Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast EdTech Bites Podcast
| Titre | Date | Durée | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ep. 289 | Will AI Kill Critical Thinking? Carl Hooker’s 6 Predictions For 2026 | 23 Feb 2026 | 00:40:42 | |
Want to bring your whole district together with one simple tool? ClassDojo for Districts makes it easy to engage families and strengthen school communities—at every level. It’s the number one communication app trusted by millions of K-12 teachers, now with district-wide oversight and controls. From Pre-K to high school, ClassDojo connects your schools and families in one seamless place. Learn more at classdojo.com/districts. In this episode, Carl Hooker and I unpack six of his bold 2026 edtech predictions, including students becoming the product in the AI economy, the rise of AI generated “pink slime” misinformation, the threat to critical thinking, and the emergence of a unified Teacher Operating System. We also explore wearable tech, social media trust, and the fine line between innovation and surveillance. If you want clarity and practical insight on leading responsibly in an AI saturated world, this conversation is for you. Connect With Gabriel Carrillo
Carl Hooker has spent the past 27 years in education as a teacher and administrator focused on the thoughtful integration of technology and innovation in schools. He consults for multiple districts across the country and is a frequent keynote speaker at state and national events. He’s also a 10-time author, 5-time podcast host, advisor to multiple ed tech companies, and National Faculty Emeritus for Future Ready Schools. Connect With Carl Hooker
| |||
| Ep. 288| How To Go From Stuck to Unstoppable With Barbara Bray | 16 Feb 2026 | 00:26:23 | |
This episode is sponsored by Teq. One of the biggest challenges in schools right now is capacity. Educators are asked to do more, often with new tools, and very little support. Teq helps by combining classroom technology like SMART Boards and STEM resources with professional learning that respects educators’ time and reality. It’s support that makes technology usable, not overwhelming. Learn more at Teq.com. Do you ever feel like you’ve lost your “why” as an educator? In this episode, I have a heartfelt conversation with Barbara Bray, author, podcaster, and empowerment coach. She shares how burnout, system overload, and personal challenges can dim your spark… and how to get it blazing again. We discuss the process of rebranding your role in education to redefining purpose after life-altering events. Barbara offers empowering strategies to help you grow, heal, and teach with intention. If you feel like you’ve lost that spark, this episode will leave you ready to rise. Connect With Gabriel Carrillo
Barbara Bray is an award-winning author, podcast host, and international keynote speaker with over 30 years of expertise empowering women, educators, and thought leaders to navigate meaningful life transitions with clarity and confidence. As a cancer survivor and Story Weaver, she is known for listening deeply and helping people uncover purpose and possibility within their lived experiences. Through her Grow Your Why Collective and signature Purpose Shift: Values Framework, Barbara guides people to reclaim their voice, self-advocate, and become unstoppable—amplifying their influence, impact, and income, even in uncertain times. Connect With Barbara Bray
| |||
| Ep. 252 | Building Skills Brick by Brick: Using Legos for Creativity and STEM With Dan Thomas | 23 Jan 2025 | 00:27:18 | |
*This episode is sponsored by Class Companion. To learn more and get started, Click Here! Are Legos just toys, or are they powerful tools for learning? In this inspiring episode, I chat with Dan Thomas, a middle school STEM teacher known for using Legos to spark creativity and enhance student learning. We explore how these colorful bricks encourage Creativity, Critical Thinking, Collaboration, and Communication—all while making learning fun! Whether you're a Lego enthusiast or a skeptic, you'll discover how they can transform your classroom into a hands-on, engaging learning environment. Buen provecho! Connect With Gabriel Carrillo
Dan is a STEM teacher from Jamestown NY which is south of Buffalo. He has been teaching for 32 years at the same school that he graduated from. He is passionate about STEM Topics, PBL and play in the classroom. His goal is for students to understand and learn how to apply their knowledge and skills because that is where the true learning happens. Connect With Dan Thomas
| |||
| Ep. 117: Content Creation w/ Claudio Zavala At TCCA | 26 Oct 2022 | 00:23:28 | |
In this episode, I chat with Claudio Zavala while at TCCA. He tells us how he dove into content creation and how his love for Adobe products took his content and career to the next level. This is episode 1 of 11 that were recorded at TCCA. Each episode will be released daily for the next 11 days so make sure you're subscribed to the podcast to hear all about TCCA. Buen Provecho!
This episode is sponsored by Smore. Everyone struggles to keep families informed. That's why Smore offers a one-stop-shop solution for school communications. Their easy-to-use online newsletter tool lets educators create interactive updates that parents actually read. Kickstart communication with templates made for schools. Use features like automatic translation to reach more families. Smore is built with education in mind, which is why it's trusted by educators in nearly every school district in the United States. Help busy parents stay connected to what's going on. And don't rely on a paper flyer to survive the trip home. To learn more, visit www.smore.com/podcast?utm_source=edtechbites for an exclusive offer. Connect With Gabriel Carrillo
| |||
| Ep 104: All Things Lumio w/ Carrie Shell And Kelly Miksch | 25 Mar 2022 | 00:37:33 | |
In this episode, I chat all things Lumio with Carrie Shell and Kelly Miksch. Both Carrie and Kelly are Lumio power users and give us some insight on how their district is using it for authentic, impactful instruction with students. They give us some examples on how their teachers are using it with the littles as well as at the high school level. Oh and one more thing… We chow down on some Shake Shack burgers and fries while we have this discussion. Give this episode a listen and make sure you check out Lumio for yourself using the links below. Buen provecho! Connect With Gabriel Carrillo
Carrie Shell is a passionate educator with a strong focus on student centered learning. She focuses on how to utilize technology to transform ways students can express their ideas and work. In her own education she pursues practices that focus on creating engaging environments using research-based strategies. She specializes in embracing relationships to grow with others and create success together.
About Kelly Miksch Kelly Miksch is an experienced educator trained in diverse teaching strategies, academic methodologies, and student-centered classrooms. She is a passionate and innovative educator with over 25 years of combined experiences as an instructional coach & designer, community advocate and educator. As a lifelong learner, she embraces a wide variety of learning methodologies and modalities that promote growth and development. She specializes in building positive relationships to inspire those she works with and develop strong strategies to impact success and growth to achieve positive outcomes.
About Lumio Lumio is an award-winning digital learning tool that will transform your lessons into active, collaborative learning experiences. Every day more schools and districts are switching to Lumio – it's truly a flexible solution that works well with your lessons, platforms and content that you are already using today. Boost your students' engagement on any device wherever learning needs to happen ….AND without hours of prep time. You too can start using Lumio today - it's FREE. Connect With Lumio
| |||
| Ep. 91: Roxi, Coaching During A Pandemic, And Sandwiches | 15 Jun 2021 | 00:40:58 | |
In this episode, I chat with previous Roxi Thompson to look at how coaching was redefined during the pandemic. We reflect on our jobs as educational coaches a year later and examine what we learned and how we will move forward with these new skills. We connected during our lunch times so what better food to share virtually during lunch than a good sandwich! It's a great episode that any instructional or edtech coach can learn from and more importantly, use as a means as a reflection. So grab yourself a sandwich and give this episode a listen. Buen provecho! Connect With Gabriel Carrillo
Roxi Thompson has ten years of experience in education, which includes eight years as a Social Studies teacher at the elementary and middle school levels. She spent the last two years serving as an Education Technology Specialist for the Washington Elementary School District in Glendale, Arizona. Next year, she will be taking on a new role as the district's first Instructional Technology Coach with a focus on working 1:1 with teachers to drive impactful technology use in schools across the district. Part of this new role will include supporting teachers in the district's first "Distance Learning Program" for families who choose a 100% online learning environment for their students. Roxi is passionate about empowering teachers to utilize technology to create powerful learning experiences for students. Connect With Roxi Thompson
| |||
| Ep. 281 | Why Most Teachers Get Student Voice Totally Wrong | 11 Nov 2025 | 00:35:10 | |
Want to bring your whole district together with one simple tool? ClassDojo for Districts makes it easy to engage families and strengthen school communities—at every level. It's the number one communication app trusted by millions of K-12 teachers, now with district-wide oversight and controls. From Pre-K to high school, ClassDojo connects your schools and families in one seamless place. Learn more at classdojo.com/districts.
