Podcasts about edtech

In this episode, I sit down with Jessica Lane, founder of Data-Informed Impact, to unpack the critical role of data in K-12 education—and how to use it responsibly, effectively, and equitably. Jessica shares her expertise on building a strong data culture in schools, improving data literacy, and creating clear, ethical data visualizations that empower—not overwhelm—educators and leaders.We explore the often-overlooked human side of data: how to build trust around data use, avoid duplicative processes that drain educators' time, and leverage data to evaluate systems. Jessica also offers insights into how different stakeholders—teachers, administrators, district leaders—use data from both micro and macro lenses, and how EdTech plays a role in the broader data landscape.Whether you're a classroom teacher, building leader, or part of a district team, this conversation will help you think critically about using data as a tool for improvement—not just compliance.Key Topics Covered:✔️ Building a positive and ethical data culture in schools✔️ Improving data literacy for educators and leaders✔️ How to design accessible, meaningful data visualizations✔️ Strategies to streamline administrative processes and reduce redundancy✔️ Student data use and privacy✔️ Understanding the micro vs. macro data needs across K-12 stakeholdersAbout Our Guest:As the founder of Data-Informed Impact, Jessica Lane is known for turning webs of data into easy-to-leverage visual dashboards, systems, and training for K-12 schools – fully equipping leaders and teachers to close the student success gap together. Having created custom solutions for 160 schools across the United States and Canada since 2020, she's an educational data expert. With 10+ years of experience from all angles of the classroom, Jessica's a former data coach, instructional coach, certified math teacher, and holds a Master of Education in learning and technology. Proudly data-informed and people-driven, she believes that data can tell great student success stories, if we let it guide, not decide, how to lead education forward.Jessica currently lives in Cincinnati, Ohio, where she can often be found excitedly exploring spreadsheets, brain studies, Brené Brown books, and puzzles. And when she's not partnering with schools, she's caring for her darling daughter, Emmy, or one of her 50 houseplants.You can connect with Jessican on her website at: https://www.data-informedimpact.com/Learn about her Data Culture Framework here: https://www.data-informedimpact.com/3-domains-of-diiLearn about her Re-Teaching Cycle Template and other Templates here: https://www.data-informedimpact.com/templatesConnect with Jessica on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/informedimpact/ We're thrilled to be sponsored by IXL. IXL's comprehensive teaching and learning platform for math, language arts, science, and social studies is accelerating achievement in 95 of the top 100 U.S. school districts. Loved by teachers and backed by independent research from Johns Hopkins University, IXL can help you do the following and more:Simplify and streamline technologySave teachers' timeReliably meet Tier 1 standardsImprove student performance on state assessments

In this episode, I share creative back-to-school bulletin board ideas for teachers to welcome students and set a positive tone for the year. You'll also hear ways to incorporate technology, like AI-generated images and QR codes, to make your displays more interactive. If you want to create engaging, informative, and visually appealing bulletin boards that spark curiosity and excitement, this episode has you covered! Show notes: https://classtechtips.com/2025/07/22/bulletin-board-ideas-for-teachers-329/ Sponsored by my Easy EdTech Club: https://www.EasyEdTechClub.com Follow Monica on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/classtechtips/  Take your pick of free EdTech resources: https://classtechtips.com/free-stuff-favorites/   

Over 1,500 parents spoke up — and the results are in. In this episode, Scrolling 2 Death host Nicki Petrossi breaks down brand-new national survey data that reveals what parents really think about technology, screen time, and AI in K–12 schools. From overwhelming concerns about excessive screen use and digital safety to a stunning 91% of parents saying they don't want their kids using AI at school, the findings are impossible to ignore. Nicki covers it all: data privacy, inappropriate content on school-issued devices, and the growing disconnect between parent values and EdTech policy. If you've ever felt powerless watching your child glued to a Chromebook or iPad— this episode will inform, empower, and equip you to start changing the conversation at your school.Full survey summary + email template for school outreach available here.

On this episode of Digital Squared, Tom is talking to Steven Walters, Co-Founder and Chief Innovation Officer of Breakout Learning, an educational technology company. Steven shares his fascinating journey from theater and storytelling to the world of ed-tech. He provides a unique perspective on the intersection of storytelling, technology, and education, showcasing how AI can enhance and scale certain aspects of learning while maintaining the crucial human elements of inspiration and connection.Together they discuss how Breakout Learning uses AI-powered discussion platforms to facilitate peer-to-peer learning and critical thinking in both higher education and workforce training. Steven emphasizes the importance of discussion as "the soul of learning" and explains how their platform aims to spark meaningful conversations that continue beyond the classroom. 

As we prepare to return to school and with all of the announcements over the summer, what are the things we should do right away to prepare. Should we really enable all of the things or how can we slow down and test what really needs to happen to ensure the safety of our students and the educational value we want to offer? Teacher and IT Director, Vicki Davis, gives an overview of the summer's hottest AI announcements and some tips that schools are using to keep kids safe and cover their bases when it comes to implementing this cascade of change in ways that protect learning and kids. As always, each school must make these decisions for themselves to keep kids safe as the responsibility is on each of us to do so but here are some tips that might make sense for you. Show notes and links: https://www.coolcatteacher.com/e908 

If you're not ready to dive into anything heavy but still want to stay a little connected to your teaching brain, this one's for you. In today's episode, we're sharing low-key ways to dip into PD—stuff you can explore between naps, walks, or iced coffee refills. No pressure, no big goals—just light, helpful ideas to keep you inspired while still enjoying your break. Show Notes: www.DIESOL.org/123 

Why are kids using so much tech at school?A hint: the year was 2020.It started when COVID shut the world down and EdTech became an emergency measure. One-to-one devices kept learning going while schools were closed. It was necessary. But the pandemic ended- and the screens stayed.At first, digital learning seemed full of promise. In a tech-driven world, it felt like the future. But now, the harms are becoming harder to ignore.British actress and children's advocate, Sophie Winkleman, noticed how agitated her kids became after hours of screen-based learning. She gave them permission to read books instead. Her instinct was right – and the research backs her up: too much screen time in schools is harming students' focus, memory, and academic performance. Sweden has become the first country to reverse its digital-first education policy– replacing screens with printed textbooks and handwriting, especially for young learners. Sophie hopes more countries will follow.In this episode of Scrolling 2 Death, Sophie joins Nicki to explore the data behind screen harm and why parents need to start asking schools tough questions: Is EdTech really helping our kids learn? Or is it putting them in danger?

