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We'd like to give a huge thank you to ViewSonic for sponsoring this episode and helping to make the podcast possible!
As technology revolutionizes industries worldwide, education is no exception. Integrating technology in classrooms has brought about significant changes, offering new opportunities and challenges for students and educators. However, the lack of women in tech leadership often creates hurdles unique to implementing technology in education.
In this special episode of the Learning Through Technology podcast, we are joined by Christine Feenstra, Executive Director at CUE, a national education association serving thousands of educators. Join us as Alex and Bob think back to their years as tech directors and discuss the power of conferences to amplify personal and professional growth. They delve into the benefits of attending conferences and emphasize the value of finding community and learning from your peers. They share their insights on how to get the most out of the conference experience. They also provide practical tips for mentoring new team members to ensure they make the most of the investment made in sending them to conferences.
Some of the talking points of the episode include:
Christine stands at the forefront of education technology as the executive director of CUE, where she spearheads initiatives that foster a community for educators who want to integrate technology intentionally into the classroom. Her journey in this field is marked by a profound commitment to enhancing learning experiences and teacher professional development. Before her tenure at CUE, Christine's career spanned various influential roles across a variety of sectors, including education, healthcare, and child development.
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Learning Through Technology Podcast is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so
In this episode of Learning Through Technology, hosts Alex Inman and Bob Cireddu explore the challenges and strategies for hiring a modern K-12 technology director. Together, they:
The hosts conclude by announcing a two-month pause in new episodes, encouraging listeners to stay connected through LinkedIn and their rebroadcast episodes.
We’d love to hear from you! Send us questions or comments at [email protected].
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Show Notes:
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Learning Through Technology Podcast is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so
AI is changing the face of education—but are schools prepared for the ethical and legal challenges it brings? From student data privacy risks to the hidden costs of free AI tools, K-12 leaders are facing a rapidly evolving landscape. In this episode, hosts Alex Inman and Robert Cireddu sit down with Dr. Laura Spencer and Gretchen Shipley to discuss how schools can embrace AI responsibly without putting students, teachers, or institutions at risk.
Here are the key touchpoints from the discussion:
Dr. Laura Spencer is the Chief Academic Innovation Officer at Elite Academic Academy and serves as Board President for Q (EdTech affiliation in California and Nevada). A 25-year education veteran and former Army service member, she began her career as a middle school English Language Arts teacher before transitioning into EdTech and IT director roles. Her expertise lies in the intersection of curriculum and innovation. Dr. Spencer is passionate about helping educators implement technology responsibly while maintaining educational effectiveness. She co-developed an AI ethics course for K-12 leaders, combining her practical experience in education technology with a focus on responsible innovation.
Gretchen Shipley is the Chair of the EdTech practice at Fagen Friedman & Fulfrost (F3 Law), where she has spent 25 years specializing in education law. She serves as general counsel for California IT and Education (CITE) and has carved out a niche focusing on student data privacy and education technology legal issues over the past decade. Shipley works with schools nationally on AI implementation, policy development, and contract negotiations with major tech companies. She is actively involved in creating model policies and legal frameworks for educational institutions, particularly in areas of emerging technology. She regularly presents at conferences and provides free legal resources through F3 Law's website to help schools navigate technology-related legal challenges.
We’d love to hear from you! Send us questions or comments at [email protected].
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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 Learning Through Technology, hosts Alex Inman and Robert Cireddu are joined by Victor Hicks, Founder and Program Owner at Coding with Culture. They discuss the impact of culturally relevant STEM education and how it empowers underserved communities. Coach Hicks shares his journey from teacher to entrepreneur and emphasizes the importance of inclusivity and representation in tech. The conversation explores design thinking, the role of AI in education and offers practical advice for educators aiming to implement culturally responsive curriculum. Tune in for inspiring insights on transforming education!
Here are the key touchpoints from the discussion:
Victor "Coach" Hicks is a passionate educator and entrepreneur dedicated to transforming tech education and championing HBCUs and Black empowerment. With over 20 years of experience, he founded Coding With Culture, an organization that bridges the digital divide through a "Kindergarten to HBCU" pathway in computational and design thinking. Coach Hicks' innovative curriculum celebrates heritage while equipping students with essential skills. His work fosters inclusivity and inspires the next generation of tech leaders by integrating Afro-futurism, coding, and design thinking into immersive learning experiences.
We’d love to hear from you! Send us questions or comments at [email protected].
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Learning Through Technology Podcast is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so
Ringing in 2025 with a Best of Episode!
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 special “Best of” episode of Learning Through Technology, hosts Alex Inman and Bob Cireddu take a nostalgic trip down memory lane, revisiting some of their favorite insights from past episodes. They explore the transformative power of AI as a thought partner with insights from Mary Beth Hertz, discuss the importance of understanding data interoperability with Susan Bearden, and delve into the multifaceted challenges schools face with Dr. Melvin Brown, and we’re just getting started! Join Alex and Bob for a fun and insightful look back at the year, filled with valuable lessons and engaging conversations that are as relevant today as ever!
