My EdTech Life

In this enlightening discussion, Benjamin Riley, the founder of Cognitive Resonance and former executive director of Deans for Impact, dives into the interplay between AI and human cognition in education. He highlights the hype surrounding AI tools versus their real educational impact, emphasizing the importance of effortful thinking for effective learning. Riley addresses the risks of AI-generated content and advocates for responsible adoption in schools. With a focus on critical engagement, he urges educators to understand AI's limitations and navigate its complexities thoughtfully.

Episode 299: Guardrails for Growing Minds with Dr. Sonia TiwariIn this episode of My EdTech Life, I had the pleasure of talking with Dr. Sonia Tiwari, an innovative researcher diving deep into the impact of AI and parasocial relationships on children. We discuss her unique career journey from character design in gaming to focusing on AI’s ethical design for young learners. Together, we explore essential guardrails, the concept of parasocial relationships with AI, and the implications of unregulated AI in education. If you’re an educator, parent, or AI enthusiast, this conversation offers crucial insights on how AI intersects with learning, safety, and digital relationships.Timestamps:0:00 – Introduction and Welcome  1:30 – Introducing Dr. Sonia Tiwari  2:30 – Dr. Tiwari’s Background: From Gaming to AI  4:00 – What Are Parasocial Relationships?  8:06 – The Need for Guardrails in AI for Children  12:00 – Simplifying Guardrails: Legal, Design, and Cultural  14:49 – Ensuring Safe AI Use Through Joint Engagement  16:50 – Dr. Tiwari’s Research in Ethical AI  20:44 – Challenges with Unregulated AI in Education  24:38 – Importance of Parental Engagement in Digital Spaces  26:39 – Ethical Framework for AI in Child Development  33:00 – The Role of AI in Classroom Chatbots  39:26 – Tech Companies’ Responsibilities in AI for Kids  42:23 – Reflecting on AI’s Rapid Growth in K-12 Spaces  46:52 – How to Connect with Dr. Sonia Tiwari  47:12 – Final Three Questions with Dr. Tiwari  50:13 – Closing Thoughts and Thank You  Thank you for tuning in! Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe to My EdTech Life for more conversations that push the boundaries of education and technology. And remember—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

Dan Meyer, a thought leader in EdTech and a significant voice in math education, shares his insights on the intersection of Generative AI and teaching. He questions whether AI is genuinely benefiting educators and students, exploring its limitations and the skepticism surrounding its use in classrooms. The conversation touches on the potential of AI tutors, the necessity for effective EdTech support without overwhelming teachers, and the challenges of personalizing learning while maintaining essential human interaction. Dan's insights provoke thought about the future of AI in education.

In this insightful conversation, Michelle Eamont, co-president of the Human Intelligence Movement, and her dynamic team delve into transforming education for an AI-driven future. Brooke Morehead emphasizes the importance of emotional intelligence, while Stacy Cradville highlights the need for empathy and critical thinking. Rachel Wood studies AI's impact on workforce readiness, stressing essential human skills. Together, they advocate for a shift toward holistic learning and the necessity of collaboration among educators to better equip students for tomorrow’s challenges.

In this episode of My EdTech Life, I sit down with Patricia Cortez, coach of the Lady Bots, as she shares her powerful journey of promoting girls in STEM through the Girl Powered initiative. We talk about her experiences, the challenges girls face in robotics, and the inspiring story behind her all-girls team. Patricia's dedication to fostering leadership and technical skills among young women is truly remarkable, and her upcoming Girl Powered event is set to make a significant impact. Join us for an amazing conversation about representation, resilience, and the importance of creating safe spaces for girls to thrive in STEM. Don't miss it!📅 Mark your calendars: Patricia and her team will host the Girl Powered event on October 26th. Tune in to learn how you can support this incredible initiative!Subscribe to our podcast for more inspiring conversations in education and technology!Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction and Podcast Welcome01:00 - Introducing Patricia Cortez and the Lady Bots03:10 - The Start of Patricia’s Journey into Robotics07:30 - How the Lady Bots All-Girls Team Began10:45 - Achievements and Impact of the Lady Bots in STEM14:00 - Promoting Girls in STEM Through the Girl Powered Initiative20:30 - Encouraging Young Girls to Take Initiative26:00 - Upcoming Girl Powered Event Details31:30 - Progression from Plastic to Metal Robots: A Leap in Skill37:00 - The Importance of Representation in STEM42:00 - How Educators Can Support Robotics and STEM for Girls45:10 - Final Thoughts on Overcoming Challenges in RoboticsPeel 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.Interactive Learning with GoosechaseSave 10% with code MYEDTECH10 on all license types!Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show

