Learning Through Technology

Technology has revolutionized nearly every aspect of our lives, and education is no exception. Integrating technology in classrooms has brought about significant changes, offering new opportunities and challenges for students and educators.

In this episode of the Learning Through Technology podcast, Alex and Bob connect with Nicholas J Stahl for the second part of their discussion. Nick is a science teacher and esports General Manager at Hermon High School. Join us as we discuss the power of student engagement and the impact of esports as a competitive club in education. Nick shares his experience starting an esports program at his high school, highlighting its popularity among students who may not be interested in traditional clubs or other extracurriculars. 

We delve into the challenges of teaching and engaging students, emphasizing the importance of interesting and practical skills. The conversation also explores the role of electives in building relationships with students and creating a welcoming environment. Don't miss out on this insightful podcast that showcases Nick's passion for crafting innovative learning experiences.

Here are the key touchpoints from the discussion:

• Nick shares his experience of starting an esports program
• How casual clubs struggle to maintain student interest and engagement
• Esports as a unique opportunity for developing student engagement
• Challenges of teaching and engaging students in the classroom
• Importance of teaching exciting and practical skills
• The role of electives like esports in building relationships with students
• Creating a welcoming and open environment for student engagement

Nicholas Stahl is an innovative educator and the General Manager of the esports program at Hermon High School. His diverse background uniquely qualifies him to lead in educational technology and student engagement. His journey from a 68W Combat Medic in the Army National Guard to a dedicated teacher intertwines a rich tapestry of service and education. 

Now at the helm of Hermon High School's burgeoning esports program, Nicholas has been instrumental in transforming the school's approach to extracurricular engagement through technology. Recognizing the potential of esports to revitalize student interest and involvement, he spearheaded the shift from a traditional games club to a competitive team, innovatively overcoming funding challenges with initiatives like the 24-hour 'Mario-thon' fundraiser. 

We’d love to hear from you! Send us questions or comments at [email protected].

If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe, rate, and review it on:

• Apple Podcasts
• Spotify 
• YouTube

Instructions on how to do this are here.

Learning Through Technology Podcast is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so

Technology has revolutionized nearly every aspect of our lives, and education is no exception. Integrating technology in classrooms has brought about significant changes, offering new opportunities and challenges for students and educators.

In this episode of the Learning Through Technology podcast, Alex and Bob connect with Nicholas J Stahl, a science teacher and esport General Manager at Hermon High School. Discover how Nick transformed the Game Club into a thriving esports team, overcoming funding challenges with the support of the administration and boosters. Learn how Nick incorporates gaming into the classroom, from block coding to game theory. Uncover the untapped opportunities in the gaming industry, including scholarships and careers in game development. Take advantage of this inspiring conversation highlighting the power of support, starting small, and exploring new horizons in education.

Nick shares his journey from being a science teacher to becoming the general manager of the school's esports program. Nick explained that the idea of starting an esports program at Hermon High School occurred during a workshop where they discussed the decline in student engagement in after-school clubs. Principal Brian Walsh suggested transforming the Game Club into an esports team, and Nick took on the challenge.

Join us next fortnight for part 2 of this episode!

Here are the key touchpoints from the discussion:

• Introduction to the podcast and guest
• The idea for starting an esports program at Hermon High
• Nick's journey and challenges in funding the program
• Supportive administration and benefits of starting small
• Incorporating gaming into the classroom
• Untapped opportunities in the gaming industry

Nicholas Stahl is an innovative educator and the General Manager of the esports program at Hermon High School. His diverse background uniquely qualifies him to lead in educational technology and student engagement. His journey from a 68W Combat Medic in the Army National Guard to a dedicated teacher intertwines a rich tapestry of service and education. 

Now at the helm of Hermon High School's burgeoning esports program, Nicholas has been instrumental in transforming the school's approach to extracurricular engagement through technology. Recognizing the potential of esports to revitalize student interest and involvement, he spearheaded the shift from a traditional games club to a competitive team, innovatively overcoming funding challenges with initiatives like the 24-hour 'Mario-thon' fundraiser. 

