learning.👉 Drop a comment, share this episode with your community, and hit that like button to support the mission.🎧 Stay Techie.Peel Back Education exists to uncover, share, and amplify powerful, authentic stories from inside classrooms and beyond, helping educators, learners, and the wider community connect meaningfully with the people and ideas shaping education today. Authentic engagement, inclusion, and learning across the curriculum for ALL your students. Teachers love Book Creator.Support the show

Episode 324 – Charlie Meyer: The AI Hype, EdTech Snake Oil & What Teachers Actually Want In this episode of My EdTech Life, I sit down with Charlie Meyer, small business owner and creator of Pickcode, to unpack the growing wave of AI solutionism in education. From being shouted at over not using AI to asking hard questions like, “Would you trust a vibe-coded site with your bank info?”, Charlie brings the heat, the honesty, and the humor.If you’re an educator, policymaker, EdTech builder, or investor—this is a conversation you don’t want to miss.Timestamps: 00:00 - Intro & shoutout to sponsors 02:00 - Who is Charlie Meyer? From CS major to classroom teacher to Pickcode 05:00 - The AI hype: Charlie gets yelled at for not using AI 08:00 - Small biz vs. VC startups: Who’s actually listening to teachers? 10:30 - The silver bullet myth: Why AI promises fall flat in classrooms 15:00 - Where do we draw the line on AI delegation? 17:30 - Real talk on student-teacher relationships & AI disruption 21:00 - AI feedback loops: Are students and teachers both being sidelined? 22:30 - Spotting snake oil: How to vet EdTech products built on buzz 24:00 - If AI tools were honest: “I don’t know you. I don’t care. I’m a matrix in a data center.” 26:00 - Pedagogy in a silo: Personalized ≠ human 28:00 - What Charlie would tell an AI founder who’s never taught 31:00 - Why most teachers aren’t asking for AI—and that’s OK 33:00 - The accountability gap: Who’s vetting these tools? 36:00 - “Move fast and break things” ≠ Classroom values 40:00 - AI tools vs. real classroom pain points 42:00 - Why Pickcode solves real problems without AI 45:00 - Vibe coding exposed: Would you bank on AI-written code? 54:00 - Final thoughts: The bet on GPT-6 & the future of AI in EdTech 57:00 - Charlie’s lightning round: kryptonite, billboards, and his dog’s perfect life 01:01:00 - Final reflections & stay techie!🔗 Explore More 🌐 Visit Pickcode: https://www.pickcode.io 💬 Connect with Charlie Meyer 🎧 Catch every episode: https://www.myedtech.life🙌 Special thanks to our sponsors: Book Creator | Eduaide.ai | Yellowdig | Pocketalk📣 Don’t forget to like, comment, and share if this episode challenged your thinking or made you laugh. Let’s build smarter, safer EdTech—together.Peel Back Education exists to uncover, share, and amplify powerful, authentic stories from inside classrooms and beyond, helping educators, learners, and the wider community connect meaningfully with the people and ideas shaping education today. Authentic engagement, inclusion, and learning across the curriculum for ALL your students. Teachers love Book Creator.Support the show

