EduTechGuys - Conference Coverage

Most school districts overlook what could be their biggest cost saver — leveraging existing technology and innovative programs to boost learning and cut expenses. Michelle Manson, VP of Marketing at CTL, reveals how a focus on lifecycle management, smart product updates, and free education programs are transforming ed tech from the inside out.

Discover how CTL’s new 5G-enabled Chromebook PX112C is streamlining connectivity for remote and underserved students—without the hassle of hotspot management. Michelle shares insights into innovative tools like the all-in-one Chrome Desktop, which simplifies device management and enhances cybersecurity—crucial for today’s tech-savvy schools.

You’ll also learn about CTL’s free student Chromebook repair curriculum, turning students into certified technicians and reducing IT workload while empowering workforce readiness. Plus, get the inside scoop on how leveraging old tech through buyback programs can finance new innovations, boosting sustainability and helping districts stretch tight budgets farther than ever before.

In this episode, Michelle unpacks CTL’s commitment to making education technology affordable, sustainable, and focused on enhancing the learning experience—not just for students but for the entire district. If you're a tech leader or decision-maker overwhelmed by rising costs and outdated devices, this conversation offers actionable strategies that could save your district millions and transform your approach to ed tech.

Perfect for education CIOs, IT managers, and administrators aiming to innovate smarter, not harder, this episode shows how forward-thinking hardware, lifecycle services, and community-driven programs are setting the new standard in educational technology. Dive in to discover how your district can lead with purpose and turn tech challenges into opportunities.

**Visit CTL at CTL.net** and find out how they’re reshaping the future of ed tech—sustainable, affordable, and designed to empower learning everywhere.

Most educators focus on avoiding failure, but what if it was actually the secret to transforming student learning? Audra Selkowitz from VEX Robotics flips the script, revealing how embracing bugs in robotics code cultivates resilience, curiosity, and problem-solving skills — all while building confidence in classrooms.

In this episode, Audra shares how the moment a robot malfunctions is an unparalleled learning opportunity—not a setback. She explores the powerful concept of *productive failure*, demonstrating how teachers can shift classroom culture to see mistakes as milestones, not mistakes. You'll discover how debugging is not just technical troubleshooting but a vital social-emotional skill that fosters trust, community, and independence among students and teachers alike.

We break down tangible strategies for cultivating a classroom environment that embraces messiness: from designing curriculum that celebrates small wins to normalizing failure through honest reflection and collaborative problem-solving. Audra shares her insights on lowering cognitive load, building scaffolding, and turning inevitable setbacks into exciting milestones—transforming frustration into joy and curiosity.

Perfect for educators eager to foster a growth mindset and passionate about STEM and SEL integration, this episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to ignite a love of learning, resilience, and creativity. If you're ready to reframe failure as a pathway to mastery, join us and learn how to make mistakes your greatest teaching tool.

Unlock how AI and robotics revolutionize education—transforming abstract coding into tangible learning experiences for students of all levels. Alaina Haws, senior education developer at VEX Robotics, reveals how cutting-edge AI vision sensors and interactive curriculum models are making complex concepts accessible, engaging, and inspiring the next generation of innovators.

In this episode, Alaina shares her unconventional journey from museums across the US to educational technology, emphasizing the power of hands-on learning and curiosity-driven exploration. Discover how AI vision sensors—like the VEX AIM robot—bring visibility to the invisible, helping students grasp what once seemed too abstract, like tuples and machine perception. You'll also learn about the innovative macro block approach that simplifies coding, making AI programming approachable for younger learners without sacrificing depth.

We break down concrete topics: how AI vision models are trained, the role of data sets in making robots recognize objects, and the importance of visual, tactile, and collaborative learning in fostering STEM confidence. Alaina discusses strategies for teachers to integrate AI seamlessly into their curriculum—whether through simple visual tools or advanced coding—empowering educators to teach complex concepts without prior expertise.