What if your students had the power to shape your lessons—and it actually worked? In this insightful conversation, educator and author Jennifer Casa-Todd joins us to break down the real meaning of student voice. From her work with high schoolers and pre-service teachers to co-authoring a book with a student, Jennifer shares how to move from "listening" to "collaboration" to full-on student leadership. You'll learn:
This episode will have you rethinking the role of students in everything from curriculum design to digital citizenship. Time to put the "co" in co-creator! Connect With Gabriel Carrillo
Jennifer am a wife, mom, educator, a former Literacy Consultant, a Google Certified Innovator, and author of several educational publications--most recently, Hopes for School: A student perspective and ideas for educational transformation. She's an ISTE Community leader, a Google Educator Group leader for Ontario and a Board member for the Canadian School Library Association. Jennifer can currently be found supporting pre-service teachers at Lakehead University (Ontario). She's passionate about amplifying student voice and helping learners use technology positively and productively. Connect With Jennifer Casa-Todd
| |||
| Ep. 280 | Don't Start a Drone Club Until You Hear This w/ Frankie Baker | 30 Oct 2025 | 01:00:50 | |
Hear that? That's the sound of STEM careers taking off. Meet CoDrone EDU from Robolink — the drone made for classrooms and competitions and the sponsor for this episode. It's safe, durable, and fixable — with no FAA license or assembly required to fly and help every student feel more confident in a tech-driven world. Students fly CoDrone EDU three ways: manually, coded with Blockly, or coded with Python. See how over 7 thousand schools have proven you CAN have drones in classrooms, buzz and all, at www.robolink.com Ever wondered how to get a drone club off the ground—without crashing it on day one? In this episode, we're joined by Frankie Baker, former classroom teacher turned Community Manager at Robolink, to break down the big wins (and mistakes) teachers make when bringing drones into their schools. From fixable, flyable classroom drones to career-ready skills and whale snot (yes, really), we're covering everything you didn't know you needed to know about drones in education. Whether you're drone-curious or halfway to competition day, this episode will give you the real talk, the how-tos, and a few good laughs. In This Episode, You'll Learn:
A self-proclaimed "hype girl of all the things," Frankie is committed to empowering teachers to confidently integrate technology and foster student voice, choice, and agency in every classroom. With a strong focus on AI in education, robotics, and coding, she helps bridge the gap between tech and curriculum—making it approachable and meaningful for all learners. Frankie thrives on learning through collaboration and loves growing her network through communities, tools, and events that push the boundaries of what's possible in education. Connect With Frankie
| |||
| Ep. 277 | Human First: Teaching Smarter Using AI Optimism w/ Becky Keene | 16 Sep 2025 | 00:23:27 | |
Want to bring your whole district together with one simple tool? ClassDojo for Districts makes it easy to engage families and strengthen school communities—at every level. It's the number one communication app trusted by millions of K-12 teachers, now with district-wide oversight and controls. From Pre-K to high school, ClassDojo connects your schools and families in one seamless place. Learn more at classdojo.com/districts. In this episode, Becky Keene and I explore how artificial intelligence is reshaping education. We unpack the role of AI in lesson planning, student engagement, and teacher productivity—while keeping the human-first approach at the center. Learn how to create better AI prompts, leverage tools like ChatGPT, and avoid the hype while embracing the helpful. Ideal for educators looking to enhance teaching with technology. Buen provecho! Connect With Gabriel Carrillo
Becky Keene is an educator, author, and speaker focused on innovative teaching and learning. She specializes in instructional coaching, game-based learning, and integrating AI into education to empower students as creators. She has developed esports programs for schools and explores immersive learning through games. Becky speaks globally on AI in education and has spent over 20 years designing professional learning experiences for teachers. A National Board Certified Teacher, she spent 15 years teaching, coaching, and leading programs in public schools. She is the author of the book AI Optimism and holds an MS Ed in early literacy. Connect With Becky Keene
| |||
| Ep. 276 | Smarter Schools With AI Data: Doowii's Big Idea w/ Ben Dodson | 02 Sep 2025 | 00:37:30 | |
This episode is sponsored by Doowii. Doowii brings all of your district's data together. When data is scattered across systems and buried in outdated reports, it's hard to turn that data into action. Doowii connects your SIS, LMS, assessments, staffing, financial data, and more into one secure, conversational intelligence platform designed for all educators. No extra strain on your district's resources, just faster, smarter decisions. Hungry for better insights? Visit doowii.io to learn more and see it in action. If your school's data could talk, would it ask for help? Or maybe just a better dashboard? In this episode, I chat with Ben Dodson, founder and CEO of Doowii, a cutting-edge AI-powered data platform built specifically for education. Ben shares how his tech background (hello, Google and Snapchat!) inspired him to leap into the world of EdTech to solve one of education's messiest problems: siloed, underutilized data. We cover:
Plus, Ben answers the ultimate question: Corn or flour tortilla? If you're tired of waiting a week for that failing student report, this episode is your invitation to reimagine how data works for you…not against you. Learn more or book a demo: https://doowii.io Listen now and get inspired to make data your district's new superpower. Connect With Gabriel Carrillo
Ben Dodson is an experienced data scientist, AI engineer, and startup founder with over a decade of experience at the forefront of data science, AI, and data engineering. His career spans impactful roles at Silicon Valley giants like Google and Snapchat, where he earned multiple patents for groundbreaking innovations, including the application of vision transformer networks to optimize media quality at scale. Ben's expertise and forward-thinking approach also positioned him as an early contributor at startups like Mux and Marqeta. In 2023, Ben founded Doowii, an AI-powered assistant for data scientists serving the education sector. Doowii's mission is to empower educators to harness the full potential of data to improve student outcomes. Connect With Doowii And Learn More
| |||
| Ep. 275 | If Not You, Then Who? Creating AI Moments That Stick with Kristen Brooks | 19 Aug 2025 | 00:25:49 | |
Want to bring your whole district together with one simple tool? ClassDojo for Districts makes it easy to engage families and strengthen school communities—at every level. It's the number one communication app trusted by millions of K-12 teachers, now with district-wide oversight and controls. From Pre-K to high school, ClassDojo connects your schools and families in one seamless place. Learn more at classdojo.com/districts. What happens when a recently retired edtech queen trades early morning alarms for AI-powered student engagement? You get a mic-drop convo with Kristen Brooks! In this fun and feel-good episode, we talk about turning AI from intimidating to inspiring—one classroom experience at a time. Kristen shares how teachers can invite students to help co-create learning moments using tools like Adobe Express and more. Oh, and pan dulce makes a sweet guest appearance. Come hungry for ideas and maybe even a concha. Connect With Gabriel Carrillo
Kristen Brooks is a 30 year veteran educator, with 21 years excusively in Educational Technology Leadership as an innovation lab specialist and an instructional technology coach who encourages creativity in the classroom #forEDU. Ms. Brooks enjoys working with schools and districts to build relationships, master pedagogy & execute instructional technology integration & supporting all areas of education through speaking at events & conferences around the globe. She was recently named as a 2025 AI Innovator from ASU+GSV summit and is honored be an ISTE+ASCD 20 to Watch. To connect with Kristen go to KristenBrooks.com or LinkedIn and create > consume today! Connect With Kristen
| |||
| Ep. 269 | Using MagicSchool AI For Planning and AI Literacy with Jeni Long | 20 Jun 2025 | 00:29:31 | |
This episode is sponsored by MagicSchool AI. With over 6 million users worldwide, MagicSchool offers more than 80 educator-friendly tools that support everything from AI literacy instruction to smarter lesson planning. To learn more and get started, visit www.magicschool.ai. In this special episode recorded live at the TCEA Elementary Technology Conference in Galveston, Texas, I sit down with Jeni Long from MagicSchool to explore how this all-in-one platform is revolutionizing classrooms around the globe. In this episode, you'll learn:
| |||
| Ep. 265 | Pro Tips To Help You Rock Your First Conference w/ Courtney Deadman | 03 Apr 2025 | 00:24:51 | |
This episode is sponsored by Knowt — the AI-powered classroom tool that goes way beyond plug-and-chug. From turning your lessons into notes and practice to creating a custom chatbot based on your lecture, Knowt helps you and your students work smarter and stay privacy-compliant. To get started, visit www.knowt.com What happens when an introverted educator steps out solo into her first massive edtech conference? Magic. In this episode, I chat with Courney Deadman, a special education teacher who took on MACUL for the very first time—and didn't just survive, she thrived. From productivity tips for students with special needs to bold moves like joining The EdTech Bites Food Tour full of strangers, she shares strategies for note-taking, daily planning, and making meaningful connections (without burning out). If you're nervous about navigating a big conference, this episode has your back. About Courtney DeadmanCourtney is a Special Education Teacher currently teaching K-5 Resource room. She has been teaching for 20 years and has taught all grades K-12. Courtney currently teaches in Traverse City, Michigan at Cherry Knoll Elementary. Connect With Gabriel Carrillo