We’d love to hear from you! Send us questions or comments at [email protected].

If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe, rate, and review it on:

• Apple Podcasts
• Spotify 
• YouTube

Instructions on how to do this are here.

Learning Through Technology Podcast is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so

To download our FREE Cybersecurity Essentials Checklist, go to: bit.ly/STSCyberChecklist

Technology has revolutionized nearly every aspect of our lives, and education is no exception. The integration of technology in classrooms has brought about significant changes, offering new opportunities and challenges for both students and educators.

Schools are on summer break, but the technology teams are just getting started with their busy season! 

In this episode of the Learning Through Technology podcast, Alex and Bob share their experiences as tech directors in schools during the summer break. From funny mishaps to important projects, they discuss the challenges and excitement that come with supporting educational needs. They highlight the importance of leveraging technology in education for successful outcomes. 

They also touch on the hard work of maintenance and facilities staff during the summer. Bob mentions the importance of E-rate projects and shares a story about a fiber cut that caused mysterious internet connectivity issues. Alex talks about a teacher's mishap with sharing a spreadsheet containing sensitive student information and another incident involving a shared url that nearly exposed students to inappropriate content.

They reflect on the joy of having students and teachers back in the school and the sense of purpose that comes with supporting their educational needs.

Here are the key touchpoints from the discussion:

• Bob and Alex discuss the relief and excitement that comes at the end of the school year
• Sharing funny stories from the school year
• The challenges and work that tech directors face during the summer break
• A teacher's mishap with sharing a spreadsheet containing sensitive student information
• The joy of having students and teachers back in the school

We’d love to hear from you! Send us questions or comments at [email protected].

If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe, rate, and review it on:

• Apple Podcasts
• Spotify 
• YouTube

Instructions on how to do this are here.

Learning Through Technology Podcast is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so

To download our FREE Cybersecurity Essentials Checklist, go to: bit.ly/STSCyberChecklist

Technology has revolutionized nearly every aspect of our lives, and education is no exception. The integration of technology in classrooms has brought about significant changes, offering new opportunities and challenges for both students and educators.

In this special episode of the Learning Through Technology podcast, Alex and Bob welcome three budding esports superstars, Keegan, Alex, and Patrick, from Nampa High School. Fans of Rocket League will be intrigued to hear how these three came to meet and start to find their feet through playing that particular game and through the burgeoning world of esports in general. We’ll discuss how esports has made a positive impact on their lives, impacting their learning and personal relationships, and why esports could be a real pillar for education and educational technology for years to come.

Discover how these players excel in their favorite games, their dedication to practice, and how they balance gaming with other responsibilities. Dive into the gameplay mechanics of Rocket League and uncover the personal dynamics within the team. Hear how gaming has brought these players closer together, fostering strong friendships and a desire to continue playing and competing. Learn about their future plans, including Alex's mission and pursuit of a degree in computer engineering, Keegan's ambitions in Rocket League and other creative endeavors, and Patrick's trade apprenticeship.

Discover the impact of their favorite teachers and the misconceptions surrounding gamers and esports. With powerful insights and lively discussions, this podcast offers a unique perspective on the world of esports and the opportunities it brings.

Here are the key touchpoints from the discussion:

• Favorite Games and Practice Dedication
• Exploring Rocket League Strategy
• Personal Dynamics and Friendship
• Future Plans in esports and beyond
• Impactful Teachers
• Misconceptions and the Growing Popularity of Esports
• Keegan as Coach and Leader

We’d love to hear from you! Send us questions or comments at [email protected].

If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe, rate, and review it on:

• Apple Podcasts
• Spotify 
• YouTube

Instructions on how to do this are here.

Learning Through Technology Podcast is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so

To download our FREE Cybersecurity Essentials Checklist, go to: bit.ly/STSCyberChecklist

Technology has revolutionized nearly every aspect of our lives, and education is no exception. The integration of technology in classrooms has brought about significant changes, offering new opportunities and challenges for both students and educators.

