

My EdTech Life
Fonz Mendoza
My EdTech Life is where education meets innovation with clarity, caution, and purpose. Hosted by Alfonso "Fonz" Mendoza Jr., this podcast features real conversations with educators, founders, researchers, and thought leaders who are shaping the future of learning.From classroom-tested tools to emerging AI trends, we cut through the noise to spotlight what truly works in K–12 and higher education. As a leading voice in responsible AI adoption, Fonz challenges the hype and elevates voices that often go unheard, bringing practical, ethical, and future-forward insights to every episode.Whether you're a teacher, instructional coach, policymaker, or edtech creator, this is your space to connect, question, and grow.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Sep 27, 2023 • 50min
Episode 234: From Depths to Development: The Journey of Soft Skills Innovation
In this episode, I welcome JAKAPA CEO, Gavin Pringle, who overcame youthful struggles and submarine service to launch an innovative soft skills education company. JAKAPA's platform trains and measures soft skills with minimal teacher input, addressing the soft skills gap with a learner-centric approach. Gavin shares his inspiring personal journey and vision to spearhead a soft skills revolution.🎉 Huge shoutout to GooseChase for sponsoring My EdTech Life! 🎉 Dive into the world of interactive experiences with GooseChase, the ultimate platform for creating delightful scavenger hunts. And here's a treat for all My EdTech Life listeners: Get a 10% discount on all GooseChase plans for educators and schools. Use promo code MYEDTECH10 at checkout. Don't miss out! 🚀Want to get your brand in front of passionate educators and tech enthusiasts? Sponsor an episode of our podcast and amplify your reach! Reach out to myedtechlife@gmail.com, and let's make an impact together!--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/myedtechlife/supportAuthentic 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

Sep 26, 2023 • 51min
Episode 233: Moments That Matter: Preparing for College Success.
I am thrilled to present a new episode of My EdTech Life, and we have a fantastic guest with us today - Laura Escamilla, the Executive Director of Stars Scholarship Fund. Laura is a true champion, devoting over 18 years to transforming the Stars Scholarship Fund into a powerful force that provides scholarships to deserving students. She is also an avid learner, pursuing a Doctorate of Education from Northeastern University. In her podcast "Moments That Matter," Laura shares her insights on college readiness based on her experiences as both a professional and a parent. We are excited to discuss with Laura the importance of preparing students for higher education and her tireless efforts to make education accessible to all. Join us for an enlightening conversation highlighting the power of college readiness in shaping students' brighter futures.🎉 Huge shoutout to GooseChase for sponsoring My EdTech Life! 🎉 Dive into the world of interactive experiences with GooseChase, the ultimate platform for creating delightful scavenger hunts. And here's a treat for all My EdTech Life listeners: Get a 10% discount on all GooseChase plans for educators and schools. Use promo code MYEDTECH10 at checkout. Don't miss out! 🚀Want to get your brand in front of passionate educators and tech enthusiasts? Sponsor an episode of our podcast and amplify your reach! Reach out to myedtechlife@gmail.com, and let's make an impact together!--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/myedtechlife/supportAuthentic 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

Sep 20, 2023 • 51min
Episode 232: Multimedia Projects: Boosting Student Creativity
Have you ever felt like the world of K-12 education is vast and ever-evolving? Dive in with me, Fonz Mendoza, as we journey through the multifaceted realm of educational technology. With a particular focus on classroom innovations, I'll be chatting with Ryan Kochevar, a seasoned expert from WeVideo who's been at the forefront of K-12 education for over a decade. From his days as an elementary school teacher to his current role crafting instructional resources and leading professional development, Ryan's insights are enlightening and actionable. Together, we'll explore the nuances of using WeVideo in the classroom, the transformative power of educational technologies, and the future of learning. Whether you're an educator, tech enthusiast, or just curious about the ever-changing educational landscape, this podcast promises engaging discussions and valuable takeaways. Join us and be part of the EdTech revolution!🎉 Huge shoutout to Goosechase for sponsoring My EdTech Life! 🎉 Dive into the world of interactive experiences with GooseChase, the ultimate platform for creating delightful scavenger hunts. And here's a treat for all My EdTech Life listeners: Get a 10% discount on all GooseChase plans for educators and schools. Use promo code MYEDTECH10 at checkout. Don't miss out! 🚀--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/myedtechlife/supportAuthentic 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

