EdTech Bites Podcast

In this episode, I chat with Jacob Luevano and Mike Washburn. We discuss how video games have evolved and how they have affected our students. Teacher mindset as well as how students use these skills in and out of the game are discussed and we also chat how Among Us is used in education by various educators. In addition we also talk some of our favorite video games to play during our downtime. It's a great conversation (no food in this one though...sorry) that will make you want to pick up a controller while listening. Buen provecho!

Also, on December 28th, I will be hosting a 2 vs. 2 Rocket League competition. So feel free to team up with a family member, friend, colleague, or someone from your PLN and reach out to me on any social media platform or email me at [email protected] if you are interested. More details to come in a blog post.

Jacob Luevano is a Graduate from the University of Texas at El Paso with a degree in Elementary Education. Jacob taught Social Studies, Video Production, and Emerging Technology at the Middle School level for 11 years. He then became a technology coach at an K-5 elementary campus where his experience integrating mobile devices into classrooms began. He brought that experience to Manor ISD in 2012 where he co-founded the iTeach Manor Team. The iTeach Manor team is a group of instructional technologists and Teachers whose main goal is to provide training and resources focusing on the integration of technology and innovative practices into the classroom. 

• Jacob on Twitter

Mike Washburn is the host of four podcasts including OnEducation and the official Minecraft: Education Edition podcast. He is a content creator and and author and the Director of Engagement for Participate, a social learning platform that believes we learn best when we learn together.

• Mike on Twitter
• Mike on Instagram
• Mike on Facebook
• Mike on Twitch
• Mike's Website
• OnEducation Podcast

In this episode, I chat media creation with Clement Townsend. We discuss the importance of students creating digital media and how his course aims at teaching students what "meaningful media" is all about. We've all heard about the importance of "telling your story" and Clement is all about making sure that our students know the tools and know how when it comes to accomplishing this is a positive, meaningful way. He's a Chicago native so he also lets us know where the locals eat in Chitown. I've never been there myself but when I do go, I know where to eat and more importantly, who to eat with. Buen provecho!

Clement Townsend spent close to two decades in front of the camera as a Sports Journalist including time spent on the local news, cable and the internet. His career took him to several markets including San Angelo, Texas, Mobile, Alabama, Lynchburg, Virginia and Chicago Illinois. Clement has covered numerous big events throughout his career such as the Super Bowl, NBA All-Star Game, and multiple college football National Championships. Clement is the author of "How to Become a Broadcasting Star" and the founder of Broadcasting Career Mentor (BCM). BCM provides media training for youth across the country. BCM offers in person training and virtual training through the Video Journalism Pro Online Course.

• Clement's Video Journalism Website
• Clement on Instagram
• Clement on Facebook

In this episode, I chat with Mandy Froehlich to discuss how educators can reignite the fire within them in order to ______. Being that she juggles quite a bit with her personal and professional career, she also shares some tools to help her tackle everything she needs to in order to maintain balance. And if that isn't enough, she also shares a delicious recipe that you won't want to miss out on. So give this episode a listen and as always, Buen provecho!

Mandy Froehlich passionately encourages educators to create innovative change in their classrooms. A former 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. Her books are The Fire Within: Lessons from defeat that have ignited a passion for learning, Divergent EDU: Challenging assumptions and limitations to create a culture of innovation, Reignite the Flames: Finding our passion and purpose for learning among the embers, and The Educator's Matchbook: A weekly guidebook for educators to build resilience and fight burnout.

• Mandy's Website
• Mandy's Twitter
• Mandy's Instagram
• Mandy's Facebook

In this episode, I chat with Bethany Petty, AKA: Petty Wap. She's doing some great thing with TikTok and gamification in her classroom. She shares how she got started, student and parent feedback, and the stumbles she's had when creating. And if that isn't enough, she shares a recipe for a snack that I've never tried....yet. I will be giving this a shot soon. If you want to know what I'm talking about, give this episode a listen and be prepared to be inspired. Buen provecho!

We are officially in Darktober and things are looking a bit unorganized. Google Keep and Apple Notes are a way to bring some organization to your life, both professional and personal. In this episode, I go over the key features of Google Keep and Apple Notes. I compare the two and talk about their similarities as well as the key differences between the two of them in order to make You a more organized educator and human. So grab yourself a chopped cheese sandwich and get ready to learn how to get organized!

In this episode, I go over some of my favorite tips and tricks to work smarter with Chromebooks and Google Chrome. I go over some quick time-saving keyboard shortcuts to give you a little extra time during your day and make you look like a boss doing so. And did I mention that I snack on some homemade donuts while doing so? Stay tuned because I'll be publishing the recipe for these power rings on the EdTech Bites website soon.

In this episode, I'm joined by Tim Cavey of the Teachers On Fire Podcast. A week prior to recording, I asked my PLN to give me their top 5 edtech apps for any given teaching environment. I didn't ask for reasons or justification, I simply asked for a top 5 list. After multiple responses, I compiled a list of your top 5 choices. I then gave Tim this list and asked him to rank the list in his order from 1-5. I did the same. In this episode, we give you our list in our ranking order and why we chose the order we did. Tune in to hear if you agree or disagree with our rankings. It's a fun and upbeat conversation with a couple of likeminded podcasters. Enjoy! Buen provecho!

In this episode, I chat with Amber Calderon from Nearpod. She goes over all of the updates that are now available in Nearpod to increase student engagement for face to face, virtual, and blended learning environments. After hearing this episode, you will no longer think of Nearpod as a tool rather, a hub for learning to take place. At the end of this episode let us know on social media if you are a Pop-Tart, a slow cooker, or a pressure cooker. If you don't quite understand what I'm talking about, give it a listen and it will all make sense. Buen provecho!

Amber Calderon is a former elementary teacher. While teaching, she created a teaching website (PeppyZestyTeacherista.com) and social media community that focused on ed-tech tips and classroom management strategies. She now leads social media and influencer marketing for Nearpod and Flocabulary! She LOVES talking to teachers and learning about ways she can support them in their ed-tech journey! Don't be shy - reach out to her!

• Amber's Website
• Amber on Twitter
• Amber on Instagram
• Amber on Facebook
• Amber on YouTube
• Nearpod Website

In this episode, I give my 2020 Beginning Of The Year Keynote to motivate educators like you to hit the ground running this school year. I discuss what our students need, focus, and pedagogy. Did I mention I do this while snacking on hatch chili chicken salad and crackers? Well, I just did. So tune in and prepare to get some motivation for this next school year. Buen provecho!

In this episode, I fly solo and go over all of the updates to the new and improved Flipgrid. I go over each one in detail as well as give some ideas on how these can be utilized in the classroom. So if you didn't get a chance to watch Flipgrid Live 2020, no worries. I got you, Fam! Listen and start getting ideas on how you can use Flipgrid with your students this fall. Don't forget to share this episode with your colleagues and your PLN. Buen provecho!

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