Why does this matter? Because understanding AI through robotics unlocks curiosity, builds digital literacy, and prepares students for a future where AI is everywhere—from space exploration to healthcare. Teachers who leverage these methods can ignite excitement, deepen comprehension, and cultivate lifelong problem-solvers.

Perfect for educators, STEM enthusiasts, and curious learners eager to embrace AI in the classroom—this episode offers actionable insights to make tech more tangible, accessible, and fun. Get ready to turn abstract algorithms into exciting hands-on adventures that inspire the innovators of tomorrow.

Most educators are drowning in disconnected tools, duplicate workflows, and data that lives in too many places. In this conversation, Todd Brekhus, Chief Product Officer at Renaissance, shares how the company is reimagining edtech with what it calls the first “education intelligence system” — a unified approach built to help teachers make faster, smarter decisions in real time.

Todd breaks down why the future of teaching isn’t another standalone app or chatbot, but a connected system that aligns standards, curriculum, and student performance in one flow. He explains how Renaissance is aiming to reduce fragmentation, surface the right data at the right moment, and give educators the agility to adapt instruction as students learn.

The discussion also explores the role of AI in education — where it can genuinely support teachers and where it risks adding more noise. Todd shares why learning science, not novelty, should drive innovation, and how technology can save time without getting in the way of classroom stewardship. From the evolution of learning management systems to the promise of more personalized instruction, this episode offers a clear look at where education technology is headed next.

If you’re an educator, school leader, or edtech enthusiast looking for a smarter way to support student growth, this episode delivers a thoughtful perspective on how better alignment and better data can help create more effective teaching and learning.

A simple, universal solution that’s transforming how classrooms connect, charge, and collaborate — all with just one cable. If you're tired of the tangled mess of dongles, power bricks, and outdated tech, this episode is your game-changer.

Imagine a classroom where every device—Mac, Windows, Chromebook, iPad—connects seamlessly without the headache of multiple cords or sluggish charging. Tanya Meza, Head of Public Sales at Pluggable, reveals how their innovative docking solutions are not only streamlining tech setups but also saving educators hours each week. From supporting K-12 environments to empowering teachers on the fly, she shares insider insights on the future-proof hardware that’s making wired connections simpler, safer, and smarter.

You'll discover:

- How Pluggable’s universal docking stations eliminate the chaos of multiple dongles and power strips, replacing them with one sleek connection.

- The story behind their Thunderbolt 4 and 5 products revolutionizing device charging and connectivity in classrooms.

- Why a single cable can boost teacher efficiency by saving precious minutes each morning and afternoon.

- The innovative 10-port charging station that prioritizes power, prevents overheating, and slashes electricity costs.

- The growing trend of video walls and portable monitors transforming learning and administrative spaces.

Failing to adapt to this tech evolution risks leaving teachers and students disconnected, wasting time, and escalating costs—missed opportunities in a digital-first world. Learning how to leverage these solutions creates a more inclusive, flexible, and engaging educational environment that keeps students at the center.

Perfect for educators, IT managers, and district decision-makers eager to upgrade their classrooms—this episode unlocks how to future-proof your school's tech and empower teachers like never before. Whether you're dreaming of simpler setup or cutting costs on tech infrastructure, the insights shared here will reshape your approach to classroom connectivity.

Visit plugable.com or find them on social media for more info. Get ready to ditch the clutter and connect smarter—your classroom will thank you.

Most schools are drowning in disconnected communication channels — email, texts, WhatsApp, and more. Joel Hames, SVP of product at ParentSquare, shares how AI-powered communication is helping schools and families stay connected in a more seamless, private, and actionable way. From school updates and attendance to meaningful next steps, the conversation explores how smarter communication can reduce confusion and make it easier for parents to stay involved.

This episode also looks at the shift from static reports to AI-driven insights that help people actually act on information. You’ll hear how tools like conversation starters can turn everyday school updates into better conversations at home, and how privacy protections like FERPA and COPPA are built into the platform. The discussion also highlights how ParentSquare is helping districts improve contactability, reduce messaging fatigue, and communicate more clearly at scale.

