EdTech Bites Podcast

What do flip-flops, beachfront views, and cutting-edge edtech have in common? They're all part of the Elementary Technology Conference in Galveston, Texas! In this episode, Jeannine Freeman from TCEA joins us to dish on why this event is a must for educators looking to blend sunshine with professional growth. In this special episode, you'll find out what makes this conference unlike any other—and why it might just become your favorite PD getaway.

Learn More And Register For The Elementary Technology Conference Connect With Gabriel Carrillo

• EdTech Bites Website: https://edtechbites.com
• EdTech Bites On Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/edtechbites.bsky.social
• EdTech Bites Instagram: https://instagram.com/edtechbites
• EdTech Bites X: https://twitter.com/edtechbites
• EdTech Bites Facebook Page: https://facebook.com/edtechbites
• EdTech Bites On TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@edtechbites
• EdTech Bites YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@edtechbites

About Jeannine Freeman

As TCEA's partnerships and events manager, Jeannine Freeman plays a vital role in planning many of the events the organization's 85,000 members know and love. Each year, Jeannine manages speakers and their content for the System and Network Administrators Conference, the TCEA Convention and Exposition, and the Elementary Technology Conference (ETC). As a previous elementary educator, her heart beats for this niche population, which makes ETC one of her favorite events to plan and attend.

Connect With Jeannine and TCEA

• Jeannine On X: https://x.com/TechTimeWithJ9
• Jeannine On Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/techtimewithj9.bsky.social
• Jeannine On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/J9Freeman7
• TCEA Website: https://tcea.org/
• Elementary Technology Conference Website: https://tcea.org/events/etc/

This episode is sponsored by Knowt — the AI-powered classroom tool that goes way beyond plug-and-chug. From turning your lessons into notes and practice to creating a custom chatbot based on your lecture, Knowt helps you and your students work smarter and stay privacy-compliant. To get started, visit www.knowt.com

What happens when a sign language teacher drops deep wisdom, witty moments, and some poop jokes all in one conversation? You get this episode! Join us as we sit down with Melanie Cockrell — high school ASL and computer science teacher from New Haven, Michigan — to explore what it really means to teach American Sign Language in today's tech-savvy classrooms. From the misconceptions of ASL to how tech tools like Flipgrid (RIP) and ASLdeafined help students express themselves without the stage fright, Melanie brings clarity and passion to a language often misunderstood. Bonus: you'll find out how body language is basically punctuation in ASL and why Melanie signs at graduation... even when no one asks her to.

If you've ever wondered how educational technology meets a visual language — or just want to hear a teacher talk about "having the runs" with a straight face — this episode is for you.

About Melanie Cochrill

Melanie is finishing her 20th year of teaching. She has taught at every level from kindergarten through college, and charter, parochial, and public schools. She currently teaches ASL and Computer Science classes in person at New Haven High School, in New Haven, Michigan, and online for Michigan Virtual. Melanie and her husband of over 20 years have 4 children ranging from tenth grade down to second grade, and three little kittens they adopted.

Connect With Gabriel Carrillo

• EdTech Bites Website: https://edtechbites.com
• EdTech Bites On Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/edtechbites.bsky.social
• EdTech Bites Instagram: https://instagram.com/edtechbites
• EdTech Bites X: https://twitter.com/edtechbites
• EdTech Bites Facebook Page: https://facebook.com/edtechbites
• EdTech Bites On TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@edtechbites
• EdTech Bites YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@edtechbites

This episode is sponsored by Knowt — the AI-powered classroom tool that goes way beyond plug-and-chug. From turning your lessons into notes and practice to creating a custom chatbot based on your lecture, Knowt helps you and your students work smarter and stay privacy-compliant. To get started, visit www.knowt.com

What happens when an introverted educator steps out solo into her first massive edtech conference? Magic. In this episode, I chat with Courney Deadman, a special education teacher who took on MACUL for the very first time—and didn't just survive, she thrived. From productivity tips for students with special needs to bold moves like joining The EdTech Bites Food Tour full of strangers, she shares strategies for note-taking, daily planning, and making meaningful connections (without burning out). If you're nervous about navigating a big conference, this episode has your back.

About Courtney Deadman

Courtney is a Special Education Teacher currently teaching K-5 Resource room. She has been teaching for 20 years and has taught all grades K-12. Courtney currently teaches in Traverse City, Michigan at Cherry Knoll Elementary.

