EdTech Bites Podcast

*This episode is sponsored by Class Companion. To learn more and get started, Click Here!

What's better than discovering an edtech tool that makes your teaching life easier? Sharing it with a friend! In this episode, we sit down with the ever-insightful Greg Bagby to trade notes on our favorite new edtech finds. Greg introduces us to Notebook LM, a next-level AI-powered notetaking assistant, while I dive into Class Companion, a versatile tool designed to facilitate student writing feedback through AI. Join us for a fun, practical conversation filled with tips, tricks, and plenty of "Why didn't I think of that?" moments. If you're looking to level up your tech toolkit, this episode is for you!

• 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

Greg is the Coordinator of Instructional Technology in Hamilton County schools in Chattanooga, TN. He is about to finish a contract as an Apple Professional Learning specialist. He served on the Technical Working Group for the National Education Technology Plan and hopes to graduate soon with a Ph.D. in Instructional Technology.

• Greg On X: https://x.com/Gregbagby
• Greg On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gregbagby/
• Greg On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100048828346605
• Greg On Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/gregbagby.bsky.social

*This episode is sponsored by Class Companion. To learn more and get started, Click Here!

What's it like to attend your first major edtech conference? In this episode, I sit down with Roy Francis, a music and French teacher from Nova Scotia, who attended his first-ever FETC conference. We discuss his initial expectations, how he and his team planned their conference experience, and the strategies they used to maximize their learning.

Roy also shares how he integrates edtech into his curriculum, from engaging students in music composition to enhancing language acquisition in French. Whether you're a conference veteran or gearing up for your first big event, you'll find plenty of insights and inspiration in this conversation. And you'll know what we mean when he states, "What would Peter Rackam do?". Buen provecho!

• 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

Roy teaches junior high general music at a school in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. In his classes, he teaches music theory and history while also helping students learn to write and perform songs on the ukulele.

He is passionate about using technology in education and strives to incorporate it into all aspects of his teaching. Recently, he completed his Master's in Educational Technology and is excited to be part of the AI lead team in the Halifax Regional Centre for Education.

• Roy On Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/mrfrancis.bsky.social

*This episode is sponsored by Class Companion. To learn more and get started, Click Here!

Are you ready to reclaim your time and supercharge student learning? In this episode, recorded live at FETC 2025, we sit down with Avery Pan (Co-Founder) and Brittany Blackwell (Marketing and Community Lead) of Class Companion to explore how their innovative platform saves teachers hours of work and provides timely insights into student progress. Discover how you can spend less time grading and more time engaging with your students. Whether you're a teacher, administrator, or instructional coach, this conversation will inspire you to rethink what's possible in the classroom. Buen provecho!

• 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

• Class Companion Website
• Class Companion On X
• Class Companion On Instagram
• Class Companion On Bluesky

Today's episode is brought to you by Colleague AI. Colleague AI can create new ideas and help teachers brainstorm ideas, create unique lesson plans, new high level rubrics, and grade homework with ease. Colleague AI is also able to manage administrative tasks with parental controls to help students succeed with ease. To learn more and get started, visit www.colleague.ai

As educators, the start of a new year often comes with ambitious plans to do it all. But what if less is more? In this episode, I dive into the power of simplicity in lesson planning for 2025. Learn how focusing on one or two impactful activities per week can not only reduce your stress but also enhance your students' learning outcomes. Whether you're a seasoned teacher or just starting out, this episode will help you embrace intentional planning for a smoother, more effective classroom experience.

Plus, stick around for a simple yet delicious recipe that perfectly illustrates the "less is more" philosophy—Chicken, Rice, and Squash Bowl. With protein-packed chicken, hearty rice, and the natural sweetness of roasted squash, this dish is a healthy, balanced meal that will leave you inspired to simplify your teaching and your cooking!

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• Why overplanning can overwhelm both teachers and students.
• How to design focused lesson plans that drive deeper understanding.
• Practical examples of "less is more" teaching strategies for concepts like the water cycle or literary themes.
• A minimalist recipe (Chicken, Rice, and Squash Bowl) to bring the "less is more" concept to life in the kitchen.
• How simplifying your approach can reduce stress and increase classroom impact.

