

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

Oct 12, 2023 • 55min
Episode 239: Digital Promise: Elevating Professional Development
In this insightful episode, I sit down with David L. Jackson from Digital Promise to discuss the paramount importance of Professional Development (PD) in the ever-evolving educational landscape. Our conversation sheds light on the remarkable partnership between Digital Promise and Verizon, which is aimed at fostering a culture of continuous learning among educators. We also touch on the upcoming event, 'Elevating Innovation,' a collaborative venture designed to propel technology integration in classrooms to new heights. Through Verizon's Innovative Learning HQ, this initiative seeks to equip educators with the necessary digital skills, ensuring a forward-thinking, inclusive, and enriched learning environment for students. Join us as we explore the transformative power of PD and how it's paving the way for a brighter educational future. Tune in to dive deeper into the synergy between Digital Promise, Verizon, and the collective mission to elevate educational innovation.--- 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

Oct 11, 2023 • 53min
Episode 238: A Perfect Fit with Diffit: Elevating Teacher Efficiency
Step into the world of EdTech with our special guest, Kathryn Greene. With eight profound years of teaching history, Kathryn transitioned to a pivotal role in the EdTech landscape. As the Content and Community Lead at Diffit For Teachers, she champions the cause of educators everywhere. Diffit isn’t just another tool – it's a game-changer for teachers. Through its intuitive platform, Diffit streamlines tasks, curates practical resources and provides solutions that address educators' daily challenges. The outcome? Teachers not only discover better ways to support their students but also reclaim precious hours in their day. Join us as we explore Kathryn's journey, the magic behind Diffit, and the future of education technology. A truly insightful and inspiring episode awaits!🎉 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

Oct 10, 2023 • 1h 14min
Episode 237: STEM: Bridging Gaps, Building Futures
Join us on this episode of My EdTech Life as we dive into the Girl Powered initiative by the Robotics Education & Competition (REC) Foundation. We'll explore how the REC Foundation strives to make the realm of robotics reflect our diverse world and spark excitement among young minds for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). Dive into the discussion on fostering diversity and inclusion in robotics and beyond. Don't miss the lively discussion filled with insights and inspiring stories. --- 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

Oct 4, 2023 • 1h 2min
Episode 236: Visual Narratives: Tech-Enabled Expression
Join us as we explore the intersection of technology and storytelling with Chris Willey, Director of Technology at Islands of Brilliance. A dedicated educator and Adobe Innovator, Chris harnesses creative tech to empower autistic individuals to share their stories visually. From his artistic journey to his mission of creating inclusive spaces for the 14+ community, this episode unveils how Chris makes the educational revolution irresistible, one story at a time.--- 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

Oct 3, 2023 • 53min
Episode 235: Judie AI: Bridging Tech and Teaching
In this episode of My EdTech Life, we are thrilled to host Alex Hassan, the founder of Judie AI, a revolutionary platform aimed at making high-quality education effortless and accessible. Judie AI creates an intuitive learning environment through advanced AI technologies, offering personalized experiences for students, educators, and parents alike. Join us as Alex shares the inspiration behind Judie AI and how it's bridging the gap between technology and education to foster a brighter educational future.🎉 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 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