Focus on EDU: EdTech and The Education Experience

Checking in with a curriculum manager from the UK (Coventry College) is another great learning experience for me! Shoubna Naika-Taylor does a little bit of everything from esports to media and more. Thanks for joining us today on CDW Education's Focus on EDU: EdTech and The Education Experience, hosted by Doug Konopelko. If you enjoyed the show, please like and subscribe to the channel, and click the little bell to get notified when we post a new video. If you have any ideas for future guests or you'd like to contact us about the show, please comment below, or reach out to me on Twitter @dkonopelko. Thanks for tuning in and we will see you next time, as we Focus on EDU. Links to Resources from the Show: Shoubna's Twitter

Join STEM Specialist for Region 1 ESC in Texas (the REAL South Texas), Sylvia Escobar and I as we have a little too much fun talking all things STEM, representation in tech spaces, AI, and more! Thanks for joining us today on CDW Education's Focus on EDU: EdTech and The Education Experience, hosted by Doug Konopelko. If you enjoyed the show, please like and subscribe to the channel, and click the little bell to get notified when we post a new video. If you have any ideas for future guests or you'd like to contact us about the show, please comment below, or reach out to me on Twitter @dkonopelko. Thanks for tuning in and we will see you next time, as we Focus on EDU. Links to Resources from the Show: Region 1 ESC

With holiday season in full swing, we've got quite a few edtech conferences on the horizon! During this quick conversation with Victoria Thompson from Microsoft, we connect on what she's presenting this year and what excites her most about being at conferences. Thanks for joining us today on CDW Education's Focus on EDU: EdTech and The Education Experience, hosted by Doug Konopelko. If you enjoyed the show, please like and subscribe to the channel, and click the little bell to get notified when we post a new video. If you have any ideas for future guests or you'd like to contact us about the show, please comment below, or reach out to me on Twitter @dkonopelko. Thanks for tuning in and we will see you next time, as we Focus on EDU. Links to Resources from the Show: Victoria's Twitter

There's no doubt that the idea of school safety has evolved a lot in the past few decades. Today, we connect with John McDonald, an expert and trusted advisor in the space, on his experiences and what we can be doing today to drive a more meaningful view of school safety in education. From cameras to caring, access control to asking questions, there's so much we can do to make our schools safer places to live, learn, and lead. Thanks for joining us today on CDW Education's Focus on EDU: EdTech and The Education Experience, hosted by Doug Konopelko. If you enjoyed the show, please like and subscribe to the channel, and click the little bell to get notified when we post a new video. If you have any ideas for future guests or you'd like to contact us about the show, please comment below, or reach out to me on Twitter @dkonopelko. Thanks for tuning in and we will see you next time, as we Focus on EDU. Links to Resources from the Show: Doug Konopelko's Twitter

Data can be such a powerful tool in education. Today, we bring back Dr. Emily Bell, CIO of Fulton County Schools, as our first THREE-peat guest on the show. As Emily so nicely puts in in our closing, "You need to inspect what you expect." She takes us through a little bit of the impressive dashboard that puts important school data not only at the hands of school and district employees, but the general public - check the link below if you want to check it out! Thanks for joining us today on CDW Education's Focus on EDU: EdTech and The Education Experience, hosted by Doug Konopelko. If you enjoyed the show, please like and subscribe to the channel, and click the little bell to get notified when we post a new video. If you have any ideas for future guests or you'd like to contact us about the show, please comment below, or reach out to me on Twitter @dkonopelko. Thanks for tuning in and we will see you next time, as we Focus on EDU. Links to Resources from the Show: Fulton County Schools Balanced Scorecard

You've probably heard of Scratch, the block-based coding language used and remixed by students and adults all over the world as a great introduction to the world of coding and programming. Today, we dive into a conversation with Elaine Atherton, the Scratch Foundation's Director for their Scratch Education Collaborative. Take a few minutes and learn with me about the Foundation's focus on community and equitable approaches to creative coding! Thanks for joining us today on CDW Education's Focus on EDU: EdTech and The Education Experience, hosted by Doug Konopelko. If you enjoyed the sho w, please like and subscribe to the channel, and click the little bell to get notified when we post a new video. If you have any ideas for future guests or you'd like to contact us about the show, please comment below, or reach out to me on Twitter @dkonopelko. Thanks for tuning in and we will see you next time, as we Focus on EDU. Links to Resources from the Show: Scratch Education Collaborative