If you’re an educator, administrator, or parent interested in how AI is changing school communication, this episode offers a practical look at what’s possible when technology is used to strengthen trust, simplify communication, and support family engagement. Learn more at ParentSquare.com

Most educators are drowning in systems, resources, and data — but OBELAS is transforming the way schools personalize learning with AI-powered tools that save teachers hours and boost student growth. Curious how a single platform can streamline curriculum management, assessment, and intervention while making learning more engaging for students? This episode reveals the secret behind OBELAS’s innovative approach to EdTech that’s sweeping across classrooms worldwide.

Discover how AI is helping teachers deliver targeted, personalized instruction without the overwhelm. Paulina Perez from OBELAS shares the groundbreaking ways their adaptive practice and AI integration empower educators to identify at-risk students instantly, create tailored study guides, and gain full visibility across all classes and grades. You’ll learn how district-wide insights turn data into actionable help—turning static reports into real-time interventions that prevent students from falling behind. Plus, find out how AI-driven content and virtual labs make lessons more interactive, relevant, and fun—fighting burnout for teachers and sparking curiosity in students.

We break down: the specific features that set OBELAS apart—such as the supervised AI curriculum, prompt engineering, and differentiated virtual labs—supporting students from K through postsecondary. You’ll discover how their platform reduces management chaos, integrates seamlessly into daily teaching routines, and accelerates learning at every level. Whether you're an administrator looking to simplify edtech stacks or a teacher eager to reclaim your time and passion for teaching, this episode shows how AI is the game-changer that turns classroom chaos into clarity and growth.

With AI learning just beginning to shape education, missing this opportunity could mean staying stuck in outdated methods, while embracing it offers pace, precision, and progress. If you want practical, scalable solutions that elevate student success and teacher confidence—this episode is your insider guide to the future of inclusive, personalized education.

Interested in transforming your district’s approach? Meet Paulina Perez, an educator turned EdTech innovator, whose passion and expertise bring this vision to life. She shares insights from her own classroom experience to help you understand how OBELAS can become your partner in meaningful learning improvements. Dive into the content revolution that's empowering teachers and engaging students across the globe—because the future of education is both smarter and more personal.

Unlock the secrets to transforming classrooms with strategies backed by the latest cognitive science. If you’re an educator, tech innovator, or school leader eager to reduce student overwhelm and make learning more effective—this episode is your must-listen. Discover how to leverage technology thoughtfully to lighten cognitive loads, foster inclusive environments, and ultimately, support both teachers and students in thriving.

Nathan Lang-Raad, Vice President of Business Development at Lightspeed Technologies, reveals how simple tech tools—like even sound reinforcement systems—can remove barriers and elevate learning experiences across every corner of the classroom. Drawing from his extensive background as a teacher, principal, and author, Nathan shares practical insights into how understanding the science of learning—specifically cognitive load theory—can revolutionize your approach to education.

You'll learn:

- Why managing working memory is key to deep understanding and how tech can either help or hinder this process

- The *dual coding* research and its implications for multimedia learning, including the pros and cons of closed captioning

- Practical strategies like chunking instruction and equitable sound distribution that make classrooms more accessible and engaging for all students

- How to create inclusive, distraction-free environments that maximize teacher impact and student focus

- The future of AI in education and why thoughtful reflection on this tech can enhance pedagogical mastery

Neglecting these insights risks perpetuating distractions, widening achievement gaps, and missing opportunities for truly inclusive learning. Conversely, embracing these principles offers a path to more equitable, efficient, and impactful teaching environments—ones that adapt to every learner’s needs.

Whether you’re a classroom teacher, school administrator, or ed-tech innovator, this episode provides actionable frameworks that can be implemented tomorrow. If you're committed to elevating education by removing barriers and enhancing human connection, getting these science-based strategies right is your game-changer.

