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Connect, Create, and Grow with The Art of Education
In this episode of My EdTech Life, I reconnect with Jen Leban to discuss the vibrant and supportive Art of Education community. Jen shares her journey from being an art teacher to becoming the Online Community Manager for The Art of Education University. Learn how the community supports art educators worldwide, fosters creativity, and integrates technology like AI into art education. Whether you're an aspiring art teacher, a seasoned educator, or someone passionate about the intersection of art and tech, this episode is for you!

Timestamps:
00:00 Welcome and Introduction
01:36 Jen's Journey in Education
02:28 From Art Teacher to Online Community Manager
06:29 Supporting Art Teachers Through Community
08:26 The Art of Education Offerings Explained
14:05 Embracing AI in Art Education
18:29 Overcoming Resistance to Technology in Art
22:44 Simple Ways to Incorporate AI in Art Classrooms
25:28 Inside the Art of Education Community
29:56 Activities and Monthly Art Club Meetings
34:09 How to Join the Community and Connect with Jen
37:31 Reflecting on Growth Over the Years

Important Links:
🌟 Join the Community: http://community.theartofeducation.edu/
🌟 Explore The Art of Education: https://theartofeducation.edu
🌟 Learn About the NOW Conference: https://theartofeducation.edu/now/
🌟 Check Out the YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@theartofed
🌟 Listen to the Podcast: https://theartofeducation.edu/podcasts/

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Episode 300: Navigating AI and Human Cognition

In this special 300th episode of My EdTech Life, I sit down with Benjamin Riley, founder of Cognitive Resonance, to explore the intersection of AI and human cognition in education. We discuss everything from the hype surrounding AI, the challenges of automation in learning, and why understanding human cognition is crucial to navigating new educational technologies. Join us as we question the assumptions about AI’s role in schools, dig into the biases of large language models, and look at the responsibilities educators face in this tech-driven world.

Timestamps
00:25 - Introduction to the 300th Episode and Guest Introduction
01:33 - Benjamin’s Background and the Founding of Cognitive Resonance
06:01 - Initial Thoughts on ChatGPT in November 2022
11:45 - Comparing AI Hype to Past Tech Predictions in Education
16:15 - Why Effortful Thinking is Essential for Learning
20:03 - Limitations of AI as a Tutor and Khanmigo
25:06 - The Risks of Taking AI-Generated Content at Face Value
29:35 - Influence of Tech Companies and Education Influencers
34:05 - Real AI Literacy vs. Learning Prompt Engineering
39:02 - Addressing the Pressure to “Keep Up” with AI in Education
44:59 - Practical Frameworks for Cautious AI Adoption in Schools
47:47 - Closing Questions: Benjamin’s Edu Kryptonite, Role Models, and Billboard Message

Thank you for joining us for this milestone episode! Don’t forget to check out the Cognitive Resonance website and Benjamin’s must-read paper, “Education Hazards of Generative AI.” And remember, stay techie!

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Episode 299: Guardrails for Growing Minds with Dr. Sonia Tiwari

In this episode of My EdTech Life, I had the pleasure of talking with Dr. Sonia Tiwari, an innovative researcher diving deep into the impact of AI and parasocial relationships on children. We discuss her unique career journey from character design in gaming to focusing on AI’s ethical design for young learners. Together, we explore essential guardrails, the concept of parasocial relationships with AI, and the implications of unregulated AI in education. If you’re an educator, parent, or AI enthusiast, this conversation offers crucial insights on how AI intersects with learning, safety, and digital relationships.