AI Ethics, Overreliance & Honest Talk with Jen ManlyIn this episode of My EdTech Life, Fonz sits down with returning guest Jen Manly, a computer science educator, TikTok powerhouse, and advocate for ethical tech use, to unpack the complex relationship between AI, teaching, and critical thinking. From data privacy concerns to AI detectors that fail our students, this conversation gets real about what’s hype, what’s helpful, and what needs more scrutiny. Whether you're cautiously curious or deep in the AI trenches, this episode offers clarity, nuance, and practical insight from a seasoned voice.👏 Huge thanks to our sponsors: 🛠️ Book Creator – Amplify student voice 📚 Eduaide.AI – AI-powered teaching assistant 🌐 Yellowdig – Connect learning communities📌 Timestamps: 00:00 – Welcome & Sponsor Shoutouts 02:00 – Meet Jen Manly: Her work, mission, and CS journey 04:30 – Teaching AI ethics before it was trendy 05:45 – The ChatGPT launch and why mass acceptance raised red flags 08:15 – AI “Fight Club” and the divide in EdTech reactions 11:30 – Is AI really saving time for teachers? 13:45 – Rubrics, productivity hacks, and the danger of using AI for everything 17:10 – Platform overpromises and pricing concerns 19:00 – Environmental cost of AI and hidden labor 22:00 – How AI systems encode and amplify bias 25:45 – AI grading? Why Jen draws the line 27:30 – Why AI detectors (like Turnitin) miss the mark 32:00 – Building assessments that don’t benefit from AI use 36:00 – The illusion of "just Google it" vs thoughtful search 37:00 – What real AI literacy looks like 39:30 – Age-appropriate and ethical integration of AI tools 42:00 – Tech ≠ Learning: The unplugged approach 44:00 – How to teach agency without tech overload 47:00 – Final thoughts, reminders, and calls for caution 49:00 – Jen’s “AI Kryptonite” and billboard message 51:00 – Wrap-up & CTA🔗 Connect with Jen Manly: 🎥 TikTok: @strategicclassroom 🌐 Website: https://learningandteachingblog.com/🎧 Catch more episodes and resources at: 🌍 www.myedtech.life📢 Don’t forget to like, comment, subscribe, and share! Your support helps amplify educator voices and build a more informed and thoughtful EdTech community.Peel Back Education exists to uncover, share, and amplify powerful, authentic stories from inside classrooms and beyond, helping educators, learners, and the wider community connect meaningfully with the people and ideas shaping education today. Authentic engagement, inclusion, and learning across the curriculum for ALL your students. Teachers love Book Creator.Support the show

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.Prepárate para una conversación profunda que reta la manera en que vemos la enseñanza en tiempos de inteligencia artificial.Timestamps:00:00 Bienvenida y presentación del Dr. José R. Ferrer 02:00 Trayectoria del Dr. Ferrer en educación y tecnología 06:00 Primeros pasos usando tecnología educativa en Puerto Rico 11:00 ¿Qué motivó al Dr. Ferrer a escribir su nuevo libro? 14:30 La evolución del Diseño Instruccional al Diseño de Experiencias de Aprendizaje (LXD) 16:00 Pensamiento crítico en la era de la inteligencia artificial 18:00 La importancia de contextualizar el aprendizaje en la vida real 22:00 El rol del educador en tiempos de IA 24:00 El diseño centrado en el estudiante: más allá del contenido 28:00 De maestros a ingenieros de aprendizaje 31:00 Marketing, persuasión y su conexión con la educación 36:00 UX (Experiencia de Usuario) y su papel olvidado en educación 40:00 Inteligencia Artificial como herramienta para el análisis de información académica 45:00 Emoción, conexión humana y aprendizaje real 48:00 Cómo la IA debe ser vista como una aliada, no como un reemplazo 51:00 El reto de mantener la conexión emocional en entornos virtuales 53:00 El mensaje que el Dr. Ferrer pondría en un billboard 55:00 ¿Con qué líder educativo intercambiaría un día de vida? 57:00 Dónde encontrar los cursos, libros y microcredenciales del Dr. Ferrer 01:02:00 Agradecimientos finales y cierre: ¡Stay Techie!Un agradecimiento muy especial a nuestros patrocinadores: Book Creator, Eduaide.AI, Yellowdig y Pocketalk. Gracias por apoyar nuestra misión de amplificar voces y compartir ideas que empoderan a educadores de todo el mundo.🎧 Escucha, comparte y sigue creando conexiones humanas en cada experiencia de aprendizaje.🔗 Encuentra todos los episodios en: https://www.myedtech.lifePeel Back Education exists to uncover, share, and amplify powerful, authentic stories from inside classrooms and beyond, helping educators, learners, and the wider community connect meaningfully with the people and ideas shaping education today. Authentic engagement, inclusion, and learning across the curriculum for ALL your students. Teachers love Book Creator.Support the show

