EdTech Bites Podcast

In this episode, I chat Magicbit STEM Education Kits with Ranjan de Costa and Migara Amithodhana. Don't know what Magicbits are? No problem! These kits are designed for students to unleash their creativity, critical thinking, and problem solving skills in the classroom. Students program them to complete all sorts of tasks. The best part is that they can be used by those who have no coding experience to even the savviest of coders. To connect with OmniPro, Ranjan, and Migara, use the links below. Buen provecho! Connect With Gabriel Carrillo EdTech Bites Website: https://edtechbites.com EdTech Bites Twitter: https://twitter.com/edtechbites EdTech Bites Instagram: https://instagram.com/edtechbites EdTech Bites Facebook Page: https://facebook.com/edtechbites EdTech Bites YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQCZcyW4BkCFQ5P2BLK61xg About Ranjan de Costa In 1991, Ranjan de Costa founded OmniPro as a San Francisco Bay Area VAR (Value Added Reseller) and today, OmniPro is a computer systems integrator and IT supplier. Ranjan de Costa's goal has always been to help students in need, schools without tech resources, as well as the government and education markets with budget short-falls. Connect With OmniPro and Magicbit OmniPro Website: https://omnipro.com/ Magicbit Website: https://magicbit.cc/ OmniPro YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WlAOPlwKjCs OmniPro On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/omnipro-llc/about/ About Migara Amithodana With a degree in electronics and telecommunications engineering, Migara has been involved in developing technical solutions for various fields in Sri Lanka. He has more than 8 years of experience in the ICT industry and is a co-founder of Magicbit which promotes innovation and creativity for the next generation. Connect With Amithodana Migara On Twitter: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amithodhana/

This episode is sponsored by Propello. Are you a teacher that's tired of talking? Are you an admin that's looking to infuse more energy into your classrooms? Look no further than Propello. Propello's teaching and learning platform is designed to help schools and districts shift away from old-school, "sit and get" teaching. Instead, Propello is designed to help every teacher embrace student-centered, hands-on, and inquiry-based instruction. Propello combines standards-aligned curriculum, scaffolding like language translations and leveled reading, and embedded teacher guidance to ensure every student, in every classroom, gets a first-class learning experience. Learn more and sign up for free at www.propello.com In this episode, I chat about longevity in podcasting with David Henderson and Jeff Madlock AKA, The EduTech Guys. These guys have been in the edtech podcasting game for over 10 years and have over 1,000 episodes in conference coverage alone! These are my favorite edtech podcasters and I had the opportunity to chat with them on my show about what it takes to stay in the game for so long. Peep the episode to hear the organic, in-person conversation Listen to it and share it with others. To connect with David and Jeff, use the links below. Buen provecho! Connect With Gabriel Carrillo EdTech Bites Website: https://edtechbites.com EdTech Bites Twitter: https://twitter.com/edtechbites EdTech Bites Instagram: https://instagram.com/edtechbites EdTech Bites Facebook Page: https://facebook.com/edtechbites EdTech Bites YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQCZcyW4BkCFQ5P2BLK61xg About David and Jeff AKA The EduTech Guys EduTechGuys is a high-intensity rollercoaster ride of super fun which takes mortal form in the two distinct entities which are David Henderson and Jeff Madlock. Crafted in the fires of Mt. Wannahockaluggie, these two self-proclaimed high priests of edtech first started navigating the world of educational technology on the web through a podcast, over a ravine in a rainstorm in 2015 (Sharkbait, ooh ha ha). Since then the two have traveled the nation bringing their joy for silly puns and more importantly sharing the journey of each educator they encounter. Connect With The EduTech Guys EduTech Guys On Twitter: https://twitter.com/edutechguys EduTech Guys On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/edutechguys/ EduTech Guys On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/edutechguys EduTech Guys On Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/edutechguys/id1037507680?mt=2