We hear a lot of talk about student leadership and student agency in the education space. Today, we highlight two students who have been leading the way through the Chief Science Officers program. They started by being members of the organization and are now leading outreach projects that seek to keep students connected and help them transition from high school to college and career! Thanks for joining us today on CDW Education's Focus on EDU: EdTech and The Education Experience, hosted by Doug Konopelko. If you enjoyed the show, please like and subscribe to the channel, and click the little bell to get notified when we post a new video. If you have any ideas for future guests or you'd like to contact us about the show, please comment below, or reach out to me on Twitter @dkonopelko. Thanks for tuning in and we will see you next time, as we Focus on EDU. Links to Resources from the Show: Chief Science Officers

While many folks talk about the importance of educating ALL students for success, that is actually very difficult in practice. Today, we talk with Dr. Laura Hess from St. Vrain Valley Schools in Colorado about assistive technology and how it has the power to level the playing field for our students, allowing them to focus on the learning. Thanks for joining us today on CDW Education's Focus on EDU: EdTech and The Education Experience, hosted by Doug Konopelko. If you enjoyed the show, please like and subscribe to the channel, and click the little bell to get notified when we post a new video. If you have any ideas for future guests or you'd like to contact us about the show, please comment below, or reach out to me on Twitter @focusonedushow. Thanks for tuning in and we will see you next time, as we Focus on EDU. Links to Resources from the Show: St. Vrain Valley Schools

With so many amazing programs going on across college campuses, it can be difficult to decide where to shine a light. But when you hear about the esports trifecta, the decision becomes clear! Today, we talk with Dr. BerNadette Lawson-Williams from Johnson C. Smith University, an HBCU in Charlotte that is changing the face of learning at their institution with esports and gaming. Thanks for joining us today on CDW Education's Focus on EDU: EdTech and The Education Experience, hosted by Doug Konopelko. If you enjoyed the show, please like and subscribe to the channel, and click the little bell to get notified when we post a new video. If you have any ideas for future guests or you'd like to contact us about the show, please comment below, or reach out to me on Twitter @dkonopelko. Thanks for tuning in and we will see you next time, as we Focus on EDU. Links to Resources from the Show: Johnson C. Smith Esports

With "Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion" being such a common refrain in our lives, it's important that we re-examine many parts of our education ecosystem through a new lens. Today, I talk with Amanda Latasha Armstrong from New Mexico State University and New America about her research on the representation of social group in U.S. educational materials and why it matters. Check it out and click on the links below to explore some of the resources she shared. Thanks for joining us today on CDW Education's Focus on EDU: EdTech and The Education Experience, hosted by Doug Konopelko. If you enjoyed the show, please like and subscribe to the channel, and click the little bell to get notified when we post a new video. If you have any ideas for future guests or you'd like to contact us about the show, please comment below, or reach out to me on Twitter @dkonopelko. Thanks for tuning in and we will see you next time, as we Focus on EDU. Links to Resources from the Show: Contact Amanda

While esports (and the gaming industry as a whole) might have a reputation for being negative, there are some leaders out there who are pushing hard to change the narrative and build programs that create impact for our students. Sergio Brack, Director of Esports at University of Maryland, is one of those leaders. We chat about how big schools might change the game (pun intended), why it's important to be positive in the space, and what plans he has in store for UMD. Thanks for joining us today on CDW Education's Focus on EDU: EdTech and The Education Experience, hosted by Doug Konopelko. If you enjoyed the show, please like and subscribe to the channel, and click the little bell to get notified when we post a new video. If you have any ideas for future guests or you'd like to contact us about the show, please comment below, or reach out to me on Twitter @dkonopelko. Thanks for tuning in and we will see you next time, as we Focus on EDU. Links to Resources from the Show: University of Maryland Esports

An increasingly common journey for scholar gamers is to participate in esports in college and/or high school, and then take their knowledge and experience back to the virtual playing field as a coach. Anna Patterson played Overwatch competitively at Florida Southern College and is now leading the next round of players through the game. Thanks for joining us today on CDW Education's Focus on EDU: EdTech and The Education Experience, hosted by Doug Konopelko. If you enjoyed the show, please like and subscribe to the channel, and click the little bell to get notified when we post a new video. If you have any ideas for future guests or you'd like to contact us about the show, please comment below, or reach out to me on Twitter @dkonopelko. Thanks for tuning in and we will see you next time, as we Focus on EDU. Links to Resources from the Show: Florida Southern Esports