Episode 321: 2059 and the Future of Education with Micah ShippeeWhat 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 curious about what’s next in learning, this episode is for you.Bonus: Grab 2059 with 20% off at Micah’s website https://micahshippee.com/Huge thanks to our sponsors for making this episode possible: Book Creator, Eduaide, and Yellowdig.Timestamps 00:00 – Welcome & Episode Intro 02:00 – Who is Micah Shippee? Background & Vision 03:30 – Why the year 2059? A nod to Orwell and bold futurism 05:00 – The post-scarcity scholar: most controversial prediction? 06:40 – The Fusion Model & the “Pencil Moment” in innovation 09:00 – Integration vs. Adoption: A critical distinction 10:45 – Advice for tech leaders: How to evaluate AI platforms 13:00 – What teachers still get wrong about AI 16:00 – Augmenting classroom learning with AI (not replacing it) 17:45 – 4 Future Scenarios: Which excites Micah most? 19:00 – Why bio-integration might go too far 22:00 – Teachers CANNOT be replaced – Here’s why 25:00 – Responding to AI hype: why slower is better 27:00 – Access to agency: modeling vulnerability and real learning 30:00 – Practical implementation tips for all educators 33:00 – Who struggles most with AI? (It’s not who you think) 34:30 – Micah’s 3 steps to begin your AI journey 36:30 – The WHY behind tech: Micah’s journey from classroom to Samsung 38:00 – What Micah hopes readers take away from 2059 41:30 – The 2059 vision: thinking long-term about change 44:00 – Fun wrap-up questions + 20% off the book! 💡 Let us know in the comments: What’s your biggest takeaway from 2059?🎧 Listen on the go at https://www.myedtech.lifePeel Back Education exists to uncover, share, and amplify powerful, authentic stories from inside classrooms and beyond, helping educators, learners, and the wider community connect meaningfully with the people and ideas shaping education today. Authentic engagement, inclusion, and learning across the curriculum for ALL your students. Teachers love Book Creator.Support the show

Episode 320: Creativity in Young Children: What Science Tells Us and Our Hearts Know with Dr. Zachary Stier & Tom RendonIn this episode of My EdTech Life, I’m joined by returning guest Dr. Zachary Stier and first-time guest Tom Rendon to explore their new book Creativity in Young Children: What Science Tells Us and Our Hearts Know. We dive deep into the intersection of creativity, child development, advocacy, and play—discussing what it means to truly nurture creativity in early learning environments and why it’s time to center it, not sideline it.Whether you're a parent, educator, policymaker, or lifelong learner, this episode will challenge your assumptions, spark new ideas, and reignite your belief in the power of curiosity and imagination.⏱️ Timestamps: 00:00 – Welcome & intros 04:20 – Why creativity matters in education 09:45 – Story behind The Power of Play 14:10 – Using creativity as advocacy 21:00 – Designing inclusive classrooms that invite belonging 28:40 – Play and emotional growth 36:00 – Classroom experiences that shaped the book 42:15 – Actionable strategies for creative learning 50:00 – Final reflections & book access 53:10 – Wrap-up📢 Special thanks to our sponsors Eduaide.AI | Book Creator | Yellowdig |  Your support fuels the conversations that matter.🎧 Like what you heard? Visit myedtech.life to explore more amazing episodes that push education forward.✌️ Stay curious, stay connected…Stay Techie.Peel Back Education exists to uncover, share, and amplify powerful, authentic stories from inside classrooms and beyond, helping educators, learners, and the wider community connect meaningfully with the people and ideas shaping education today. Authentic engagement, inclusion, and learning across the curriculum for ALL your students. Teachers love Book Creator.Support the show