Send us a textJoin hosts Alex Sarlin and Ben Kornell as they explore the latest developments in education technology, from AI showdowns to immersive learning pilots and funding updates.✨ Episode Highlights:[00:02:00] OpenAI announces $28M K-12 AI training initiative with AFT, UFT, and Microsoft[00:04:34] Gallup-Walton poll reveals 68% of teachers lack AI training despite high usage[00:07:11] OpenAI takes a bottom-up approach as teachers criticize Google's AI rollout[00:23:41] Meta forms Superintelligence Labs, aggressively hiring AI talent across the industry[00:36:17] Senate blocks AI regulation ban, states retain power to legislate AI in education[00:37:31] Higher Ground Education files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, prompting edtech funding debate[00:42:05] Honor Education raises $38M to enhance asynchronous social learning[00:42:45] Teaching Lab merges with Relay Graduate School of Education to scale AI-aligned PDPlus, special guests:[00:44:17] Josh Reibel, CEO of Dreamscape Learn and Dr. Jennifer Cruz, Superintendent of the Pendergast Elementary School District discuss VR and immersive learning with Dreamscape Learn[01:46:15] Eduaide.Ai founders Thomas Thompson and Thomas Hummel on empowering teacherpreneurs with AI

Today on Raise the Line, we bring you the unlikely and inspiring story of a woman who was afraid of blood as a child but became an accomplished nurse; who struggled with learning disabilities but became an effective educator; and who, despite lacking business experience or knowledge of graphics, built a successful company that produces visually rich educational materials for nurses and other providers. “I think the theme of my life has been I have struggled with learning, and I didn't want other people to struggle,” says Jennifer Zahourek, RN, the founder and CEO of RekMed which has developed a sequential, interactive learning system that includes illustrated planners, books, and videos used by millions of students and providers. The initial focus was to provide nurses with everything they needed to know from “the basics to the bedside” but RekMed now offers content for medics, respiratory therapists, medical assistants, and veterinarians as well. Driven by her belief in the power of visual learning and her “just freakin' do it” attitude, Jennifer overcame her fear of launching a business and quickly realized just how well nursing had prepared her for the hard work and unpredictability of entrepreneurship. “Nursing teaches you how to just be resilient, to pivot, to delegate, to work on a team and to handle high stress. I think nurses could literally be some of the best entrepreneurs on the planet,” she tells host Lindsey Smith. Tune in to this lively and valuable conversation as Jennifer shares lessons from bootstrapping a publishing company, insights on the evolving landscape of healthcare education, and advice on embracing change in nursing, especially with the expanding role of AI. Mentioned in this episode:RekMed If you like this podcast, please share it on your social channels. You can also subscribe to the series and check out all of our episodes at www.osmosis.org/raisethelinepodcast

In this final episode recorded live from Transact 360, Dustin chats with Derek Bierman, CIO at Doane University, for a candid, future-focused, and wide-ranging conversation about what it really takes to lead digital transformation on campus. From AI overload to cloud sticker shock to the very real challenge of prioritizing hundreds of tech contracts, Derek offers a rare look behind the scenes of modern campus IT leadership.This is the episode for anyone who's ever tried to balance innovation with budget constraints—or wondered how CIOs are juggling AI, cybersecurity, and the relentless pressure to do more with less.Guest Name: Derek Bierman, Chief Information Officer at Doane UniversityGuest Social: LinkedInGuest Bio: Derek Bierman is a strategic technology leader and Chief Information Officer at Doane University, where he drives digital transformation to enhance student success, service excellence, and institutional efficiency. With a passion for innovation in higher education, he has led key initiatives, including an award-winning service center, a multi-institutional shared services consortium, and a Salesforce-powered student success platform recognized as a model for higher education. Under his leadership, Doane has modernized operations through enterprise service management, cloud transformation, and cybersecurity advancements, ensuring a future-ready institution. A frequent speaker on innovation, analytics, and digital transformation, Derek is particularly curious about the evolving role of AI in higher education and its potential to revolutionize learning, operations, and student success. He remains dedicated to bridging technology and strategy to create lasting impact in the field. - - - -Connect With Our Host:Dustin Ramsdellhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/dustinramsdell/About The Enrollify Podcast Network:The Higher Ed Geek is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you'll like other Enrollify shows too!Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — the next-generation AI student engagement platform helping institutions create meaningful and personalized interactions with students. Learn more at element451.com.Attend the 2025 Engage Summit! The Engage Summit is the premier conference for forward-thinking leaders and practitioners dedicated to exploring the transformative power of AI in education. Explore the strategies and tools to step into the next generation of student engagement, supercharged by AI. You'll leave ready to deliver the most personalized digital engagement experience every step of the way.Register now to secure your spot in Charlotte, NC, on June 24-25, 2025! Early bird registration ends February 1st -- https://engage.element451.com/register

In this episode, I chat with fellow ASCD author and Manager of Coaching and Improvement, Jennifer Ciok, all about innovative strategies to amplify student voice in the classroom through multimedia projects. You'll also hear tips from Jennifer's new book, The Meaningful Middle School Classroom, on the significance of authentic audiences, the impact of student choice in storytelling, and how to tap into students' passions to encourage engagement. Tune in to explore creative, tech-infused ways to empower your students and make their voices heard! Show notes: https://classtechtips.com/2025/07/15/student-voice-in-the-classroom-328/ Sponsored by my Easy EdTech Club: https://www.EasyEdTechClub.com Follow Jennifer Ciok on social: http://jenc20.bsky.social Follow Monica on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/classtechtips/  Take your pick of free EdTech resources: https://classtechtips.com/free-stuff-favorites/   

Description In this episode, we're thrilled to welcome Sheena O'Connell, an educator and developer from South Africa who has been making waves in the Python education community. Sheena shares her journey from electrical engineering to founding Prelude, where she runs advanced Django learning sprints and teamwork training courses. We explore the critical importance of soft skills in technical education, diving into Google's Project Aristotle and the five key factors that make teams effective: psychological safety, dependability, structure and clarity, meaning, and impact. Sheena provides fascinating insights into how cultural concepts like Ubuntu ("I am because we are") influence collaborative learning and professional development. The conversation covers practical strategies for teaching both technical and soft skills to adult learners, the challenges of helping students transition from learning to professional environments, and how to build psychologically safe spaces that promote growth and learning. We also discuss upcoming events including Django Con Africa in Tanzania and PyCon Africa in Johannesburg, South Africa, which Sheena is chairing. Whether you're an educator, team leader, or developer interested in fostering better collaborative environments, this episode offers valuable insights into the intersection of technical education, cultural awareness, and team dynamics. Key Topics Discussed Transitioning from technical roles to education Building effective coding bootcamps and adult learning programs The importance of soft skills in technical careers Google's Project Aristotle and team effectiveness Psychological safety and stereotype threat Cultural influences on learning and teamwork (Ubuntu philosophy) Managing the "desperation mindset" in learning environments Professional development and career transitions PyCon Africa and Django Con Africa Cross-cultural team dynamics and communication Guests Sheena O'Connell - Founder of Prelude, former educator at Umuzi, and chair of PyCon Africa 2025 Resources Mentioned Google's Project Aristotle (https://rework.withgoogle.com/en/guides/understanding-team-effectiveness) The Culture Map (book on cultural differences in teams) Prelude Tech (https://prelude.tech) - Sheena's platform for Django courses and teamwork training PyCon Africa 2025 (Johannesburg, South Africa) Django Con Africa (Arusha, Tanzania) Ubuntu philosophy Umuzi (South African coding bootcamp) Connect with Sheena Personal blog: sheenaoc.com (https://sheenaoc.com) Courses and training: Prelude TV PyCon Africa 2025: October, Johannesburg, South Africa Wins and Fails of the Week Sheena Win: Successfully running a teamwork course for Canonical with an international team Fail: All her plants fell onto the couch (and the subsequent cleanup) Kelly Win: Attending ISTE conference in San Antonio, meeting previous podcast guests, and co-hosting a presentation Fail: Losing momentum on Anthony Shaw's GitHub course due to summer break Sean Win: Being interviewed by media about AI coding tools and AWS Amazon Q Fail: Home server power supply failure during a lightning storm, breaking all home automations Episode Notes This episode provides valuable insights for educators at all levels, from K-12 teachers to corporate trainers. The discussion of soft skills, cultural awareness, and team dynamics offers practical strategies that can be applied in classrooms, coding bootcamps, and professional development settings. The conversation highlights how technical education must go beyond coding skills to prepare students for successful careers, emphasizing the importance of communication, collaboration, and cultural competency in today's global technology landscape. Special Guest: Sheena O'Connell.