Cat Flynn is the Director of Learning Science at Southern New Hampshire University and she is paving the way for immersive experiences with impact. Also presenting at the Games For Change Festival, her project to help teach students about the brain by taking a virtual walk inside could be the next phase for VR in schools. Thanks for joining us today on CDW Education's Focus on EDU: EdTech and The Education Experience, hosted by Doug Konopelko. If you enjoyed the show, please like and subscribe to the channel, and click the little bell to get notified when we post a new video. If you have any ideas for future guests or you'd like to contact us about the show, please comment below, or reach out to me on Twitter @dkonopelko. Thanks for tuning in and we will see you next time, as we Focus on EDU. Links to Resources from the Show: Cat's LinkedIn

Nothing in education exists in a vacuum. When we talk about equity, we can't separate that from the daily work of educators.Today, Dr. Sawsan Jaber shares about her journey as an English teacher and equity advocate working with the scholar activists in her classroom. Thanks for joining us today on CDW Education's Focus on EDU: EdTech and The Education Experience, hosted by Doug Konopelko. If you enjoyed the show, please like and subscribe to the channel, and click the little bell to get notified when we post a new video. If you have any ideas for future guests or you'd like to contact us about the show, please comment below, or reach out to me on Twitter @dkonopelko. Thanks for tuning in and we will see you next time, as we Focus on EDU. Links to Resources from the Show: Dr. Jaber's Twitter

Dr. Darnel Degand has a background in media and advertising and now brings his love of education and media together to teach future teachers about the folding together of video games, comics, and pedagogy. Thanks for joining us today on CDW Education's Focus on EDU: EdTech and The Education Experience, hosted by Doug Konopelko. If you enjoyed the show, please like and subscribe to the channel, and click the little bell to get notified when we post a new video. If you have any ideas for future guests or you'd like to contact us about the show, please comment below, or reach out to me on Twitter @dkonopelko. Thanks for tuning in and we will see you next time, as we Focus on EDU. Links to Resources from the Show: Darnel's Twitter

Dr. Paul Darvasi has been using video games, including titles like Grand Theft Auto to teach some unlikely but incredibly vital skills. Join us as we talk about using games in the classroom, building skills all our students need, and applying lessons learned from video games to our lives. Thanks for joining us today on CDW Education's Focus on EDU: EdTech and The Education Experience, hosted by Doug Konopelko. If you enjoyed the show, please like and subscribe to the channel, and click the little bell to get notified when we post a new video. If you have any ideas for future guests or you'd like to contact us about the show, please comment below, or reach out to me on Twitter @dkonopelko. Thanks for tuning in and we will see you next time, as we Focus on EDU. Links to Resources from the Show: Paul's Twitter

Scholastic and collegiate esports are growing at a tremendous pace and while Fresno Unified School District was an early adopter in the K-12 space, everyone has some room to grow. To build a more comprehensive and supportive program for their students, Julie Mavrogeorge is looking to infuse more mentorship and fellowship into their program. Thanks for joining us today on CDW Education's Focus on EDU: EdTech and The Education Experience, hosted by Doug Konopelko. If you enjoyed the show, please like and subscribe to the channel, and click the little bell to get notified when we post a new video. If you have any ideas for future guests or you'd like to contact us about the show, please comment below, or reach out to me on Twitter @dkonopelko. Thanks for tuning in and we will see you next time, as we Focus on EDU. Links to Resources from the Show: Julie's Twitter

Today, I talk with Sean Wybrant, an incredible educator and the 2017 Colorado Educator of the Year. We discuss the why behind teaching our students with the latest and greatest tech, and why it's vital that we incorporate this bleeding edge tech into our classrooms. Thanks for joining us today on CDW Education's Focus on EDU: EdTech and The Education Experience, hosted by Doug Konopelko. If you enjoyed the show, please like and subscribe to the channel, and click the little bell to get notified when we post a new video. If you have any ideas for future guests or you'd like to contact us about the show, please comment below, or reach out to me on Twitter @dkonopelko. Thanks for tuning in and we will see you next time, as we Focus on EDU. Links to Resources from the Show: Sean's Twitter

Today, I talk with Kristina Ishmael, the acting Director of the Office of EdTech and the U.S. Department of Education. We discuss the different roles and responsibilities of the department, the amazing resources that the provide for schools, as well as some new ways in which they are engaging with their audience. Thanks for joining us today on CDW Education's Focus on EDU: EdTech and The Education Experience, hosted by Doug Konopelko. If you enjoyed the show, please like and subscribe to the channel, and click the little bell to get notified when we post a new video. If you have any ideas for future guests or you'd like to contact us about the show, please comment below, or reach out to me on Twitter @dkonopelko. Thanks for tuning in and we will see you next time, as we Focus on EDU. Links to Resources from the Show: Kristina's Twitter