| |||
| Ep. 248 | From One-Size-Fits-All to One-Size-Fits-Me: Shifting to Personalized Learning With Michelle Manning | 19 Jan 2025 | 00:25:03 | |
*This episode is sponsored by Class Companion. To learn more and get started, Click Here! What does personalized learning really look like in today's classrooms? In this episode, I'm joined by Michelle Manning, who shares her insights on the transformative power of personalized learning. She breaks down what personalized learning means, why it's essential for student success, and how she helps teachers bring it to life in their classrooms. From practical tips to real-world examples, Michelle offers actionable strategies to create learning experiences tailored to every student's unique needs. Connect With Gabriel Carrillo
Michelle Manning is an Instructional Technology Integration Specialist and has worked in education for over 30 years. She is passionate about leveraging technology to amplify and enhance the curriculum to make lessons accessible for all students in the classroom to learn and show what they know! Michelle emphasizes personalized learning, professional development, and the integration of innovative tools and strategies in the classroom. Her work often involves providing training and support for teachers to utilize technology in ways that meet diverse learner needs. Michelle also loves supporting teachers helping them utilize technology as their digital co-teacher to save time and transform their classrooms. Connect With Michelle Manning
| |||
| Ep. 264 | Why Educators Need Each Other w/ Heather Brantley | 01 Apr 2025 | 00:34:45 | |
This episode is sponsored by Knowt — the AI-powered classroom tool that goes way beyond plug-and-chug. From turning your lessons into notes and practice to creating a custom chatbot based on your lecture, Knowt helps you and your students work smarter and stay privacy-compliant. To get started, visit www.knowt.com What's the secret ingredient to thriving as an educator? Spoiler alert: it's not another strategy or tool—it's relationships. In this heart-filled episode, we're joined by a special guest who's been to every walking food tour we've hosted (yes, every single one!) and has seen firsthand the lasting friendships and professional growth that have come from breaking bread together. We explore: 🍽️ Why in-person conference opportunities matter in education 🚶♀️ How Walking Food Tours created an unexpected professional support network 👩🏫 The power of relationships in reducing burnout and boosting morale ✨ Simple ways to create community in your school or district This episode is full of anecdotes from Heather and I and is a good reminder on what to and NOT to do in your organization. About Heather BrantleyHeather Brantley is a passionate expert in leveraging technology to enhance classroom learning. With a strong background as a classroom teacher, she understands the challenges and opportunities educators face in today's digital age. As an Events and Community Specialist, Heather organizes workshops, webinars, and community events that promote collaboration and continuous learning among educators. Heather is dedicated to fostering dynamic classroom environments where technology and creativity thrive, inspiring educators to transform their teaching practices and positively impact their students' learning experiences. Heather is the Events and Community Specialist for Curipod.com Connect With Gabriel Carrillo
| |||
| Ep. 254 | Meet the EduGuardians: Protecting Teachers From Isolation | 25 Jan 2025 | 00:31:08 | |
*This episode is sponsored by Class Companion. To learn more and get started, Click Here! What happens when a group of passionate educators comes together to spark change? In this episode, I sit down with Larisa Black, Heather Brown, Farmer Faubs, and Christie Cloud, the four of the founding members of the EduGuardians. We discuss how their movement started, why they're so dedicated to supporting educators, and the driving force behind their mission. From inspiration to action, this conversation will leave you feeling empowered and ready to make an impact in your own educational community. Connect With Gabriel Carrillo
EduGuardians strive to lead in educational technology, empowering educators to connect, share ideas, and build community. Our mission is to utilize edtech for impactful and engaging student learning experiences. We foster a dynamic, collaborative network for educators to innovate, grow, and inspire, enhancing education for all students. Connect With The EduGuardians
| |||
| Ep. 253 | Back to Basics with a Tech Twist: Pedagogy, AI, and interACTIVE Teaching With Kristin and Joe Merrill | 24 Jan 2025 | 00:28:44 | |
*This episode is sponsored by Class Companion. To learn more and get started, Click Here! How do we blend tried-and-true teaching strategies with cutting-edge AI? In this episode, I chat with the dynamic husband-and-wife duo, Kristin and Joe Merrill AKA Kroe, about their latest book The InterACTIVE Class: Creation in a World of AI: Empowering Educators to Inspire Creativity and Innovation in an AI-Driven Classroom. They share timeless teaching strategies while incorporating AI—all through their signature interACTIVE approach. Whether you're a tech enthusiast or a teaching purist, this episode will show you how to strike the perfect balance between innovation and effective instruction. Connect With Gabriel Carrillo
Kristin and Joe are teachers and authors of the InterACTIVE Class series. Together, they put a spin on traditional strategies by infusing EdTech with learning that meets the needs of all students. Connect With The Merrill's
| |||
| Ep. 246 | What Would Peter Rackham Do? Roy Francis' First Ever FETC | 17 Jan 2025 | 00:21:22 | |
*This episode is sponsored by Class Companion. To learn more and get started, Click Here! What's it like to attend your first major edtech conference? In this episode, I sit down with Roy Francis, a music and French teacher from Nova Scotia, who attended his first-ever FETC conference. We discuss his initial expectations, how he and his team planned their conference experience, and the strategies they used to maximize their learning. Roy also shares how he integrates edtech into his curriculum, from engaging students in music composition to enhancing language acquisition in French. Whether you're a conference veteran or gearing up for your first big event, you'll find plenty of insights and inspiration in this conversation. And you'll know what we mean when he states, "What would Peter Rackam do?". Buen provecho! Connect With Gabriel Carrillo
Roy teaches junior high general music at a school in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. In his classes, he teaches music theory and history while also helping students learn to write and perform songs on the ukulele. He is passionate about using technology in education and strives to incorporate it into all aspects of his teaching. Recently, he completed his Master's in Educational Technology and is excited to be part of the AI lead team in the Halifax Regional Centre for Education. Connect With Roy Francis
| |||
| Ep. 241 | From Badge Collector To Community Building: EdTech Certifications and Career Planning w/ Victoria Thompson | 16 Nov 2024 | 00:36:31 | |
This episode is sponsored by MagicSchool AI. If you're ready to transform the way you teach, With over 3.5 million users worldwide, MagicSchool AI is the #1 educational AI platform. They're committed to data privacy for all users in order to keep classrooms protected. Save time and focus on creating experiences with your students with MagicSchool AI. To learn more and get started, visit www.magicschool.ai In this episode, I'm joined by Victoria Thompson while at the Georgia Educational Technology Conference in Atlanta, Georgia. We catch up to discuss the difference between badge collecting and building edtech certifications. A lot of us educators become ambassadors for companies but she unpacks the ways we can align what we do and strategically plan out our career with true edtech certifications. This is not to say that badge collecting is a bad thing. Being an ambassador for an edtech company means true understanding and application of that particular product which empowers teachers in many ways. She comes at it from a different angle and aligns skills with career planning and community building. You NEED to give this episode a listen and connect with Victoria. Buen provecho! Connect With Gabriel Carrillo
| |||
| Ep. 176 | 5 Tips To Keep Admin Out Of Your Room And Protein Shakes | 29 Aug 2023 | 00:17:24 | |
In this episode, I give you 5 tips to help keep admin out of your classroom. This is not a shot at administration at all. We all know that you have a job to do but as teachers, seeing an administrator walk through your door in the middle of teaching can bring extra stress and anxiety to even veteran teachers. These 5 tips will also help make you a better teacher at your campus so admin… you're welcome! While recording this episode, I'm drinking a chocolate banana protein smoothie to keep it light and filling. I hope you're off to a great start and as always, Buen provecho! Connect With Gabriel Carrillo
| |||
| Ep. 231 | The TCEA Area 20 EdTech Conference: In Their Words | 08 Oct 2024 | 00:20:33 | |
