What does it mean to be a "cautious advocate" in the age of AI?

In this episode of Artificial Intelligence Real Talk, host Matthew sits down with Dr. Alfonso Mendoza Jr. ("Dr. Fonz"), educator, ed-tech veteran, and host of the My EdTech Life podcast, for a wide-ranging and deeply honest conversation about what it really means to bring technology into classrooms with intention.

Dr. Fonz brings over a decade of experience as a digital learning coordinator, a doctoral perspective on data and ed tech policy, and a refreshing willingness to pump the brakes when everyone else is flooring it. Together, Matt and Dr. Fonz dig into the lessons learned from the early days of generative AI hype, the growing tech backlash, and what cautious advocacy actually looks like in practice.

In this episode, you'll hear:

• How a term coined by Dr. Nneka McGee ("cautious advocate") changed the way both hosts approach AI in education
• Why the hype cycle of blockchain, NFTs, and Web3 shaped Dr. Mendoza's skepticism about generative AI
• What "data rentiership" means and why it should make every educator pause before adopting a free tool
• The difference between substitution and genuine transformation in classroom technology use
• Why professional development for teachers is underfunded, rushed, and often set up to fail
• How looking at teaching through a marketing lens can help educators actually reach every learner
• Real strategies for bite-sized, flexible professional learning that actually works ("PD in Your PJs," choice boards, micro-modules)
• Why students with IEPs, 504 plans, and multilingual learners are most at risk when schools cut their tech stacks
• What the future of higher education might look like as generative AI challenges the value of a degree

What are you most curious about when it comes to AI and the future of education?

Connect with Dr. Fonz:
MyEdTechLife podcast
LinkedIn

Timestamps

• 0:00 — Introduction & Guest Welcome
• 0:59 — The "Cautious Advocate" — How Dr. Mendoza Approaches AI & EdTech Hype
• 11:14 — Tech Backlash, Screen Time & What We Owe Kids
• 21:45 — Student-Centered Learning & What Real EdTech Use Looks Like
• 24:43 — Teacher Training, Professional Development & the Time Problem
• 36:20 — AI Policy, Stakeholder Voice & the AI Readiness Audit
• 1:07:51 — What Are You Curious About? The Future of Higher Ed & AI

• (00:00) - Introduction & Guest Welcome

We’re thrilled to be sponsored by Renaissance and IXL.

Learn more about Renaissance:

As a global leader in education technology operating in more than 110 countries, Renaissance is committed to providing educators with insights and resources to accelerate growth and help all students build a strong foundation for success. We believe that technology can unlock a more effective learning experience, ensure that students get the personalized teaching they need to thrive, and help educators and administrators to truly, fully, See Every Student. Learn more at renaissance.com.

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 technology
• Save teachers’ time
• Reliably meet Tier 1 standards
• Improve student performance on state assessments

🚀 Ready to see why leading districts trust IXL for their educational needs? Visit IXL.com/BE today to learn more about how IXL can elevate your school or district.