While some have high hopes for it to revolutionize education, virtual reality (VR) has had some struggles over the years being adopted into mainstream education circles. Today, I talk with Anurupa Ganguly, CEO and Founder of Prisms VR, about what has held VR back from being part of the core curriculum and how to get it across the finish line so it can finally live up to its big expectations. Thanks for joining us today on CDW's Focus on EDU: EdTech and The Education Experience, hosted by Doug Konopelko. If you enjoyed the show, please like and subscribe to the channel, and click the little bell to get notified when we post a new video. If you have any ideas for future guests or you'd like to contact us about the show, please comment below, or reach out to me on Twitter @dkonopelko. Thanks for tuning in and we will see you next time, as we Focus on EDU. Links to Resources from the Show: Anurupa's Twitter

Esports has been taking the world by storm and education is a big part of the sustained success of the ecosystem. At Full Sail University, they've built a successful program based on student input and the shifting workforce landscape that we are preparing our students for. Sari Kitelyn takes us on her journey at Full Sail and what esports has meant to them as they evolve their programs. Thanks for joining us today on CDW's Focus on EDU: EdTech and The Education Experience, hosted by Doug Konopelko. If you enjoyed the show, please like and subscribe to the channel, and click the little bell to get notified when we post a new video. If you have any ideas for future guests or you'd like to contact us about the show, please comment below, or reach out to me on Twitter @dkonopelko. Thanks for tuning in and we will see you next time, as we Focus on K-12. Links to Resources from the Show: Full Sail Armada's Twitter

While it has always been important to support educators in their difficult work, teachers need a cheerleader now more than ever. Knikole Taylor, an education leader from Texas, seeks to help teachers in any way she can on her journey. Thanks for joining us today on CDW's Focus on K-12: EdTech and The Education Experience, hosted by Doug Konopelko, Education Strategist. If you enjoyed the show, please like and subscribe to the channel, and click the little bell to get notified when we post a new video. If you have any ideas for future guests or you'd like to contact us about the show, please comment below, or reach out to me on Twitter @dkonopelko. Thanks for tuning in and we will see you next time, as we Focus on K-12. Links to Resources from the Show: Knikole's Twitter

While design thinking is a great way to garner engagement and buy-in to the problem-solving process, it's also an incredibly powerful tool for reshaping the thinking in your organization or school. Dr. Sabba Quidwai discusses the power of design thinking when it is used with intention and becomes part of our organizational culture in education and beyond. Thanks for joining us today on CDW's Focus on K-12: EdTech and The Education Experience, hosted by Doug Konopelko, Education Strategist. If you enjoyed the show, please like and subscribe to the channel, and click the little bell to get notified when we post a new video. If you have any ideas for future guests or you'd like to contact us about the show, please comment below, or reach out to me on Twitter @dkonopelko. Thanks for tuning in and we will see you next time, as we Focus on K-12. Links to Resources from the Show: Sabba's Twitter

With the ubiquity of the internet and digital tools in our lives, the rights of our students have grown over the years to include access to the resources they need to be successful. Digital equity is at the forefront of that conversation for districts all across the United States. For Indianapolis Public Schools and their Executive Director of Strategy and Integration, Ashley Cowger, supporting their students civil rights as their district shifts over time is at the forefront of their work. Thanks for joining us today on CDW's Focus on K-12: EdTech and The Education Experience, hosted by Doug Konopelko, Education Strategist. If you enjoyed the show, please like and subscribe to the channel, and click the little bell to get notified when we post a new video. If you have any ideas for future guests or you'd like to contact us about the show, please comment below, or reach out to me on Twitter @dkonopelko. Thanks for tuning in and we will see you next time, as we Focus on K-12. Links to Resources from the Show: Ashley's Twitter

Esports in the world of education can take many different forms. Today, Tom Dore and I connect on some of the amazing advances the British Esports Association and other organizations are making in the academic side of esports in education. Thanks for joining us today on CDW's Focus on K-12: EdTech and The Education Experience, hosted by Doug Konopelko, National Esports Manager for CDW. If you enjoyed the show, please like and subscribe to the channel, and click the little bell to get notified when we post a new video. If you have any ideas for future guests or you'd like to contact us about the show, please comment below, or reach out to me on Twitter @dkonopelko. Thanks for tuning in and we will see you next time, as we Focus on K-12. Links to Resources from the Show: BEA's Twitter