This episode is brought to you by Snorkl. As educators, we want students to express and explain their thinking. We want to hear their thoughts on a science question, a story, or a math problem. But listening to each student one-on-one is nearly impossible. Snorkl lets students record their thinking with a virtual whiteboard and uses AI for immediate, personalized feedback. This works for any question at any grade level. Teachers get an immediate summary of student progress. Check out Snorkl.app for an incredible deal for schools to pilot it this year. In this episode, I chat with conference planners, presenters, and participants of the TCEA Area 20 EdTech Conference that took place on Saturday October 5th, 2024 at the Northside Activity Center in San Antonio, Texas. This was the inaugural conference and one that pulled in sponsors including MagicSchool AI, MergeEDU, Canva, Diffit, Adobe, Seesaw, Swivl, Screencastify, Curipod, Padlet, and Purple Up USA. There were sessions that covered a wide variety of content areas, ability levels, and strategies. I had the pleasure of being on the planning committee, being a presenter, and being the Keynote Speaker at this event. I ask fellow planners, presenters, and conference attendees the same question: "How would you sum up this conference in one sentence?" And that is what I did on location. This episode is a collection of these responses stitched together. So if you are interested in planning a conference, take a listen to the responses. If you're going to be attending a conference soon, take a listen to prep yourself. If you have attended a conference in the past, ask yourself if you've answered like these individuals have while attending one. Make sure you share this episode with a friends and colleagues and as always, Buen Provecho! Connect With Gabriel Carrillo
| |||
| Ep. 230 | How To Make Your Campus A No-Phone Zone w/ Todd Bloomer | 23 Sep 2024 | 00:43:58 | |
This episode is brought to you by Snorkl. As educators, we want students to express and explain their thinking. We want to hear their thoughts on a science question, a story, or a math problem. But listening to each student one-on-one is nearly impossible. Snorkl lets students record their thinking with a virtual whiteboard and uses AI for immediate, personalized feedback. This works for any question at any grade level. Teachers get an immediate summary of student progress. Check out Snorkl.app for an incredible deal for schools to pilot it this year. In this episode, I catch up with my good friend, Todd Bloomer. Todd is a principal at a high school in San Antonio and as of August 9th, 2024… A published author. We discuss his new book The Blueprint: Survive and Thrive as a School Administrator. He tells us his inspiration for the book and how it came to be. This school year, he has made his campus a "No-Phone Zone" so I pick his brain as to why he chose to do this, how they are enforcing this new policy, and what the results have shown. This episode was recorded at Texas Sugar Daddies in San Antonio, Texas. They are just two dads, best friends, and foodies who decided to join forces to do something different. Their cafe has top notch food for dine-in or pick up. Their desserts are top notch and the charcuterie is one of my favorites. They support the local community in San Antonio so reach out to them for your food and catering needs! Make sure you share this episode with a friends and colleagues and as always, Buen Provecho! Connect With Gabriel Carrillo
Originally from New York, Todd Bloomer now calls San Antonio, Texas, his home. Entering his 29th year in public education, Todd has held numerous roles, including teacher, coach, assistant principal, and middle school principal. For the past 5.5 years, he has been the principal of a large public high school in San Antonio. Previously, he served for 4.5 years as principal of a large middle school. Todd embodies the spirit of Teddy Roosevelt's famous "Man in the Arena" speech. He is a current practitioner whose experiences include leading schools before, during, and after the COVID-19 pandemic. The fact that Todd is still in the arena gives his voice credibility. He still faces the daily challenges that all administrators have to address. Todd Bloomer is a highly sought-after speaker, coach, and consultant. He can tailor his presentations, keynote addresses, and coaching sessions to meet your needs.
| |||
| Ep. 227 | 2024 Beginning Of The Year Keynote: Finding Balance Through Flexibility | 11 Aug 2024 | 00:23:26 | |
Welcome to the 2024 Beginning Of The Year Keynote. This episode is filled with ideas and tips for you to start the school year. I'm not giving you technical tips in this episode rather, mindset shifts. I discuss how to find balance between personal life and work life through flexibility. This episode will help you kickstart your new year with motivation and ways to be the best you possible. Gives this episode a listen. Your students, loved ones, and most importantly, YOU DESERVE IT. Buen provecho! The Book Is Officially Out!My first book "Cooking Up Experiences In The Classroom: Focus On Experiences, Not Just Lessons" is officially out! A HUGE shout out to Lumio for helping sponsor this book. I'm super excited about this project. It's filled with ideas on how to make memorable experiences for your students. In addition, each chapter also lays out a specific recipe mentioned in that chapter along with a video tutorial on how to prepare that dish. Make sure you get your copy and cook up some experiences for your students and loved ones! Click Here To Purchase Your Copy On Amazon Connect With Gabriel Carrillo
| |||
| Ep. 200 | Let's Define Financial Literacy w/ Erica Valadez and Lone Star National Bank | 06 May 2024 | 00:37:58 | |
This episode is sponsored by Lone Star National Bank. To learn more about their products and services, visit www.lonestarnationalbank.com In this monumental 200th episode, I chat with Erica Valadez of Lone Star National Bank to dive deep into financial literacy. We discuss the misconceptions our parents taught us as well as ways we can help educate our own children on this topic. Plus, Lone Star National Bank is giving away 5-$10 Visa gift cards. Stick around until the end to hear how to join! Buen provecho! How To Enter GiveawayTo be entered, all you have to do is:
Erica Valadez has been a stalwart figure in the banking industry for an impressive 26 years, garnering recognition as a Banking Center Manager & Bank Officer at Lone Star National Bank. Her journey from a graduate of McCollum High School in Harlandale ISD to an esteemed banking professional is marked by a deep-rooted commitment to community growth and financial empowerment. Connect With Erica Valadez
My first book "Cooking Up Experiences In The Classroom: Focus On Experiences, Not Just Lessons" is officially out! A HUGE shout out to Lumio for helping sponsor this book. I'm super excited about this project. It's filled with ideas on how to make memorable experiences for your students. In addition, each chapter also lays out a specific recipe mentioned in that chapter along with a video tutorial on how to prepare that dish. Make sure you get your copy and cook up some experiences for your students and loved ones! | |||
| Ep. 50: Sara, Synth, And East Coast Italian Food | 03 Dec 2019 | 00:49:46 | |
In this episode, I chat with Sara Candela from Synth to discuss what Synth is, how to start podcasting with your students using Synth, and what Synth 2.0 will be in the near future. In addition, she discusses her love for east coast Italian food and how she's adapted to west coast eats. So if you're wanting to start podcasting with your students, tune in, get yourself a bowl of pasta, and enjoy! Buen provecho! | |||
| Ep. 199 | How AI And Churros Have Changed My Work w/ Mason Nichols | 12 Apr 2024 | 00:29:55 | |
In this episode of EdTech Bites, I dive into the world of AI with Mason Nichols. This episode was recorded live from Honchos Churros in San Antonio. We explore how technologies like ChatGPT are revolutionizing the classroom, from personalized learning tools to innovative educational uses that are making teachers' lives easier. Alongside some of the best churros in San Antonio, we discuss our favorite AI tools and share insights on how these advancements are shaping the future of education. Tune in to discover how AI is not just a subject of study, but a dynamic teaching assistant in today's digital world. Buen provecho! The Book Is Officially Out!My first book "Cooking Up Experiences In The Classroom: Focus On Experiences, Not Just Lessons" is officially out! A HUGE shout out to Lumio for helping sponsor this book. I'm super excited about this project. It's filled with ideas on how to make memorable experiences for your students. In addition, each chapter also lays out a specific recipe mentioned in that chapter along with a video tutorial on how to prepare that dish. Make sure you get your copy and cook up some experiences for your students and loved ones! Click Here To Purchase Your Copy On Amazon Connect With Gabriel Carrillo
Mason is a passionate elementary educator who enjoys using technology tools to empower students. He recently graduated with his Masters Degree in Learning Experience Design and Educational Technology. Additionally, Mason enjoys sharing resources and tech tools on social media along with presenting at ISTE, TCEA, and CUE. Connect With Mason Nichols
| |||
| Ep. 198 | The Final Stretch: 7 Tips To End The Year Strong | 18 Mar 2024 | 00:21:11 | |
In this episode, I share invaluable insights and practical tips for teachers to finish the school year with strength and success. From reflecting on progress to maintaining motivation, engaging students, and managing time effectively, this episode provides a comprehensive guide to wrapping up the year on a high note. Whether you're a seasoned educator or a new teacher, tune in to discover strategies for ending the school year with finesse and celebrating accomplishments with your students. This episode is fueled by a Sam's Club Girl Scout Cookie Thin Mint Brownie. Yes, I said it...a brownie! So get ready to be motivated to power through the final stretch and emerge victorious as you cross the finish line with confidence! Buen provecho! The Book Is Officially Out!My first book "Cooking Up Experiences In The Classroom: Focus On Experiences, Not Just Lessons" is officially out! A HUGE shout out to Lumio for helping sponsor this book. I'm super excited about this project. It's filled with ideas on how to make memorable experiences for your students. In addition, each chapter also lays out a specific recipe mentioned in that chapter along with a video tutorial on how to prepare that dish. Make sure you get your copy and cook up some experiences for your students and loved ones! Click Here To Purchase Your Copy On Amazon Connect With Gabriel Carrillo