Timestamps:

0:00 – Introduction and Welcome 
1:30 – Introducing Dr. Sonia Tiwari 
2:30 – Dr. Tiwari’s Background: From Gaming to AI 
4:00 – What Are Parasocial Relationships? 
8:06 – The Need for Guardrails in AI for Children 
12:00 – Simplifying Guardrails: Legal, Design, and Cultural 
14:49 – Ensuring Safe AI Use Through Joint Engagement 
16:50 – Dr. Tiwari’s Research in Ethical AI 
20:44 – Challenges with Unregulated AI in Education 
24:38 – Importance of Parental Engagement in Digital Spaces 
26:39 – Ethical Framework for AI in Child Development 
33:00 – The Role of AI in Classroom Chatbots 
39:26 – Tech Companies’ Responsibilities in AI for Kids 
42:23 – Reflecting on AI’s Rapid Growth in K-12 Spaces 
46:52 – How to Connect with Dr. Sonia Tiwari 
47:12 – Final Three Questions with Dr. Tiwari 
50:13 – Closing Thoughts and Thank You 

Thank you for tuning in! Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe to My EdTech Life for more conversations that push the boundaries of education and technology. And remember—stay techie!

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Welcome to another amazing episode of My EdTech Life! Today, I’m super excited to bring you an insightful conversation with Dan Meyer, a thought leader in the EdTech space. If you’ve ever wondered how Generative AI fits into the classroom or whether it’s all just hype, this episode is for you!

Dan has been an influential voice in mathematics education and EdTech for over a decade, and we dive deep into some burning questions: Is Generative AI truly helping teachers and students? How can EdTech companies really support educators without overwhelming them with tools and responsibilities?

We also get into Dan's predictions about the future of AI in education, and he shares why he believes Gen AI might not be the game-changer everyone thinks it is—at least not yet. There’s so much to unpack in this episode, from AI tutors to the social dynamics of teaching and how tech tools often fall short in meeting teachers' real needs.

Timestamps:

00:00 - Welcome to My EdTech Life
02:06 - Introduction of Dan Meyer and his journey in EdTech
05:16 - Has AI really changed the education landscape?
09:41 - Reconciling Generative AI’s potential with its limitations
13:57 - Why AI tools aren’t saving teachers time (and where they fall short)
17:42 - Why teachers are skeptical about using AI in the classroom
20:16 - Dan’s thoughts on AI tutors and their effectiveness in education
25:46 - AI in education: Can it really personalize learning?
27:42 - What EdTech companies need to do to better support teachers
36:39 - The biggest opportunity for EdTech to truly transform education
38:26 - Dan’s advice for navigating AI and EdTech as an educator
40:35 - Dan's "edu kryptonite" in the current state of education
41:45 - Who Dan would trade places with for a day and why
42:19 - Dan’s billboard message for EdTech developers
44:30 - Closing thoughts and where to find Dan Meyer online

Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more conversations that bring you the latest in education and technology! We love hearing your thoughts, so feel free to drop a comment below and let us know your take on Generative AI in the classroom. 

Connect with us:
🔗 Visit our website at myedtech.life
📱 Follow us on all socials @myedtechlife
🎥 Jump over to our YouTube channel and hit that subscribe button for more amazing interviews!

As always, my friends, Stay Techie! 

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Building a Human-Centered Future

I’m excited to share this incredible conversation with the dynamic team from the Human Intelligence Movement. In this episode, we discuss their mission of transforming education to prepare students for an AI-driven world while preserving and elevating human-centered learning. Michelle, Brooke, Stacy, and Rachel share insights into the challenges of today's educational system and how we can better equip students with essential human skills like empathy, adaptability, and curiosity. 

We discuss the movement's origins, its impact on the U.S. and globally, and how educators can join in this exciting work. Whether you're a teacher, school leader, or someone passionate about education reform, there's something for you here. Let’s explore how we can build a future where human intelligence thrives alongside AI.

Key Moments & Time Stamps:

00:30 Welcome and introduction to the Human Intelligence Movement
1:55 Michelle’s background and the origins of the Human Intelligence Movement
3:17 Brooke on the importance of digital literacy and emotional intelligence post-COVID
5:01 Stacy on the need for empathy and critical thinking in education
6:17 Rachel discusses AI’s impact on education and workforce readiness
8:22 Michelle on the global vision of the Human Intelligence Movement
13:07 Stacy on the need to reform how students are assessed
15:01 Rachel introduces key human skills for an AI-driven world
17:41 Brooke on student agency and the need for curriculum reform
20:47 Ideal classrooms of the future: balancing AI and human intelligence
23:13 Michelle on curiosity-driven learning and real-world application
31:01 Adapting initiatives as AI develops and the importance of human-centered learning
39:29 Closing fun questions: EduKryptonite and who we’d trade places with for a day

Don't forget to hit the subscribe button and give this video a thumbs up if you found it insightful! You can also check out the Human Intelligence Movement and learn more about joining the movement here: [Insert Link].