Send us a textIn this special episode, we speak with the founder of Edthena and five outstanding educators who were honored as 2025 Teacher Leader Impact Award winners. Each guest shares how they're shaping the future of professional learning, using technology in smart and supportive ways, and leading from the classroom and beyond.

This presentation explores responsible AI implementation in K-12 education, focusing on enhancing learning while protecting student data. Topics include the benefits and risks of AI, best practices for data privacy and security, compliance with legal standards, and practical AI applications that ensure student privacy. Learn how to use AI responsibly to create a safe and effective educational environment.Key Take Aways:How to implement AI technologies responsiblyBenefits and risks associated with using AI technologies in schoolsAI data privacy and security best practices.The Sessions Everyone Was Talking About Webinar SeriesMissed CoSN2025 in Seattle or couldn't attend every session? Don't worry—we're bringing the most popular, standing-room-only presentations to you in a special webinar series. Learn from top EdTech leaders from across the country—no travel needed!In our professional advancement webinars, education technology experts from across the country and worldwide present their specialties. During each interactive session, experts engage in dialogue to address the challenges and opportunities facing educators. Webinars are FREE for members and $59 for non-members. Partner webinars are free for all.For a complete listing of all CoSN's webinars, please visit:⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠https://www.cosn.org/Produced in partnership with edCircuit.

Send us a textSam Whitaker is the Senior Director of Social Impact and Institutional Development at StudyFetch, an all-encompassing AI learning platform for students. His primary focuses are bringing advanced AI education to underserved communities around the world and developing safe and responsible K-12 AI solutions.

Education research, from technology to instruction to design, too often uses an instrumentalist approach that assumes the right tool or trick will simply solve a problem. Jason McDonald joins to talk about the need for entangled research that actually changes both the researcher and the system for the better. Later, we read The Opportunity Makers and reflect on how some important flaws put key findings at odds with most other educational research.

The Big Tech Gut Check is a weekly update for parents on all things social media and Big Tech. Updates for this week: Meta AI Wants to Access Your Camera Roll, Analyze Pics You Haven't UploadedLeaked Documents Show Meta is Training Chatbots to Message You First, Remember Chats, Keep You TalkingFormer Facebook CEO says Site Should be Banned for ChildrenMIT Study Shows Weakened Cognitive Capacity with AI UseANGELQ: A Kid-Safe Web BrowserPARENT SURVEY: AI and EdTech in SchoolUtah Sues Snapchat for Harming ChildrenSnapchat Sues Utah Over Age Verification LawTHORN: State of Sextortion in 2025Rolling Stone: Inside Snapchat's Teen Opioid Crisis

“Very often, doctors try to suppress what they feel or don't even have the vocabulary to describe their emotions,” says Professor Alicja Galazka of the University of Silesia, an observation based on decades of work with physicians to enhance their emotional intelligence and resilience. Galazka, a psychotherapist, psychologist, lecturer and coach, believes this deficit is rooted in part in a lack of instruction in the internal and external psychological dimensions of being a medical provider. “There is not enough space created in medical school for teaching and training students about how to deal with their own stress and all of the skills connected to building relationships with patients,” she tells host Michael Carrese. Those same skills are also critical to working effectively as a member of a care team, which is an increasingly common arrangement in hospitals and clinics. Galazka employs simulations, dramatic role-playing, mindfulness, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and other methods in her work with an eye on increasing the emotional agility and sensitivity of her trainees and clients. Tune in to this thoughtful episode of Raise the Line to hear Galazka's ideas on how to reshape medical training, why she is a proponent of narrative medicine, and the merits of embedding psychologists on care teams as a resource for both patients and providers. Mentioned in this episode:University of SilesiaInternational Association of Coaching Institutes If you like this podcast, please share it on your social channels. You can also subscribe to the series and check out all of our episodes at www.osmosis.org/raisethelinepodcast

En este episodio, presentado por Lucía Blasco del equipo de EdTech, conversamos sobre cómo la Universidad de los Andes en Colombia ha logrado avanzar en su proceso de transformación digital. Nos acompañan Leonardo Lima (IFC) y Harold Enrique Castro Barrera, vicerrector de Transformación Digital de UniAndes. Hablamos de los aprendizajes institucionales tras cinco años de implementación del programa D4TEP, apoyado por la Corporación Financiera Internacional (IFC), y de cómo este proceso ha contribuido no solo desde la tecnología, sino también desde la innovación docente, el cambio cultural y el uso estratégico de datos para mejorar los aprendizajes. A nivel global, el programa D4TEP ha mejorado los servicios digitales para 950.000 estudiantes de 25 instituciones de educación superior en 14 países, y ha movilizado 230 millones de dólares en inversiones a través de IFC para apoyar el crecimiento institucional y la digitalización.Más información:IFC – Digital for Tertiary Education Program (D4TEP)Universidad de los Andes (Uniandes), ColombiaUn podcast producido por Lucía Blasco.

Send us a textJoin hosts Alex Sarlin and Ben Kornell with guest Jacob Kantor as they explore a transformative Week-in-Edtech, from Google's AI-powered classroom revolution to major political shifts affecting schools nationwide.Episode Highlights:[00:03:17] Google launches 50 AI tools for educators through Classroom and Gemini[00:05:47] Startup funding threatened as Google expands free AI features[00:13:41] Google solidifies K-12 dominance, pushing out AI competitors[00:24:51] OpenAI and Microsoft fund new AI training hub for 400,000 teachers[00:33:22] Survey finds 60% of teachers using AI, saving nearly 6 hours per week [00:36:22] Federal government freezes $6B in school funding, including EL programs[00:38:17] ICE raids linked to 30% rise in school absences among Latino students[00:43:32] Families turning to private edtech as school trust declines[00:46:49] ISTE highlights include Amplify, Brisk, Quizziz rebrand, Meta's school mode[00:50:34] Edtech Insiders WhatsApp group emerges as top source for breaking newsPlus, special guests:[00:51:36] Matt Dalio, Founder of Endless Studios on teaching real-world skills through student-designed video games[00:53:56] Anne Trumbore, author of The Teacher in the Machine, on AI, learning platforms, and the future of teaching

In this episode of All Things Marketing and Education, Elana Leoni sits down with Keith Krueger, CEO of CoSN (Consortium for School Networking), to unpack the biggest takeaways from CoSN's 2025 State of EdTech District Leadership report.With over three decades of experience leading conversations around technology in education, Keith offers a grounded, systems-level view of where K–12 technology leadership is headed. From the rise of AI to the persistent gaps in cybersecurity readiness, Keith shares what's keeping CTOs up at night—and where they see real opportunity for change.Together, Elana and Keith explore:Why 91% of EdTech leaders now sit at the decision-making table and what that means for vendorsThe dramatic rise of generative AI as the #1 tech priority, even as 27% of districts still lack a defined approachWhy most districts are underestimating major cybersecurity threats, despite being the #1 target for ransomwareHow workforce shifts are changing the makeup of EdTech leadership (and how still to communicate with buyers)What it really looks like to be a trusted thought partner, not just a vendor on the exhibit floorThis episode offers essential context for anyone working to align technology solutions with the real-world needs of school and district leaders. Keith shares not only what the data says, but how it feels on the ground, with honest insights about policy, pressure, and the practical realities of K–12 tech leadership in 2025.

