EdTech Bites Podcast

In this episode, I chat with Melissa Adams and Jennifer Crook, the founders of Destination PD. What is Destination PD? It's a professional development offering that takes a unique approach to personalized learning for teachers. Unlike traditional PD programs, Destination PD uses unconventional techniques to immerse teachers in the learning experience. In this conversation, we explore the inspiration behind their innovative approach, the impact it has had on the teachers they work with, and the challenges they have faced along the way. Join us for an engaging discussion on how Destination PD is changing the game for professional development. Buen provecho!

• EdTech Bites Website: https://edtechbites.com

• EdTech Bites Twitter: https://twitter.com/edtechbites

• EdTech Bites Instagram: https://instagram.com/edtechbites

• EdTech Bites Facebook Page: https://facebook.com/edtechbites

• EdTech Bites YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQCZcyW4BkCFQ5P2BLK61xg

Melissa Adams is the Director of Institutional Technology and Innovation for China Spring ISD.  She is a wife and mom of three kids. Melissa has been in education for the past 20 years with the last five in leadership promoting innovation & technology in the classroom. Her passion is supporting teachers through Destination PD to deliver high quality learning & experiences.

• Melissa on Twitter: https://twitter.com/melissala5

• Melissa on Instagram: https://instagram.com/melissala5

• Melissa on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/melissa.l.adams.5

Jennifer Crook is a fun-loving, adventure-seeking, educational enthusiast with twenty-nine years of service in public schools. She is currently the Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment at China Spring ISD. Jennifer  is dedicated to creating awe-inspiring experiences for educators and is driven by her why to deliver professional development that is truly destination-worthy. 

• Jennifer on Twitter: https://twitter.com/jdcrook

• https://www.destinationpdtogo.com

In this episode, I chat with school librarian Zinnia Bayardo who is using Genially to create interactive and engaging content for her students. She shares how she discovered Genially and the different ways she's been able to incorporate it into her library lessons and activities. We learn about the features of Genially that make it such a valuable tool for educators, including its ease of use, ability to create multimedia content, and the wide range of templates available. We also discuss how using Genially has helped to increase student engagement, especially for students who may struggle with traditional text-based learning. Whether you're a teacher or a librarian looking to incorporate new technology into your classroom or library, this episode is sure to provide some valuable insights and inspiration. Buen provecho!

Zinnia has been an elementary, middle, and high school librarian as well as a 4th and 1st grade teacher. Now she is in the role of a library instructional support specialist helping and supporting all district librarians. 

• EdTech Bites Website: https://edtechbites.com

• EdTech Bites Twitter: https://twitter.com/edtechbites

• EdTech Bites Instagram: https://instagram.com/edtechbites

• EdTech Bites Facebook Page: https://facebook.com/edtechbites

• EdTech Bites YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQCZcyW4BkCFQ5P2BLK61xg

• Zinnia on Twitter: https://twitter.com/bayardozinnia

• Zinnia on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zthelibrarychica/

In this episode, I chat with Kelli Coons and Ainsley Hill while at FETC. They share their story on how they met and built a powerful course, iCollaborate, all virtually! They then met in person for the first time to get this thing off of the ground at FETC. We also discuss how this session helps instructional coaches build and learn from their PLN. Us coaches often times work in silos and need that support group to grow and learn with. And what's an episode without some food talk! Listen to hear what dish has been their favorite in New Orleans while attending the FETC conference. Buen Provecho!

Kelli Coons is currently a District Elementary Digital Innovation Specialist for Spartanburg District Five in South Carolina.  Previously she has served as an Elementary Literacy Coach, Curriculum Coach, and as a classroom teacher.  Her 

participation in the Dynamic Learning Project, allowed her to work with Google for Education, Digital Promise, and Edtech Team.  This fellowship focused on providing personalized professional development to all teachers in order to ensure effective technology integration.  As one of the organizers of Edcamp Greenville since the origination in 2016, she is passionate about providing engaging professional development opportunities for educators.  She has had the opportunity to present on effective technology integration and the Edcamp model at conferences in the Carolinas, FETC,  as well as several ISTE conferences.

Ainsley Hill is an Instructional Technology Facilitator at Arlington Community Schools supporting Donelson Elementary School in Arlington, Tennessee. Ainsley provides training to teachers and students and coaches her faculty in technology integration. Ainsley aspires to inspire teachers to make learning more meaningful and creative by using technology as their avenue to enhance learning. When Ainsley isn't serving as the technology facilitator and coach in her school, she is presenting in her district and at conferences across the U.S. about accessibility, the power of growing your PLN, and apps in the classroom.

