EdTech Bites Podcast

*This episode is sponsored by Class Companion. To learn more and get started, Click Here! How do we blend tried-and-true teaching strategies with cutting-edge AI? In this episode, I chat with the dynamic husband-and-wife duo, Kristin and Joe Merrill AKA Kroe, about their latest book The InterACTIVE Class: Creation in a World of AI: Empowering Educators to Inspire Creativity and Innovation in an AI-Driven Classroom. They share timeless teaching strategies while incorporating AI—all through their signature interACTIVE approach. Whether you're a tech enthusiast or a teaching purist, this episode will show you how to strike the perfect balance between innovation and effective instruction. Connect With Gabriel Carrillo EdTech Bites Website: https://edtechbites.com EdTech Bites On Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/edtechbites.bsky.social EdTech Bites Instagram: https://instagram.com/edtechbites EdTech Bites X: https://twitter.com/edtechbites EdTech Bites Facebook Page: https://facebook.com/edtechbites EdTech Bites On TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@edtechbites EdTech Bites YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@edtechbites About The Merrill's Kristin and Joe are teachers and authors of the InterACTIVE Class series. Together, they put a spin on traditional strategies by infusing EdTech with learning that meets the needs of all students. Connect With The Merrill's The Merrill's Website: www.themerrillsedu.com The Merrill's On X: www.x.com/TheMerrillsEDU The Merrill's On Instagram: www.instagram.com/TheMerrillsEDU The Merrill's On Facebook: www.facebook.com/TheMerrillsEDU "The InterACTIVE Class: Creation in a World of AI: Empowering Educators to Inspire Creativity and Innovation in an AI-Driven Classroom" On Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/InterACTIVE-Class-Empowering-Creativity-Innovation/dp/B0DR9J6VKZ/ref=sr_1_1?crid=28FB0YCSWBPM1&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.Mr4ZmPa2ddIveLZ91XKcdNedXJqACQE9asdmrv7nDIPt3ogXUH4wfHkcILkGOC8gR2rgiQiVniSzj-kAQ9bRRlZ3XMqygwcrxuGgP4Lk4dozTMohBwgBZMu_3FL7WrH_77NtfZJG29DRmS5K3Aq0broXPrDLLYshBUcHKHNXz-Lz75WxDtyQ8_35dCmZdwpNpPCpGhavqosWgQXPQ3-vaPwphWd2FwWQYNAFgSQkkQQ.J0cPLu-_z-cAz5gpwO8ka6E43zND4RLhuspDjKSloIM&dib_tag=se&keywords=the+interactive+classroom&qid=1737436934&sprefix=the+interactive%2Caps%2C130&sr=8-1

*This episode is sponsored by Class Companion. To learn more and get started, Click Here! Are Legos just toys, or are they powerful tools for learning? In this inspiring episode, I chat with Dan Thomas, a middle school STEM teacher known for using Legos to spark creativity and enhance student learning. We explore how these colorful bricks encourage Creativity, Critical Thinking, Collaboration, and Communication—all while making learning fun! Whether you're a Lego enthusiast or a skeptic, you'll discover how they can transform your classroom into a hands-on, engaging learning environment. Buen provecho! Connect With Gabriel Carrillo EdTech Bites Website: https://edtechbites.com EdTech Bites On Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/edtechbites.bsky.social EdTech Bites Instagram: https://instagram.com/edtechbites EdTech Bites X: https://twitter.com/edtechbites EdTech Bites Facebook Page: https://facebook.com/edtechbites EdTech Bites On TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@edtechbites EdTech Bites YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@edtechbites About Dan Thomas Dan is a STEM teacher from Jamestown NY which is south of Buffalo. He has been teaching for 32 years at the same school that he graduated from. He is passionate about STEM Topics, PBL and play in the classroom. His goal is for students to understand and learn how to apply their knowledge and skills because that is where the true learning happens. Connect With Dan Thomas Dan's Website: www.coachthomastech.com Dan On X: https://x.com/coachthomastech Dan On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coachthomastech/ Dan On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558624504932 Dan On Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/coachthomastech.bsky.social Dan On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coachthomastech/