Nathan Lang-Raad is the Vice President of Business Development at Lightspeed Technologies, specializing in classroom audio and inclusive learning solutions. With a rich background in education and a passion for research-driven innovation, he’s dedicated to supporting teachers and students in reaching their full potential.

Tune in for an essential conversation that redefines what’s possible when we align technology with the science of learning. Perfect for anyone looking to make a meaningful impact in education today—and tomorrow.

Most schools have yet to fully leverage AI in transforming reading instruction — but Lexia is rewriting the playbook. Discover how their new AI-powered platform is bridging the gap between decades of research and real-world classroom impact, all while empowering teachers and district leaders to scale effective literacy programs like never before.

In this eye-opening episode, George Scotti, VP of Marketing at Lexia, lifts the curtain on their groundbreaking Science of Reading Classroom — a system that combines proven curriculum with AI-driven support to unlock every student's potential. You'll learn how AI is not just another tool, but a catalyst for real change in literacy, offering real-time data, scaffolding, and personalized lessons that adapt to each teacher and student's needs. With over 30 peer-reviewed publications backing their approach, Lexia's innovative use of AI aims to make literacy success scalable, sustainable, and accessible for all.

We break down critical topics including:

- The shift from traditional methods to AI-enhanced literacy solutions and why the debate on Science of Reading is already settled

- How AI simplifies complex systems for principals, allowing them to create effective environments that sustain literacy initiatives

- The two-year professional learning commitment that ensures teachers gain confidence and mastery in using AI-supported tools

- The future of reading instruction, where teachers stay at the center, supported by intelligent systems that extend their reach

- Why effective implementation is a systemic change, not just new technology, with Lexia’s hands-on customer success team guiding every step

If you're a district leader, educator, or innovator eager to harness AI for scalable literacy success, this episode is your blueprint. Missing out means falling behind in a world where AI will soon be a standard classroom ingredient — and those who act now will shape the future of reading education. Perfect for educators committed to impactful, sustainable change, and administrators ready to lead systems-level innovations.

George Scotti is VP of Marketing at Lexia, with over 15 years in education technology and literacy. His insights blend deep research with practical strategies, making this episode essential listening for anyone determined to future-proof reading instruction.

Prepare to see how AI can put the power of literacy directly into teachers' hands, transforming classrooms, districts, and the futures of millions of students. Hit play — the future of reading starts now.

Discover how ClassDojo is revolutionizing family engagement and student success—all without breaking the bank. If you're an educator, administrator, or parent feeling overwhelmed by the noise and misconceptions around family involvement, this episode reveals a game-changing approach grounded in trust, real data, and organic growth.

Dr. Chad Stevens, Head of Growth at ClassDojo, shares how a simple, yet powerful, platform built on millions of users across 200 districts is transforming communication between families, teachers, and students—logically and cost-effectively. He explains why engagement isn’t about mandates but about meeting families where they are, leveraging existing love for the platform, and building trust through authentic connection.

You’ll discover: how ClassDojo's innovative tools—including gamification, parent messaging, and “walk the halls” analytics—are creating a true community in districts nationwide; why the company’s commitment to free, high-impact solutions is a masterstroke in sustainable growth; and the surprising role AI might play in the future of family engagement. Plus, get insights into how schools are using data to turn reluctant districts into enthusiastic adopters, even in challenging budget conditions.

Why does this matter? Because real engagement boosts attendance, improves student outcomes, and fosters a sense of belonging that lasts beyond the classroom walls. Whether you’re a district leader searching for scalable solutions or a parent eager to support your child’s education, this episode will inspire you to rethink what effective family involvement truly looks like—and how to make it happen today.

Join us as Dr. Chad Stevens reveals why a stewardship mindset coupled with innovative tech is the future of education equity and community building. Essential listening if you believe, like us, that education is a 24/7 journey, not just a school day.