My EdTech Life

Marnie Stockman, a former math teacher turned ed tech leader, and Nick Coniglio, a tech industry veteran, explore how to brand oneself as the CEO of your life. They discuss the importance of asking insightful questions for personal growth and share techniques for effective time and energy management. The duo introduces 'Blue', a gamified app aimed at helping students develop leadership skills. Their conversation emphasizes adaptability and the transformative power of storytelling, making it clear that investing in oneself is the best project one can undertake.

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

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

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

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

Erik Parsons, known as The PhDad on TikTok, dives deep into the intersection of education, research, and parenting. He critiques the compliance-driven nature of many classrooms, advocating for a model that prioritizes collaboration and agency. Discussing the role of play and improvisational theater, Erik emphasizes the need for student discourse to reimagine learning environments. The dangers of over-relying on technology, like AI, are explored, calling for a balance between innovation and critical thinking. Ultimately, he challenges us to rethink if we’re preparing learners or mere performers.

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

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

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

Episode 327:  Learning & Development, Instructional Design, and AI Talk with Holly Owens  In this episode, I had the honor of chatting with Holly Owens, host of EdUp EdTech, Director of Growth Marketing at Yellowdig, and all-around L&D powerhouse. We talk about everything from instructional design to AI in learning, what "proficiency" really means, and how educators can pivot into the world of L&D with confidence.If you're an educator, learning designer, or someone navigating the fast-moving world of EdTech, this one's packed with takeaways you’ll want to keep coming back to.We go deep on human-first learning, ethical red flags with AI, and the importance of not letting imposter syndrome get in your way. Whether you’re pivoting careers or just trying to stay ahead of the curve, Holly brings the fire.🔗 Connect with Holly on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hollyowens/ 🎧 Listen to the EdUp EdTech Podcast: https://www.edupedtech.com/👇 Check out the full breakdown and timestamps below:⏱️ Timestamps:00:00 – Welcome and intro 01:00 – Meet Holly Owens 03:00 – Holly’s journey from K-12 to L&D 05:30 – From marketing to education and vice versa 07:00 – The power of knowing your learners 09:00 – Human-first learning and why it matters 11:00 – Helping educators pivot and grow 14:00 – AI in learning: Hype vs. reality 17:00 – TruePeer and other AI tools Holly’s using 19:00 – Evaluating EdTech through an accessibility lens 21:00 – When to use AI—and when not to 24:00 – Losing your voice to AI? Here's Holly’s take 26:30 – AI and the emotional gap 28:00 – Digital wellness and AI companions 31:00 – What does proficiency in EdTech really mean? 33:00 – Navigating tech with teacher instincts 36:00 – Change management in the L&D world 38:00 – Ethical red flags in instructional design 40:00 – Not every problem needs a training 42:00 – AI and automation: What’s next? 44:00 – What skills are still uniquely human? 46:00 – Where to connect with Holly 47:00 – Rapid-fire Q&A: Kryptonite, billboards, and Taylor Swift?🙏 A huge thanks to our amazing sponsors: Book Creator | Eduaide.AI | Yellowdig💻 Visit https://www.myedtech.life for more episodes, resources, and guest spotlights.🎧 Until next time… Stay Techie!Authentic engagement, inclusion, and learning across the curriculum for ALL your students. Teachers love Book Creator. Yellowdig is transforming higher education by building online communities that drive engagement and collaboration. My EdTech Life is proud to partner with Yellowdig to amplify its mission.See how Yellowdig can revolutionize your campus—visit Yellowdig.co today!Support the show