Join us as we discuss:
We’d love to hear from you! Send us questions or comments at [email protected].
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Learning Through Technology Podcast is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so
Special Re-release: Ringing Out 2024 with Dr. Melvin Brown
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 special re-release episode of Learning Through Technology, hosts Alex Inman and Robert Cireddu are joined by Dr. Melvin Brown, Superintendent of Montgomery, Alabama Public Schools. As changes loom in the political landscape, this timely discussion explores the state of public education, the challenges of equity, and the transformative role of technology and community engagement in schools. Dr. Brown reflects on addressing systemic issues, fostering opportunities for all students, and preparing for a rapidly evolving future. This episode offers a crucial snapshot of education today and the road ahead in an uncertain time.
Join us as we discuss:
Dr. Melvin Brown is a change-maker and innovator with over 25 years of experience in school administration. He is a champion of public schools with a wealth of experience working in education from his days as a principal to his current role in Alabama as superintendent for Montgomery City schools.
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:
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Other Resources
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 Learning Through Technology, hosts Alex Inman and Robert Cireddu are joined once again by Lane Young, Director of Strategic Operations and Technology at Phillips Brooks School, to explore the intersection of physical security and technology in schools. They discuss the importance of cross-department collaboration, balancing safety measures with an open school culture, and the impact of funding on security initiatives. Lane shares insights on integrating long-term physical systems with evolving technologies to create cohesive, effective safety strategies. This episode offers practical advice for educators and administrators aiming to enhance school security while maintaining a welcoming environment.
Here are the key touchpoints from the discussion:
Lane Young is the Director of Strategic Operations and Technology at Phillips Brooks School, overseeing the implementation of technology leadership and strategic initiatives. His career in EdTech began unexpectedly after transitioning from a role as a 4th-grade teacher and years of experience working in public libraries. A chance opportunity led him into educational technology, and he quickly rose to a leadership position. In his current role, Lane focuses on executing the school’s strategic plan and managing key areas like safety and security, ensuring digital and physical protection. His journey highlights his adaptability and dedication to educational advancement.
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:
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Like what you’re hearing on the podcasts and want to dive deeper?
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A big thank you to our sponsors!
FETC:
Join thousands of educators at FETC 2025! Discover the latest in education technology with exclusive sessions, hands-on workshops, and networking opportunities. Register by January 13 to save with Standard pricing. Use promo code TECHLEARN2025 to get an additional 10% off. Visit fetc.org to learn more!
ViewSonic:
ViewSonic is your go-to technology partner for engaging students, fostering collaboration, and elevating learning outcomes. ViewSonic is more than a brand- it's your educational edge- offering a broad array of future-ready audio-visual solutions, training, and tools that adapt to your school's changing needs. Explore the possibilities today at viewsonic.com/edu!
Lenovo:
Imagine a future where students can access tools that spark learning, growth, and creativity. At Lenovo, our K-12 solutions are designed to create a world where edtech tools are safe and secure, engaging and easy to use, and built for productivity wherever learning occurs. Visit us at www.lenovo.com/us/en/student/!
Other Resources
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 Learning Through Technology, hosts Alex Inman and Robert Cireddu discuss campus security with Dave Teague, president of Academic Integrations. The conversation explores a proactive approach to K-12 safety, emphasizing the importance of policies, procedures, and community collaboration over a reliance on technology alone.
Dave shares insights from his career, including lessons shaped by tragic school events, and introduces the "7-pillar approach" to security planning. They also discuss innovations like automated attendance, license plate recognition, and integrated systems to enhance safety and efficiency. The episode calls for a shift from reactive to strategic, empowering schools to safeguard students and staff effectively.
Here are the key touchpoints from the discussion:
Dave Teague is a leader in integrating technology into education. His career has been dedicated to enhancing safety, communication, and infrastructure within K-12 and higher education settings. As President of Academic Integrations, Dave oversees innovative low-voltage system solutions, including networking, access control, video surveillance, and visitor management. His expertise lies in guiding institutions through planning, implementation, and lifecycle budgeting for critical systems.
Additionally, Dave is the Board Chairman of Freeman School District, where he formerly served as the Technology Director. Passionate about leveraging technology for community betterment, Dave continues to shape smarter, safer educational environments.
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:
Instructions on how to do this are Here.
Like what you’re hearing on the podcasts and want to dive deeper?
Follow us on LinkedIn here.
Show Notes:
A big thank you to our sponsors!
FETC:
Join thousands of educators at FETC 2025! Discover the latest in education technology with exclusive sessions, hands-on workshops, and networking opportunities. Register by January 13 to save with Standard pricing. Use promo code TECHLEARN2025 to get an additional 10% off. Visit fetc.org to learn more!
ViewSonic:
ViewSonic is your go-to technology partner for engaging students, fostering collaboration, and elevating learning outcomes. ViewSonic is more than a brand- it's your educational edge- offering a broad array of future-ready audio-visual solutions, training, and tools that adapt to your school's changing needs. Explore the possibilities today at viewsonic.com/edu!