Christine Pinto and Jessica Twomey are two kindergarten teachers (and authors) from opposite ends of the country whose classes collaborate on a daily basis. The mindset of Innovating Play was born from the idea that it is possible to protect and nurture best practices in early childhood education, while expanding opportunities for appropriate connection and discovery through technology. They are grounded in the belief that hands-on experiences and joyful learning can include everything from paint and blocks to Chromebooks and iPads. Thanks for joining us today on CDW's Focus on K-12: EdTech and The Education Experience, hosted by Doug Konopelko, Education Strategist. If you enjoyed the show, please like and subscribe to the channel, and click the little bell to get notified when we post a new video. If you have any ideas for future guests or you'd like to contact us about the show, please comment below, or reach out to me on Twitter @dkonopelko. Thanks for tuning in and we will see you next time, as we Focus on K-12. Links to Resources from the Show: Christine's Twitter

Christopher Turner is an educator, esports coach, program director, and more. He is plugged into the esports community from elementary school to graduate school and beyond. Today we dive into a great discussion around what esports looks like at different levels and what folks should do if they are looking to become part of this great community and build their own program! Thanks for joining us today on CDW's Focus on K-12: EdTech and The Education Experience, hosted by Doug Konopelko, Education Strategist. If you enjoyed the show, please like and subscribe to the channel, and click the little bell to get notified when we post a new video. If you have any ideas for future guests or you'd like to contact us about the show, please comment below, or reach out to me on Twitter @dkonopelko. Thanks for tuning in and we will see you next time, as we Focus on K-12. Links to Resources from the Show: Chris's Twitter

People flock to edtech conferences year after year, but does anyone really know what goes into a successful show? Jennifer Womble certainly does. As the Program Chair for FETC (the Future of Education Technology Conference), Jennifer gives us a little taste of what goes on behind the scenes. She also shares what her favorite part of the conference is, what we can do to prepare, and what we might expect for this year's FETC! Thanks for joining us today on CDW's Focus on K-12: EdTech and The Education Experience, hosted by Doug Konopelko, Education Strategist. If you enjoyed the show, please like and subscribe to the channel, and click the little bell to get notified when we post a new video. If you have any ideas for future guests or you'd like to contact us about the show, please comment below, or reach out to me on Twitter @dkonopelko. Thanks for tuning in and we will see you next time, as we Focus on K-12. Links to Resources from the Show: Jennifer's Twitter

K-12 esports are on the rise! Today, we talk with coach, leader, and esports pioneer, Chris Aviles of Garden State Esports, about the 4 Cs of esports. While competitive gaming is becoming more and more popular throughout the world, it's important to reflect on how we must remain focused on our students and the different benefits they can get from these programs. Chris dives in to tell us about what we can teach our students beyond the game! Thanks for joining us today on Focus on K-12, EdTech and The Education Experience. If you enjoyed the show, please subscribe. If you have any ideas for future guests or you'd like to contact us about the show, please reach out to me on Twitter @dkonopelko. Thanks for tuning in and we will see you next time, as we Focus on K-12. Links to Resources from the Show: Video Podcast

As educators, we are responsible for much more than facts on a page and standards. In light of the shared experience of living through a pandemic, there has been a renewed focus on the concept of social-emotional learning. Today I talk with the eTwinz, Mario and Alberto Herraez, educators from Spain that are currently living and teaching in Utah. We talk about checking in on students' emotional states, building relationships, and integrating edtech into those processes. Thanks for joining us today on Focus on K-12, EdTech and The Education Experience. If you enjoyed the show, please subscribe. If you have any ideas for future guests or you'd like to contact us about the show, please reach out to me on Twitter @dkonopelko. Thanks for tuning in and we will see you next time, as we Focus on K-12. Links to Resources from the Show: Video Podcast

Gamification, game-based learning, and competitive gaming are all popular in education right now. Today, I talk with Glen Irvin Flores about his experiences with game-based learning and how it can be so powerful in the classroom. As an instructional technology coach and former teacher, Glen has experienced the hands-on approach of applying game-based learning in the classroom, but also the coaching of folks for its inclusion. Thanks for joining us today on Focus on K-12, EdTech and The Education Experience. If you enjoyed the show, please subscribe. If you have any ideas for future guests or you'd like to contact us about the show, please reach out to me on Twitter @dkonopelko. Thanks for tuning in and we will see you next time, as we Focus on K-12. Links to Resources from the Show: Video Podcast

