My EdTech Life

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