In this powerful episode of Learning Through Technology, hosts Alex Inman and Bob Cireddu sit down with David Wildy, Chief Technology Officer at Dublin Unified School District in California, for a candid conversation about the front-line realities of managing technology in K–12 education.David pulls no punches as he discusses the operational grind balancing infrastructure demands, refresh cycles, and phishing attacks with the strategic vision required to align IT with instructional priorities. He shares how being part of the Ed Services team, rather than the business office, has given his department a more direct path to classroom impact, and how his small but mighty 14-person team supports over 12,000 students across a rapidly growing district.Whether you're an edtech leader or an administrator trying to bridge instructional goals with technology systems, this episode is packed with both ground-level insights and big-picture strategy.Key Moments:03:00 – The Real Threat: Phishing, not firewalls05:05 – Teacher Training vs. Email Fatigue: A Catch-2207:18 – From Keenan to ESET: Building smarter cyber training08:30 – Why IT Belongs in Ed Services: Curriculum alignment in action10:50 – Coaching Connections: Using EdTech coaches to scale support13:00 – Supporting Everyone: Not just teachers, but staff and admin15:20 – The Thought Leadership Trap: No time at 30,000 feet17:23 – The Budget Cliff: Post-ESSER tech maintenance19:06 – Cybersecurity at Night: Risk, insurance, and reality22:27 – Staff or Service? The outsourcing debate24:01 – Tech Impact on Learning: Making the case through data26:14 – Flexibility Over One-Size-Fits-All28:00 – A Music Teacher's Legacy: How Mr. Tristan shaped a tech leaderWhy You'll Love This Episode:Real Talk from a District CTODavid doesn't gloss over the hard parts—he walks us through the daily demands and long-term vision of school tech leadership.Instructional Alignment, Not SilosHear how his team works side-by-side with curriculum and EdTech coaches to ensure technology supports teaching, not just operations.Security Without Fear-Mongering From phishing to ransomware to insurance, David offers a clear-eyed view of the threats schools face and how to prepare.Connect with Guest – David WildyLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-wildy-mpa-ba41b95Connect with Hosts – Alex Inman & Bob CiredduLinkedIn – Alex Inman: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexinman/LinkedIn – Bob Cireddu: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-cireddu

In this episode, I share practical study tips and EdTech tools that help students build strong study habits and take charge of their learning. You'll also hear strategies for using AI-powered resources and interactive digital platforms to make studying more engaging and effective. Tune into this episode and learn how to best help students review essential topics and develop lifelong learning skills! Show notes: https://classtechtips.com/2025/07/08/help-students-review-327/ Sponsored by my Easy EdTech Club: https://www.EasyEdTechClub.com Follow Monica on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/classtechtips/  Take your pick of free EdTech resources: https://classtechtips.com/free-stuff-favorites/   

We often think of content creation as something related to the marketing department, but content creation is also necessary for crafting e-learning modules that nurture employee engagement and buoy retention as part of a learning and development (L&D) strategy. My guest, Elisa Cruickshank is an instructional designer and the founder of EC‑Designs for Learning. Elisa specializes in creating engaging and effective learning experiences tailored to her clients' needs. With a strong passion for education and a deep understanding of instructional design principles, she collaborates closely with organizations to develop customized training programs, e-learning modules, and educational materials that drive results. Elisa draws on over a decade of experience in banking, finance, and learning & development to create impactful e‑learning solutions that empower and engage teams. As the driving force behind EC‑Designs for Learning, she specializes in developing engaging webinars, e‑learning courses, and software training that help organizations thrive. In this episode, we discussed the impact e-learning has on organizations and how an L&D-forward approach creates a culture of growth, retention, and employee engagement.  With expertise spanning instructional design, course management, ILT/VILT (Instructor-Led Training/Virtual Instructor-Led Training) delivery, and both soft and technical skills training, Elisa crafts immersive experiences that resonate. Her clients—ranging from Nestlé Health Science and McLane Company to PolyGen Pharmaceuticals—praise her ability to “go beyond the basics,” delivering “impactful courseware on time and to budget,” and being “a joy to work with.” Watch on YouTube:  Connect with Elisa Cruickshank: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elisa-c/ Learn more: https://ecdlearning.com/   

In this episode, Ixchell and Brent dive into #ISTELive 25 in San Antonio. From eye-opening sessions that revealed cutting-edge tools to the pervasive influence of AI in ESOL, we'll cover what truly stood out. Join us as Brent shares his insights on the most impactful trends for ESOL education, advice for teachers, and some memorable moments from the vendor hall. You won't want to miss this discussion on what's shaping the future of language teaching! Show notes: www.DIESOL.org/122 

Send us a textMatt Miller is the CEO and Co-Founder of OKO Labs, an innovative EdTech company developing human-centric, pro-social AI to power collaborative learning in K-12 classrooms. With a background as CTO and VP of Labs at Amplify Education and VP of Product at Flatiron School, Matt brings deep technical expertise and a passion for leveraging technology to solve real-world educational challenges. Holding BS and MS degrees in Computer Science and Intelligent Systems from Columbia University, Matt co-founded OKO in 2020 to address the critical need for scalable, engaging, and equitable small-group learning solutions, starting with a focus on math intervention. He leads OKO's mission to foster not only academic growth but also essential skills like teamwork and communication, driven by a commitment to evidence-based practices and rigorous R&D. 