In this episode of the Learning Through Technology podcast, Alex and Bob welcome Bart Epstein, CEO of Brains and Motion Education (BAM!), a leading provider of STEM, Arts, and Sports programs for students grades K-8 nationwide. Bart is also the Founder of EdTech Evidence Exchange, a company that helps educators make better-informed decisions about education technology. The genesis of EdTech Evidence Exchange stems from building national consensus on how to measure school implementation environments, building a platform to collect edtech product feedback from tens of thousands of educators, and creating a system to use philanthropy dollars to pay cash stipends to participating educators.

Here are the key touchpoints from the discussion:

• EdTech Efficacy
• Giving teachers a sense of agency in program selection
• How medical research is a model to drive EdTech efficacy 
• Bart's journey into education and entrepreneurship
• Introduction to the Ed Tech Evidence Exchange
• Fixing the system for funding research and data collection
• Overview of Brains in Motion Education
• Importance of student motivation and agency in effective education technology
• Importance of being interested in school and accessing resources

Bart Epstein is a respected educator and entrepreneur with decades of experience in the field. He has impacted over twenty million students through his leadership at companies including Tutor.com, the Jefferson Education Accelerator, and The Princeton Review. He served as the General Manager of a Department of Defense education program that supports U.S. military families. 

As a professor at the University of Virginia, Bart founded and ran a national nonprofit that teaches schools how to implement complex STEM programs effectively. He writes frequently about the need for investment in education R&D, has presented his work at the White House, and recently published an op-ed with a member of Congress.

We’d love to hear from you! Send us questions or comments at [email protected].

If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe, rate, and review it on:

•  Apple Podcasts
•  Spotify 
•  YouTube

Instructions on how to do this are here.

Episode Resources:

• Bart Epstein on LinkedIn
• Brains & Motion Education Website
• ISTE (International Society for Technology in Education)
• The Journal of Educational Technology & Society 
• The Journal of Technology and Teacher Education JTATE
• Bart's a big fan of the Society for Information Technology & Teacher Education
• For AI, Bart recommends following EdSurge's article series about AI in education as well as ISTE's webinars on the topic. Everything is moving so quickly.
• Bart’s Charity Gifts for the Homeless
• Alex Inman on LinkedIn
• Robert Cireddu on LinkedIn
• Educational Collaborators on LinkedIn
• STS Education Group  Website
• STS Education Group on LinkedIn
• EduTech Group Website

Learning Through Technology Podcast is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so

To download our FREE Cybersecurity Essentials Checklist, go to: bit.ly/STSCyberChecklist

Technology has revolutionized nearly every aspect of our lives, and education is no exception. The integration of technology in classrooms has brought about significant changes, offering new opportunities and challenges for both students and educators.

In this episode of the Learning Through Technology podcast, Alex and Bob welcome Kyle Berger, CTO at Grapevine-Colleyville ISD. Join them as they delve into the fascinating world of integrating technology into education and the transformative power of technology in bridging the gap between students' lives and their learning experiences. Integrating technology in education can take many forms. Kyle explains how Grapevine Colleyville ISD embraced esports as a way to raise student engagement while providing a career pathway into the industry. 

They also touch upon the issues of cybersecurity in education and the importance of collaboration, resourcefulness, and taking risks in the field of education. Kyle encourages educators to seek out resources, collaborate with others, and experiment with different esports options to identify the best fit for their schools.

Here are the key touchpoints from the discussion:

• Kyle’s journey and his passion for transforming education through technology
• How Kyle implemented esports at Grapevine Colleyville ISD with the support of parents
• Positive impact of esports on students
• How student hackers can help strengthen the network security at schools 
• Implementing virtual schooling and protecting data
• Curriculum resources for esports programs
• Importance of collaboration, resourcefulness, and taking risks in education

Kyle’s career as a CTO in education spans over 23 years and is spread across districts of various sizes and demographics. He has received multiple awards, including the EdTech Digest 2024 School Leader Trendsetter Award, Technology Director of the Year for Texas, the 2020 National Edtech Leadership winner, and the Institutional Leadership award for interoperability. In 2022, Kyle was named as one of the Top 100 Influencers in Edtech by Edtechdigest. His work is featured in several educational technology magazines, industry case studies as well as other published books on Educational Technology. Kyle is known as a transformer of educational technology. 