• 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

Calling all educators! Feeling burnt out before Thanksgiving even hits? This episode's for you! In this episode, I'm joined by Dr. Matthew Joseph of X-Factor EDU, Jon Laven, and Jeff Plourd of Snorkl.app to get you pumped for the X-Factor EDU Virtual 5K Turkey Trot sponsored by Snorkl!

This fun, FREE event is all about educator wellness, giving you a chance to prioritize your health and connect with fellow teachers from around the world. We dive deep into:

• How the Turkey Trot came to be
• Why Snorkl is on board as a sponsor
• Training tips to get you ready for race day (or walk day!)
• How to sign up and join the virtual fun!

Plus, learn how you can score some sweet prizes just for participating!

Don't miss out! Head over to xfactor.link/trot to register and get ready to move your body this Thanksgiving break! This episode is perfect for any teacher, administrator, or educator looking to boost their wellbeing and connect with their amazing community.

Make sure you purchase a copy of my book Cooking Up Experiences In The Classroom: Focus On Experiences, Not Just Lessons from Amazon.

Why are so many educators flocking to Bluesky? In this episode, Alice Keeler shares her journey to Bluesky, how it champions data privacy, and why it's the next big thing for social media in edtech. Learn how Bluesky empowers educators, its unique features, and how to get started today. Tune in for practical tips and insights to make the move smoother!

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

Alice Keeler has a BA in Mathematics and an MS in Educational Media Design and Technology. She started teaching high school math in 1999 in the laptop Algebra program. Alice has taught 1:1 her entire teaching career and is passionate about using technology to create student centered classrooms.

Paperless is not a pedagogy. We should not seek to use technology to save paper, but rather to improve learning, improve relationships, and improve student engagement.

The tool is not what creates the learning, but rather an intentional approach for how a tool can create feedback loops, allow choice and voice, allows for communication of ideas in a creative medium, and increase collaboration.

• Alice's Website: https://alicekeeler.com/
• Alice On Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/alicekeeler.com
• Bluesky Educators Spreadsheet: https://tinyurl.com/edusky

This episode is sponsored by MagicSchool AI. If you're ready to transform the way you teach, With over 3.5 million users worldwide, MagicSchool AI is the #1 educational AI platform. They're committed to data privacy for all users in order to keep classrooms protected. Save time and focus on creating experiences with your students with MagicSchool AI. To learn more and get started, visit www.magicschool.ai

In this episode, I'm joined by Victoria Thompson while at the Georgia Educational Technology Conference in Atlanta, Georgia. We catch up to discuss the difference between badge collecting and building edtech certifications. A lot of us educators become ambassadors for companies but she unpacks the ways we can align what we do and strategically plan out our career with true edtech certifications. This is not to say that badge collecting is a bad thing. Being an ambassador for an edtech company means true understanding and application of that particular product which empowers teachers in many ways. She comes at it from a different angle and aligns skills with career planning and community building. You NEED to give this episode a listen and connect with Victoria. Buen provecho!

• EdTech Bites Website: https://edtechbites.com
• EdTech Bites X: https://twitter.com/edtechbites
• EdTech Bites Instagram: https://instagram.com/edtechbites
• EdTech Bites Threads: https://www.threads.net/@edtechbites
• EdTech Bites Facebook Page: https://facebook.com/edtechbites
• EdTech Bites YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@edtechbites

• Victoria on X: https://x.com/VictoriaTheTech
• Victoria on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoriarosethompson/

This episode is sponsored by MagicSchool AI. If you're ready to transform the way you teach, With over 3.5 million users worldwide, MagicSchool AI is the #1 educational AI platform. They're committed to data privacy for all users in order to keep classrooms protected. Save time and focus on creating experiences with your students with MagicSchool AI. To learn more and get started, visit www.magicschool.ai

In this episode, I'm joined by Dr. Desiree Alexander while at the Georgia Educational Technology Conference in Atlanta, Georgia. She discusses Student Cybersafety and how that is geared towards students, teachers, and parents. She gives us a couple or red flags to look for when having conversations with our students and children and how to have those open conversations with one another continuously. This episode is full of great advice for any student, teacher, and parent so make sure you give it a listen. Buen provecho!