In this episode of the podcast, we are joined by the wonderful Emma Darcy, a prominent figure in EdTech, discussing her journey, the importance of community and networking, and the transformative role of AI in education. Emma shares insights on the Apps for Good initiative, emphasising the need for schools to adapt to the changing landscape of technology and student engagement. The conversation highlights the significance of professional generosity, the value of community support, and the necessity of involving young people in discussions about AI and its implications for their learning experiences.Chapters00:00 Introduction01:08 Emma Darcy's Journey in EdTech03:23 Interchangeable Insights: School and Trust Dynamics06:18 The Value of Networking in Education09:24 Professional Generosity and Community Support21:07 Apps for Good: Empowering Students through Technology29:45 AI as a Disruptor in Education39:35 Sustaining Passion in EdTech42:41 Celebrating Community and Achievements46:04 Quickfire Questions: Insights and ReflectionsCheck out Apps for Good Check out the DfE AI Toolkits that Emma helped to designConnect with EmmaThanks so much for joining us again for another episode - we appreciate you.Ben & Steve xChampioning those who are making the future of education a reality.Follow us on XFollow us on LinkedInCheck out all about EdufuturistsWant to sponsor future episodes or get involved with the Edufuturists work? Get in touch

Send us a textJoin hosts Alex Sarlin and Ben Kornell for a thought-provoking summer edition of Week in Edtech, featuring headline debates on AI in education, a rare look into PBS KIDS' funding crisis, and grassroots innovation in ocean learning from Ecuador.✨ Episode Highlights:[00:03:16] MIT study raises alarms about AI's impact on student thinking[00:07:42] AI cheating scandal hits national debate championships[00:12:33] Teachers vent frustration as AI disrupts classroom dynamics[00:14:45] Educators face a crossroads: ban AI or embrace it as a teaching toolPlus, special guests:[00:19:09] Sarah DeWitt, SVP & General Manager of PBS KIDS, on funding cuts, educational media, and AI experiments in public broadcasting[00:41:38] José Francisco Ochoa Ordóñez, Co-founder of Academia del Oceano, on democratizing ocean education through hybrid EdTech in Latin America

Is Hip Hop music the key to an EdTech revolution for schools and kids? What happens when a gangster rapper turns his mic and mind toward changing lives instead of chasing fame? In this inspiring episode, Rob sits down with Roy Scott, former rap artist turned CEO of Healthy Hip Hop, a platform blending beats and education to uplift the next generation. Roy shares how he flipped his past into purpose—creating kid-friendly hip hop that entertains, educates, and empowers. You'll hear about his personal transformation, the power of storytelling in business, and why the right kind of music can change everything. Whether you're a parent, creative, or aspiring entrepreneur, this conversation hits all the right notes.Feel free to follow and engage with ROY here:- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/royscottceo/- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/royscott.ceo/- TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@royscott.ceo- Website: https://www.royscott.ceo/We're so grateful to you, our growing audience of entrepreneurs, investors and community leaders interested in the human stories of the Entrepreneurial Thinkers behind entrepreneurial economies worldwide.As always we hope you enjoy each episode and Like, Follow, Subscribe or share with your friends. You can find our shows here, and our new Video Podcast, at “Entrepreneurial Thinkers” channel on YouTube. Plug in, relax and enjoy inspiring, educational and empowering conversations between Rob and our guests.¡Cheers y gracias!,Entrepreneurial Thinkers Team.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Entrepreneurial Thinkers03:50 Roy Scott's Journey from Rapper to Entrepreneur05:36 The Impact of Music on Education11:46 The Role of Intentionality in Music Creation13:47 Entrepreneurship as a Creative Pursuit18:50 The Evolution of Healthy Hip Hop21:44 Future Vision for Healthy Hip Hop29:01 Choosing Passion Over Tradition32:08 The Journey of Self-Discovery35:32 Crafting Stories with Musical Sensibility38:57 Empowering Others Through Mentorship42:41 Building a Legacy with $100 Million47:19 Practical Tips for Parents and Teachers49:12 The Power of Leading with Your Why

Today I'm speaking with Miquel Palet, Founder of GetInvoice Miquel Palet is a Barcelona-based entrepreneur and product leader, known for founding Ucademy, an edtech platform, and GetInvoice, a tool for automating invoice retrieval from emails and other sources. With a background in engineering from Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya, Miquel combines technical expertise with a passion for simplifying business processes. His ventures reflect a commitment to innovation and user-centric solutions. GetInvoice is an AI-driven invoice automation software that automatically retrieves and processes invoices and receipts from emails and web portals, including Amazon and Google Ads. We extract all invoice data and integrate with accounting tools like QuickBooks, Xero or Business Central, and other tools like Google Drive or Google Sheet, to automatically forward all processed invoices. GetInvoice is already used by more than +1,000 freelancers, startups, and small businesses around the world that are looking to automate their pre-accounting work and save +10 hours every week. In this episode, we talk about . . . Guest: Miquel Palet, founder of Get Invoice and co-founder of Ukademy Background: Engineering and entrepreneurship from Barcelona Get Invoice: AI-driven software automating invoice retrieval from emails and portals like Amazon & Google Integrations: Works with Xero, QuickBooks, Business Central, Google Drive & Sheets Origin Story: Born out of a pain point at Ukademy while scaling fast Market Focus: Small businesses (10–200 people) in Europe and the US Milestone: Bootstrapped growth reaching and surpassing $10K ARR within 6 months Security: Uses secure Google/Outlook APIs with strict access limitations Growth Strategy: Lean, product-focused, and quick iteration Fun Fact: Inspired by Spotify Wrapped to create an email analytics campaign Language: Currently English-only despite Spanish roots Reading: Balances business books with classical literature like The Iliad   Contact details:   Get Invoice https://www.get-invoice.com  Miquel Palet https://linkedin.com/in/miquelpalet  Miquel Pale https://x.com/paletmiki  Accounting Apps newsletter: http://HeatherSmithAU.COM Accounting Apps Mastermind: https://www.facebook.com/groups/XeroMasterMind  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/HeatherSmithAU/  YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/ANISEConsulting  X: https://twitter.com/HeatherSmithAU   

In this episode, I share fun writing activities for kids that don't rely on AI, showcasing innovative digital platforms for educators to explore. You'll also hear about interactive online resources that offer unique writing prompts and learning experiences. If you want to discover tech-friendly strategies that spark student creativity and critical thinking, this episode has you covered! Show notes: https://classtechtips.com/2025/07/01/fun-writing-activities-for-kids-326/ Sponsored by my Easy EdTech Club: https://EasyEdTechClub.com Follow Monica on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/classtechtips/  Take your pick of free EdTech resources: https://classtechtips.com/free-stuff-favorites/   

It's YOUR time to #EdUp⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Click here to support Elvin & Joe!In this episode, brought to YOU by HigherEd PodConYOUR guest is Gavin Cooney, CEO & Founder, Learnosity YOUR host is ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Dr. Jodi (Ashbrook) Blinco⁠, Vice President for Enrollment Management Consulting, ⁠EducationDynamics How is AI transforming assessment creation & feedback in education? What makes Learnocity's "building block" approach unique in the EdTech landscape? How is AI-powered feedback doubling completion rates in GED programs? Why is authentic assessment becoming more accessible with AI assistance? What should higher education leaders know about adapting to AI disruption? Topics include:Scaling assessment delivery across 40 million users worldwide Creating AI tools that enhance rather than replace human instruction Developing "Author Aid" to generate & customize assessment content Implementing "Feedback Aid" to reduce faculty workload & improve student outcomes Building accessibility features for diverse learning needs Listen in to #EdUpThank YOU so much for tuning in. Join us on the next episode for YOUR time to EdUp!Connect with YOUR EdUp Team - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Elvin Freytes⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Dr. Joe Sallustio⁠⁠⁠⁠● Join YOUR EdUp community at The EdUp Experience!We make education YOUR business!P.S. If YOU like what YOU hear, feel free to​ ⁠support our efforts to keep us going!

