Tech Lasso

For this Tech Lasso podcast, Mark and Scott welcome Vicky Sedgewick. Vicky has had and continues to have an immense impact on the field of elementary computer science education. She helped write the CSTA K–12 Computer Science Standards and CSTA Standards for CS Teachers.  

She was also the lead for the AI4K12 Initiative K-2 Working Group and a contributing member of the AIforCA Working Group. Vicky has a passion for spreading the word about computer science; she led the #csk8 chat from 2015 until June 2023, fostering discussions and growth among CS educators.  

In this episode, Vicky describes the benefits of teaching computer science to K-2 teachers. She discusses tools and methods for integrating computer science for children who are too young to read.  Vicky even talks about how to teach the young ones about generative AI (Artificial Intelligence)! She also discussed how to prepare teachers to teach computer science by integrating it into existing content areas. 

Links  

 Production Notes   

In this episode, we delve into the exciting world of K12 esports and explore the crucial role of coaching in shaping young players and fostering a positive gaming environment. We'll talk with Alvaro Brito, STEAM Administrator at Compton Unified School District. He oversees the district Innovation Labs, FIRST LEGO Robotics Programs, is General Manager for the growing Middle School & High School Esports program, STEAM events, and is a leader in supporting teachers in 21st-century teaching and learning. He was awarded the Compton Unified Teacher of the Year Award for the 2020-2021 school year for his distance/remote teaching and innovation leadership. 

Summary 

00:00-05:04 Introduction and passion for Esports in education 

Alvaro Brito discusses his passion for bringing innovative learning experiences to students. He highlights the program's growth from high schools to middle and K-8 schools, addressing concerns about "just gaming" by showcasing the diverse skillsets it develops. 

05:04-08:15 Esports and academic improvement 

The program raises attendance and academic performance through GPA requirements and a supportive environment. Students learn communication, collaboration, and critical thinking, preparing them for careers in gaming and beyond (game design, digital media, marketing, etc.). A former captain's success story exemplifies the program's impact on academic and career aspirations. 

08:15-12:11 Coaching and building an ecosystem of support 

Effective coaching involves structure, competition, and building trust through exercises like blindfolded teamwork. Partnerships with organizations and colleges provide resources, curriculum, and mentorship opportunities. This "ecosystem of support" ensures program sustainability and inclusivity. 

12:11-15:27 Encouraging academic excellence and the power of passion 

The program motivates students to excel academically to maintain eligibility and compete. Dedicated coaches and passionate educators are crucial for program success. 

Students gain a sense of belonging and pride through team jerseys and school representation. 

15:27-22:02 Advice for starting an Esports program and student creativity 

Resources like LACOE Technology Services, NASEF, and connecting with existing programs are valuable starting points. Start small and scale according to budget and goals. Esports labs can offer practice space, production skills development, and shout casting opportunities. Students create media content for tournaments, fostering creativity and promotional skills. 

22:02-24:30 Partnerships and conclusion 

Partnerships with colleges, universities, and organizations are key for resources, expertise, and field trip opportunities. Consider collegiate partnerships for potential student pathways. 

Production Notes 

Dr. Patrick Gittisriboongul joins Scott and Mark for a discussion all about AI in Education. Patrick is currently the Assistant Superintendent of Technology & Innovation for Lynwood Unified School District. Patrick served as Assistant Superintendent of Innovation for the San Diego County Office of Education, the Director of Educational Technology and Information Services with the Huntington Beach Union High School District and various administrative positions at Montebello Unified School District. Patrick has experience as a a teacher, a web and software developer, project manager, and programmer. He is committed to using technology to support student learning and to help all students reach their full potential. 

Introduction 

Focus on AI in Education 

Challenges and Opportunities with AI 

Production Notes:   

In this episode of Tech Lasso Dr. Scott Moss and Matt Johnson⁠ delve into the world of AI and education. Matt is a high school teacher and early adopter of AI in the classroom. Matt shares his journey from astrophysics and computer science to pioneering AI courses at ABC Unified School District. Learn about Matt’s innovative approaches in teaching AI, the integration of AI in education, and broader implications on society.

Podcast Episode Summary:  

Production Notes:   

Tech Lasso is produced in collaboration with the Instructional Technology Outreach (ITO) Coordinators with support from the 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.     

Twitter/X @lacoe_ito  |  Facebook @lacoeITO  |  LinkedIn @lacoe-ito |  ⁠[email protected]⁠     

Tech Lasso © 2024 by Technology, Learning & Support Services Department, Los Angeles County Office of Education is licensed under CC BY-NC 4.0    

Produced by: [email protected], [email protected]    

“Education and learning are key to having a successful life.”   

In this episode featuring Jaime Perez, the discussion centers around Jaime's transition from Apple to LACOE and his passion for integrating technology into education. Highlighting his background in Boyle Heights and the role of influential figures in his life, Jaime emphasizes the importance of coding and digital literacy in today's technological landscape. The episode delves into the educational benefits of podcasting, advocating its use in schools for enhancing storytelling, communication skills, and student empowerment. Jaime's journey illustrates the impactful fusion of personal experiences with professional aspirations in the realm of education and technology. 