*This episode is sponsored by Class Companion. To learn more and get started, Click Here! What's driving you (and your students) crazy in the world of edtech? In this fun and honest episode, I sit down with Katie Fielding and Stevie Frank to unpack our biggest edtech pet peeves. We discuss the amazing innovations happening in classrooms, but also the frustrating trends and missteps that make us cringe. From tech overload to pointless tools, we're sharing it all—plus tips on how to make edtech work for you, not against you! Buen provecho! Connect With Gabriel Carrillo EdTech Bites Website: https://edtechbites.com EdTech Bites On Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/edtechbites.bsky.social EdTech Bites Instagram: https://instagram.com/edtechbites EdTech Bites X: https://twitter.com/edtechbites EdTech Bites Facebook Page: https://facebook.com/edtechbites EdTech Bites On TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@edtechbites EdTech Bites YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@edtechbites About Katie Fielding Katie Fielding is an Accessibility Advocate, ISTE Certified Trainer, and the Educational Content Manager at Book Creator. She has 20 years of public school experience. She champions digital accessibility, creativity, and Universal Design for Learning (UDL) in classrooms. Specializing in technology and STEM integration, Katie creates interdisciplinary instructional experiences and shares her expertise through presentations and workshops. Recognized as VSTE Coach of the Year in 2018 and a featured voice at ISTELive 2024, she holds multiple certifications, including ISTE, Google Innovator, and Microsoft Innovative Educator Expert. Outside work, she enjoys cheese and exploring Scandinavia. Connect With Katie Fielding Katie's Website: https://www.katiefielding.com Katie On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katief/ Katie On Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/katiefielding.com Katie On TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@fieldingnotes About Stevie Frank Stevie Frank (she/her) is a Digital Learning Coach at her school in Zionsville, Indiana. Stevie has 15 years of education background and earned her master's degree in Literacy Education. She's a part of Ed Tech Magazine's top 30 K-12 Influencers to follow for 2023. When she's not learning to become an educator for ALL students, she's marking off travels with her family. Connect With Stevie Frank Stevie's Website: steviefrank.com Stevie On X: https://x.com/steviefrank23 Stevie On Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/steviefrank.bsky.social

*This episode is sponsored by Class Companion. To learn more and get started, Click Here! Are you feeling the weight of burnout or wondering how to rekindle your love for teaching? In this inspiring episode, I sit down with Brittany Blackwell, an educator dedicated to helping teachers nourish their mind, body, and soul. She shares her powerful story of learning to pivot when faced with exhaustion, offering practical strategies to reignite your passion and embrace teaching with renewed energy. She also hosts The Resilient Teacher Podcast where she gives teachers ways to pivot from burnout to building resiliency to ensure they are at their best for their students. Tune in for an uplifting conversation that will remind you why you fell in love with teaching in the first place! Buen provecho! Connect With Gabriel Carrillo EdTech Bites Website: https://edtechbites.com EdTech Bites On Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/edtechbites.bsky.social EdTech Bites Instagram: https://instagram.com/edtechbites EdTech Bites X: https://twitter.com/edtechbites EdTech Bites Facebook Page: https://facebook.com/edtechbites EdTech Bites On TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@edtechbites EdTech Bites YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@edtechbites About Brittany Blackwell Brittany Blackwell, M.Ed., is an an award winning special educator and teacher burnout & sustainability strategist from South Carolina. With over thirteen years of experience in elementary and middle school classrooms, Brittany has become an expert in addressing teacher burnout. She is also the host of the popular podcast "The Resilient Teacher Podcast". Brittany is passionate about empowering teachers and educational leaders to prioritize their mental health. She helps them develop personalized sustainability and burnout recovery plans, reducing stress and creating the fulfilling lives they've always dreamed of. Through her digital approach, which includes automation, digital planning, vision planning, and sustainable strategies, Brittany has reached thousands of educators worldwide. You may know Brittany as "MsPrincessTeach" on TikTok, where her social media following grew through her fast-paced, lighthearted tutorials and relatable real-life experiences. She offers teachers actionable strategies, personalized coaching, mindset shifting, and digital resources to create their own Individualized Burnout Recovery Plan. By reducing stress and automating mundane tasks, Brittany enables educators to prevent burnout and maximize fulfillment in both their personal and professional lives. Connect With Brittany Blackwell Brittany's Website: http://www.teachingmindbodyandsoul.com Brittany On X: https://x.com/resilientteachr Brittany On Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/brittanyblackwell.bsky.social Brittany On Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/TeachingMindBodyandSoul The Resilient Teacher Podcast On Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-resilient-teacher-podcast/id1619401632 The Resilient Teacher Podcast On Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6Iypd8MWzyl5yAaPJlmyjk?si=mhPixst5S6uxCPzz4XGZOA