Navigating Technology and Parenting with ConverlationToday, we're tackling one of the biggest challenges parents and educators face—navigating technology with our kids. I sat down with Kathy Van Benthuysen, co-creator of Converlation, to explore how this incredible tool is helping families and schools foster better communication in the digital age. Trust me, after hearing this, you’ll want to jump on board!We talk about everything from tech’s impact on kids' social skills to actionable steps parents can take to manage screen time. Kathy drops so many knowledge nuggets you’ll want to share this with every parent and teacher you know! Ready to boost your family’s communication and take control of tech? Let’s get into it!⏰ Timestamps:0:00 – Welcome to My EdTech Life!  1:40 – Meet Kathy Van Benthuysen: Her journey in education  3:30 – What is Converlation? The story behind the name  6:56 – The tech challenge: Kids losing social skills  10:00 – How Converlation helps reduce digital dependency  13:12 – Educating kids about the hidden side of tech  16:24 – Real talk: The dangers of social media  20:53 – Empowering parents with tools and knowledge  24:48 – The emotional toll of screen time on kids  30:00 – How to guide your kids through safe tech use  36:20 – Converlation’s vision for the future  40:24 – Social media and mental health: What parents need to know  43:17 – Final thoughts: Building stronger connections through conversations  45:53 – The importance of bringing parents into the tech conversation  47:38 – Fun questions with Kathy!  Be sure to check out Converlation and all the incredible resources Kathy mentioned! Free Parent GuideIf you enjoyed this episode, remember to share it with friends and subscribe for more insights from the world of EdTech!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

Screencastify Transforms Classroom CommunicationJoin me as I dive into the power of video in education with Shaun. We will discuss innovative ways to enhance learning, improve communication with parents, and save teachers valuable time. I will share my own experiences using Screencastify in the classroom and district-wide, while Shaun will provide insights on their latest features and their impact on learning.Time Stamps:0:00 - Introduction and welcome2:27 - Shaun's background and role at Screencastify5:24 - My journey with Screencastify: From extension to full video platform11:51 - Personal story: Impact of video on student confidence and language acquisition17:09 - New features: Submit, language captions, and accessibility23:44 - Using video for personalized feedback and building connections31:20 - Content creation and time-saving strategies I use with teachers36:13 - AI integration and future developments42:35 - The power of personalized video communication in my district47:53 - Edu-kryptonite: Challenges we face in modern education48:58 - Screencastify's heartwarming billboard campaign appreciating teachersI'm excited to share this insightful conversation about the transformative power of video in education. Like, share, and subscribe for more engaging EdTech discussions on 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

Episode 293 Meshed Gears with Omar CortezIn this exciting episode of My EdTech Life, I sit down with Omar Cortez, a passionate educator and robotics coach, to discuss his journey in STEM education and his newly published book, "Meshed Gears." Join us as we explore the transformative power of robotics in education and how it can help students find their voice.🔧 Timestamps:0:00 - Introduction and welcome1:37 - Omar's background in education and robotics3:58 - The unexpected journey into robotics education7:25 - Omar's first robotics competition experience11:21 - Introducing "Meshed Gears" and its purpose15:21 - The story of Esteban and finding his voice through robotics20:27 - The importance of soft skills in STEM education25:21 - The impact of robotics during the pandemic30:11 - Long-term effects on students' growth and advocacy34:03 - Introduction to drone competitions36:35 - Omar's personal growth as an educator42:55 - Where to find "Meshed Gears" and upcoming events47:46 - Omar's "edu kryptonite" - the need for more time with students49:40 - Who Omar would trade places with for a day51:52 - Omar's dream billboardOmar's story is truly inspiring, showcasing how robotics can transform both students and educators. His new book, "Meshed Gears," not only tells the touching story of a student finding his voice but also serves as a guide for teachers looking to start their own robotics programs.Show Sponsor: Ready to transform education? Join me & Goosechase in revolutionizing learning through fun and play! Let's make learning unforgettable, from thrilling classroom scavenger hunts to district-wide adventures. Visit www.myedtech.life/myedtech10 and use code MYEDTECH10 for 10% off any Goosechase subscription!Peel Back Education exists to uncover, share, and amplify powerful, authentic stories from inside classrooms and beyond, helping educators, learners, and the wider community connect meaningfully with the people and ideas shaping education today. Authentic engagement, inclusion, and learning across the curriculum for ALL your students. Teachers love Book Creator.Support the show

