In this important interview I wanted to touch base with Dr. Weiner to get his research based observations regarding Marijuana in specifically when it comes to teenagers.

A little bit about Aaron in his own words. "Dr. Aaron Weiner is a board-certified Psychologist and addiction specialist, and speaks nationally on the topics of addiction, behavioral health, and the impact of drug policy on public health. His perspective is informed by his years of experience growing and directing addiction service lines for hospitals and healthcare systems, the current state of medical and psychological research, and his own observations in private practice. Dr. Weiner is a past president of the Society of Addiction Psychology, and his opinions have been featured in numerous outlets including Newsweek, USA Today, The Chicago Tribune, The Guardian, Psychology Today, and The New York Times. He is currently on the Public Policy Committee for the American Society of Addiction Medicine and a member of the Science Advisory Board for the Foundation for Drug Policy Solutions."

I had a great opportunity to interview the dynamic Priten Shah.  Priten's new book, AI and the Future of Education is timely and fascinating. 

I really enjoyed learning about Priten's background, insights, and thoughts on education.  A little about Priten in his own words:  "Priten Shah is an education entrepreneur and the author of *AI & The Future of Education: Teaching in the Age of Artificial Intelligence* (Jossey-Bass, 2023). He is the founder of Pedagogy.Cloud, an educational consulting firm that supports educators in K-12 schools, higher education, and the nonprofit sector adapt to the increasing capabilities of AI. Priten is also the founder of the civic-focused nonprofit United 4 Social Change. He has a B.A. in philosophy and an M.Ed. in education policy from Harvard University.

Wakelet is my favorite curating site for education links and materials. It's easy to use and dynamic. Also it allows for connecting with educators from across the world to share resources and ideas. Anna Dyagpleva has been a great teacher to follow on Wakelet because she is well organized and provides up to date and relevant resources. I've also started following her on X. She is always providing great ideas and posts.
About Anna in her own words:  "Anna Dyagileva-Tkachuk is a Language Teacher in Kirov (Russia) and has been teaching for over 13 years. She's been teaching students online for over 12 years and also provides online PD courses for schools. She's a founder of #teachersloveEDU and a YouTuber.Anna is a Microsoft Expert in Education (MIE), an MIE Master Trainer, and an MIE Fellow, and Certified Trainer on Flipgrid and Wakelet.
Anna loves integrating new educational technologies in her virtual classroom. Her main goal in teaching is to create a safe space where every learner is included and empowered. She is super passionate about inclusivity and accessibility in the classroom.
In 2021 she was a presenter at Microsoft CEE Accessibility Workshop: Engaging with Content Using Microsoft Tools.
On 15th Feb. 2022 - she was a host of Microsoft TweetMeet on Hybrid Learning.
On 15th March 2022 - she was a presenter on “Creating an equitable and accessible learning environment with help from Windows, Microsoft Teams, and Office 365.” for Microsoft Education Exchange global annual event #E2.
Anna loves Project-Based Learning (PBL) and Global collaborations.
Her favorite quote is: "Every child has the right to quality education and learning.".

After some time to focus on a new job, the Coffee with a Geek show makes a comeback with special guest Alana Winnick. I've gotten to know Alana over the years through NYSCATE. Alana has a wide breadth of experience and knowledge that make her an ideal candidate to talk Edtech in 2024. Alana's new book explores Generative A.I. which is a fabulous guide to learn about A.I. specially for educators.

A little about Alana in her own words: Alana lives in New York City and currently holds key leadership positions as the Educational Technology Director and Data Protection Officer for Pocantico Hills Central School District and the Hudson Valley Director for NYSCATE
"Alana is the author of The Generative Age: Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Education and host of The Generative Age Podcast, powered by NYSCATE, which explores the rapidly evolving world of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and its impact on education. She has been at the forefront of innovation in the industry and has supported both her region and NYS during several disruptive transformations, including the migration to cloud computing, navigating the challenges brought on by the pandemic, and the emergence of generative AI. 

Recognized for her contributions, Alana has received the Innovative Tech Director award from both Tech & Learning and LHRIC, as well as being named (a finalist for) Magic School AI Educator of the Year and EDSAFE Women in AI Fellow."