This episode is sponsored by Propello. Are you a teacher that's tired of talking? Are you an admin that's looking to infuse more energy into your classrooms? Look no further than Propello. Propello's teaching and learning platform is designed to help schools and districts shift away from old-school, "sit and get" teaching. Instead, Propello is designed to help every teacher embrace student-centered, hands-on, and inquiry-based instruction. Propello combines standards-aligned curriculum, scaffolding like language translations and leveled reading, and embedded teacher guidance to ensure every student, in every classroom, gets a first-class learning experience. Learn more and sign up for free at www.propello.com In this episode, I chat with Kristin and Joe Merrill while at ISTE Live 23. We chat about the delicate balance of being a content creator and a parent. They're still in the classroom doing their thing and traveling to speak at conferences. How do they do it? Why do they do it? Who does the laundry? Peep the episode to hear the organic, in-person conversation Listen to it and share it with others. To connect with Kristin and Joe, use the links below. Buen provecho! Connect With Gabriel Carrillo EdTech Bites Website: https://edtechbites.com EdTech Bites Twitter: https://twitter.com/edtechbites EdTech Bites Instagram: https://instagram.com/edtechbites EdTech Bites Facebook Page: https://facebook.com/edtechbites EdTech Bites YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQCZcyW4BkCFQ5P2BLK61xg About Kristin and Joe Merrill Kristin and Joe are Fourth and First Grade teachers and authors of the InterACTIVE Class series. Together, put a spin on traditional strategies by infusing EdTech with learning that meets the needs of all students. Connect With Kroe Kroe's Website: http://www.themerrillsedu.com Kroe On Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/TheMerrillsEDU Kroe On Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/TheMerrillsEDU Kroe On Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/TheMerrillsEDU Kroe On TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@themerrillsedu

This episode is sponsored by Propello. Are you a teacher that's tired of talking? Are you an admin that's looking to infuse more energy into your classrooms? Look no further than Propello. Propello's teaching and learning platform is designed to help schools and districts shift away from old-school, "sit and get" teaching. Instead, Propello is designed to help every teacher embrace student-centered, hands-on, and inquiry-based instruction. Propello combines standards-aligned curriculum, scaffolding like language translations and leveled reading, and embedded teacher guidance to ensure every student, in every classroom, gets a first-class learning experience. Learn more and sign up for free at www.propello.com In this episode, I chat with Jed Stefanowicz and Manuel Herrera to discuss the power of influence by being a rule breaker and changemaker. We chat about Jed's new book, Impact To Influence, as well as Manny's path through the EdTech landscape. This is a great episode and will probably not be the last one you hear amongst the three of us. Listen to it and share it with others. To connect with Jed and Manuel, use the links below. Buen provecho! Connect With Gabriel Carrillo EdTech Bites Website: https://edtechbites.com EdTech Bites Twitter: https://twitter.com/edtechbites EdTech Bites Instagram: https://instagram.com/edtechbites EdTech Bites Facebook Page: https://facebook.com/edtechbites EdTech Bites YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQCZcyW4BkCFQ5P2BLK61xg About Jed Stefanowicz Jed Stefanowicz provides job-embedded professional development, leadership, and instructional coaching for academic technology. Through conferences, workshops, and coaching, Jed aims to engage and build staff/student digital learning capacity, keeping the focus on practice over product. As a 28 year elementary educator, speaker, blogger, and former Massachusetts Teach Plus Policy Fellow, Jed shares his passion for effective tech integration to transform teaching and learning, creating engaging and equitable digital learning environments and experiences that activate, innovate, and motivate digital learning. He is the Author of Take AIM at Digital Learning: Activate, Innovate, Motivate, and Impact to Influence Connect With Jed Jed On Twitter: https://twitter.com/stefanowicz135 Jed's Website: www.jedpd.com Connect With Manuel Manuel's Website: https://www.manueldraws.com/ Manuel On Twitter: https://twitter.com/manuelherrera33 Manuel On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/manuelherrera33/

This episode is sponsored by Propello. Are you a teacher that's tired of talking? Are you an admin that's looking to infuse more energy into your classrooms? Look no further than Propello. Propello's teaching and learning platform is designed to help schools and districts shift away from old-school, "sit and get" teaching. Instead, Propello is designed to help every teacher embrace student-centered, hands-on, and inquiry-based instruction. Propello combines standards-aligned curriculum, scaffolding like language translations and leveled reading, and embedded teacher guidance to ensure every student, in every classroom, gets a first-class learning experience. Learn more and sign up for free at www.propello.com In this episode, I chat with Christine Ravesi-Weinstein to discuss both student AND educator well being. She's an author, speaker, mental health advocate, educational leader, editor, and vlogger. She's got quite a story to tell and has even started her own non-profit organization, Running From Anxiety. This is a great conversation that EVERY EDUCATOR NEEDS TO HEAR. Listen to it and share it with others. To connect with Christine, use the links below. Buen provecho! Connect With Gabriel Carrillo EdTech Bites Website: https://edtechbites.com EdTech Bites Twitter: https://twitter.com/edtechbites EdTech Bites Instagram: https://instagram.com/edtechbites EdTech Bites Facebook Page: https://facebook.com/edtechbites EdTech Bites YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQCZcyW4BkCFQ5P2BLK61xg About Christine Ravesi-Weinstein Christine Ravesi-Weinstein currently serves as a high school Assistant Principal in Massachusetts, USA and previously worked as a high school science department chair for four years and classroom teacher for 15. Diagnosed with anxiety and depression at 23, Christine began her journey towards mental wellness. She began a non-profit organization in June of 2017 aimed at removing the stigma of mental illness and promoting physical activity as a means to cope with anxiety. Now she works as an author, speaker, and the CEO of her own publishing company. Christine helps educators prioritize student mental health in the face of 21st century technology. Connect With Christine Christine On Twitter: https://twitter.com/RavesiWeinstein Christine's Website: https://www.ravesiweinstein.com Running From Anxiety Website: http://www.runningfromanxiety.org/