Big thank you to Lenovo for sponsoring this episode. To Check out their Lenovo Legion esports line, visit lenovo.com/esports

We’d love to hear from you! Send us questions or comments at [email protected].

If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe, rate, and review it on:

• Apple Podcasts
• Spotify 
• YouTube

Instructions on how to do this are here.

Learning Through Technology Podcast is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so

Technology has revolutionized nearly every aspect of our lives, and education is no exception. The integration of technology in classrooms has brought about significant changes, offering new opportunities and challenges for both students and educators.

In this episode of the Learning Through Technology podcast, your co-host, Bob Cireddu, slips into the guest chair as we listen to his journey from a race car engineer to an Edtech leader and Founder and CTO of the Edutech Group, a collaborative IT organization dedicated to providing schools with exceptional IT support and leadership.

Join us as we delve into the world of educational technology and Bob’s journey as the founder of the EduTech Group. From passions that include race car engineering to collecting watches, Bob's eclectic background adds a unique perspective to his role in K-12 operational IT. 

Discover the challenges faced by Bob's team and how they built a successful business through talent, growth, and a commitment to continuous learning. Gain insights into the importance of building strong client relationships and fostering a supportive team dynamic in a remote working environment.

Some of the talking points of the episode include:

• Bob’s background as a chemical engineering major and race car engineer
• The challenges and growth of Bob's team led to the formation of the EduTech Group
• A commitment to the personal and professional growth of talented employees
• The importance of building and nurturing relationships with clients
• The need for continuous learning and adaptation in Edtech
• Strategies used by EduTech Group to build a strong remote organizational culture
• Bob's favorite teacher and the importance of personalized learning 

Bob and his team have taken decades' worth of experience in network and project management in the K-12 space and created a pragmatic system to serve both the school and the students. Every project they execute is managed down to the last detail to execute the work efficiently and cost-effectively. 

The shared services model he created for IT support is ingenious in that it leverages a team of elite, experienced professionals to service a broad customer base. This results in a pointed and streamlined approach, ultimately driving down costs for districts by sharing talented support staff members.

To download our FREE Cybersecurity Essentials Checklist, go to: bit.ly/STSCyberChecklist

We’d love to hear from you! Send us questions or comments at [email protected].

If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe, rate, and review it on:

•  Apple Podcasts
•  Spotify 
•  YouTube

Instructions on how to do this are here.

Learning Through Technology Podcast is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so

Technology has revolutionized nearly every aspect of our lives, and education is no exception. The integration of technology in classrooms has brought about significant changes, offering new opportunities and challenges for both students and educators. However, resistance to this change has been a common hurdle in implementing technology in education.

In this episode of the Learning Through Technology podcast, our special guest is Jon M Corippo, the Co-founder at EduProtocols. This Edtech company provides instructional lesson frames designed to engage students in learning through critical thinking, collaboration, communication, and creativity.

Join Alex, Bob, and Jon as they discuss the importance of embracing innovation and creativity in the classroom. Jon, a renowned figure in educational technology, shares his journey from being a disgruntled student to becoming a passionate advocate for student-centered learning. Discover Jon's revolutionary EduProtocols that empower teachers and enhance student engagement and academic achievement.

Some of the talking points of the episode include:

• Jon’s journey in education. 
• Failures in the current education system. 
• Embracing innovation and creativity in the classroom. 
• Introduction to EduProtocols. 
• The “Cyber Sandwich Protocol”.
• Importance of challenging traditional teaching methods.