As students, educators, and leaders across the country work together to reshape education, standard district practices like hiring, promotion, and growth continue. Today, I talk with Dr. Natasha Rachell of Atlanta Public Schools about being a new instructional technology director at such a pivotal time. We address what folks are focusing on, the stigma around learning loss, and much more! Thanks for joining us today on Focus on K-12, EdTech and The Education Experience. If you enjoyed the show, please subscribe. If you have any ideas for future guests or you'd like to contact us about the show, please reach out to me on Twitter @dkonopelko. Thanks for tuning in and we will see you next time, as we Focus on K-12. Links to Resources from the Show: Video Podcast

It's no secret that silos exist in education. While they may materialize in individual departments, between schools, within districts, and among states, Vriti Saraf is ready to bring the world's educators together to truly learn, grow, and collaborate together. We discuss examples of amazing schools and programs from around the world, the value of no-code tools, why it's important to bring folks together, and what one path forward might be! Thanks for joining us today on Focus on K-12, EdTech and The Education Experience. If you enjoyed the show, please subscribe. If you have any ideas for future guests or you'd like to contact us about the show, please reach out to me on Twitter @dkonopelko. Thanks for tuning in and we will see you next time, as we Focus on K-12. Links to Resources from the Show: Video Podcast

While many edtech tools were integrated into school and district digital learning ecosystems in the last year, many are now being re-evaluated. Today, I talk with Joe Marquez, Director of Academic Innovation for CUE, about why it's important to sort our education tools as game changers or life savers! Thanks for joining us today on Focus on K-12, EdTech and The Education Experience. If you enjoyed the show, please subscribe. If you have any ideas for future guests or you'd like to contact us about the show, please reach out to me on Twitter @dkonopelko. Thanks for tuning in and we will see you next time, as we Focus on K-12. Links to Resources from the Show: Video Podcast

Over the last decade, connectivity has gone from a "nice to have" to a "need to have". This is especially true as our schools and the families they support navigate a third school year impacted by a pandemic. Join me in a conversation with the CIO of the Georgia Department of Education, Dr. Keith Osburn, and the CIO of Fulton County Schools in Georgia, Dr. Emily Bell. Learn about the challenges and the solutions we are seeing from both a district, or LEA (Local Education Agency), and from the state level at the Department of Education, an SEA (State Education Agency). Thanks for joining us today on Focus on K-12, EdTech and The Education Experience. If you enjoyed the show, please subscribe. If you have any ideas for future guests or you'd like to contact us about the show, please reach out to me on Twitter @dkonopelko. Thanks for tuning in and we will see you next time, as we Focus on K-12. Links to Resources from the Show: Video Podcast

When you're one of the leaders that sets the vision for one of the nation's largest school districts, it has to be clear and it has to scale. For Miami-Dade County Public Schools, this means over 400 schools and more than 350,000 students. Marie Izquierdo started as a student in the district and has worked her way up to being the Chief Strategy Officer. Marie and I talked about the vision for education in MDCPS, their recognition by the Council of Great City Schools, and the ingredients in their secret sauce for success. Thanks for joining us today on Focus on K-12, EdTech and The Education Experience. If you enjoyed the show, please subscribe. If you have any ideas for future guests or you'd like to contact us about the show, please reach out to me on Twitter @dkonopelko. Thanks for tuning in and we will see you next time, as we Focus on K-12. Links to Resources from the Show: Video Podcast

As esports continues to grow in the K-12 space, district leaders like Bradford Harris from Texas, continue to lead the way and blaze a trail for others looking to build their program. Join us for this conversations where we cover the idea that not all successful esports programs will look the same, where knowledge of games falls in order of importance, and a few other things you need to know if you are starting a program. Thanks for joining us today on Focus on K-12, EdTech and The Education Experience. If you enjoyed the show, please subscribe. If you have any ideas for future guests or you'd like to contact us about the show, please reach out to me on Twitter @dkonopelko. Thanks for tuning in and we will see you next time, as we Focus on K-12. Links to Resources from the Show: Video Podcast

There are so many incredible leaders in education today and Dr. Ashley Kennedy, the Director of Instruction and Innovative Practice for Cobb County Schools in Georgia, is a people leader on the rise! In this episode of Focus on K-12, we discuss leading with a student-centered vision by staying close to the classroom, using research-based practices for learning and engagement, and generational changes in students and leaders. Thanks for joining us today on Focus on K-12, EdTech and The Education Experience. If you enjoyed the show, please subscribe. If you have any ideas for future guests or you'd like to contact us about the show, please reach out to me on Twitter @dkonopelko. Thanks for tuning in and we will see you next time, as we Focus on K-12. Links to Resources from the Show: Video Podcast