This episode is sponsored by Propello. Are you a teacher that's tired of talking? Are you an admin that's looking to infuse more energy into your classrooms? Look no further than Propello. Propello's teaching and learning platform is designed to help schools and districts shift away from old-school, "sit and get" teaching. Instead, Propello is designed to help every teacher embrace student-centered, hands-on, and inquiry-based instruction. Propello combines standards-aligned curriculum, scaffolding like language translations and leveled reading, and embedded teacher guidance to ensure every student, in every classroom, gets a first-class learning experience. Learn more and sign up for free at www.propello.com In this episode, I chat with Matthew Joseph to discuss his publishing company, X-Factor. He's a published author and has held many positions in education. He's also a podcaster who's passionate about promoting student voice through podcasts as well. We discuss his EDU path and also tap into the importance of empowering others to ensure longevity. To connect with Matthew, use the links below. Buen provecho! Connect With Gabriel Carrillo EdTech Bites Website: https://edtechbites.com EdTech Bites Twitter: https://twitter.com/edtechbites EdTech Bites Instagram: https://instagram.com/edtechbites EdTech Bites Facebook Page: https://facebook.com/edtechbites EdTech Bites YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQCZcyW4BkCFQ5P2BLK61xg About Matthew Joseph Dr. Matthew X. Joseph is currently the Director of Evaluation, Supervision, Mentoring, and Hiring in Brockton Public Schools. He is also the CEO of X-Factor EDU consulting and publishing. Experiences such as Executive Director of Teaching and Learning, Director of Curriculum and Instruction, Director of Digital Learning and Innovation, elementary school principal, classroom teacher, and district professional development specialist have provided Matt with incredible insights on how to best support teaching and learning Connect With Matthew Joseph Matthew On Twitter: https://twitter.com/MatthewXJoseph Matthew On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/matthew_x_joseph/ Matthew's Website: https://www.xfactor.link

This episode is sponsored by Propello. Are you a teacher that's tired of talking? Are you an admin that's looking to infuse more energy into your classrooms? Look no further than Propello. Propello's teaching and learning platform is designed to help schools and districts shift away from old-school, "sit and get" teaching. Instead, Propello is designed to help every teacher embrace student-centered, hands-on, and inquiry-based instruction. Propello combines standards-aligned curriculum, scaffolding like language translations and leveled reading, and embedded teacher guidance to ensure every student, in every classroom, gets a first-class learning experience. Learn more and sign up for free at www.propello.com In this episode, I chat with Sarah Thomas and Mandy Froehligh from EduMatch while at ISTE 2023. Not sure what the heck EduMatch is? Peep this episode because more than likely, EduMatch has you covered with what you need in your EDU career. Not going to lie… it sounds like a dating site for teachers right?! It isn't but that's not to say that the idea for that is not brewing as we speak. Check out this episode and don't forget to connect with everything that EduMatch, Sarah, and Mandy are doing for our fellow educators. To connect with Sarah, Mandy, and EduMatch use the links below. Buen provecho! Connect With Gabriel Carrillo EdTech Bites Website: https://edtechbites.com EdTech Bites Twitter: https://twitter.com/edtechbites EdTech Bites Instagram: https://instagram.com/edtechbites EdTech Bites Facebook Page: https://facebook.com/edtechbites EdTech Bites YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQCZcyW4BkCFQ5P2BLK61xg About Sarah Thomas Sarah-Jane Thomas, PhD is a Regional Technology Coordinator in a large district in Maryland. She is the founder of the EduMatch project, which promotes connection and collaboration among educators around the world. Through EduMatch, Sarah has published several collaborative and individual books. EduMatch is also a recognized Google for Education professional development partner. Sarah serves as President on the Board of Directors for EduMatch Foundation, Inc., a nonprofit that supports grassroots work of students and educators. In addition, she is a co-author of the ISTE publication series, Closing the Gap, focusing on digital equity, as well as a Google Certified Innovator and trainer. Sarah graduated from George Mason University with a doctoral degree in Education, and a concentration in International Education. She also holds a Master's degree from Howard University in the field of Curriculum and Instruction. Sarah was designated an ASCD Emerging Leader in 2016, and was recognized in EdTech Magazine's 30 K-12 IT Influencers Worth a Follow in 2020. She was named by the National School Board Association as one of the "20 to Watch" in 2015. She was part of the Technical Working Group that refreshed the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) Standards for Educators in 2016-2017, and in 2017, she received the ISTE "Making IT Happen" Award. About Mandy Froehlich Mandy Froehlich passionately encourages educators to create innovative change in their classrooms. An experienced Director of Innovation and Technology, technology integrator, and teacher, she has experience at many levels of the organizational structure. Her interest lies in reinvigorating and re-engaging teachers back into their profession, as well as what's needed to support teachers in their pursuit of innovative and divergent thinking and teaching. She consults internationally with school districts and post-secondary institutions in the effective use of technology to support great teaching, mental health support for educators, and how to create organizational change. Connect With Sarah Thomas Sarah On Twitter: https://twitter.com/sarahdateechur Sarah On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-jane-thomas/ Cathy's Non-Profit On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TVSTEM Connect With Mandy Froehlich Mandy On Twitter: https://twitter.com/froehlichm Mandy's Website: https://www.mandyfroehlich.com Connect With EduMatch EduMatch Website: https://www.edumatch.org/ EduMatch On Twitter: https://twitter.com/edu_match EduMatch On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/edumatchbooks/reviews/?ref=page_internal EduMatch On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/edumatchers/