And as always, stay techie! 

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In this episode of My EdTech Life, I sit down with Patricia Cortez, coach of the Lady Bots, as she shares her powerful journey of promoting girls in STEM through the Girl Powered initiative. We talk about her experiences, the challenges girls face in robotics, and the inspiring story behind her all-girls team. Patricia's dedication to fostering leadership and technical skills among young women is truly remarkable, and her upcoming Girl Powered event is set to make a significant impact. Join us for an amazing conversation about representation, resilience, and the importance of creating safe spaces for girls to thrive in STEM. Don't miss it!

📅 Mark your calendars: Patricia and her team will host the Girl Powered event on October 26th. Tune in to learn how you can support this incredible initiative!

Subscribe to our podcast for more inspiring conversations in education and technology!

Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction and Podcast Welcome
01:00 - Introducing Patricia Cortez and the Lady Bots
03:10 - The Start of Patricia’s Journey into Robotics
07:30 - How the Lady Bots All-Girls Team Began
10:45 - Achievements and Impact of the Lady Bots in STEM
14:00 - Promoting Girls in STEM Through the Girl Powered Initiative
20:30 - Encouraging Young Girls to Take Initiative
26:00 - Upcoming Girl Powered Event Details
31:30 - Progression from Plastic to Metal Robots: A Leap in Skill
37:00 - The Importance of Representation in STEM
42:00 - How Educators Can Support Robotics and STEM for Girls
45:10 - Final Thoughts on Overcoming Challenges in Robotics

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Navigating Technology and Parenting with Converlation

Today, we're tackling one of the biggest challenges parents and educators face—navigating technology with our kids. I sat down with Kathy Van Benthuysen, co-creator of Converlation, to explore how this incredible tool is helping families and schools foster better communication in the digital age. Trust me, after hearing this, you’ll want to jump on board!

We talk about everything from tech’s impact on kids' social skills to actionable steps parents can take to manage screen time. Kathy drops so many knowledge nuggets you’ll want to share this with every parent and teacher you know! Ready to boost your family’s communication and take control of tech? Let’s get into it!

⏰ Timestamps:
0:00 – Welcome to My EdTech Life! 
1:40 – Meet Kathy Van Benthuysen: Her journey in education 
3:30 – What is Converlation? The story behind the name 
6:56 – The tech challenge: Kids losing social skills 
10:00 – How Converlation helps reduce digital dependency 
13:12 – Educating kids about the hidden side of tech 
16:24 – Real talk: The dangers of social media 
20:53 – Empowering parents with tools and knowledge 
24:48 – The emotional toll of screen time on kids 
30:00 – How to guide your kids through safe tech use 
36:20 – Converlation’s vision for the future 
40:24 – Social media and mental health: What parents need to know 
43:17 – Final thoughts: Building stronger connections through conversations 
45:53 – The importance of bringing parents into the tech conversation 
47:38 – Fun questions with Kathy! 

Be sure to check out Converlation and all the incredible resources Kathy mentioned! Free Parent Guide

If you enjoyed this episode, remember to share it with friends and subscribe for more insights from the world of EdTech!

Stay techie!

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Screencastify Transforms Classroom Communication

Join me as I dive into the power of video in education with Shaun. We will discuss innovative ways to enhance learning, improve communication with parents, and save teachers valuable time. I will share my own experiences using Screencastify in the classroom and district-wide, while Shaun will provide insights on their latest features and their impact on learning.