Today on Focus on K-12, I talk to the Chief Information Officer for Fulton County Schools, Dr. Emily Bell, about how we've been moving "from bricks to clicks" in education. When making the move to digital instruction and digital resources, in addition to pedagogical shifts, we've got to make sure we keeping an eye on security and where our data is headed. We tackle the balances between 1) cybersecurity and convenience and 2) standardization and choice. Thanks for joining us today on Focus on K-12, EdTech and The Education Experience. If you enjoyed the show, please subscribe. If you have any ideas for future guests or you'd like to contact us about the show, please reach out to me on Twitter @dkonopelko. Thanks for tuning in and we will see you next time, as we Focus on K-12. Links to Resources from the Show: Video Podcast

Instructional coaching has become more and prevalent in school districts around the country as district and school leaders look to reflect on and improve their pedagogical practices, technology integration, and invest in the growth of their staff for the benefit of the students. Today, I talk to STEM/Instructional Coach and one of EdTech's 30 K-12 Influencers of 2021, Victoria Thompson. She takes us through a bit of the evolution of instructional coaching through the past few years, some of the changes that happened as a result of the pandemic, and what practices they are looking to keep moving forward. Thanks for joining us today on Focus on K-12, EdTech and The Education Experience. If you enjoyed the show, please subscribe. If you have any ideas for future guests or you'd like to contact us about the show, please reach out to me on Twitter @dkonopelko. Thanks for tuning in and we will see you next time, as we Focus on K-12. Links to Resources from the Show: Video Podcast

Sometimes we find great opportunities for engagement with EdTech in places we wouldn't expect. Today, Rachelle Dene Poth talks through some ways she's been able to infuse her World Languages classroom with edtech tools and innovative lessons. Thanks for joining us today on Focus on K-12, EdTech and The Education Experience. If you enjoyed the show, please subscribe. If you have any ideas for future guests or you'd like to contact us about the show, please reach out to me on Twitter @dkonopelko. Thanks for tuning in and we will see you next time, as we Focus on K-12. Links to Resources from the Show: Video Podcast

As we continue to learn, grow, and take on new roles in education, we need to make sure we've got our own systems of support in place to keep pushing us, help us problem-solve, give us honest feedback, and lend an ear when we need someone. Today, I talk to the Chief Technology Officer of Wake County Public School System, Marlo Gaddis, about the role that her support system plays in her life as she makes important decisions and sets vision for one of the largest school systems in the country. Thanks for joining us today on Focus on K-12, EdTech and The Education Experience. If you enjoyed the show, please subscribe. If you have any ideas for future guests or you'd like to contact us about the show, please reach out to me on Twitter @dkonopelko. Thanks for tuning in and we will see you next time, as we Focus on K-12. Links to Resources from the Show: Video Podcast

As we navigate the transition back to "normal" in education, there are things that have shifted that we don't want to see return to the way we've always done them. We need to maintain some of this momentum to push forward and embrace the paradigm shift. In Metro Nashville Public Schools, Dr. Lakisha Brinson is helping lead the way as their Director of Instructional Technology and Library Services. Dr. Brinson and other district leaders are creating a more intentional plan for blended learning, integrating new practices and pedagogies into their teaching and learning to benefit their students. Thanks for joining us today on Focus on K-12, EdTech and The Education Experience. If you enjoyed the show, please subscribe. If you have any ideas for future guests or you'd like to contact us about the show, please reach out to me on Twitter @dkonopelko. Thanks for tuning in and we will see you next time, as we Focus on K-12. Links to Resources from the Show: Video Podcast

Today's episode is (appropriately) a collaboration between Lemonade Learning and Focus on K-12. Lainie Rowell and Brianna Hodges join me as we discuss collaboration. Adults are expected to collaborate on almost everything they do at work, but unless it's specifically noted on an assignment that students should collaborate, it's considered cheating when they do. We also touch on a few other elements of collaboration along the way- let's dive in! Thanks for joining us today on Focus on K-12, EdTech and The Education Experience. If you enjoyed the show, please subscribe. If you have any ideas for future guests or you'd like to contact us about the show, please reach out to me on Twitter @dkonopelko. Thanks for tuning in and we will see you next time, as we Focus on K-12. Links to Resources from the Show: Video Podcast