Connect With Gabriel Carrillo

• EdTech Bites Website: https://edtechbites.com
• EdTech Bites On Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/edtechbites.bsky.social
• EdTech Bites Instagram: https://instagram.com/edtechbites
• EdTech Bites X: https://twitter.com/edtechbites
• EdTech Bites Facebook Page: https://facebook.com/edtechbites
• EdTech Bites On TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@edtechbites
• EdTech Bites YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@edtechbites

This episode is sponsored by Knowt — the AI-powered classroom tool that goes way beyond plug-and-chug. From turning your lessons into notes and practice to creating a custom chatbot based on your lecture, Knowt helps you and your students work smarter and stay privacy-compliant. To get started, visit www.knowt.com

What's the secret ingredient to thriving as an educator? Spoiler alert: it's not another strategy or tool—it's relationships. In this heart-filled episode, we're joined by a special guest who's been to every walking food tour we've hosted (yes, every single one!) and has seen firsthand the lasting friendships and professional growth that have come from breaking bread together.

We explore:

🍽️ Why in-person conference opportunities matter in education

🚶‍♀️ How Walking Food Tours created an unexpected professional support network

👩‍🏫 The power of relationships in reducing burnout and boosting morale

✨ Simple ways to create community in your school or district

This episode is full of anecdotes from Heather and I and is a good reminder on what to and NOT to do in your organization.

About Heather Brantley

Heather Brantley is a passionate expert in leveraging technology to enhance classroom learning. With a strong background as a classroom teacher, she understands the challenges and opportunities educators face in today's digital age. As an Events and Community Specialist, Heather organizes workshops, webinars, and community events that promote collaboration and continuous learning among educators. Heather is dedicated to fostering dynamic classroom environments where technology and creativity thrive, inspiring educators to transform their teaching practices and positively impact their students' learning experiences. Heather is the Events and Community Specialist for Curipod.com

Connect With Gabriel Carrillo

• EdTech Bites Website: https://edtechbites.com
• EdTech Bites On Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/edtechbites.bsky.social
• EdTech Bites Instagram: https://instagram.com/edtechbites
• EdTech Bites X: https://twitter.com/edtechbites
• EdTech Bites Facebook Page: https://facebook.com/edtechbites
• EdTech Bites On TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@edtechbites
• EdTech Bites YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@edtechbites

Connect With Heather Brantley

• Heather's Website: http://www.heathertechedu.com
• Heather On X: https://x.com/HeatherTechEdu
• Heather On Instagram: www.instagram.com/heathertechedu
• Heather On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/heather.brantley.14

This episode is sponsored by Knowt — the AI-powered classroom tool that goes way beyond plug-and-chug. From turning your lessons into notes and practice to creating a custom chatbot based on your lecture, Knowt helps you and your students work smarter and stay privacy-compliant. To get started, visit www.knowt.com

What does student work look like in the era of AI? In this episode, I chat with Ron Madison, Instructional Technologist & Designer at Genesee Intermediate School District. We explore the evolving landscape of student assignments as artificial intelligence tools become more accessible. Join us as we unpack what ethical AI use looks like in the classroom, how to help students evaluate AI-generated responses, and practical strategies to teach AI literacy. This conversation is packed with insight, humor, and real-world examples you can use right away. Buen provecho!

About Ron Madison

Ronald A. Madison is an Instructional Technologist and Designer for the Genesee Intermediate School District in Flint, Michigan. He has worked in public education for over 30 years. He enjoys connecting with new groups and people across the United States face-to-face and virtually, including working with International Keynote Speaker Kevin Honeycutt.

He has sat on the Executive Board of Directors as the Treasurer for multiple terms with the Michigan Association for Computer Users in Learning (MACUL).

Connect With Gabriel Carrillo

• EdTech Bites Website: https://edtechbites.com
• EdTech Bites On Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/edtechbites.bsky.social
• EdTech Bites Instagram: https://instagram.com/edtechbites
• EdTech Bites X: https://twitter.com/edtechbites
• EdTech Bites Facebook Page: https://facebook.com/edtechbites
• EdTech Bites On TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@edtechbites
• EdTech Bites YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@edtechbites

Connect With Ron Madison

• Ron On X: https://x.com/madison_ron
• Ron On Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/ronmadison.bsky.social

This episode is sponsored by Knowt — the AI-powered classroom tool that goes way beyond plug-and-chug. From turning your lessons into notes and practice to creating a custom chatbot based on your lecture, Knowt helps you and your students work smarter and stay privacy-compliant. To get started, visit www.knowt.com

In this episode, we're joined by an AI strategist from Michigan Virtual who shares what it really takes to build an AI task force, plan for student AI use, and adapt to the evolving role of artificial intelligence in education. Whether you're just starting to explore AI integration or you're already drafting district policy, this conversation will help guide your next steps.

What You'll Learn:

• Why forming an AI task force isn't just for tech directors
• How to get buy-in across departments
• Tips for responsibly planning student AI use
• What's changing in education—and what's staying the same
• Michigan Virtual's perspective on supporting districts at scale

Karle also shares some great anecdotes from the classroom and these defining moments were birthed from the district having an AI taskforce. Buen provecho!