Time Stamps:
0:00 - Introduction and welcome
2:27 - Shaun's background and role at Screencastify
5:24 - My journey with Screencastify: From extension to full video platform
11:51 - Personal story: Impact of video on student confidence and language acquisition
17:09 - New features: Submit, language captions, and accessibility
23:44 - Using video for personalized feedback and building connections
31:20 - Content creation and time-saving strategies I use with teachers
36:13 - AI integration and future developments
42:35 - The power of personalized video communication in my district
47:53 - Edu-kryptonite: Challenges we face in modern education
48:58 - Screencastify's heartwarming billboard campaign appreciating teachers

I'm excited to share this insightful conversation about the transformative power of video in education. Like, share, and subscribe for more engaging EdTech discussions on My EdTech Life!

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Episode 293 Meshed Gears with Omar Cortez

In this exciting episode of My EdTech Life, I sit down with Omar Cortez, a passionate educator and robotics coach, to discuss his journey in STEM education and his newly published book, "Meshed Gears." Join us as we explore the transformative power of robotics in education and how it can help students find their voice.

🔧 Timestamps:
0:00 - Introduction and welcome
1:37 - Omar's background in education and robotics
3:58 - The unexpected journey into robotics education
7:25 - Omar's first robotics competition experience
11:21 - Introducing "Meshed Gears" and its purpose
15:21 - The story of Esteban and finding his voice through robotics
20:27 - The importance of soft skills in STEM education
25:21 - The impact of robotics during the pandemic
30:11 - Long-term effects on students' growth and advocacy
34:03 - Introduction to drone competitions
36:35 - Omar's personal growth as an educator
42:55 - Where to find "Meshed Gears" and upcoming events
47:46 - Omar's "edu kryptonite" - the need for more time with students
49:40 - Who Omar would trade places with for a day
51:52 - Omar's dream billboard

Omar's story is truly inspiring, showcasing how robotics can transform both students and educators. His new book, "Meshed Gears," not only tells the touching story of a student finding his voice but also serves as a guide for teachers looking to start their own robotics programs.

Show Sponsor: Ready to transform education? Join me & Goosechase in revolutionizing learning through fun and play! Let's make learning unforgettable, from thrilling classroom scavenger hunts to district-wide adventures. Visit www.myedtech.life/myedtech10 and use code MYEDTECH10 for 10% off any Goosechase subscription!

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In this exciting episode of My EdTech Life, I welcome back Alyshahn Kara, the Chief Revenue Officer and co-founder of Goosechase, along with first-time guest Jessica Whittaker, an instructional coach. Join us as we discuss the power of digital scavenger hunts to build community and enhance teacher and student engagement by creating lasting learning experiences. Whether you're a tech-savvy educator or just getting started, this episode is packed with insights and practical tips for using Goosechase.

Timestamps:
0:00:30 - I introduce the episode and welcome my guests
1:51 - Jessica introduces herself and her role in education
3:12 - Alyshahn introduces himself and the concept behind Goosechase
5:28 - Jessica shares her experience using Goosechase for teacher professional development
11:59 - We discuss how Goosechase enhances learning and engagement
15:15 - Jessica explains how Goosechase can be used as a formative assessment tool
21:23 - Alyshahn discusses how Goosechase aligns with Bloom's taxonomy
24:39 - We talk about the importance of documenting the learning process
30:06 - Alyshahn talks about the Goosechase community and resources available for educators
34:47 - Jessica shares her vision for implementing Goosechase with students
39:32 - We discuss the pride and satisfaction teachers get from creating engaging content
42:39 - Jessica emphasizes the importance of bringing fun back into education
49:46 - Closing remarks and an invitation to join the Goosechase Ambassador program
51:39 - Q&A session: We discuss challenges in education (EduKryptonite)
54:01 - Q&A: Who would you trade places with for a day?
57:32 - Q&A: If you could have a billboard, what would it say?
1:00:31 - I share my motto: "Improvise, adapt, and overcome."
1:01:33 - Closing thoughts and how to connect with my guests

Visit our website at www.myedtech.life 

Support this podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2395968/support

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