| |||
| Ep. 197 | Three Things Your Boss Needs To Hear To Send You To Conferences | 29 Feb 2024 | 00:06:10 | |
- | |||
| Ep. 175 | Shifting Ed: All Things Lumio and EdShift With Katie Novak and Kris Astle | 21 Aug 2023 | 00:23:36 | |
In this episode, I chat shifting ed with Katie Novak and Kris Astle. They are co-hosts of The EdShift Podcast and are always down for some educational conversation. This particular episode was recorded live at ISTE in Philadelphia. It was actually recorded at the Lumio booth with their own equipment! This is a great conversation that touches on brain research, how The EdShift Podcast came to be, and how Lumio can be used without a SMART Board! Check out the great conversation and also check Lumio out for yourself! Buen provecho! Connect With Gabriel Carrillo
Katie Novak is a global strategist, writer, and speaker focused on elements that connect us at our core, like identity and our sense of self. She is passionate about education and the impact of connecting students to their learning in authentic ways and bringing the science of learning and play into classrooms. She brings her experience in museum and outdoor education, advocacy, and community building to the EdTech space. Connect With Katie
Kris Astle is an experienced educator with a passion for elevating student voice. She has a global understanding of trends, research-based best practices, educational needs, and the facilitation of change in the education landscape. Kris started her career in the classroom, teaching first in Switzerland and then in the US. She has launched both IB and ESL programs in schools she has worked in. She is passionate about meeting both students and teachers where they are and helping them use technology to follow their passions. Connect With Lumio and EdShift
| |||
| Ep. 174 | 2023-2024 BOY Keynote: Setting the Stage for a Successful School Year | 07 Aug 2023 | 00:17:23 | |
In this episode, I deliver my 2023-2024 Beginning Of The Year Keynote. The summer is (almost) over and school will be in full swing soon. I give some tips and advice for you to set the stage for a successful school year. I delivered this keynote while enjoying some egg fried rice. Much like the beginning of a school year, egg fried rice is all about preparation. Check out my video below on how to make this delicious recipe. I hope you kick start your year in full swing and as always, Buen provecho! Connect With Gabriel Carrillo
Simple Egg Fried Rice | |||
| Longevity In Podcasting: A Conversation With The EduTech Guys | 09 Jul 2023 | 00:26:01 | |
This episode is sponsored by Propello. Are you a teacher that's tired of talking? Are you an admin that's looking to infuse more energy into your classrooms? Look no further than Propello. Propello's teaching and learning platform is designed to help schools and districts shift away from old-school, "sit and get" teaching. Instead, Propello is designed to help every teacher embrace student-centered, hands-on, and inquiry-based instruction. Propello combines standards-aligned curriculum, scaffolding like language translations and leveled reading, and embedded teacher guidance to ensure every student, in every classroom, gets a first-class learning experience. Learn more and sign up for free at www.propello.com
In this episode, I chat about longevity in podcasting with David Henderson and Jeff Madlock AKA, The EduTech Guys. These guys have been in the edtech podcasting game for over 10 years and have over 1,000 episodes in conference coverage alone! These are my favorite edtech podcasters and I had the opportunity to chat with them on my show about what it takes to stay in the game for so long. Peep the episode to hear the organic, in-person conversation Listen to it and share it with others. To connect with David and Jeff, use the links below. Buen provecho! Connect With Gabriel Carrillo
EduTechGuys is a high-intensity rollercoaster ride of super fun which takes mortal form in the two distinct entities which are David Henderson and Jeff Madlock. Crafted in the fires of Mt. Wannahockaluggie, these two self-proclaimed high priests of edtech first started navigating the world of educational technology on the web through a podcast, over a ravine in a rainstorm in 2015 (Sharkbait, ooh ha ha). Since then the two have traveled the nation bringing their joy for silly puns and more importantly sharing the journey of each educator they encounter. Connect With The EduTech Guys
| |||
| The Power Of Pause: Being In The Moment With Kristin And Joe Merrill | 08 Jul 2023 | 00:38:04 | |
This episode is sponsored by Propello. Are you a teacher that's tired of talking? Are you an admin that's looking to infuse more energy into your classrooms? Look no further than Propello.
Propello's teaching and learning platform is designed to help schools and districts shift away from old-school, "sit and get" teaching. Instead, Propello is designed to help every teacher embrace student-centered, hands-on, and inquiry-based instruction.
Propello combines standards-aligned curriculum, scaffolding like language translations and leveled reading, and embedded teacher guidance to ensure every student, in every classroom, gets a first-class learning experience.
Learn more and sign up for free at www.propello.com
In this episode, I chat with Kristin and Joe Merrill while at ISTE Live 23. We chat about the delicate balance of being a content creator and a parent. They're still in the classroom doing their thing and traveling to speak at conferences. How do they do it? Why do they do it? Who does the laundry? Peep the episode to hear the organic, in-person conversation Listen to it and share it with others. To connect with Kristin and Joe, use the links below. Buen provecho! Connect With Gabriel Carrillo
Kristin and Joe are Fourth and First Grade teachers and authors of the InterACTIVE Class series. Together, put a spin on traditional strategies by infusing EdTech with learning that meets the needs of all students. Connect With Kroe
| |||
| From Impact To Influence: Inspiration With Jed Stefanowicz And Manuel Herrera | 08 Jul 2023 | 00:33:02 | |
This episode is sponsored by Propello. Are you a teacher that's tired of talking? Are you an admin that's looking to infuse more energy into your classrooms? Look no further than Propello.
Propello's teaching and learning platform is designed to help schools and districts shift away from old-school, "sit and get" teaching. Instead, Propello is designed to help every teacher embrace student-centered, hands-on, and inquiry-based instruction.
Propello combines standards-aligned curriculum, scaffolding like language translations and leveled reading, and embedded teacher guidance to ensure every student, in every classroom, gets a first-class learning experience.
Learn more and sign up for free at www.propello.com
In this episode, I chat with Jed Stefanowicz and Manuel Herrera to discuss the power of influence by being a rule breaker and changemaker. We chat about Jed's new book, Impact To Influence, as well as Manny's path through the EdTech landscape. This is a great episode and will probably not be the last one you hear amongst the three of us. Listen to it and share it with others. To connect with Jed and Manuel, use the links below. Buen provecho! Connect With Gabriel Carrillo
Jed Stefanowicz provides job-embedded professional development, leadership, and instructional coaching for academic technology. Through conferences, workshops, and coaching, Jed aims to engage and build staff/student digital learning capacity, keeping the focus on practice over product. As a 28 year elementary educator, speaker, blogger, and former Massachusetts Teach Plus Policy Fellow, Jed shares his passion for effective tech integration to transform teaching and learning, creating engaging and equitable digital learning environments and experiences that activate, innovate, and motivate digital learning. He is the Author of Take AIM at Digital Learning: Activate, Innovate, Motivate, and Impact to Influence Connect With Jed
Connect With Manuel
| |||
| Let's Chat Data w/ Dr. Julie Evans From Project Tomorrow | 26 Jun 2023 | 00:32:23 | |
In this episode, I chat with Dr. Julie Evans from Lightspeed Systems at ISTE Live 23 in Philadelphia! Julie schools us on Project Tomorrow and what they have to offer our educational institutions. They gather data from all of the stakeholders and do great things with it at the local and national level. Check out what they have to offer and learn more about what they can do for your school or district. To hear more, check out the episode. To learn more, connect with Project Tomorrow using the links below. Buen provecho! Connect With Gabriel Carrillo
| |||
| The AI Showdown: Chat GPT vs. Google Bard | 17 Apr 2023 | 00:20:07 | |
In this episode, I put ChatGPT up against Google Bard to see which one is the reigning king of AI (Artificial Intelligence). While recording this episode, I enjoyed some sparkling water after a long weekend of not-so healthy eating. This episode also has an accompanying video to it on YouTube so make sure you check that out by clicking on the link below. I put these two Chatbots up against each other in user interface, ease of use, researching The EdTech Bites Podcast, creating HTML code, proofreading text, and a bonus question at the end. Which Chatbot do you think is the reigning king, ChatGPT or Google Bard? Check out this episode to see which one is the reigning king of AI! Click here to watch this episode on YouTube Connect With Gabriel Carrillo
| |||
| Ep. 48: Joey And The New Flipgrid | 15 Oct 2019 | 00:40:41 | |
In this episode, I catch up with Joey Taralson from Flipgrid to talk about the Flipgrid updates. I first linked up with Joey for Episode 3 of the podcast so make sure you check out that episode as well to really understand where they were two years ago and where they are now. Make sure you subscribe, leave a review, and tell a friend about the show. Buen Provecho! | |||
| Ep. 224 | Create Videos Effortlessly With Google Vids! | 20 Jul 2024 | 00:10:22 | |
