Episode 202: Tech with Alfonso Mendoza

Guest Bio: 

My guest today is Alfonso Mendoza. Alfonso serves as an Instructional Technologist and has received his Masters in Educational Technology, E-Learning Certification, and Technology Leadership Certification from the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, along with his Technology Director Certificate from TCEA. He is currently working on his doctorate in Curriculum & Instruction with an emphasis in Educational Technology. Alfonso is also 1 of less than 3,000 Google Innovators worldwide and was named 1 of the top 50 EdTech Influencers on Augmented Reality in K-12 Worth a Follow in 2021. 

 

Episode Summary:

In this episode Fonz and Natalie talk about the idea that “less is more” when it comes to educational technology, even for online teachers. They discuss the necessity of using technology to connect students with one another and their teacher, as well as the importance of teachers’ “getting clicky with” new technology. 

 

Timestamps 

• What’s an instructional technologist? [2:12]
• Fonz didn’t even want to teach! [4:14]
• Fonz’s take on moderation in educational technology [6:16]
• Keeping it simple [8:18]
• How teachers’ tech effectiveness relates to student success [9:58]
• What’s the tech you should ditch? [10:23]
• How can technology help online teachers connect with their students? [16:26]
• Gettin’ clicky with it  [20:20]
• It’s okay to learn from your students [23:30]

 

Selected Links from the Episode

Tech Checklist by Natalie and Fonz

MyEdTechLife Website

Using Technology To Connect with Parents - Edutopia Article