About Karle Delo

AI Strategist, PD Provider, and Speaker | Empowering Educators to Save Time & Enhance Instruction with Artificial Intelligence. She's a part of Michigan Virtual and is a wealth of knowledge when it comes to AI literacy.

Connect With Gabriel Carrillo

• EdTech Bites Website: https://edtechbites.com
• EdTech Bites On Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/edtechbites.bsky.social
• EdTech Bites Instagram: https://instagram.com/edtechbites
• EdTech Bites X: https://twitter.com/edtechbites
• EdTech Bites Facebook Page: https://facebook.com/edtechbites
• EdTech Bites On TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@edtechbites
• EdTech Bites YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@edtechbites

Connect With Karle And Michigan Virtual

• Karle's Linktree: https://linktr.ee/coachkarle
• Michigan Virtual Website: https://michiganvirtual.org/

This episode is sponsored by Knowt — the AI-powered classroom tool that goes way beyond plug-and-chug. From turning your lessons into notes and practice to creating a custom chatbot based on your lecture, Knowt helps you and your students work smarter and stay privacy-compliant. To get started, visit www.knowt.com

What if creating study guides and student resources took minutes instead of hours? In this episode, I sit down with Abheek Pandoh, CEO and founder of Knowt, the all-in-one platform designed to simplify the lives of teachers and students. Abheek shares the inspiring story behind Knowt's creation, how the platform has evolved, and why data privacy and customization are top priorities. Learn how Knowt can be tailored to meet your district's unique needs—helping you spend less time on prep and more time on what matters most: connecting with your students. This conversation is packed with practical insights you won't want to miss. Buen provecho!

About Abheek Pandoh

Abheek is the CEO and co-founder of Knowt. He started the company as a senior in high school, and handles the financial/business operations as well as the product design.

Connect With Gabriel Carrillo

• EdTech Bites Website: https://edtechbites.com
• EdTech Bites On Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/edtechbites.bsky.social
• EdTech Bites Instagram: https://instagram.com/edtechbites
• EdTech Bites X: https://twitter.com/edtechbites
• EdTech Bites Facebook Page: https://facebook.com/edtechbites
• EdTech Bites On TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@edtechbites
• EdTech Bites YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@edtechbites

Connect With Abheek and Knowt

• Knowt Website: https://www.knowt.com
• Abheek On X: https://x.com/AbheekPandoh
• Abheek On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abheek_panda/

This episode is sponsored by Brisk Teaching. To learn more and get started, visit www.briskteaching.com.

What does it take to go from passionate educator to sought-after speaker? At TCEA 2025, I sat down with three incredible presenters to talk about their journey to success, the hustle behind the scenes, and how passion fuels everything we do. Along the way, our paths crossed, and now, we're officially "The Tech Thrillas"—a powerhouse team with more to come! Tune in for an inspiring conversation about growth, grit, and making an impact in the world of edtech. Buen Provecho!

Connect With Gabriel Carrillo

• EdTech Bites Website: https://edtechbites.com
• EdTech Bites On Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/edtechbites.bsky.social
• EdTech Bites Instagram: https://instagram.com/edtechbites
• EdTech Bites X: https://twitter.com/edtechbites
• EdTech Bites Facebook Page: https://facebook.com/edtechbites
• EdTech Bites On TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@edtechbites
• EdTech Bites YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@edtechbites

About Jorge Valenzuela

Jorge Valenzuela is a respected performance and education coach, author, and speaker at Lifelong Learning Defined. His mission is to empower educators to lead confidently and teach with greater effectiveness. Specializing in instructional innovation and action research, Jorge provides expert training in team building, core instruction, project-based learning (PBL), STEM pathways, entrepreneurship, and life skills integration. Partnering with Corwin, he helps schools systematically enhance instructional practices and adopt innovative teaching strategies, including PBL. He is a published researcher and author who also hosts the Lifelong Learning Defined podcast, sharing insights and strategies to inspire and support educators.

Connect With Jorge Valenzuela

• Life Long Learning Defined Website: https://www.lifelonglearningdefined.com/
• Jorge On X: https://x.com/JorgeDoesPBL?lang=en
• Jorge On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jorgedoespbl/
• Jorge On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LifelongLearningDefined/
• Life Long Learning Defined On Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lifelong-learning-defined-podcast-for-self-improvement/id1647222488

About Jean Darnell

Jean is the Library Director for the School District of Philadelphia, an AI expert, phenomenal storyteller, the best awakened librarian the world has to offer and the curator of the instructional website: https://awakenlibrarian.com. She's a born and raised Texan educator with almost 25 years experience. Giving voice to the voiceless, Jean is a natural born advocate. Her heroes are Barbara Jordan, Nina Simone, Eartha Kitt, authors Tomi Adeyemi and Angie Thomas. One of her first love is music, as she's a classically trained cellist.