• EdTech Bites Website: https://edtechbites.com

• EdTech Bites Twitter: https://twitter.com/edtechbites

• EdTech Bites Instagram: https://instagram.com/edtechbites

• EdTech Bites Facebook Page: https://facebook.com/edtechbites

• EdTech Bites YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQCZcyW4BkCFQ5P2BLK61xg

• Kelli on Twitter: https://twitter.com/KelliCoons_

• Kelli on Instagram: https://instagram.com/kellicoons_/

• Kelli on Facebook: https://facebook.com/kellichad.coons

• Ainsley on Twitter: https://twitter.com/mrshillteaches

• Ainsley on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mrshillteaches/

• Ainsley's Website: https://www.flowcode.com/page/mrshillteaches

In this episode, I chat with Marialice Curran and Eugenia Tamez from the DigCit Institute while at FETC. They recently launched a brand new workshop called the DigCit Academy. It was an absolute hit at FETC and they are planning on taking this show on the road! It was actually so popular that as we were recording, attendee and friend of theirs Ron Madison recognized them and jumped into the conversation mid interview. This was a first for the show but shows the impact of this DigCit Academy. Peep our conversation and get ready because this will not be the last time you hear about the DigCit Academy.  Buen Provecho!

I​​nternationally recognized as a digital citizenship pioneer, Dr. Marialice B.F.X. Curran is an author, consultant, and speaker who is the global connector behind the Digital Citizenship Institute, Digital Citizenship Summit, and DigCitKids. With her son, she co-authored DigCitKids: Lessons Learning Side-by-Side to Empower Others Around the World. Committed to Human-Centered Design, Dr. Curran leads by hand, heart, and mind as she models how to make a positive impact in local, global, and digital communities. Dr. Curran has served as an associate professor, a middle school principal, and middle school teacher. As a connected educator, her work with school communities around the world has created positive and powerful shifts in how we engage and learn online.

Consultant, conference organizer, website editor and writer, social media manager, translator, and speaker. Now part of the Digital Citizenship Institute to amplify and make a positive impact along Latin American countries. #DigCitSummitMX and #DigCitSummit LATAM organizer. Researcher and writer, collaborations, English - Spanish translations in different printed and electronic media on topics of technology, education, and digital citizenship.

• EdTech Bites Website: https://edtechbites.com

• EdTech Bites Twitter: https://twitter.com/edtechbites

• EdTech Bites Instagram: https://instagram.com/edtechbites

• EdTech Bites Facebook Page: https://facebook.com/edtechbites

• EdTech Bites YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQCZcyW4BkCFQ5P2BLK61xg

• Marialice on Twitter: https://twitter.com/mbfxc

• Eugenia on Twitter: https://twitter.com/etamez

• Eugenia on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/eugeniatamez

• DigCit Institute Website: https://digcitinstitute.com

• DigCit Institute on Instagram: https://instagram.com/digcitinstitute

• DigCit Institute on Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/digcitinstitute

In this episode, I chat with John Sowash while at FETC in New Orleans, Louisiana. We discussed his transition to a Chromebook only user. We also discuss the work he does with school districts and the biggest mistake school districts make when deploying Chromebooks to students. What do you think that mistake is? Listen to this great conversation to find out! Buen Provecho!

John Sowash is an experienced classroom teacher, former school administrator, author of The Chromebook Classroom, and founder of the Google Certification Academy. John inspires educators to use technology, connect with and challenge students. Schools around the world have invited John to come and share with them. You can connect with John via his blog (Chrmbook.com/blog) or Twitter (@jrsowash).

• EdTech Bites Website: https://edtechbites.com

• EdTech Bites Twitter: https://twitter.com/edtechbites

• EdTech Bites Instagram: https://instagram.com/edtechbites

• EdTech Bites Facebook Page: https://facebook.com/edtechbites

• EdTech Bites YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQCZcyW4BkCFQ5P2BLK61xg

• John's Website: http://chrmbook.com

• John on Twitter: http://twitter.com/jrsowash

• John on Instagram: http://instagram.com/jrsowash

• John on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chromebookclassroom

• John on YouTube: http://YouTube.com/jrsowash

In this episode, I chat with Mandy Froehlich while at FETC in New Orleans, Louisiana. Mandy is an expert when it comes to talking wellness, especially with educators. We are not immune to stressors, fatigue, anxiety, and depression but can be uneducated when it comes to identifying triggers and our coping mechanisms. She breaks down her path to wellness and how we never really arrive. We're constantly struggling and juggling and she's managed a variety of ways to keep the fire burning from within. It's a great conversation and the energy she brings from chatting in person makes this convo hit harder. Buen Provecho!

Mandy Froehlich passionately encourages educators to create innovative change in their classrooms. An experienced Director of Innovation and Technology, technology integrator, and teacher, she has experience at many levels of the organizational structure. Her interest lies in reinvigorating and re-engaging teachers back into their profession, as well as what's needed to support teachers in their pursuit of innovative and divergent thinking and teaching. She consults internationally with school districts and post-secondary institutions in the effective use of technology to support great teaching, mental health support for educators, and how to create organizational change. 