Sep 13, 2023 • 48min
Episode 231: Digital Innovation in Art Education
Dive into the world of Tim Needles, renowned artist, educator, and author of "STEAM Power." A TEDx speaker and technology specialist, Tim's work has been showcased on NPR, the New York Times, and in major museums. With accolades like ISTE’s Technology in Action Award and roles such as NASA Solar System Ambassador, Tim seamlessly blends art with technology. Join us for a captivating chat with an education trailblazer.Want to get your brand in front of passionate educators and tech enthusiasts? Sponsor an episode of our podcast and amplify your reach! Reach out to myedtechlife@gmail.com, and let's make an impact together!--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/myedtechlife/supportAuthentic 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

Sep 12, 2023 • 49min
Episode 230: MegaMinds: Innovating Education Now
Join me tonight as I chat with Eric Tao, a seasoned digital producer with over 20 years of experience in digital interactive production. Eric's journey has been nothing short of remarkable, from leading innovative teams at Google and exploring the vast potential of Virtual Reality in education to his pivotal roles at global advertising agencies. Now, as the marketing, business, and operations lead for MegaMinds, he's at the helm of revolutionizing the educational experience. Tune in to discover the future of educational technology, the transformative power of VR in learning, and the vision behind MegaMinds. Don't miss this enlightening conversation!--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/myedtechlife/supportAuthentic 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

Sep 6, 2023 • 51min
Episode 229: Creative Education: Innovating Tomorrow's Classroom Today
Join us for an enlightening conversation with Willie Thomas III, the Director of Media Integration at Robinson ISD. An Adobe Creative Innovator, published author, speaker, and passionate presenter, Willie has dedicated his life to integrating technology seamlessly into education. We'll learn more about his educational journey, explore the essence of his creative path, and discuss the pivotal role of creativity in the classroom. Willie firmly believes in equipping students with the tools they need for a competitive future and sees educators as the catalysts for producing the next generation of leaders and innovators. Don't miss this chance to gain insights from a visionary who's reshaping the educational landscape.--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/myedtechlife/supportAuthentic 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

Sep 2, 2023 • 58min
Episode228: A Catch-Up Conversation: Books, AI, and Strategic Planning
Join me for a special episode of our Saturday morning show with guest Al Kingsley, a renowned author and expert in education technology. While Al has been involved in AI and authoring, today's conversation will primarily focus on school strategic planning. We will discuss the challenges of growth, vital current risks, and the evolving ways we measure impact. Please tune in for an enlightening discussion that will provide valuable insights and guidance for the development and growth of our schools in these challenging times.--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/myedtechlife/supportAuthentic 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

Aug 30, 2023 • 52min
Episode 227: Interactive Learning: Beyond Traditional Classrooms
In this episode, we are joined by Alyshahn Kara-Virani, Chief Revenue Officer of Goosechase, and Sara Appleby, an experienced Instructional Coach, as they dive deep into the world of innovative teaching methods. Together, they discuss how the Goosechase platform can be a game-changer for educators looking to ignite creativity and ensure lasting learning impact among their students. Alyshahn shares insights into the platform's features and capabilities, while Sara provides real-world examples of how she has leveraged these features to create engaging and impactful learning experiences. From creating interactive scavenger hunts to designing custom missions that align with curriculum objectives, they explore the myriad of ways Goosechase can empower teachers to think outside the box and revolutionize their teaching approach. Tune in to discover how you can transform your classroom and inspire a love for learning with Goosechase.--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/myedtechlife/supportAuthentic 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

Aug 29, 2023 • 52min
Episode 226: The Power of Strategic Communication
In this episode, education experts Rita Ferrandino and Jackie Jircitano discuss the importance of strategic communications for district leaders in today's polarized world. They share insights on building supportive coalitions with stakeholders—from parents to media—before a crisis hits and the role of proactive communication in navigating controversy and advancing a vision of student success. Through interviews, workshops, and case studies, we explore how to create a communication plan that empowers leaders to amplify their vision and make evidence-based decisions for their communities. Tune in to learn how to navigate today's educational challenges more effectively--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/myedtechlife/supportSupport the show

Aug 26, 2023 • 60min
Episode 225: Unveiling Magic: Where AR Meets SEL in Books
In this episode, we dive into Tricia Fugelstad's latest creation, "PETER O’ Meter," an AR-enhanced children’s book that entertains and educates in the sphere of social-emotional learning (SEL). It's a book that turns reading into an immersive, imaginative, and (Fugle)fun adventure. Discover how Tricia’s transdigital lessons, her passion for integrating technology, and her students' award-winning Fugleflicks led to this moment. Prepare to be inspired by her dream-turned-(augmented)-reality!--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/myedtechlife/supportSupport the show