In this exciting episode of My EdTech Life, I welcome back Alyshahn Kara, the Chief Revenue Officer and co-founder of Goosechase, along with first-time guest Jessica Whittaker, an instructional coach. Join us as we discuss the power of digital scavenger hunts to build community and enhance teacher and student engagement by creating lasting learning experiences. Whether you're a tech-savvy educator or just getting started, this episode is packed with insights and practical tips for using Goosechase. Timestamps:0:00:30 - I introduce the episode and welcome my guests1:51 - Jessica introduces herself and her role in education3:12 - Alyshahn introduces himself and the concept behind Goosechase5:28 - Jessica shares her experience using Goosechase for teacher professional development11:59 - We discuss how Goosechase enhances learning and engagement15:15 - Jessica explains how Goosechase can be used as a formative assessment tool21:23 - Alyshahn discusses how Goosechase aligns with Bloom's taxonomy24:39 - We talk about the importance of documenting the learning process30:06 - Alyshahn talks about the Goosechase community and resources available for educators34:47 - Jessica shares her vision for implementing Goosechase with students39:32 - We discuss the pride and satisfaction teachers get from creating engaging content42:39 - Jessica emphasizes the importance of bringing fun back into education49:46 - Closing remarks and an invitation to join the Goosechase Ambassador program51:39 - Q&A session: We discuss challenges in education (EduKryptonite)54:01 - Q&A: Who would you trade places with for a day?57:32 - Q&A: If you could have a billboard, what would it say?1:00:31 - I share my motto: "Improvise, adapt, and overcome."1:01:33 - Closing thoughts and how 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.Interactive Learning with GoosechaseSave 10% with code MYEDTECH10 on all license types!Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show

Episode 291 Reimagining Education's Future with ⁠Anna Shildrick⁠ and ⁠Lucy Hutchinson⁠Hey everyone, Fonz here from My EdTech Life! In this episode, I sit down with the amazing Anna Sheldrick and Lucy Hutchinson, two passionate educators making connections in the world of AI and education. We dive deep into the teaching and learning landscape, exploring how AI can catalyze positive change. Here's what we cover:⁠0:00⁠ - Introduction and welcome2:20 - Anna's background and journey in education4:33 - Lucy's experience and perspective on educational exploration8:48 - The impact of AI on education in Mexico and globally12:53 - Addressing fears and misconceptions about AI in education18:33 - Initial thoughts on ChatGPT's release and its implications25:57 - The importance of pedagogy before technology integration31:40 - Round table discussions: Connecting educators worldwide36:24 - Challenges in education funding and professional development43:53 - Rethinking education: Student-centered learning and critical thinking50:03 - Encouraging risk-taking and innovation in teaching53:56 - Education "kryptonite": Time constraints and resistance to change55:55 - Book recommendations for educators58:26 - Dream jobs outside of educationWhether you're an educator looking to innovate in your classroom, an administrator considering AI integration, or just curious about the future of education, this episode is packed with inspiring ideas and practical insights.Remember to like, subscribe, and share if you found this helpful! And hey, why not join ⁠Anna and Lucy's roundtable discussions.⁠ Love My EdTech Life? Keep the creativity brewing—buy me a coffee and fuel the next episode! ☕️⁠buymeacoffee.com/myedtechlife⁠Stay techie, everyone!--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/myedtechlife/supportPeel 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.Interactive Learning with GoosechaseSave 10% with code MYEDTECH10 on all license types!Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show