Edtech ThrowdownEpisode 193: Check This Edtech OutWelcome to the EdTech Throwdown. This is Episode 193 called Check This Edtech Out. In this episode, we'll share some edtech tools that we would use to create a specific activity for a specific purpose in our classroom. This is another episode you don't want to miss, check it out.Segment 1: Segment 2: 3:50 into a long pause as we took attendanceClassroom Environment PrepIdeasPostersRulesEdtechCanvaDigital WebsitesDo Nows/Q of the Day/Exit TicketsIdeasGraph FridayWhat's in a PictureAssessment PrepTeam BuildingConnectionsEdtechCanva SheetsGraph of the Day WebsiteQuizizzClasshook.comCourse Long GamificationIdeasSurvivorLeaderboardsEdtechCanva SitesGoogle SitesFlippity.netgoosechase.comActivity WebsiteIdeasCase Study

Send us a textJerome Pesenti is the founder of Sizzle AI, an AI-for-learning company whose mission is to make learning amazing for everyone. Jerome has worked in AI for the past 25 years, including as VP of AI at Meta, co-CEO of BenevolentAI, VP at IBM Watson, and co-founder of Vivisimo (sold to IBM).

Schools Out 2025 - FAAF222In this 222nd episode, I share my daily reflection posted on BlueSky, TwiX @bryoncar and YouTube shorts @FreshAirAtFiver, from June 23-27, 2025. Check out the WHOLE SPOTIFY PLAYLIST I put together with all the listens mentioned below:>>> https://bit.ly/E222FreshAirAtFivePlaylist

In this special anniversary episode, Dr. Sher Downing reflects on the five-year journey of the EdTech Speaks podcast. Born during the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic, the show has evolved into a living documentary of transformation in education, technology, and human-centered innovation. As we enter year six, Sher invites listeners to imagine and create a future where technology enhances human flourishing—not just functionality.Takeaways/Highlights: The podcast began during the pandemic to document the rapid evolution of education and work. Early guests were trailblazers adapting in real time to educational upheaval.The focus expanded beyond EdTech to include innovation in work, leadership, and digital transformation.EdTechSpeaks was named a finalist in the prestigious EdTech Awards, affirming its growing impact.The show now serves as a collective archive—a real-time chronicle of five years of global change.AI is positioned as a creative partner, not a replacement for human intelligence.

Welcome to this week's episode with Chris and Mark (Josh is on vacation!). We give a sneak peek of ISTE and its EdTech index and the five quality indicators that are setting new standards for EdTech vendors. This episode also examines the timely topic of staff transitions over the summer, unpacking the challenges associated with tech handovers, account management, and also the juggling act of summer vacations. A special highlight is the coverage of a recent study on the implementation of a cell phone ban in schools, exploring the profound impacts it has had on classroom culture, social interaction, and student focus. Additionally, we discuss... AI! We check out some highlights of Microsoft's 2025 AI and education report.   00:00:00-Intro 00:00:57-ISTE Preview 00:04:11-EdTech Rebranding 00:05:43-Cell Phone Ban Study Findings 00:11:04-AI in Education Report 00:18:17-Handling Employee Departures 00:36:10-Upcoming Events and Conferences -------------------- PowerGistics' favorite Chromebook damage excuses Fortinet Lightspeed Prey - Email k12tech@preyproject.com and/or click this link for info! 15% off first year! CTL CTL is introducing 3 new products this week and next: Updated: CTL Chromebook NL73 Gen 2, now with faster N150 processing, 2 clamshells and 1 touchscreen, 4/64 and 8/64 configurations New: CTL Chromebook PX121E, an 8/64 device with an expansive 12.2" screen for better immersive learning experiences Brand new: CTL Chromebox OPS device, which can breathe new life into existing interactive displays and bring them into the ChromeOS ecosystem for better classroom integration and simpler IT management They'll be showing these new products at ISTE starting June 30th, 2025... Booth #2049   -------------------- Email us at k12techtalk@gmail.com OR info@k12techtalkpodcast.com Call us at 314-329-0363 Join the K12TechPro Community Buy some swag X @k12techtalkpod Facebook Visit our LinkedIn Music by Colt Ball Disclaimer: The views and work done by Josh, Chris, and Mark are solely their own and do not reflect the opinions or positions of sponsors or any respective employers or organizations associated with the guys. K12 Tech Talk itself does not endorse or validate the ideas, views, or statements expressed by Josh, Chris, and Mark's individual views and opinions are not representative of K12 Tech Talk. Furthermore, any references or mention of products, services, organizations, or individuals on K12 Tech Talk should not be considered as endorsements related to any employer or organization associated with the guys.

"Older adults have this special clarity about who they are and what they want, which is incredibly inspiring," says Dr. Julia Hiner, explaining, in part, why she loves her work as a geriatrician in Houston, Texas. She also enjoys the challenge of the medical complexity these patients present and the opportunity it creates to see the patient as a whole person. In fact, as you'll hear in this upbeat conversation with Raise the Line host Lindsey Smith, there's almost nothing about geriatrics that Dr. Hiner does not enjoy, which explains her passion for teaching the subject at McGovern Medical School at the University of Texas Health Science Center in Houston and trying to convince more students to pursue it as their specialty.  The need is great, given that there are only 8,000 geriatricians in the US despite a rapidly growing senior population. Tune in to learn why Dr. Hiner thinks clinicians avoid the field and the steps that can be taken to improve the situation, including requiring courses in geriatrics. You'll also learn about the importance of capacity assessments, the troubling, and under-reported, problem of elder mistreatment, ageism among health professionals and much more in this super informative episode. Mentioned in this episode:University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston McGovern Medical School  If you like this podcast, please share it on your social channels. You can also subscribe to the series and check out all of our episodes at www.osmosis.org/raisethelinepodcast

