Send us a textEpisode 304: Amplifying Student Voices with Bonnie NievesIn this episode of My EdTech Life, I sit down with my great friend, Bonnie Nieves, to discuss the power of amplifying student voices, fostering engagement, and embracing new challenges in the classroom. Bonnie shares her experience transitioning from high school to 6th-grade science, creating meaningful learning opportunities, and her passion for student-led podcasting. This is an inspiring episode filled with actionable strategies for teachers to enhance student ownership and connection to content. 🌟🔗 Don’t miss Bonnie’s newsletter and student podcast – links are below!🕒 Timestamps:0:00 Introduction and catching up with Bonnie Nieves2:00 Bonnie’s background and work in the education space5:00 Transition from high school science to 6th-grade general science7:32 Amplifying student voices and fostering student ownership10:00 Hands-on activities and building collaboration skills12:45 Tips for engaging students and empowering their voices16:25 Students starting their own podcast: I Love Your Guts19:00 Power of choice and creating authentic learning opportunities23:00 Upcoming FETC sessions: Personalized AI assistants, Bloom’s Taxonomy, and formative assessments28:00 Responsible AI use in education and perplexity for research35:00 Reflections on student engagement, challenges, and progress37:16 The 3-element formative assessment strategy explained42:45 Actionable steps for amplifying student voices in the classroom45:09 Final takeaways and Bonnie’s “Edu Kryptonite”💡 Connect with Bonnie:📧 Weekly Newsletter: Educate On Purpose Weekly🎙️ Student Podcast I Love Your Guts: Available on Spotify🚀 Support the Podcast: If you find value in our episodes, consider supporting us here.📢 Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe to help us reach 1,000 subscribers!Don't forget, Stay Techie! 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

Send us a textBlending Creativity, Education, and Technology with Manuel HerreraWelcome to another inspiring episode of My EdTech Life! Today, we sit down with the multi-talented Manuel Herrera, an illustrator, educator, and consultant, to discuss his journey through education, creativity, and EdTech. Manuel shares how his passion for drawing and creativity has shaped his career and inspired countless students and educators. Get ready for an engaging conversation full of actionable insights and inspiration for educators, creators, and lifelong learners!🔗 Key Topics Discussed:Manuel's journey from classroom teacher to EdTech leader and consultantHow creativity enhances teaching and learningThe role of tools in the creative processOvercoming imposter syndrome and fostering confidencePractical steps to unlock your creative potential✨ Timestamps: 00:30 Introduction and gratitude to the audience02:00 Meet Manuel Herrera: Educator, illustrator, and speaker03:14 Blending passions: Creativity in education and EdTech06:00 The early days of creativity in teaching10:00 Storyboarding and drawing: Unlocking student creativity18:27 Manuel's current role and the birth of Manuel Draws25:00 Encouraging educators to express their creativity32:58 Tackling imposter syndrome and building a supportive network39:00 Steps to ignite your creative journey41:17 Manuel's “edu kryptonite”: Chasing too many tools45:42 Manuel's billboard message: "Don’t Be a Jerk!"📢 Stay Connected:Follow Manuel Herrera for more creative inspirationCheck out his work at Manuel Draws: https://www.manueldraws.com/🌟 Support My EdTech Life:If you enjoy our episodes, consider supporting us: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2395968/support🎧 Listen to All Episodes:Visit www.myedtech.life to explore 300+ episodes packed with knowledge nuggets for educators and creators alike.💡 Subscribe, Like, and Share:Remember to like this video, subscribe to our channel, and share it with fellow educators and creatives. Let’s continue growing this amazing community together.Stay inspired, stay creative, and, as always, Stay Techie!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

Nick Potkalitsky, an educator with two decades of experience and founder of Pragmatic AI Solutions, teams up with Mike Kentz, a former financial journalist turned educator. They delve into their new book, exploring AI's transformative role in K-12 education. Key topics include the need for teacher-led experimentation and balancing the emotional challenges of adapting to AI. They advocate for personalized learning over standardization and emphasize that AI should enhance, not replace, traditional teaching methods.

Send us a textConnect, Create, and Grow with The Art of EducationIn this episode of My EdTech Life, I reconnect with Jen Leban to discuss the vibrant and supportive Art of Education community. Jen shares her journey from being an art teacher to becoming the Online Community Manager for The Art of Education University. Learn how the community supports art educators worldwide, fosters creativity, and integrates technology like AI into art education. Whether you're an aspiring art teacher, a seasoned educator, or someone passionate about the intersection of art and tech, this episode is for you!Timestamps:00:00 Welcome and Introduction01:36 Jen's Journey in Education02:28 From Art Teacher to Online Community Manager06:29 Supporting Art Teachers Through Community08:26 The Art of Education Offerings Explained14:05 Embracing AI in Art Education18:29 Overcoming Resistance to Technology in Art22:44 Simple Ways to Incorporate AI in Art Classrooms25:28 Inside the Art of Education Community29:56 Activities and Monthly Art Club Meetings34:09 How to Join the Community and Connect with Jen37:31 Reflecting on Growth Over the YearsImportant Links:🌟 Join the Community: http://community.theartofeducation.edu/🌟 Explore The Art of Education: https://theartofeducation.edu🌟 Learn About the NOW Conference: https://theartofeducation.edu/now/🌟 Check Out the YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@theartofed🌟 Listen to the Podcast: https://theartofeducation.edu/podcasts/Follow My EdTech Life:👉 Website: www.myedtech.life👉 Subscribe and Like for more amazing conversations with inspiring guests!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

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.

Send us a textEpisode 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!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

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.

Send us a textIn 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 RoboticsYellowdig 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!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

Send us a textNavigating 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!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