This episode is sponsored by Propello. Are you a teacher that's tired of talking? Are you an admin that's looking to infuse more energy into your classrooms? Look no further than Propello. Propello's teaching and learning platform is designed to help schools and districts shift away from old-school, "sit and get" teaching. Instead, Propello is designed to help every teacher embrace student-centered, hands-on, and inquiry-based instruction. Propello combines standards-aligned curriculum, scaffolding like language translations and leveled reading, and embedded teacher guidance to ensure every student, in every classroom, gets a first-class learning experience. Learn more and sign up for free at www.propello.com In this episode, I chat with Cathy Masrour and Craig Nicholls. This is their first time at ISTE Live so we discuss what sessions they are ready to hit, what social events they're geared up for, and their expectations. Cathy is from Long Island, New York and Craig Nicholls came to Philly from Melbourne, Australia! Talk about frequent flier miles! I'm planning to catch up with them after ISTE is over to see what they actually got out of it. Peep this episode! To connect with Cathy and Craig, use the links below. Buen provecho! Connect With Gabriel Carrillo EdTech Bites Website: https://edtechbites.com EdTech Bites Twitter: https://twitter.com/edtechbites EdTech Bites Instagram: https://instagram.com/edtechbites EdTech Bites Facebook Page: https://facebook.com/edtechbites EdTech Bites YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQCZcyW4BkCFQ5P2BLK61xg About Cathy Masrour Catherine Masrour is a librarian educator living on Long Island. She is the 2022 SSLMA School Librarian of the Year. Catherine has a doctorate in Education: Learning and Leadership and her interests are in the Library Learning Commons model, 21st-century learning, makerspaces, reluctant readers, and ELL students. She runs a non-profit organization that is dedicated to promoting STEM enrichment opportunities for students in her community. And, she is a former Peace Corps volunteer who served in Morocco. About Craig Nicholls Craig, with over 25 years of experience in teaching, specializes in K-10 Digital Technologies and promotes its integration across all subjects. He currently serves as the Director of Digital Learning at Melbourne Girls Grammar, where he works with teachers and students to improve the use of technology. Craig holds key roles in professional bodies like the Digital Learning and Teaching Victoria Committee and the Australian Council of Computers in Education. Additionally, he is recognized as an ISTE Community Leader, Adobe Education Leader, and Microsoft Innovative Educator Expert. Connect With Cathy Masrour Cathy On Twitter: https://twitter.com/shswlib?lang=en Cathy's Non-Profit On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tvstem/ Cathy's Non-Profit On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TVSTEM Connect With Craig Nicholls Craig On Twitter: https://twitter.com/craignic Craig's Website: https://craignic.com/ Craig On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craig-nicholls-7921b925/

