My EdTech Life

 Episode 306: Unlocking Engagement in Education with Curipod In this episode of My EdTech Life, I sit down with Eirik Berre and Frikk Fossan, co-founders of Curipod, an innovative AI-powered platform transforming classrooms by fostering collaboration, engagement, and 100% participation.Discover how Curipod helps educators create dynamic lessons, spark classroom discussions, and lower participation barriers for all students. From STAAR test prep success to bilingual support and groundbreaking updates launching soon, Eirik and Frikk share how Curipod is shaping the future of education.We also dive into the personal stories behind the platform—what inspired these passionate innovators to tackle education challenges and what drives their mission to make learning inclusive and engaging. Plus, they share their favorite Texas dishes and reflect on the power of curiosity in learning.🌟 Highlights:✅ Curipod’s unique "Think, Pair, Share" approach✅ Game-changing AI feedback for student writing✅ Tailoring lessons to students’ interests (Pokémon, Taylor Swift, & more!)✅ Powerful updates coming in January✅ Insights into fostering collaboration and SEL in classrooms🎧 Listen now and explore how Curipod is revolutionizing learning, one classroom at a time!👉 Connect with Curipod:🔗 Website: curipod.com📲 Follow on Social: @Curipod📌 Don’t forget to subscribe to My EdTech Life and help us reach our 2025 goal of 1,000 subscribers!➡️ Follow My EdTech Life:🌐 Website: myedtech.life📺 YouTube: Subscribe Now📲 Socials: @MyEdTechLife💰Support: Be A Show ProducerAuthentic 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

In this episode of My EdTech Life, we dive into a crucial topic for parents and educators: creating safer digital spaces for kids. Fonz Mendoza sits down with Bill Brady, CEO of Troomi, to discuss how their innovative phone technology is empowering parents to navigate the challenges of screen time, social media, and digital safety. Tune in for valuable insights, actionable tips, and a look at how Troomi is revolutionizing the tech landscape for families.Timestamps:0:00 - Introduction: Welcoming Bill Brady01:30 - Bill’s Background: Fatherhood and the impact of tech on families06:00 - The Birth of Troomi: Addressing the gap in kid-safe technology10:15 - Guiding Parents: Handling societal pressures on phone usage14:00 - Tackling Digital Wellness: Anxiety, depression, and screen time solutions18:30 - Troomi Features: Safe browsing and app suite21:15 - Guardrails for Safety: Preventing inappropriate content24:45 - Growing with Kids: How Troomi evolves with age27:30 - Empowering Parents: Insights into kids' digital behavior31:00 - Holiday Offers: Free Troomi Pro phone and discounts34:00 - Final Thoughts: Why digital safety matters36:00 - Fun Segment: Edu-kryptonite, billboards, and trading placesLinks:🌐 Visit Troomi: https://www.troomi.com🎧 Explore all episodes of My EdTech Life: https://www.myedtech.life💙 Support the podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2395968/supportFollow Us on Social Media:Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, and more: @myedtechlife🔔 Subscribe to our YouTube Channel! Let’s hit 1,000 subscribers before 2025!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 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! 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

Blending 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!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

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.

Connect, 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!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

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.

Episode 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!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

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.