Lenovo:
Imagine a future where students can access tools that spark learning, growth, and creativity. At Lenovo, our K-12 solutions are designed to create a world where edtech tools are safe and secure, engaging and easy to use, and built for productivity wherever learning occurs. Visit us at www.lenovo.com/us/en/student/!
Other Resources:
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.
Welcome to this episode of Learning Through Technology. Today, we’re doing something different. Alex was recently invited to feature a guest on the School Leaders Project podcast by its host, Cindy Blackburn, who is the Director of Learning and Engagement at Toddle. Let’s join Alex and Cindy as they explore the intersection of education and technology, focusing on collaboration, innovation, and meaningful change management. Drawing from his two decades of EdTech experience, Alex emphasizes the importance of intentionality, inclusivity, and data-driven insights when implementing technological advancements like AI and one-to-one computing in schools.
The thoughtful discussion with Cindy highlights the challenges and opportunities of integrating technology into education. With a focus on fostering collaboration and preserving what works, Alex inspires educators to balance innovation with human connection for impactful, sustainable progress in learning environments.
Here are the key touchpoints from the discussion:
Cindy Blackburn is a dedicated learning and development professional with expertise in creating impactful and engaging instructional content. As Director of Learning & Engagement at Toddle, she leads the development of curriculum, online courses, and interactive resources for a global LMS platform. Known for her strategic and adaptable approach, Cindy excels at transforming complex ideas into accessible learning experiences. Passionate about innovation and continuous improvement, she fosters meaningful educational transformations that empower individuals and organizations to reach their potential.
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:
Instructions on how to do this are Here.
Like what you’re hearing on the podcasts and want to dive deeper?
Follow us on LinkedIn here.
A big thank you to our sponsors!
FETC:
Join thousands of educators at FETC 2025! Discover the latest in education technology with exclusive sessions, hands-on workshops, and networking opportunities. Register by December 13 to save with Early Bird pricing. Use promo code TECHLEARN2025 to get an additional 10% off. Visit www.fetc.org to learn more!
ViewSonic:
ViewSonic is your go-to technology partner for engaging students, fostering collaboration, and elevating learning outcomes. ViewSonic is more than a brand- it's your educational edge- offering a broad array of future-ready audio-visual solutions, training, and tools that adapt to your school's changing needs. Explore the possibilities today at viewsonic.com/edu!
Lenovo:
Imagine a future where students can access tools that spark learning, growth, and creativity. At Lenovo, our K-12 solutions are designed to create a world where ed tech tools are safe and secure, engaging and easy to use, and built for productivity wherever learning occurs. Visit us at www.lenovo.com/us/en/student/!
Other Resources:
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 Learning Through Technology podcast episode, Alex and Bob connect with Kevin McGuire, Director of Technology at Michigan City Area Schools. Kevin shares his journey from network administrator to DoT and for a short tenure, CFO, highlighting the need to bridge departments and involve the community in funding tech initiatives. He discusses both short-term and strategic technology planning that delivers positive student outcomes. He shares his focus on staff development and stresses the importance of internet access for students, technology's role in education, and measuring tech effectiveness on student outcomes. His unique perspective blends financial management and technology leadership, offering insights into strategic planning for schools.
Here are the key touchpoints from the discussion:
Kevin has achieved many accomplishments with Michigan City Area Schools over his 24-year career. He has been directly responsible for building projects ranging from minor updates to massive multimillion-dollar construction. MCAS is also one of the leaders in the state of Indiana in their open-source initiatives. At MCAS, he continues to strive to save money and open up opportunities for integrating technology by selecting tools that offer positive outcomes and flexibility. Kevin is recognized as a forward thinker and one willing to move outside the box.
Kevin’s specialties include IT Building Construction, IT planning, Network Architecture, VoIP Architecture, and the K12 classroom environment.
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:
Instructions on how to do this are Here.
Like what you’re hearing on the podcasts and want to dive deeper?
Follow us on LinkedIn here.
Show Notes:
A big thank you to our sponsors!
FETC:
Join thousands of educators at FETC 2025! Discover the latest in education technology with exclusive sessions, hands-on workshops, and networking opportunities. Register by December 13 to save with Early Bird pricing. Use promo code TECHLEARN2025 to get an additional 10% off. Visit www.fetc.org to learn more!
ViewSonic:
ViewSonic is your go-to technology partner for engaging students, fostering collaboration, and elevating learning outcomes. ViewSonic is more than a brand- it's your educational edge- offering a broad array of future-ready audio-visual solutions, training, and tools that adapt to your school's changing needs. Explore the possibilities today at viewsonic.com/edu!
Lenovo:
Imagine a future where students can access tools that spark learning, growth, and creativity. At Lenovo, our K-12 solutions are designed to create a world where ed tech tools are safe and secure, engaging and easy to use, and built for productivity wherever learning occurs. Visit us at www.lenovo.com/us/en/student/!
Other Resources:
Learning Through Technology Podcast is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so
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