Disruption comes with the opportunity to reinvent existing processes and systems. For educators, this year has been one of constant and pervasive disruption of almost every aspect of their journey through teaching and learning. Eric Sheninger and I discuss the impact and opportunity that exists today in our schools through the lens of his new book, Disruptive Thinking in our Classrooms (#DisruptiveThink). We touch on comfort, progress, trust, empathy, and so much more! Thanks for joining us today on Focus on K-12, EdTech and The Education Experience. If you enjoyed the show, please subscribe. If you have any ideas for future guests or you'd like to contact us about the show, please reach out to me on Twitter @dkonopelko. Thanks for tuning in and we will see you next time, as we Focus on K-12. Links to Resources from the Show: Video Podcast

Teachers and education leaders often talk about the lack of appropriate representation of students of color in their teachers and the school environment in general. Dr. Valerie Adams-Bass from the University of Virginia takes us through some ways we can address this problem in our schools, the role the media plays in the issue, and how teacher preparation programs play their part. Thanks for joining us today on Focus on K-12, EdTech and The Education Experience. If you enjoyed the show, please subscribe. If you have any ideas for future guests or you'd like to contact us about the show, please reach out to me on Twitter @dkonopelko. Thanks for tuning in and we will see you next time, as we Focus on K-12. Links to Resources from the Show: Video Podcast

When things get busy in a school district, it's easy to reduce your work to checklists on a Post-It, canary yellow legal pad, or the latest to-do list app. In this episode, I talk to Dr. Neil Gupta, Director of Secondary Education for Worthington Schools in Ohio, about the importance of continuing to build experiences for our students and staff rather than settling for checkboxes. Thanks for joining us today on Focus on K-12, EdTech and The Education Experience. If you enjoyed the show, please subscribe. If you have any ideas for future guests or you'd like to contact us about the show, please reach out to me on Twitter @dkonopelko. Thanks for tuning in and we will see you next time, as we Focus on K-12. Links to Resources from the Show: Video Podcast

So often in schools, our students and teachers want the many systems that we put in place and use on a daily basis to just WORK (as they should) and play nice in the sandbox with each other. Susan Bearden, the Director of Digital Programs for InnovateEDU, and I discuss this concept (interoperability) and how it impacts the world of education. InnovateEDU is a non-profit whose mission is to eliminate the achievement gap by accelerating innovation in standards aligned, next generation learning models and tools that serve, inform, and enhance teaching and learning. Thanks for joining us today on Focus on K-12, EdTech and The Education Experience. If you enjoyed the show, please subscribe. If you have any ideas for future guests or you'd like to contact us about the show, please reach out to me on Twitter @dkonopelko. Thanks for tuning in and we will see you next time, as we Focus on K-12. Links to Resources from the Show: Video Podcast

The sustainable development goals (SDGs) are global goals that we should all be working on to improve our planet. Dr. Jen Williams, educator, author, and co-founder of Take Action Global and TeachSDGs takes us through the 'why' behind these goals, some ways students are getting involved, and how we can get started with them in the classroom. Thanks for joining us today on Focus on K-12, EdTech and The Education Experience. If you enjoyed the show, please subscribe. If you have any ideas for future guests or you'd like to contact us about the show, please reach out to me on Twitter @dkonopelko. Thanks for tuning in and we will see you next time, as we Focus on K-12. Links to Resources from the Show: Video Podcast

Dr. Tracey Miller, Chief Academic Officer for Martin County School District, shares some nuggets of wisdom from MCSD's journey as they reopened schools back in August and have remained opened throughout the last 8 months. This is a thoughtful reflection from an amazing leader for school district leaders on the precipice of their reopening or those reflecting on their journey through reopening amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Thanks for joining us today on Focus on K-12, EdTech and The Education Experience. If you enjoyed the show, please subscribe. If you have any ideas for future guests or you'd like to contact us about the show, please reach out to me on Twitter @dkonopelko. Thanks for tuning in and we will see you next time, as we Focus on K-12. Links to Resources from the Show: Video Podcast

Join us as we dive into some radical vulnerability, Wu-Tang, grace, science, humility, mistakes, Jay-Z, #HipHopEd, reality pedagogy, and so much more. Dr. Chris Emdin, professor at Teachers College at Columbia University, author of "For White Folks Who Teach in the Hood..." and the Upcoming "RatchetDemic" joins us for this week's EXTENDED CUT 30 minute episode of #FocusOnK12. Thanks for joining us today on Focus on K-12, EdTech and The Education Experience. If you enjoyed the show, please subscribe. If you have any ideas for future guests or you'd like to contact us about the show, please reach out to me on Twitter @dkonopelko. Thanks for tuning in and we will see you next time, as we Focus on K-12. Links to Resources from the Show: Video Podcast