

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 25, 2023 • 58min
Episode 244: Generation Mindful: Nurturing Resilience
In tonight's episode, we are thrilled to have Suzanne Tucker, the mind behind Generation Mindful, join us. We explore her innovative approach to nurturing emotional intelligence in children through playful, expert-designed tools. Discover how her Time-In Toolkit and Snuggle Buddies™ Emotions Plush are revolutionizing learning and helping to raise caring, confident, and resilient children. As we discuss positive parenting and creating supportive learning environments, prepare for a heartwarming conversation filled with insights on connecting with young ones on an emotional level and fostering an emotionally healthy world for generations to come.--- 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 24, 2023 • 54min
Episode 243: Harnessing Community: The Buzly Blueprint for Education
In tonight's episode, we dive into the inspiring journey of Srinjay Verma, the visionary behind Buzly, a student-centric platform transforming the educational landscape at Sacramento State. Buzly has emerged as a beacon of connection in a post-pandemic world from a resale marketplace idea to creating a thriving online community. Srinjay shares the challenges, the pivots, and the incredible impact Buzly has had in fostering a sense of belonging among students. Tune in as we explore how Buzly is not only breaking down barriers of isolation but setting a new paradigm in EdTech, one campus 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 20, 2023 • 52min
Episode 242: The Swing Education Approach to Subbing
I am excited to welcome Mike Teng, the visionary behind Swing Education, as our special guest tonight. I'm excited to dive into how Swing Education revolutionizes traditional staffing by connecting K-12 schools with top-notch substitute teachers. You'll discover how their technology-enabled marketplace makes a real difference by addressing the teacher shortage issue and providing flexible substitute teaching opportunities. Best of all, their efforts are helping schools ensure that learning never stops. So, join us for an engaging discussion on the potential of EdTech in reshaping educational ecosystems and guaranteeing uninterrupted learning experiences for students. --- 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 18, 2023 • 51min
Episode 241: Transforming Math Anxiety into Excitement with Heather Brown
On this episode of My EdTech Life, I have the pleasure of chatting with Heather Brown, an experienced educator at East Coloma-Nelson Elementary School in Illinois. Heather is a renowned figure in the educational technology community, known for her unwavering dedication to using cutting-edge edtech tools to transform classrooms. She inspires many, and I can't wait to hear her story and learn about her strategies for making math fun for young learners. So please sit back, relax, and let's hear Heather's inspiring journey together.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 17, 2023 • 54min
Episode 240: Tech-Powered Learning with Short Answer
Join us for a transformative episode of My EdTech Life as we explore the dynamic fusion of education and technology with Adam Sparks, co-founder of Short Answer. From his roots on a Nebraska farm to teaching in diverse global contexts and a stint at Stanford, Adam's journey culminates in creating Short Answer—an edtech marvel revolutionizing K-12 education through peer feedback. In this episode, you will uncover the future of formative assessment, engaging writing, and the profound impact of innovation in education. Whether you're an educator, an edtech enthusiast, or simply passionate about enhancing learning, this conversation is your gateway to the future of education.--- 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 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