Tech Lasso

We may be officially sunsetting the Tech Lasso podcast as our team shifts focus toward upcoming digital initiatives, but Dr. Alice Pak has one last interview with Educational Technology Coordinator Tara Ahmed, to talk about partnerships and expanded support for districts, students, families and communities. Thanks for listening, and see y'all in the next digital chapter!

Dr. Alice Pak sits down with Alvaro Brito and James Hicks, coordinators at LACOE, to discuss structured esports programs, how they're improving academic outcomes and engagement for students, including details about an inaugural esports championship event on May 30th featuring 16 districts and a cybersecurity competition.

For Part 2 of our AI literacy series Dr. Alice Pak is joined by Hanh Bui, Teacher on Special Assignment to Educational Services at Los Nietos School District, and Aaron Razo, Director of Information & Technology, also at Los Nietos. They share how their district is approaching AI—what's working, what they're learning, and how they're supporting teachers and students as this technology becomes part of everyday learning.

March is AI Literacy Month here at LACOE, and the EdTech and Innovation team is rolling out ongoing professional development to help educators understand, explore, and thoughtfully integrate AI into their practice.

Dr. Alice Pak sits down with Katrina Pendrick, an elementary educator with deep hands-on experience in EdTech implementation, curriculum adoption, and AI integration. Katrina is passionate about the intentional use of instructional technology to support diverse learning needs, and she's skilled at turning real classroom feedback into meaningful action. 

March is AI Literacy Month at LACOE, and the EdTech and Innovation team is rolling out ongoing professional development to help educators understand, explore, and thoughtfully integrate AI into their practice. Dr. Alice Pak sits down with Katrina Pendrick, an elementary educator with deep hands-on experience in EdTech implementation, curriculum adoption, and AI integration. Katrina is passionate about the intentional use of instructional technology to support diverse learning needs, and she's skilled at turning real classroom feedback into meaningful action.

Observed every year on February 11, this United Nations-designated day is all about promoting full and equal access to STEM fields for women and girls—recognizing their critical contributions, addressing the persistent gender gap, and breaking down the barriers that hold back career advancement. Dr. Alice Pak interviews Anthony Quan, Coordinator III of the STEM Science Unit and Founder of the Engaging Girls in STEM Program, and Christie Pearce, Coordinator II of the STEM Science Unit and a seasoned leader in Science Olympiad. 

Host Dr. Alice Pak interviews LACOE'S own Jose Ramirez, our Education Technology Coordinator and Laura Wilson, Coordinator II with EdTech and Innovation. They discuss our work with the CASF digital literacy grant in Hawthorne and Lancaster Districts, where we're delivering meaningful training that supports families and empowers communities. 

Questions? We would love to hear from you in the comments section or at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠LACOE AI Guidelines publication⁠⁠⁠⁠. This podcast spans topics such as practical applications, ethical considerations, and innovative strategies for integrating AI into classrooms.

Production Notes    

Tech Lasso is produced in collaboration with the Edtech and Innovation Coordinators with support from the LACOE Technology, Learning & Support Services Department.          

The views expressed in the podcast are those of the presenters and may not be endorsed by the Los Angeles County Office of Education or the respective organizations of the guests. 

LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/lacoe-edtech-and-innovation/⁠⁠⁠⁠ 

Host Dr. Alice Pak interviews Angela Chavez, an elementary teacher in LAUSD who's proving that computer science isn't just for older kids—it belongs in early elementary too. Angela shares how she weaves coding concepts into her classroom through games, storytelling, and activities that don't require a single screen.

Questions? We would love to hear from you in the comments section or at ⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠LACOE AI Guidelines publication⁠⁠⁠. This podcast spans topics such as practical applications, ethical considerations, and innovative strategies for integrating AI into classrooms.

Production Notes    

Tech Lasso is produced in collaboration with the Edtech and Innovation Coordinators with support from the LACOE Technology, Learning & Support Services Department.          

The views expressed in the podcast are those of the presenters and may not be endorsed by the Los Angeles County Office of Education or the respective organizations of the guests. 

LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/lacoe-edtech-and-innovation/⁠⁠⁠ 

This episode features a conversation about Computer Science Education Week — a global celebration that inspires students to dive into computer science and honors the incredible legacy of programming pioneer Grace Hopper.

Co-hosts Dr. Alice Pak and Dr. Christopher Hoang interview our guest: Katherine Goyette, Coordinator for Computer Science Education with the California Department of Education.

Questions? We would love to hear from you in the comments section or at ⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠LACOE AI Guidelines publication⁠⁠. This podcast spans topics such as practical applications, ethical considerations, and innovative strategies for integrating AI into classrooms.

Production Notes    

Tech Lasso is produced in collaboration with the Edtech and Innovation Coordinators with support from the LACOE Technology, Learning & Support Services Department.          

The views expressed in the podcast are those of the presenters and may not be endorsed by the Los Angeles County Office of Education or the respective organizations of the guests. 

LinkedIn: ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/lacoe-edtech-and-innovation/⁠⁠ 

This episode features a conversation about Digital Citizenship Week 2025, led by Dr. Alice Pak, with Dr. Christopher Hoang, Assistant Director here at Los Angeles County Office of Education’s EdTech & Innovation Division, and Sue Thotz, Director of Outreach Education at Common Sense Education.

Questions? We would love to hear from you in the comments section or at ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠

⁠LACOE AI Guidelines publication⁠. This podcast spans topics such as practical applications, ethical considerations, and innovative strategies for integrating AI into classrooms.

Production Notes    

Tech Lasso is produced in collaboration with the Edtech and Innovation Coordinators with support from the LACOE Technology, Learning & Support Services Department.          

The views expressed in the podcast are those of the presenters and may not be endorsed by the Los Angeles County Office of Education or the respective organizations of the guests. 

LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/lacoe-edtech-and-innovation/⁠