• EdTech Bites Website: https://edtechbites.com
• EdTech Bites X: https://twitter.com/edtechbites
• EdTech Bites Instagram: https://instagram.com/edtechbites
• EdTech Bites Threads: https://www.threads.net/@edtechbites
• EdTech Bites Facebook Page: https://facebook.com/edtechbites
• EdTech Bites YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@edtechbites

• Educator Alexander's Website: https://www.educatoralexander.com/
• Educator Alexander on X: https://x.com/educatoralex
• Educator Alexander on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EducatorAlexander
• Educator Alexander on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/educatoralexander/
• Educator Alexander on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Educatoralexander
• Educator Alexander on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/educatoralexander/

This episode is sponsored by MagicSchool AI. If you're ready to transform the way you teach, With over 3.5 million users worldwide, MagicSchool AI is the #1 educational AI platform. They're committed to data privacy for all users in order to keep classrooms protected. Save time and focus on creating experiences with your students with MagicSchool AI. To learn more and get started, visit www.magicschool.ai

In this episode, I'm joined by Kathryn Laster while at the Georgia Educational Technology Conference in Atlanta, Georgia. We've been connected and have crossed paths at various conferences but never formally met until GaETC 2024. She's served in various roles in education such as a math teacher, Instructional Technology Coach, and Digital Learning Consultant. She's passionate about building professional development and professional learning. We discuss the difference between the two and then…the conversation comes full circle! Tisha Poncio joins us at the table because Tisha was a teacher in one of Kathryn's cohorts years ago. These two take us through the journey and Tisha lets us know how much of a pivotal role Kathryn played in her educational journey. This is such a special episode for these two that you have to hear for yourself. While listening to this, think about who has made an impact on your own educational journey and what you'd like to say to them. Buen provecho!

• EdTech Bites Website: https://edtechbites.com
• EdTech Bites X: https://twitter.com/edtechbites
• EdTech Bites Instagram: https://instagram.com/edtechbites
• EdTech Bites Threads: https://www.threads.net/@edtechbites
• EdTech Bites Facebook Page: https://facebook.com/edtechbites
• EdTech Bites YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@edtechbites

• Kathryn Laster X: https://x.com/kklaster
• Kathryn Laster on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kathrynkl/
• Kathryn Laster on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathrynlaster/

• Tisha Poncio X: https://x.com/TxTechChick
• Tisha Poncio on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tishaponcio/
• Tisha Poncio on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tishaponcio/
• Tisha Poncio on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tisha.poncio

This episode is sponsored by MagicSchool AI. If you're ready to transform the way you teach, With over 3.5 million users worldwide, MagicSchool AI is the #1 educational AI platform. They're committed to data privacy for all users in order to keep classrooms protected. Save time and focus on creating experiences with your students with MagicSchool AI. To learn more and get started, visit www.magicschool.ai

In this episode, I'm joined by Manny Faces while at the Georgia Educational Technology Conference in Atlanta, Georgia. He's the founding director of The Center For Hip Hop Advocacy. I came across his session title while scrolling through the GaETC app and the title of his session "Hip Hop x STEM = Engagement" caught my attention. I was able to find him and ask him to tbe a part of the show to discuss his work and how Hip Hop ties into education. I'm a HUGE Hip Hop head so this conversation is very organic and will probably require a part 2 at some point. Give this episode a listen because you'll be surprised to hear how many connections there are between Hip Hop and education. Buen provecho!

• EdTech Bites Website: https://edtechbites.com
• EdTech Bites X: https://twitter.com/edtechbites
• EdTech Bites Instagram: https://instagram.com/edtechbites
• EdTech Bites Threads: https://www.threads.net/@edtechbites
• EdTech Bites Facebook Page: https://facebook.com/edtechbites
• EdTech Bites YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@edtechbites

Manny Faces is an award-winning journalist, public speaker, podcast professional, DJ, and, if none of that is impressive enough, living kidney donor. Much of Manny's work focuses on preserving, protecting, and promoting the ability of Hip Hop music and culture to improve society and uplift humanity -- particularly in areas including education, science and technology, health and wellness, politics and social justice, business and entrepreneurship, the fine arts, and much more.

• Manny Faces Website: https://www.mannyfaces.com/
• Manny Faces on X: https://x.com/mannyfaces
• Manny Faces on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MannyFacesOfficial/
• Manny Faces on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mannyfacesofficial/
• Manny Faces on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mannyfaces/