In this episode, I fly solo to discuss Google Vids. Google Vids is an addition to Google Workspace via Google Labs. It is a tool that allows users to create videos effortlessly through the use of Google's AI LLM, Google Gemini. I go through how to create a video, the editing process, and ideas for educators to implement this as a time saver. If you'd like to see it in action, click on the YouTube video below for a video tutorial. If your organization doesn't have Google Labs turned on, you might want to talk to your district Google Admin to see about getting this AI video creator turned on. Buen provecho! Google Vids Tutorial On YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aGkZZ3cR0eg Connect With Gabriel Carrillo
My first book "Cooking Up Experiences In The Classroom: Focus On Experiences, Not Just Lessons" is officially out! A HUGE shout out to Lumio for helping sponsor this book. I'm super excited about this project. It's filled with ideas on how to make memorable experiences for your students. In addition, each chapter also lays out a specific recipe mentioned in that chapter along with a video tutorial on how to prepare that dish. Make sure you get your copy and cook up some experiences for your students and loved ones! | |||
| Destination PD: Redefining Professional Development for Teachers With Melissa Adams and Jennifer Crook | 28 Feb 2023 | 00:23:11 | |
In this episode, I chat with Melissa Adams and Jennifer Crook, the founders of Destination PD. What is Destination PD? It's a professional development offering that takes a unique approach to personalized learning for teachers. Unlike traditional PD programs, Destination PD uses unconventional techniques to immerse teachers in the learning experience. In this conversation, we explore the inspiration behind their innovative approach, the impact it has had on the teachers they work with, and the challenges they have faced along the way. Join us for an engaging discussion on how Destination PD is changing the game for professional development. Buen provecho! Connect With Gabriel Carrillo
Melissa Adams is the Director of Institutional Technology and Innovation for China Spring ISD. She is a wife and mom of three kids. Melissa has been in education for the past 20 years with the last five in leadership promoting innovation & technology in the classroom. Her passion is supporting teachers through Destination PD to deliver high quality learning & experiences. Connect With Melissa Adams
Jennifer Crook is a fun-loving, adventure-seeking, educational enthusiast with twenty-nine years of service in public schools. She is currently the Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment at China Spring ISD. Jennifer is dedicated to creating awe-inspiring experiences for educators and is driven by her why to deliver professional development that is truly destination-worthy. Connect With Jennifer Crook
| |||
| Ep. 223 | Who's Jiji? A Conversation With Nigel Nisbet About ST Math | 15 Jul 2024 | 00:30:47 | |
Looking to elevate STEAM learning in your classroom? Discover TinkRworks — the evidence-based STEAM learning system designed for K-8 educators. TinkRworks engages students in unprecedented ways through innovative, STEAM Project-based Learning. The easy-to-implement program focuses on the hands-on application of STEM concepts and deepens cross-curricular connections to computer science, language arts, engineering, math, science, and the arts. Developed by a team of educators and engineers, TinkRworks provides comprehensive resources that enhance lesson plans, support project implementation, and ensure alignment with educational standards. Join the growing community of TinkRworks educators. Visit TinkRworks.com/podcast for special pricing. In this episode, I sit down and chat with Nigel Nisbet. He's the Vice President of Content Creation at MIND Research Institute and loves the ST Math product they've designed. He's a life long educator and has a passion for students overcoming math adversity through critical thinking and problem solving. ST Math is a platform in which students interact with Jiji, they're penguin mascot, and get her to move about the screen by solving math problems. We have a great discussion around productive struggle, his educational background, and where ST Math is going next. Check this episode out and see if you could get your students to move Gigi. Buen provecho! Connect With Gabriel Carrillo
Experienced mathematics educator and interactive curriculum designer who believes learning is something that students do, not something that happens to them. Connect With Nigel and MIND Education
My first book "Cooking Up Experiences In The Classroom: Focus On Experiences, Not Just Lessons" is officially out! A HUGE shout out to Lumio for helping sponsor this book. I'm super excited about this project. It's filled with ideas on how to make memorable experiences for your students. In addition, each chapter also lays out a specific recipe mentioned in that chapter along with a video tutorial on how to prepare that dish. Make sure you get your copy and cook up some experiences for your students and loved ones! | |||
| Ep. 220 | The Reading Resurgence: How Capstone and PebbleGo Are Taking Aim With Randi Economou and Laurie Diethelm | 12 Jul 2024 | 00:26:56 | |
Looking to elevate STEAM learning in your classroom? Discover TinkRworks — the evidence-based STEAM learning system designed for K-8 educators. TinkRworks engages students in unprecedented ways through innovative, STEAM Project-based Learning. The easy-to-implement program focuses on the hands-on application of STEM concepts and deepens cross-curricular connections to computer science, language arts, engineering, math, science, and the arts. Developed by a team of educators and engineers, TinkRworks provides comprehensive resources that enhance lesson plans, support project implementation, and ensure alignment with educational standards. Join the growing community of TinkRworks educators. Visit TinkRworks.com/podcast for special pricing. In this episode, I sit down with Laurie Deithelm and Randi Economou. Laurie is the Senior VP of Product at Capstone and Randi is the CEO of Capstone. We discuss the latest updates that are coming to the PebbleGo platform. There are some great additions to immerse our K-2 students into the research world without them being bogged down by incorrect data or even going to the wrong site to get bogus information. But what happens when they enter the upper elementary grades and miss PebbleGo? Well, they're updating with PebbleGo Next, a research solution for 3rd-5th graders. This is a great episode with great guests. If you're ready to see where PebbleGo is heading Next, give it a listen. Buen provecho! Connect With Gabriel Carrillo
Randi originally joined Capstone in 2010 as the Vice President of the West where she was instrumental in building our Go To Market strategy for seven years. In July 2022, Randi returned to Capstone as Chief Executive Officer. She is a seasoned executive with over 2 decades of leading and contributing to the vision and strategy within EdTech organizations within the US and internationally. Beginning her career as an educator and staying true to her passion for teaching and learning, Randi believes that education is key and has dedicated her career to advocating for life-long learning opportunities for all children. She has held a variety of leadership positions within TeachMaster Technologies, PLATO Learning, myON, and most recently, Renaissance. Randi has been successful in positioning organizations as market leaders through driving the business strategy, operations, and innovation, while focusing on growth and building and maintaining a positive culture. Randi holds an undergraduate degree in English and she graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Master of Education from Grand Canyon University. About Laurie DiethelmLaurie Diethelm has 20+ years of experience creating educational products ranging from software-as-a-service (SaaS) learning and development platforms to content-rich, multimedia learning experiences. Prior to joining the Capstone team, she worked with brands including For Dummies, Everything DiSC, Five Behaviors of a Cohesive Team, The Leadership Challenge, PXT Select, CrossKnowledge, and RMC Learning Solutions. She is a firm believer that the team is the most critical ingredient in the product development process—people from different perspectives and skill sets working together in creative tension will craft something much greater than any individual can create alone. Laurie is a graduate from the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities campus. Connect With Capstone and PebbleGo
My first book "Cooking Up Experiences In The Classroom: Focus On Experiences, Not Just Lessons" is officially out! A HUGE shout out to Lumio for helping sponsor this book. I'm super excited about this project. It's filled with ideas on how to make memorable experiences for your students. In addition, each chapter also lays out a specific recipe mentioned in that chapter along with a video tutorial on how to prepare that dish. Make sure you get your copy and cook up some experiences for your students and loved ones! | |||
| Ep. 219 | Amplifying Student Creativity with Erika Sandstrom AKA "Green Screen Gal" | 11 Jul 2024 | 00:29:24 | |
Today's episode is sponsored by WeVideo, a cloud-based interactive video platform used by millions of educators and students. With WeVideo, educators have everything they need to create dynamic learning opportunities in the classroom. Easily assign pre-made video projects in just a few clicks, and collaborate with learners in real-time. Embed interactive elements like multiple choice questions, free responses, and discussion prompts into new or existing video content, and watch engagement soar. Meet students where they are, in a medium they love, and develop crucial 21st-century skills like creativity, communication, critical thinking, and collaboration. WeVideo makes it easy to create videos, podcasts, GIFs, and more — no matter who you are. Try WeVideo today and maximize engagement, retention, and performance in the classroom. Visit www.wevideo.com/education to learn more. In this episode, I sit down and chat with Erika Sandstrom AKA Green Screen Gal. We discuss the importance of student creativity and how WeVideo helps amplify student creativity. She discusses some of the projects she's done with students, some of the stumbles she's had, and how she got the name "The Green Screen Gal". This conversation has been in the works for quite some time and is well worth the wait. Buen provecho! Connect With Gabriel Carrillo