Today's defense landscape is chaotic and fast-moving. Drones, AI, autonomy, and cyber threats are reshaping how wars are fought…and how the Pentagon spends.  For companies and CEOs, the barrier to entry has never been lower. Any startup with a pitch deck and some funding can say they're in “defense.” But actually succeeding in this market? That's never been harder. Small businesses get lost in red tape, big businesses lose their edge chasing shiny objects. Most companies looking to break into the defense space still pitch like it's 2005, leading with tech specs, chasing every shiny RFP, and assuming that great engineering sells itself. It doesn't…not in today's environment. So what's the right strategy in this market? How do companies set themselves up to win?  In this episode, I sit down with Gemo Yesil, founder and managing partner of Bastion Atlas, to unpack why so many well-funded startups, savvy CEOs, and legacy contractors are falling flat, and what it really takes to win in today's high-stakes, high-complexity market. Gemo knows the DoD world inside and out. An MIT-trained aerospace engineer, Air Force veteran, and founder of a fast-scaling fractional BD firm, he's seen firsthand how companies of all sizes struggle with the same fundamental issue: a lack of clear, executable strategy. Gemo explains how defense acquisition has evolved from lumbering legacy programs to fast-moving, software-driven warfare. He shares why the real differentiator today isn't tech specs or connections, it's clarity: about your market, your business model, and what “good” defense revenue actually looks like. You'll also learn: The biggest misconceptions companies have when trying to sell to the DoD Why most “strategies” aren't really strategies and how to create one that's tangible and repeatable What it actually means to define “good business” in the defense sector The risks of chasing large contracts that don't align with your long-term goals How Bastion Atlas approaches fractional business development and execution Why understanding the DoD's operational context is key to communicating product value The growing shift toward treating AI and software as major weapon systems Why traditional consulting is fading and how fractional BD is becoming the new model How to win with process, patience, and a long-term perspective   Guest Bio Gemo Yesil is a combat veteran, aerospace engineer and founder and principal at Bastion Atlas. He is a Global Defense Business Development executive with 20 years of experience, and a dual-rated U.S. Air Force pilot, who has flown Combat Rescue helicopters and Tactical Airlift jets in Iraq, Afghanistan, Africa, and South America. After managing Fortune 500 engineering teams on multiple $2B+ programs at Sikorsky/Lockheed Martin and scaling his EdTech startup nationally, Gemo has served as CMC Electronics' Global Sales & Strategy Director, Gecko Robotics' Head of Defense Business Development, and HABCO Industries' VP of Sales & Marketing. He launched Bastion Atlas in 2024 to assemble a team of revenue growth experts and scale their impact across the global Aerospace & Defense industry. Gemo remains proudly connected to his alma mater (MIT), retains an active security clearance, and — as a personal passion — continues to manage national STEM Education initiatives. To learn more, visit https://www.bastionatlas.com/ and connect with Gemo in LinkedIn.    About Your Host Craig Picken is an Executive Recruiter, writer, speaker and ICF Trained Executive Coach. He is focused on recruiting senior-level leadership, sales, and operations executives in the aviation and aerospace industry. His clients include premier OEMs, aircraft operators, leasing/financial organizations, and Maintenance/Repair/Overhaul (MRO) providers and since 2008, he has personally concluded more than 400 executive-level searches in a variety of disciplines. Craig is the ONLY industry executive recruiter who has professionally flown airplanes, sold airplanes, and successfully run a P&L in the aviation industry. His professional career started with a passion for airplanes. After eight years' experience as a decorated Naval Flight Officer – with more than 100 combat missions, 2,000 hours of flight time, and 325 aircraft carrier landings – Craig sought challenges in business aviation, where he spent more than 7 years in sales with both Gulfstream Aircraft and Bombardier Business Aircraft. Craig is also a sought-after industry speaker who has presented at Corporate Jet Investor, International Aviation Women's Association, and SOCAL Aviation Association.    Check out this episode on our website, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify, and don't forget to leave a review if you like what you heard. Your review feeds the algorithm so our show reaches more people. Thank you! 

  The Green Impact Report Quick take: Caroline Vanderlip reveals how to tackle the trillion-unit packaging waste crisis by making reuse as convenient as disposal—and why the built environment holds the key to scaling circular economy solutions. Meet Your Fellow Sustainability Champion Caroline Vanderlip is a high-energy senior executive who pivoted from building digital media empires (including launching CNBC) to revolutionizing the circular economy. Four years ago, she discovered the burgeoning concept of moving the world away from single-use toward reuse—and it came to define her life's work as founder of Re:Dish. With a background spanning journalism at Stanford, media innovation at NBC, and EdTech ventures, Caroline combines strategic vision with operational expertise to make reuse an everyday reality for corporate clients like Barclays Bank.

Send us a textJoin hosts Alex Sarlin and Matt Tower as they explore the evolving edtech landscape—from rising AI use to old-school solutions for modern challenges.✨ Episode Highlights:[00:00:20] Banning AI boosts student engagement and brings back handwritten assessments[00:03:23] Gallup finds AI use in the workplace has doubled in two years[00:06:15] OpenAI's college push sparks backlash over trust and cheating concerns[00:09:30] Professors turn to blue books and flipped classrooms to fight AI plagiarism[00:13:20] Meta's $15B investment in Scale AI reshapes the AI training data market[00:21:40] Poor sleep linked to tech use and lower student performance, says new data[00:29:01] Study finds most students rely on parents for post-high school plans—and parents don't know the options➡️ Go to Part 2 to listen to the guest interviews this week

Send us a textFor this Week in EdTech Part 2, Alex Sarlin interviews two visionary founders tackling early education and classroom AI from the ground up—with a focus on teacher support, inclusive innovation, and practical AI implementation.[00:02:12] Yesi Sevilla, CEO of CHALK on why early education must start with supporting teachers[00:30:55] Ed Buckley and Marlee Strawn, Co-founders of Scholar Education on how AI-powered dog bots support students and teachers

Episode 327:  Learning & Development, Instructional Design, and AI Talk with Holly Owens  In this episode, I had the honor of chatting with Holly Owens, host of EdUp EdTech, Director of Growth Marketing at Yellowdig, and all-around L&D powerhouse. We talk about everything from instructional design to AI in learning, what "proficiency" really means, and how educators can pivot into the world of L&D with confidence.If you're an educator, learning designer, or someone navigating the fast-moving world of EdTech, this one's packed with takeaways you'll want to keep coming back to.We go deep on human-first learning, ethical red flags with AI, and the importance of not letting imposter syndrome get in your way. Whether you're pivoting careers or just trying to stay ahead of the curve, Holly brings the fire.

In this episode, I chat with Eric Walters, Director of STEM Education at Marymount School of New York, about the creativity and AI ethics course he designed for high school students. You'll also hear how his students dive into generative AI tools, reflect on ethical challenges, and create meaningful projects for authentic audiences. Tune in for a conversation on fostering agency, asynchronous learning, and preparing students to navigate AI's creative potential responsibly! Show notes: https://classtechtips.com/2025/06/24/ai-ethics-325/ Sponsored by my quick reference guide Using AI Chatbots to Enhance Planning and Instruction: https://amzn.to/42Xzds0 Follow Eric Walters on social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ewaltersscience/ Follow Monica on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/classtechtips/  Take your pick of free EdTech resources: https://classtechtips.com/free-stuff-favorites/     

This might be our most giggly conversation yet. Alicia Quan and Sarah Mondestin interview Annabel Blake (they/them), Principal AI Design Researcher at Canva.The three discuss connections throughout Annabel's career and life, touching on various topics like research, kids, play, AI, ethics, toys, authorship, and advice for designers and researchers working the spaces of education and AI. So much gold in this one!About AnnabelAnnabel works on conversational interfaces, generative experiences for education and on early R&D. Annabel's work lives at the intersection of research, design, and play and includes studying how young people experiment with AI recreationally and how they use it for fun, comfort, and creativity. Annabel also writes “strange little books for children, like a book you wear on your head or a story about a robot goat… that comes with a chatbot goat (called Sardine!).”Annabel's Links⁠Playful Futures⁠⁠annabelblake.com⁠⁠bookandbot.com⁠ ⁠Center for Humane Technology⁠ Chapters00:00 - Annabel's Squiggly Career Path03:14 - Olympic Journey and Injury04:42 - Reflections on Career Squiggles06:07 - Intersection of Research, Design, and Play08:38 - Kids and AI: Restoration and Exploration12:46 - Children's Books and Technology17:39 - Young People and AI: Surprising Uses21:39 - Designing for AI vs. Traditional UX28:17 - Co-Design and Early Access Testing32:48 - Educators and AI Tools36:22 - Innovative Teachers and Their Challenges39:24 - The Importance of Playfulness in Education46:11 - AI in Education: Balancing Innovation and EthicsFollow us