*This episode is sponsored by Class Companion. To learn more and get started, Click Here! What's the secret to a thriving classroom? In this episode, we explore the power of building strong relationships with students before diving into content. Join me and Jess Boyce, yes…Jess from Flip (RIP, Flip) as we discuss why connections matter, how they impact learning, and practical ways to foster meaningful relationships in your classroom. From simple daily practices to transformative mindset shifts, this episode is packed with ideas to help you create a more connected and engaged learning environment. Buen Provecho! Connect With Gabriel Carrillo EdTech Bites Website: https://edtechbites.com EdTech Bites On Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/edtechbites.bsky.social EdTech Bites Instagram: https://instagram.com/edtechbites EdTech Bites X: https://twitter.com/edtechbites EdTech Bites Facebook Page: https://facebook.com/edtechbites EdTech Bites On TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@edtechbites EdTech Bites YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@edtechbites Connect With Jess Boyce Jess On X: https://x.com/jessxbo Jess On Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/jessxbo.bsky.social Jess On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessxbo/

*This episode is sponsored by Class Companion. To learn more and get started, Click Here! What does personalized learning really look like in today's classrooms? In this episode, I'm joined by Michelle Manning, who shares her insights on the transformative power of personalized learning. She breaks down what personalized learning means, why it's essential for student success, and how she helps teachers bring it to life in their classrooms. From practical tips to real-world examples, Michelle offers actionable strategies to create learning experiences tailored to every student's unique needs. Connect With Gabriel Carrillo EdTech Bites Website: https://edtechbites.com EdTech Bites On Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/edtechbites.bsky.social EdTech Bites Instagram: https://instagram.com/edtechbites EdTech Bites X: https://twitter.com/edtechbites EdTech Bites Facebook Page: https://facebook.com/edtechbites EdTech Bites On TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@edtechbites EdTech Bites YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@edtechbites About Michelle Manning Michelle Manning is an Instructional Technology Integration Specialist and has worked in education for over 30 years. She is passionate about leveraging technology to amplify and enhance the curriculum to make lessons accessible for all students in the classroom to learn and show what they know! Michelle emphasizes personalized learning, professional development, and the integration of innovative tools and strategies in the classroom. Her work often involves providing training and support for teachers to utilize technology in ways that meet diverse learner needs. Michelle also loves supporting teachers helping them utilize technology as their digital co-teacher to save time and transform their classrooms. Connect With Michelle Manning Michelle on X: https://x.com/ManningTechTalk Michelle On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/manningtechtalk/ Michelle On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ManningTechTalk/ Michelle On Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/manningtechtalk.bsky.social

*This episode is sponsored by Class Companion. To learn more and get started, Click Here! What's better than discovering an edtech tool that makes your teaching life easier? Sharing it with a friend! In this episode, we sit down with the ever-insightful Greg Bagby to trade notes on our favorite new edtech finds. Greg introduces us to Notebook LM, a next-level AI-powered notetaking assistant, while I dive into Class Companion, a versatile tool designed to facilitate student writing feedback through AI. Join us for a fun, practical conversation filled with tips, tricks, and plenty of "Why didn't I think of that?" moments. If you're looking to level up your tech toolkit, this episode is for you! Connect With Gabriel Carrillo EdTech Bites Website: https://edtechbites.com EdTech Bites On Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/edtechbites.bsky.social EdTech Bites Instagram: https://instagram.com/edtechbites EdTech Bites X: https://twitter.com/edtechbites EdTech Bites Facebook Page: https://facebook.com/edtechbites EdTech Bites On TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@edtechbites EdTech Bites YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@edtechbites About Greg Greg is the Coordinator of Instructional Technology in Hamilton County schools in Chattanooga, TN. He is about to finish a contract as an Apple Professional Learning specialist. He served on the Technical Working Group for the National Education Technology Plan and hopes to graduate soon with a Ph.D. in Instructional Technology. Connect With Greg Bagby Greg On X: https://x.com/Gregbagby Greg On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gregbagby/ Greg On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100048828346605 Greg On Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/gregbagby.bsky.social