This episode is sponsored by Propello. Are you a teacher that's tired of talking? Are you an admin that's looking to infuse more energy into your classrooms? Look no further than Propello. Propello's teaching and learning platform is designed to help schools and districts shift away from old-school, "sit and get" teaching. Instead, Propello is designed to help every teacher embrace student-centered, hands-on, and inquiry-based instruction. Propello combines standards-aligned curriculum, scaffolding like language translations and leveled reading, and embedded teacher guidance to ensure every student, in every classroom, gets a first-class learning experience. Learn more and sign up for free at www.propello.com In this episode, I chat with Ronda Blevins and Jennifer Mitchell. This is their first time at ISTE Live so we discuss what they packed, what sessions they are ready to hit, and their expectations. They are great guests and were eager to discuss what they plan to get out of this conference. I'm planning to catch up with them after ISTE is over to see what they actually got out of it. Peep this episode! To connect with Ronda and Jennifer, use the links below. Buen provecho! Connect With Gabriel Carrillo EdTech Bites Website: https://edtechbites.com EdTech Bites Twitter: https://twitter.com/edtechbites EdTech Bites Instagram: https://instagram.com/edtechbites EdTech Bites Facebook Page: https://facebook.com/edtechbites EdTech Bites YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQCZcyW4BkCFQ5P2BLK61xg About Ronda Blevins Dr. Ronda Blevins is an assistant professor of education and director of the job-embedded practitioner program at Carson-Newman University in East TN. She's ISTE Certified, a community leader, and part of the new Higher Ed Collective group. She is also co-host the Perfect Chaos Podcast (a podcast about all things education) with her husband. She got into the field of education through a different path, but is determined to make a difference in the lives of her students and their future students. She is also in the process of building/creating the EAGLE Technology Lab, a place where future and current teachers can test out a variety of technology tools and find new ways to integrate technology into their classrooms. About Jennifer Mitchell Jennifer is from Westchester, NY and lives in northern VT. She's married with 2 kids (19 and 17). She has taught PreK-Grade 6 and after teaching 6th-grade for 10 years just finished year 2 of being the Education Technology Integrationist at her school. Connect With Ronda Blevins Ronda On Twitter: https://twitter.com/DrRBlevins Perfect Chaos On Twitter: https://twitter.com/PerfectChaos7 Ronda On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rondamb Perfect Chaos On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/APerfectChaos7 Ronda's Website: https://beautifulmindsinspireothers.blog/ Perfect Chaos Website: https://www.perfect-chaos.org/ Connect With Jennifer Mitchell Jennifer On Twitter: https://twitter.com/Kindermitch Jennifer On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kindermitch/ Jennifer On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jen.mitchell.vt

This episode is sponsored by Propello. Are you a teacher that's tired of talking? Are you an admin that's looking to infuse more energy into your classrooms? Look no further than Propello. Propello's teaching and learning platform is designed to help schools and districts shift away from old-school, "sit and get" teaching. Instead, Propello is designed to help every teacher embrace student-centered, hands-on, and inquiry-based instruction. Propello combines standards-aligned curriculum, scaffolding like language translations and leveled reading, and embedded teacher guidance to ensure every student, in every classroom, gets a first-class learning experience. Learn more and sign up for free at www.propello.com In this episode, I chat with Al Thomas while at ISTE Live 2023 to unpack ISTE Live 2023! We chat everything from networking, to Philadelphia food, to student creativity! It's a great conversation with an even better guest. If you were at ISTE, there's a lot to unpack here. If you WEREN'T at ISTE, there's still more to unpack as well. To learn more, listen to this episode. To connect with Al Thomas, use the links below. Buen provecho! Connect With Gabriel Carrillo EdTech Bites Website: https://edtechbites.com EdTech Bites Twitter: https://twitter.com/edtechbites EdTech Bites Instagram: https://instagram.com/edtechbites EdTech Bites Facebook Page: https://facebook.com/edtechbites EdTech Bites YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQCZcyW4BkCFQ5P2BLK61xg About Al Thomas Al Thomas is the founder and CEO of Educopilot. He has more than 20 years of experience in education as a teacher, principal, district-level director, and consultant. He's passionate about developing and curating unique, innovative solutions that improve learning for all. Al believes that if we are to prepare students for future success, we must equip them with creative problem-solving skills that harness their talents and abilities. Connect With Al Thomas Educopilot Website: https://educopilot.com/ Al Thomas On Twitter: https://twitter.com/educopilot Educopilot On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/educopilot/ Educopilot On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/educopilot/ Educopilot On YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/EDUcopilot?sub_confirmation=1