Send us a textEric Swanson currently holds the position of Senior Vice President of Practice and Instructional Products at Renaissance Learning. In this capacity, he works with educators, technologists, and researchers to build best-in-class practice products and experiences that improve academic outcomes for students and educators. Working with the Renaissance Next, myON, Accelerated Reader, Lalilo, and Freckle teams, as well as our Math and Literacy product portfolios and new product ventures, Eric ensures the practice and instruction product strategy, roadmaps, and Go- to-Market activities fit within Renaissance and with our customers' needs.Storey Sitwala is Senior Director of Product Management at Renaissance. Throughout her career, she has focused on the challenge of how to scale insight-driven best practices for educators. She has spearheaded and developed innovative solutions across education nonprofits, school systems, and within the education technology sector, leveraging her expertise in information science, data visualization, psychology, and user experience design.

BONUS: Never Stop Experimenting—Building a Culture of Continuous Discovery with Stavros Stavru In this BONUS episode, we dive deep into the world of continuous experimentation with Stavros Stavru, Ph.D. in Organizational Transformations and founder of EdTech ventures AhaPlay and The Caringers. Stavros shares insights from his latest book "Never Stop Experimenting" and reveals how teams can maintain their discovery mindset while balancing the pressures of delivery. The Exploration-Exploitation Dilemma "What would we choose? What we know, and try to exploit? Or go for something new, and better than we currently have?" Stavros introduces us to one of the fundamental challenges facing modern teams: the tension between exploration and exploitation. He explains how teams often start with an exploration mindset, focused on solving real problems through discovery. However, over time, there's a natural shift from discovery to delivery, and teams forget the importance of continued exploration. The title "Never Stop Experimenting" serves as an anchor for teams to remember the value of maintaining their experimental approach even when delivery pressures mount. Born from a Decade of Practice "All the techniques that I describe in the book were born during 10 years of practice." The book isn't theoretical - it's grounded in real-world application. Stavros shares how every technique and framework in "Never Stop Experimenting" emerged from his extensive hands-on experience working with teams over a decade. This practical foundation ensures that readers get battle-tested approaches rather than untested concepts. Software Development as Incremental Experiments "Experimentation requires a creative process." Stavros addresses a common challenge: while teams understand the benefits of experimentation and want to experiment, they often face management resistance that ultimately demotivates the team. He emphasizes that viewing software development as a series of incremental experiments isn't just beneficial - it's absolutely necessary for teams to remain innovative and responsive to changing needs. The Fatware Matrix: Putting Products on a Diet "The challenge: how do you convince the business that you need to spend some time removing features?" One of the book's standout concepts is "The Fatware Matrix," which helps Product Managers recognize when their product is becoming bloated. Stavros introduces a practical tool combining the Kano framework with maintenance cost analysis to illustrate the true cost and impact of maintaining old features. This approach helped one team successfully remove features from their software, with stakeholders later commenting, "Now this is more transparent for us." The key is managing feature creep and software bloat before they become overwhelming. The NSE Ratio: Optimizing Experimentation Rhythm "It's when we try something new that we learn what works. We need to change something on a regular basis." The NSE (Never Stop Experimenting) Ratio measures how long teams wait before introducing new approaches or experimenting with their processes. Stavros explains how teams should define their NSE ratio as part of their team agreements, establishing a regular cadence for trying new things. This systematic approach ensures that learning and adaptation become embedded in the team's rhythm rather than happening sporadically. Building a Safe-to-Fail Culture "Speak of your own failures. When we show our failures as leaders, we show the team that they can run their own experiments." Creating a truly safe-to-fail environment requires leaders to model vulnerability and transparency about their own mistakes. Stavros emphasizes that leaders must give the example by sharing their failures openly, which gives permission for the rest of the organization to take risks and learn from their own experiments. This leadership modeling is crucial for establishing psychological safety around experimentation. About Stavros Stavru Stavros is a Ph.D. in Organizational Transformations and a leading voice in Agile coaching, leadership, and soft skills. Founder of EdTech ventures AhaPlay and The Caringers, he has delivered over 800 trainings and authored Never Stop Experimenting, a powerful toolkit for continuous improvement across teams and organizations. You can connect with Stavros Stavru on LinkedIn, and check his book site at Neverstopexperimenting.com.

How is AI actually being used in classrooms today? Are teachers adopting it, or resisting it? And could software eventually replace traditional instruction entirely?In this episode of This Week in Consumer AI, a16z partners Justine Moore, Olivia Moore, and Zach Cohen explore one of the most rapidly evolving — and widely debated — frontiers in consumer technology: education.They unpack how generative AI is already reshaping educational workflows, enabling teachers to scale feedback, personalize curriculum, and reclaim time from administrative tasks. We also examine emerging consumer behavior — from students using AI for homework to parents exploring AI-led learning paths for their children. Resources:Find Olivia on X: https://x.com/omooretweetsFind Justine on X: https://x.com/venturetwinsFind Zach on X: https://x.com/zachcohen25 Stay Updated: Let us know what you think: https://ratethispodcast.com/a16zFind a16z on Twitter: https://twitter.com/a16zFind a16z on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/a16zSubscribe on your favorite podcast app: https://a16z.simplecast.com/Follow our host: https://x.com/eriktorenbergPlease note that the content here is for informational purposes only; should NOT be taken as legal, business, tax, or investment advice or be used to evaluate any investment or security; and is not directed at any investors or potential investors in any a16z fund. a16z and its affiliates may maintain investments in the companies discussed. For more details please see a16z.com/disclosures.

In this episode, I welcome back Dr. Gene Kerns, Chief Academic Officer at Renaissance, to the podcast to explore practical AI literacy tips for educators and families. You'll also hear Dr. Kerns share research insights and actionable strategies to help students, caregivers, teachers, and school leaders confidently navigate today's rapidly evolving AI landscape. If you want to better understand how to prepare your school community for the future of artificial intelligence, this episode has you covered! Show notes: https://classtechtips.com/2025/06/20/ai-literacy-bonus/ Sponsored by Renaissance: https://nearpod.com/21-century Follow Monica on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/classtechtips/  Take your pick of free EdTech resources: https://classtechtips.com/free-stuff-favorites/   

In this episode, I share five key takeaways from a whirlwind week of AI experiences—from leading hands-on educator workshops in Iowa to attending the Axios AI + NYC Summit. You'll also hear how small tech features, student safety, and even AI image citations are making a big impact in classrooms and beyond. If you want to stay informed and inspired around AI in education, this episode has you covered! Show notes: https://classtechtips.com/2025/06/17/ai-in-education-324/ Sponsored by my quick reference guide Using AI Chatbots to Enhance Planning and Instruction: https://amzn.to/42Xzds0 Follow Monica on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/classtechtips/  Take your pick of free EdTech resources: https://classtechtips.com/free-stuff-favorites/