My EdTech Life

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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