Connect With Jean Darnell

• Jean's Website: https://awakenlibrarian.com
• Jean On X: https://x.com/awakenlibrarian
• Jean On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/awaken.librarian/
• Jean On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/eboni.darnell/
• Jean On Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/awakenlibrarian.bsky.social

About Andre Daughty

Andre Daughty is a highly acclaimed keynote speaker known for his expertise in transforming education and inspiring positive change. With over two decades of experience, he has made a significant impact on tens of thousands of educators and students and well over 400 schools as an educator, facilitator, speaker, and workshop presenter. He is recognized for his ability to captivate audiences with his dynamic speaking style and thought-provoking insights.

Connect With Andre Daughty

• Andre's Website: https://www.andredaughty.org/
• Andre On X: https://twitter.com/andredaughty
• Andre On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andredaughty/
• Andre On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andre-daughty-8878b297
• Andre On YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AndreDaughty/featured
• Andre On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/andre.daughty

This episode is sponsored by Brisk Teaching. To learn more and get started, visit www.briskteaching.com.

Is creativity vanishing from our classrooms? With the pressure to cover content, many teachers feel like there's no time for creative exploration. But what if creativity and content didn't have to compete? In this episode, I sit down with Monica Roach, an expert in innovative teaching, to debunk the myth that creativity is fading. She shares practical, easy-to-implement strategies that infuse creativity into daily lessons—without sacrificing content. Tune in and bring creativity back where it belongs! Buen provecho!

Connect With Gabriel Carrillo

• EdTech Bites Website: https://edtechbites.com
• EdTech Bites On Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/edtechbites.bsky.social
• EdTech Bites Instagram: https://instagram.com/edtechbites
• EdTech Bites X: https://twitter.com/edtechbites
• EdTech Bites Facebook Page: https://facebook.com/edtechbites
• EdTech Bites On TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@edtechbites
• EdTech Bites YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@edtechbites

About Monica Roach

Monica Roach is an Instructional Technology Specialist in Virginia, recognized for her innovative approach to integrating technology in education. She is dedicated to empowering teachers and students with meaningful, intentional tech use. Monica loves leading professional development workshops at local, state, and national levels, fostering digital citizenship and culturally responsive teaching. Passionate about collaboration, she co-teaches lessons, models best practices, and designs engaging learning experiences that enhance student success. In her free time she loves to read, travel, and crochet!

Connect With Monica Roach

• Monica On X: https://x.com/MonicaRoach15
• Monica On Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/monicaroach15.bsky.social

This episode is sponsored by Brisk Teaching. To learn more and get started, visit www.briskteaching.com.     After a whirlwind of edtech, learning strategies, and the hustle of the expo hall at TCEA 2025, we decided to mix things up with a fun, lighthearted challenge—EdTech & Food Trivia! 🎉 Join us as we test our knowledge on everything from groundbreaking tech trends to delicious culinary facts. Can you guess which AI-powered tool pairs best with your favorite snack? Or which historical invention shaped both classrooms and kitchens? Play along and see how well you do!   🔹 What You'll Learn:   ✔️ Surprising connections between food and edtech   ✔️ Fun facts you can share at your next staff meeting   ✔️ A behind-the-scenes look at TCEA 2025   Get ready to laugh, learn, and maybe even get a little hungry. Hit play and let's dive in! Buen provecho!   Connect With Gabriel Carrillo

• EdTech Bites Website: https://edtechbites.com
• EdTech Bites On Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/edtechbites.bsky.social
• EdTech Bites Instagram: https://instagram.com/edtechbites
• EdTech Bites X: https://twitter.com/edtechbites
• EdTech Bites Facebook Page: https://facebook.com/edtechbites
• EdTech Bites On TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@edtechbites
• EdTech Bites YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@edtechbites

    About Frankie Baker   Frankie considers herself "the unofficial hype girl of all the things" and "irreparable yes girl", but officially, she's a digital learning coach for Frisco ISD and community coordinator for Robolink. Regardless of her role, her main goal is to empower teachers to be confident technology users and to promote student choice, voice, and agency. She loves to learn, so being a part of various communities allows her to learn from her peers and from the tools/programs themselves. Through these programs and events, Frankie is able to grow her network and her learning. Her love for edtech, especially AI in Education, knows no bounds, and is thrilled at the opportunity to share it.   Connect With Frankie Baker

• Frankie On X: https://x.com/baconedtech
• Frankie On Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/baconedtech.bsky.social
• Frankie On Wakelet: https://wakelet.com/@baconedtech