Erika, a Digital Learning Coach & Media Teacher, with 33 years in education, focuses on Green Screen & video production. Known as "Green Screen Gal," she speaks at conferences, conducts PD sessions, hosts webinars, and serves as a Canvassador for Canva. Erika, shares her passion for mindfulness, co-hosted Week of AI & Genially EDFest, founded Green Screen Summit, and graced the cover of Ed Tech K12 Magazine, named a TOP 30 IT Influencer. Connect With Erika Sandstrom
My first book "Cooking Up Experiences In The Classroom: Focus On Experiences, Not Just Lessons" is officially out! A HUGE shout out to Lumio for helping sponsor this book. I'm super excited about this project. It's filled with ideas on how to make memorable experiences for your students. In addition, each chapter also lays out a specific recipe mentioned in that chapter along with a video tutorial on how to prepare that dish. Make sure you get your copy and cook up some experiences for your students and loved ones! | |||
| Ep. 216 | Capital "A" Accessibility With Lindsay Foster | 08 Jul 2024 | 00:30:41 | |
Today's episode is sponsored by WeVideo, a cloud-based interactive video platform used by millions of educators and students. With WeVideo, educators have everything they need to create dynamic learning opportunities in the classroom. Easily assign pre-made video projects in just a few clicks, and collaborate with learners in real-time. Embed interactive elements like multiple choice questions, free responses, and discussion prompts into new or existing video content, and watch engagement soar. Meet students where they are, in a medium they love, and develop crucial 21st-century skills like creativity, communication, critical thinking, and collaboration. WeVideo makes it easy to create videos, podcasts, GIFs, and more — no matter who you are. Try WeVideo today and maximize engagement, retention, and performance in the classroom. Visit www.wevideo.com/education to learn more. In this episode, I chat "accessibility" vs. "Accessibility" with Lindsay Foster. She will open your eyes to what it means to make sure our content is "Accessible". This conversation really opened my eyes and made me rethink how I do what I do. This is a powerful conversation that needs to heard by anyone who creates or delivers content or curriculum. Please check it out and put these practices into play. Buen provecho! Connect With Gabriel Carrillo
Lindsay Foster has over two decades of educational experience as an elementary classroom educator, a technology applications instructor, an instructional technology coach and coordinator, and instructional designer. As an instructional designer, Mrs. Foster specializes in issues related to Regular and Substantive Interaction (RSI) and Accessibility. She was a TCEA Technology Administrator of the Year finalist in 2021 and Connect Campus Instructional Support Member of the Year (2023). Mrs. Foster is currently on the board of TxDLA representing Members-At-Large and she also served on the 2021 TEA State Board of Education Technology Applications TEKS Review Committee. Connect With Lindsay Foster
My first book "Cooking Up Experiences In The Classroom: Focus On Experiences, Not Just Lessons" is officially out! A HUGE shout out to Lumio for helping sponsor this book. I'm super excited about this project. It's filled with ideas on how to make memorable experiences for your students. In addition, each chapter also lays out a specific recipe mentioned in that chapter along with a video tutorial on how to prepare that dish. Make sure you get your copy and cook up some experiences for your students and loved ones! | |||
| Ep. 215 | The Daily Planner For The Mindful Teacher w/ Kristofer Thurston and Destiny Wagner | 07 Jul 2024 | 00:25:10 | |
Today's episode is sponsored by WeVideo, a cloud-based interactive video platform used by millions of educators and students. With WeVideo, educators have everything they need to create dynamic learning opportunities in the classroom. Easily assign pre-made video projects in just a few clicks, and collaborate with learners in real-time. Embed interactive elements like multiple choice questions, free responses, and discussion prompts into new or existing video content, and watch engagement soar. Meet students where they are, in a medium they love, and develop crucial 21st-century skills like creativity, communication, critical thinking, and collaboration. WeVideo makes it easy to create videos, podcasts, GIFs, and more — no matter who you are. Try WeVideo today and maximize engagement, retention, and performance in the classroom. Visit www.wevideo.com/education to learn more. In this episode, I sit down to chat "The Daily Planner For The Mindful Teacher" with the authors Kristofer Thurston and Destiny Wagner. They co-founded The EdTech Nerds and have not stopped since. If you're unfamiliar with their book, check this episode out and get your copy today. This episode was recorded live at ISTE 2024 in Denver, Colorado. Buen provecho! Connect With Gabriel Carrillo
Destiny Wagner is a passionate education veteran with over 20 years of experience as a classroom physics teacher and a certified instructional technology coach. As part of EdTech Nerds, she shares her expertise in creating engaging professional development programs, equipping educators with the tools and techniques they need to thrive in the classroom. She is a champion for teacher wellbeing, focusing on strategies to combat burnout and cultivate a healthy work-life balance. When she's not geeking out about education technology, you might find her channeling her inner Harry Potter as a Slytherin Prefect. She's also a certified instructor in reality-based self-defense and a Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT-500), bringing a unique perspective on mindfulness and stress management to the education community. About Kristofer ThurstonDirector of Technology, in edtech since 1999. Got tired of losing my amazing teachers to burnout so co-founded EdTech Nerds to help teachers get back to their passion, the teaching. Connect With Destiny Wagner
My first book "Cooking Up Experiences In The Classroom: Focus On Experiences, Not Just Lessons" is officially out! A HUGE shout out to Lumio for helping sponsor this book. I'm super excited about this project. It's filled with ideas on how to make memorable experiences for your students. In addition, each chapter also lays out a specific recipe mentioned in that chapter along with a video tutorial on how to prepare that dish. Make sure you get your copy and cook up some experiences for your students and loved ones! | |||
| Ep. 214 | Keep Creativity SIMPLE: WeVideo With Ryan Kochevar | 06 Jul 2024 | 00:27:09 | |
Today's episode is sponsored by WeVideo, a cloud-based interactive video platform used by millions of educators and students. With WeVideo, educators have everything they need to create dynamic learning opportunities in the classroom. Easily assign pre-made video projects in just a few clicks, and collaborate with learners in real-time. Embed interactive elements like multiple choice questions, free responses, and discussion prompts into new or existing video content, and watch engagement soar. Meet students where they are, in a medium they love, and develop crucial 21st-century skills like creativity, communication, critical thinking, and collaboration. WeVideo makes it easy to create videos, podcasts, GIFs, and more — no matter who you are. Try WeVideo today and maximize engagement, retention, and performance in the classroom. Visit www.wevideo.com/education to learn more. In this episode, I sit down with Ryan Kochevar from WeVideo. He's the Director of Customer Success and drops some absolute knowledge about what WeVideo can do for teachers and students in the classroom. We discuss the creativity that video and podcast production can bring to the classroom and how WeVideo for Education can make that happen with little effort. Give this episode a listen and start planning your video before the school year begins! Buen provecho! Connect With Gabriel Carrillo
Ryan is WeVideo's Director of Customer Success with over a decade of experience in K-12 education. A former teacher, out of school time programs manager and STEAM curriculum director, Ryan now works with WeVideo customers in creating instructional resources, designing and leading teacher professional development workshops, and provides all kinds of ideas on how to integrate multimedia creation opportunities in the K-12 classroom. Ryan holds a Master's degree in Curriculum, Teaching, and Learning with an emphasis in educational technologies from Sonoma State University. Connect With WeVideo And Ryan Kochevar
My first book "Cooking Up Experiences In The Classroom: Focus On Experiences, Not Just Lessons" is officially out! A HUGE shout out to Lumio for helping sponsor this book. I'm super excited about this project. It's filled with ideas on how to make memorable experiences for your students. In addition, each chapter also lays out a specific recipe mentioned in that chapter along with a video tutorial on how to prepare that dish. Make sure you get your copy and cook up some experiences for your students and loved ones! | |||
| Ep. 209 | Organic EdTech Coaching w/ Adam Juarez | 01 Jul 2024 | 00:32:29 | |