*This episode is sponsored by Class Companion. To learn more and get started, Click Here! What's it like to attend your first major edtech conference? In this episode, I sit down with Roy Francis, a music and French teacher from Nova Scotia, who attended his first-ever FETC conference. We discuss his initial expectations, how he and his team planned their conference experience, and the strategies they used to maximize their learning. Roy also shares how he integrates edtech into his curriculum, from engaging students in music composition to enhancing language acquisition in French. Whether you're a conference veteran or gearing up for your first big event, you'll find plenty of insights and inspiration in this conversation. And you'll know what we mean when he states, "What would Peter Rackam do?". Buen provecho! Connect With Gabriel Carrillo EdTech Bites Website: https://edtechbites.com EdTech Bites On Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/edtechbites.bsky.social EdTech Bites Instagram: https://instagram.com/edtechbites EdTech Bites X: https://twitter.com/edtechbites EdTech Bites Facebook Page: https://facebook.com/edtechbites EdTech Bites On TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@edtechbites EdTech Bites YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@edtechbites About Roy Francis Roy teaches junior high general music at a school in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. In his classes, he teaches music theory and history while also helping students learn to write and perform songs on the ukulele. He is passionate about using technology in education and strives to incorporate it into all aspects of his teaching. Recently, he completed his Master's in Educational Technology and is excited to be part of the AI lead team in the Halifax Regional Centre for Education. Connect With Roy Francis Roy On Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/mrfrancis.bsky.social

*This episode is sponsored by Class Companion. To learn more and get started, Click Here! Are you ready to reclaim your time and supercharge student learning? In this episode, recorded live at FETC 2025, we sit down with Avery Pan (Co-Founder) and Brittany Blackwell (Marketing and Community Lead) of Class Companion to explore how their innovative platform saves teachers hours of work and provides timely insights into student progress. Discover how you can spend less time grading and more time engaging with your students. Whether you're a teacher, administrator, or instructional coach, this conversation will inspire you to rethink what's possible in the classroom. Buen provecho! Connect With Gabriel Carrillo EdTech Bites Website: https://edtechbites.com EdTech Bites On Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/edtechbites.bsky.social EdTech Bites Instagram: https://instagram.com/edtechbites EdTech Bites X: https://twitter.com/edtechbites EdTech Bites Facebook Page: https://facebook.com/edtechbites EdTech Bites On TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@edtechbites EdTech Bites YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@edtechbites Connect With Class Companion Class Companion Website Class Companion On X Class Companion On Instagram Class Companion On Bluesky

Today's episode is brought to you by Colleague AI. Colleague AI can create new ideas and help teachers brainstorm ideas, create unique lesson plans, new high level rubrics, and grade homework with ease. Colleague AI is also able to manage administrative tasks with parental controls to help students succeed with ease. To learn more and get started, visit www.colleague.ai As educators, the start of a new year often comes with ambitious plans to do it all. But what if less is more? In this episode, I dive into the power of simplicity in lesson planning for 2025. Learn how focusing on one or two impactful activities per week can not only reduce your stress but also enhance your students' learning outcomes. Whether you're a seasoned teacher or just starting out, this episode will help you embrace intentional planning for a smoother, more effective classroom experience. Plus, stick around for a simple yet delicious recipe that perfectly illustrates the "less is more" philosophy—Chicken, Rice, and Squash Bowl. With protein-packed chicken, hearty rice, and the natural sweetness of roasted squash, this dish is a healthy, balanced meal that will leave you inspired to simplify your teaching and your cooking! What You'll Learn in This Episode: Why overplanning can overwhelm both teachers and students. How to design focused lesson plans that drive deeper understanding. Practical examples of "less is more" teaching strategies for concepts like the water cycle or literary themes. A minimalist recipe (Chicken, Rice, and Squash Bowl) to bring the "less is more" concept to life in the kitchen. How simplifying your approach can reduce stress and increase classroom impact. Connect With Gabriel Carrillo EdTech Bites Website: https://edtechbites.com EdTech Bites On Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/edtechbites.bsky.social EdTech Bites Instagram: https://instagram.com/edtechbites EdTech Bites X: https://twitter.com/edtechbites EdTech Bites Facebook Page: https://facebook.com/edtechbites EdTech Bites On TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@edtechbites EdTech Bites YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@edtechbites