Follow Alana: @AlanaWinnick

Episode Website: HERE

My first interview with an Educator from the great state of Wisconsin. Tony has had a variety to roles in education and discusses his ideas for Edtech from a variety of perspectives. A little about Tony in his own words: Tony Spence joined the Waterford Graded School District as the Superintendent in July 2022. Waterford Graded is a K-8 district in Wisconsin with more than 1,500 students, the 3rd largest K-8 in the state. He was previously the Chief Information Officer at the Muskego-Norway School District in Muskego, Wisconsin. In his role, he supervised and coordinated the district's technology operations and staff, as well as oversaw library media, instructional technology, personalized learning, information technology, data analytics and development, and marketing and communications. How to connect with Tony Twitter @twspence

[email protected]

I had a really great conversation with Texas powerhouse educator and administrator Sylvia Escobar.  A little about Sylvia in her own words.

Sylvia Escobar was born and raised in the Rio Grande Valley, Texas. She has a BS in Biology, MS in Computer Science, MEd in Educational Leadership, and is currently working on a Doctorate in Educational Leadership with a focus on STEM. Serving twenty-three years in education, Sylvia has taught math, technology and engineering and been a campus Director and Assistant Principal focusing on STEM and early college initiatives. She is currently a STEM Specialist at the Region One ESC. Sylvia is a champion for equity in STEM education and Computer Science. Outside of the workplace, she is an animal lover and animal rights advocate, a gamer, and an avid movie and music buff.

You can find her on X (Twitter) at @hngrstrike

Mary is an innovative and creative teacher. She will share her teaching insights as well as discuss her new book. Artificial Intelligence to Streamline Your Teacher Life HERE

https://www.coffeewithageek.org

Educator Nick Fargnoli and Administrator Margie Wright have been using their podcast and blog, Toasted to inspire people to challenge themselves to work through failure to achieve successful outcomes. Each episode takes a deep dive into using failure as a Superpower.

A Little about Margie:

Rochester, NY native who subscribes to astrology as a science, loves a great story, is a creative soul, proud mom, and diehard Buffalo Bills fan.  This is year 29 in public education, currently a district level administrator in Western, NY.

A Little about Nick:

A resident of Naples, NY, Nick is a professor of English at a local college. He is also a musician, an education consultant and father of 3 wonderful boys.

Twitter  @MargieWright_ , 

Toasted Instagram  Toasted FaceBook

Toasted YouTube  Toasted Spotify

www.toastedpodcast.com

[email protected]

What an amazing educator to start my 2023 interview season off.  Therese Willkomm is an incredible educator who helps people by creating Assistive Technology tools to help improve their lives.  She uses everyday materials from old election signs to velcro.

A little about Therese in her own words:  "As you know 85% of assistive technology does not involve an electronic device. My new book makes stuff and love people does not involve any electronic device. It’s about the over 2000 different devices that I’ve created for individuals with disabilities. I still think it’s worth the interview to get people thinking that technology does not have to involve electronics.

I’m known nationally and internationally as the McGyver, McGyvett, or MacGyver of assistive technology, for my five minute approach to fabricating assistive technology solutions for use at home, in the community, the workplace, and school. Also, only 25% of assistive technology is related to education . I know that word technology makes people think that we’re talking about electronic. I also don’t use Twitter, or social media. I have never watched Star Trek or Star Wars. However, I have created and posted over 1800 assistive technology maker videos on YouTube. My passion for making assistive technology for individuals with disabilities in five minutes or less is because people should not have to wait for what they need and the fact that assistive technology has such a high failure rate. Therefore learning rapid fabrication and rapid prototyping enables rapid  trial, and error in creating the most appropriate solution for a specific challenge. Here’s some more information about my new book.

“Make Stuff and Love People - Assistive Technology Solutions in Minutes Book III. It is the most comprehensive assistive technology makers book available with over 1500 images including QR codes to 500 “how-to“ videos and resources. https://www.amazon.com/Assistive-Technology-Solutions-Minutes-Book/dp/0989326217"

Also check out her amazing YouTube Channel:  HERE

So grateful to have social media guru Jordan Villanueva join me for a conversation about how to use the power of technology to promote ideas and empower opportunities.  She is a true wealth of insight and knowledge about creating quick videos to express both big ideas and useful ideas.  Make sure you check her out on all of her social media platforms.  You'll thank me!

Connect with Jordan Villanueva

@jordanuevamedia (instagram)