We all know that success in the classroom relies on powerful and innovative technology. That's where CTL comes in. For over 35 years, CTL has manufactured and serviced award-winning cloud computing solutions that today empower schools in more than 55 countries. From Chromebooks to Chromebox and Google Meet, CTL offers a complete range of solutions to keep students, teachers, and administration both learning and productive. CTL works side-by-side with you, increasing IT efficiency with customized configurations and comprehensive lifecycle services. And, recently, CTL achieved B Corporation™ certification for their commitment to sustainability and social responsibility. If you're looking for a true partner to help innovate your next ChromeOS success, visit CTL at CTL.net. In this episode, I chat with Adam Juarez. He's an edtech consultant for the Tulare County Office of Education. He's a published author and gives lots of coaching insights for current and future instructional/edtech coaches. This is a great conversation which was recorded at ISTE 2024 in Denver, Colorado. Check this episode out and make sure you connect with Adam. Buen provecho! Connect With Gabriel Carrillo
Adam Juarez is an Educational Technology & Integrated Studies Consultant for Tulare County Office of Education. He supports teachers through individualized coaching, demo lessons and professional development. Adam is a Google Certified Trainer and Innovator, CUE Board Member, 2022 ISTE Featured Voice and co-author of The Complete EdTech Coach Connect With Adam Juarez
My first book "Cooking Up Experiences In The Classroom: Focus On Experiences, Not Just Lessons" is officially out! A HUGE shout out to Lumio for helping sponsor this book. I'm super excited about this project. It's filled with ideas on how to make memorable experiences for your students. In addition, each chapter also lays out a specific recipe mentioned in that chapter along with a video tutorial on how to prepare that dish. Make sure you get your copy and cook up some experiences for your students and loved ones! | |||
| Ep. 208 | Unpacking ISTE 2024 w/ Brittany Blackwell | 28 Jun 2024 | 00:25:17 | |
In this episode, I sit down with Brittany Blackwell while at ISTE 2024 to unpack… ISTE 2024! This was her first time attending an ISTE conference so what better way to unpack it than with a first timer. She is the host of The Resilient Teacher Podcast so we decided to do an episode swap. This is a great conversation for anyone who attended or didn't attend ISTE. If you didn't attend, this will give you some insight as to what was covered, the good, and our overall thoughts. If you attended ISTE, you couldn't do it all! This will hopefully fill in some gaps for you. If you've never attended but are planning to attend in 2025, we give you some tips to prepare for your first time. Needless to say, there's something for everyone in this episode. Buen provecho! Connect With Gabriel Carrillo
Brittany Blackwell, M.Ed., is an an award winning special educator and teacher burnout & sustainability strategist from South Carolina. With over thirteen years of experience in elementary and middle school classrooms, Brittany has become an expert in addressing teacher burnout. She is also the host of the popular podcast "The Resilient Teacher Podcast". Brittany is passionate about empowering teachers and educational leaders to prioritize their mental health. She helps them develop personalized sustainability and burnout recovery plans, reducing stress and creating the fulfilling lives they've always dreamed of. Through her digital approach, which includes automation, digital planning, vision planning, and sustainable strategies, Brittany has reached thousands of educators worldwide. You may know Brittany as "MsPrincessTeach" on TikTok, where her social media following grew through her fast-paced, lighthearted tutorials and relatable real-life experiences. She offers teachers actionable strategies, personalized coaching, mindset shifting, and digital resources to create their own Individualized Burnout Recovery Plan. By reducing stress and automating mundane tasks, Brittany enables educators to prevent burnout and maximize fulfillment in both their personal and professional lives. Connect With Brittany Blackwell and The Resilient Teacher
My first book "Cooking Up Experiences In The Classroom: Focus On Experiences, Not Just Lessons" is officially out! A HUGE shout out to Lumio for helping sponsor this book. I'm super excited about this project. It's filled with ideas on how to make memorable experiences for your students. In addition, each chapter also lays out a specific recipe mentioned in that chapter along with a video tutorial on how to prepare that dish. Make sure you get your copy and cook up some experiences for your students and loved ones! | |||
| Ep. 69: Eddie And EdTech In Athletics | 28 Jul 2020 | 00:31:52 | |
In this episode, I chat with Eddie Moreno, middle school teacher and athletic coordinator. Eddie gives us the scoop on how he and the other coaches adapted to this quarantine and leveraged edtech to conduct a virtual athletics camp to engage the students. If you'd like to check out some of what they're doing, check out the Nimitz Middle School Facebook Page and comb through their videos. Buen provecho! | |||
| Ep. 189 | 5 Reasons You Need To Be Using Digital Portfolios With Your Students | 14 Jan 2024 | 00:20:03 | |
In this episode, I give you 5 reasons why you should be starting student portfolios in your classroom in 2024. Student portfolios really are the next wave in education and whether we like it or not, our students need be using them. If you enjoy this episode share it with a friend or colleague. Click here to read the full blog post on student digital portfolios. Buen provecho! The Book Is Officially Dropping 1/19/2024!My first book "Cooking Up Experiences In The Classroom: Focus On Experiences, Not Just Lessons" is being released January 19th, 2024. I'm super excited about this project. It's filled with ideas on how to make memorable experiences for your students. In addition, each chapter also lays out a specific recipe mentioned in that chapter along with a video tutorial on how to prepare that dish. Make sure you get your copy and cook up some experiences for your students and loved ones! See You At FETC
If you're heading to FETC or TCEA, I'd love to see you at the official EdTech Bites Walking Food Tours I'll be hosting in Downtown Orlando and Austin. These are being sponsored by Kami and are going to be a hit at these conferences. For more information and how to sign up, click the blog post below: https://edtechbites.com/2024/01/09/edtech-bites-x-kami-fetc-and-tcea-walking-food-tours/ Connect With Gabriel Carrillo
| |||
| Ep. 188 | Shapegrams With Tony Vincent: By The End, You Will Have Groan! | 17 Nov 2023 | 00:33:09 | |
We want to take this moment to thank our sponsor - Wakelet. Wakelet has been changing the game when it comes to student portfolios. The platform is helping students across the US showcase tangible evidence of their success in creative and personalized ways. Wakelet portfolios boost college readiness, and help students share their skills and achievements in ways that go beyond just test scores. For teachers, Wakelet is a powerful tool for sharing learning resources, creating lesson plans, and boosting collaboration in your classes. Help your learners redefine student success, and outshine their test scores with Wakelet Portfolios. Head to wakelet.com/portfolios to learn more, and sign up for a free account today.
In this episode, I chat with Tony Vincent about his educational journey. Tony and I have crossed paths years ago and here we are years later, full circle. He now focuses on Shapegrams. I know what you're thinking… what the heck are Shapegrams? Well, tune into this episode to find out what they are and how YOU can utilize these in your classroom. This conversation was recorded at the TCCA conference in Aldine, Texas. This is the last of 9 episodes from the TCCA conference and what better way to end this series than with Tony Vincent. Buen provecho! Connect With Gabriel Carrillo
About Tony Vincent Tony Vincent started teaching fifth grade in Omaha 26 years ago. Several years later he took on the role of his school's technology coach. Eventually he left school teaching to be a self-employed consultant, sharing friendly ways for teachers to reach, empower, and inspire their students. Tony is a prolific sharer, approachable, and consistently selects practical tools and strategies that can be implemented right away. Tony went back to teaching for the 2018-2019 school year in Council Bluffs, where his fifth graders became Chromebook superusers and creative communicators. Tony posts lots of handy tech tips on social media, and he hosts a series of digital drawing challenges for kids called Shapegrams. Most importantly, Tony is the father of 10 year old twins. Connect With Tony Vincent
| |||
| Ep. 179 | Bridging the Gap: How BlazerWorks Assists Special Education w/ John Veneracion | 19 Oct 2023 | 00:33:40 | |
👉🏼 This episode is sponsored by BlazerWorks. To learn more about how BlazerWorks can help your organization fill in the Special Education personnel gaps, visit https://blazerworks.com/
In this episode, I sit down with John Veneracion from BlazerWorks, a passionate advocate for inclusive education. Join us as we explore Blazerworks' mission, their work in bridging personnel gaps in Special Education nationwide, and the professional development they offer to empower both special education staff and schools. But that's not all! Because this is The EdTech Bites Podcast, we indulged in mouthwatering In-N-Out burgers during our conversation. Discover the critical role of Special Education in fostering inclusivity. Uncover BlazerWorks' visionary outlook for the future, and gain insights into the heart of their work.
Join us in this engaging conversation as we celebrate the work of BlazerWorks and the flavors of In-N-Out. Together, we're making education more accessible and inclusive. Buen provecho! Connect With Gabriel Carrillo
John Veneracion is a member of BlazerWorks' Special Education Clinical Advisory Team. The team works hand-in-hand with school districts to fully integrate clinical expertise into learning environments—enriching therapists and teachers, streamlining school staffing programs and elevating the educational experience. Previously, John was a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant at Ventura Unified School District in California. Connect With BlazerWorks
| |||