• EdTech Bites Website: https://edtechbites.com

• EdTech Bites Twitter: https://twitter.com/edtechbites

• EdTech Bites Instagram: https://instagram.com/edtechbites

• EdTech Bites Facebook Page: https://facebook.com/edtechbites

• EdTech Bites YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQCZcyW4BkCFQ5P2BLK61xg

• Mandy's Website: www.mandyfroehlich.com

• Mandy on Twitter: https://twitter.com/froehlichm

In this episode, I chat with Jason Denard while at FETC in New Orleans, Louisiana. Jason was at FETC on his own and without anyone else from his district. He represents New Jersey and w had a great time unpacking FETC. We discuss sessions and overall experience in the Big Easy. Buen Provecho!

Jason is the Director of teaching and learning at College Achieve in Paterson Charter School in Paterson, New Jersey. He's a husband and father of two and a huge foodie. He was born and raised in the great state of New Jersey. 

• EdTech Bites Website: https://edtechbites.com
• EdTech Bites Twitter: https://twitter.com/edtechbites
• EdTech Bites Instagram: https://instagram.com/edtechbites
• EdTech Bites Facebook Page: https://facebook.com/edtechbites
• EdTech Bites YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQCZcyW4BkCFQ5P2BLK61xg

Jason Denard On Instagram: www.instagram.com/denardeats

In this episode, I chat with Matt Miller while at FETC in New Orleans, Louisiana. This conversation covers AI (Artificial Intelligence) in the classroom, specifically ChatGPT. He debunks some myths we have about how this will "replace teachers". He also shares some ways he personally uses it as a "rough draft" for his tasks at hand. Give this episode a listen and see how you can use AI to work for you, not against you.  Buen Provecho!

Matt Miller is a blogger, author, speaker and educator with more than 10 years of classroom experience. He's the author of five books: Ditch That Textbook, Ditch That Homework, Don't Ditch That Tech, Tech Like a PIRATE, and Do More with Google Classroom. Matt is a Google Certified Innovator, PBS LearningMedia Digital Innovator and two-time Bammy! Awards nominee. His Ditch That Textbook blog encourages tens of thousands of educators in more than 100 countries to use technology and creative ideas in teaching. 

• EdTech Bites Website: https://edtechbites.com
• EdTech Bites Twitter: https://twitter.com/edtechbites
• EdTech Bites Instagram: https://instagram.com/edtechbites
• EdTech Bites Facebook Page: https://facebook.com/edtechbites
• EdTech Bites YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQCZcyW4BkCFQ5P2BLK61xg

• Matt Miller's Website: http://DitchThatTextbook.com
• Matt Miller on Twitter: http://twitter.com/jmattmiller
• Matt Miller on Facebook: http://facebook.com/ditchthattextbook

In this episode, I chat with Ron Rheinheimer and Sheena Shoemaker from ZSpace to discuss how their product is breaking barriers in the classroom. This product really does break barriers adn allows students to do things that can't normally be done in the classroom. This was recorded on-site at TCEA in San Antonio and I even got to see the demo in person. To learn more about how zSpace can help your students, check out their information below. Buen Provecho!

• EdTech Bites Website: https://edtechbites.com
• EdTech Bites Twitter: https://twitter.com/edtechbites
• EdTech Bites Instagram: https://instagram.com/edtechbites
• EdTech Bites Facebook Page: https://facebook.com/edtechbites
• EdTech Bites YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQCZcyW4BkCFQ5P2BLK61xg

• zSpace Website: https://zspace.com
• zSpace on Twitter: https://twitter.com/zspace
• zSpace on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/zspace-3d/
• zSpace on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zspace.inc/?hl=en
• zSpace on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/zSpace3D

In this episode, I chat with Kyle Baker to discuss assisting students beyond the classroom with TutorMe. Kyle's been working with TutorMe since August 2021 and has seen exponential growth in student needs beyond the typical school day. TutorMe extends the learning beyond the walls of the classroom for virtually any subject and grade level…24/7! This is a great conversation that also delves into Texas eats. Strap in and connect with TutorMe to see how they can meet the needs of your learners and own students at home. Buen Provecho!

• EdTech Bites Website: https://edtechbites.com
• EdTech Bites Twitter: https://twitter.com/edtechbites
• EdTech Bites Instagram: https://instagram.com/edtechbites
• EdTech Bites Facebook Page: https://facebook.com/edtechbites
• EdTech Bites YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQCZcyW4BkCFQ5P2BLK61xg

• TutorMe Website: https://tutorme.com/
• TutorMe on Twitter: https://twitter.com/tutorme
• TutorMe on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tutorme_hq/
• TutorMe on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TutorMeHQ
• TutorMe on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tutorme-inc/