Episode 319: AI, Education, and Moving at Human Speed with Rob NelsonIn this powerful episode of My EdTech Life, I sit down with educator, writer, and higher ed tech veteran Rob Nelson to explore the real story behind AI in education. Rob challenges the “move fast and break things” mentality and calls for a more human-paced, thoughtful approach to integrating AI in classrooms.We explore what it really means to Tinker Toward Utopia, how large language models are reshaping student learning (when used intentionally), and why educators must resist pressure from hype-driven platforms. This episode is packed with clarity, caution, and hope for anyone navigating the fast-moving world of AI in education.Links to the publications I mentioned. Henry Farrell's blog, Programmable MutterTinkering Toward Utopia by David Tyack and Larry CubanA Voice from the South by Anna Julia CooperAnd, of course, Rob's BlogWebsite: ailogblog.com 👇 Timestamps:00:00 – Welcome & Rob’s background in higher ed 04:00 – AI adoption: Hype vs. reality 09:00 – Duck-Rabbit duality: Two ways to see AI 12:00 – Using LLMs to support—not replace—teaching 25:00 – The danger of humanizing AI too much 28:00 – The AI Fight Club: Polarization in the space 33:00 – Why rushing into AI contracts can backfire 38:00 – Tinkering toward utopia: A better path forward 44:00 – Final reflections & rapid-fire Q&A🙏 Special thanks to our amazing sponsors who help make these conversations possible:📚 Book Creator – Empowering student voice and creativity. 💬 EDU Aide – Simplifying communication, saving educators time. 🌐 Yellowdig – Building communities that spark meaningful learning.Please show them some love!🔗 Catch more episodes at: www.myedtech.life ☕ Support the show: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2395968/support💬 Let’s keep changing education—at the speed of people.Stay Techie! Peel Back Education exists to uncover, share, and amplify powerful, authentic stories from inside classrooms and beyond, helping educators, learners, and the wider community connect meaningfully with the people and ideas shaping education today. Authentic engagement, inclusion, and learning across the curriculum for ALL your students. Teachers love Book Creator.Support the show

Artificial Intelligence, Real Literacy – Evidence-Based Practices in Action Join me on this engaging episode of My EdTech Life as I sit down with Paul Matthews and Jason Gulya to dive into their book titled Artificial Intelligence, Real Literacy: A Practical Guide to Using AI For Evidence-Based Literacy Practices in Education and explore how AI is transforming literacy instruction through evidence-based practices. We discuss everything from integrating AI in the classroom to verifying its output, and how teachers can harness technology without losing the human touch. Plus, hear personal stories, practical tips, and a rapid-fire round of fun questions!Timestamps: 00:00: Welcome & Introduction 00:01: Meet Our Guests – Paul Matthews (Australia) & Jason Gulya (US) 00:03: Book Overview & The Need for Evidence-Based Practices 00:04: AI in Literacy – Strategies & Philosophies (Options, Not Answers) 00:10: Principles in Practice – Tailoring AI for Better Teaching 00:21: Doing the Basics Better – From Text Differentiation to Classroom Impact 00:32: Verifying AI Output – Organic Intelligence & Fact-Checking Tips 00:49: Rapid-Fire Round – Quick Advice and Fun Insights 00:56: Closing Remarks & Sponsor Shout-OutsSponsors & Call-to-Action: A big thank you to our sponsors – Book Creator, Yellow Dig, and EduAide.AI for supporting our mission. Don’t forget to follow Paul and Jason on LinkedIn for more insights and join our community at My EdTech Life for additional high-quality content.Stay Techie!Peel Back Education exists to uncover, share, and amplify powerful, authentic stories from inside classrooms and beyond, helping educators, learners, and the wider community connect meaningfully with the people and ideas shaping education today. Authentic engagement, inclusion, and learning across the curriculum for ALL your students. Teachers love Book Creator.Support the show