Jon wears three hats simultaneously, that of an educator, an author, and a keynote speaker. He shares, speaks, and leads professional educational learning for educators internationally. Jon has been named a County Teacher of the Year, a 2019 Top 100 Educational Influencer, an NBSA 20 to Watch Educator, an Apple Distinguished Educator, and a Google Certified Innovator. Jon is the co-author of The Eduprotocol Field Guide and The Eduprotocol Field Guide Book 2, both Amazon #1 best-sellers. He has also contributed to the EduProtocols Math Edition, another #1 Amazon best-seller.

If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe, rate, and review it on:

•  Apple Podcasts
•  Spotify 
•  Google Podcasts. 

Instructions on how to do this are here.

Learning Through Technology Podcast is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so

Welcome to Learning Through Technology, a K 12 ed Tech podcast brought to you by STS Education. We strive to be the bridge that connects communities of educators so that they can fulfill the promise of learning through technology. Join us every other week as we connect with education leaders who share their deep experiences with the education and technology topics you are grappling with in your own schools and districts. Each interview is designed to bring you tangible ideas you can start using tomorrow.

This special episode has your hosts, Alex and Bob, getting philosophical and riffing on whether it’s possible to have a revolution in education and, if so, what that revolution would look like. Some of the talking points we cover include:

• The importance of data in education
• Revolutionizing education with technology
• Technology’s role in teaching
• The cultural revolution in education
• The need to reward high-quality educators

Alex has worn multiple hats during his career in education, from teacher to technology director and founder of Educational Collaborators. He founded Educational Collaborators as a way to bring the most relevant EdTech Consulting and Professional Development available to schools across the globe. That vision was expanded when he combined forces with Pacific OneSource.

Bob and his team are revolutionizing how we think about technology services within the American K-12 education system. The shared services model he created for IT support is ingenious in that it leverages a team of elite, experienced professionals to service a broad customer base. This results in a pointed and streamlined approach, ultimately driving down costs for districts by sharing talented support staff members. Further, Bob brings years of experience as an IT Director to the table, resulting in expertise in industry trends. 

We’d like to give a huge shout-out to STS Education for sponsoring our podcast. Check out their Fixed Cost Chromebook Repair Program at stsed.com/break-fix.

If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe, rate, and review it on:

• Apple Podcasts
• Spotify 
• Google Podcasts. 

Instructions on how to do this are here.

Learning Through Technology Podcast is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so

We'd like to thank Rise Vision for sponsoring this episode and making the podcast possible!

Welcome to this very special crossover episode of the Learning Through Technology podcast, where we are teaming up with the amazing hosts of the Talking Technology With ATLIS Podcast for a joint episode where you hear from not two, not three, but five amazing hosts! Joining Alex and Bob are Christina Lewellen, Executive Director of ATLIS, William Stites Director of Technology at Montclair Kimberley Academy, and Hiram Cuevas, Director of Information Systems and Academic Technology at St. Christopher's School.  

Together, they share their experiences in podcasting and the drive to build a vibrant community. Discover their motivations for starting their podcasting journey and the positive feedback they receive from listeners. They share the valuable lessons they've learned and explore the importance of community in education and the challenges of podcasting. Get ready for an exciting discussion on the upcoming ATLIS conference and the warm connections it fosters. Trust us, you won't want to miss this episode!

Some of the talking points of the episode include:

• The experience of building communities with podcasts
• The joy of getting positive feedback from listeners
• How building communities impacts education
• A deep dive into the upcoming ATLIS conference
• The purpose of a crossover episode

Episode Resources:

• ATLIS Website
• Talking Technology with ATLIS Podcast
• ATLIS Annual Conference (April 7-10, 2024 in Reno, NV)
• Bill’s EdTech Blog
• Educational Collaborators
• STS Education Website
• STS Education on LinkedIn

If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe, rate, and review it on:

• Apple Podcasts
• Spotify 
• Google Podcasts

Instructions on how to do this are here.

Learning Through Technology Podcast is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so