Mentioned Resources Links  

Jaime Perez [[email protected]] joins the LACOE Instructional Technology Outreach team with 16 years' experience working for the U.S. Apple Education team supporting LAUSD.  During his tenure at Apple Inc., Jaime played a pivotal role in shaping the adoption of technology in schools throughout Los Angeles.  As the Account Leader for Apple’s Los Angeles team, he took charge of strategic planning for large-scale one-to-one deployments and special projects. He was raised in Boyle Heights and holds a B.A. in Economics from the University of Southern California. Jaime Perez looks forward to bringing tech, fun and some good Ol' LA vibes to the LACOE EdTech team.  

Production Notes:  

Tech Lasso is produced in collaboration with the Instructional Technology Outreach (ITO) Coordinators with support from the 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.    

If you have recommendations or feedback for us, please ⁠complete this form⁠.  

Twitter/X @lacoe_ito  |  Facebook @lacoeITO  |  LinkedIn @lacoe-ito |  ⁠[email protected]⁠    

Also, listen and follow us on Apple and Google podcasts.  

Tech Lasso © 2023 by Technology, Learning & Support Services Department, Los Angeles County Office of Education is licensed under CC BY-NC 4.0   

The podcast is recorded with Zoom and produced with Soundtrap for Education.  

Produced by: [email protected], [email protected]   

AI assistance provided by: ChatGPT4, Google Bard   

Media credits: Canva.com, Soundtrap.com, Bensound.com, MusicLM, Midjourney 

This episode of Tech Lasso dives into the transformative power of media in education, featuring insights from Hall Davidson and Mike Lawrence, experts in the field of educational technology and media production. The discussion orbits around the California Student Media Festival (CSMF) and its impact on students and educators.  

Mike Lawrence has worked as a classroom teacher, administrator, technology coordinator and CEO of CUE. He is an Education Leadership Executive at Jamf. Mike co-founded the Google Certified Innovator and Leading Edge Certification programs and consulted in the development of the ISTE Certified Educator program. He has been working with the CSMF for more than 22 years. 

Hall Davidson is the Senior Director of Global Learning Initiatives for Discovery Education. He has keynoted and  presented at conferences such as ISTE and CUE for more than 12 years. He has been with the California Student Media Festival for more than 30 years.  

California Student Media Festival:  

Advice for Educators:  

Hall and Mike urge educators to involve their students in the festival, highlighting the minimal time requirement for entry and the importance of student-led projects.  

Please note that technical expertise is not a prerequisite for participation. We encourage educators to help students to showcase their developing skills and creativity.  

Conclusion:  

The California Student Media Festival stands as a testament to the potential of student creativity and the importance of recognizing and nurturing it. Hall and Mike's insights provide inspiration for educators to integrate media projects into their curriculum, empowering students to express themselves and develop essential skills. 

Links: 

Open for submissions 1/15/2024 🎤 📷 ➡️ https://www.mediafestival.org/⁠  

Tech Lasso is produced in collaboration with the Instructional Technology Outreach (ITO) Coordinators with support from the 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.    

If you have recommendations or feedback for us, please ⁠complete this form⁠.  

Twitter/X @lacoe_ito  |  Facebook @lacoeITO  |  LinkedIn @lacoe-ito |  ⁠[email protected]⁠    

Also, listen and follow us on Apple and Google podcasts.  

Tech Lasso © 2023 by Technology, Learning & Support Services Department, Los Angeles County Office of Education is licensed under CC BY-NC 4.0   

The podcast is recorded with Zoom and produced with Soundtrap for Education.  

Produced by: [email protected], [email protected]   

Other credits: ChatGPT4, Google Bard, Canva, Bensound.com

This podcast episode of Tech Lasso features a discussion on integrating technology and music education. The guests include Jack Aron and Molly Peters, music technology teachers, Drew Lieb from Soundtrap, and Scott Moss from the Los Angeles County Office of Education. 

Our discussion goes into the importance of encouraging creativity and risk-taking in students, the value of sharing music and receiving feedback, and the potential impact of AI in music education. The educators express concerns about AI but also acknowledge its growing relevance in the field. 

Throughout the episode, there's a strong emphasis on the role of technology in modern music education, the need for educators to adapt and learn alongside their students, and the diverse applications of music technology in engaging a broader range of students in music. 

Contact Information: 

With a background in music education, Drew Leib [⁠[email protected]⁠ / linkedin.com/in/drewleib/ ]  responded to evolving student interests by weaving music technology and audio production into his curriculum. Andrew partners with leading schools and districts, blending creative, career-relevant curricula, building on his decade of teaching in North Carolina. 

Jack Aron [⁠[email protected]⁠ / [email protected]] is a music educator and composer based in Culver City. He has been teaching music production at Culver City High School since 2020 after completing his degree at the UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music with a dual degree in Music Education and Music Composition, and a minor in History. He is an avid supporter of the integration of music technology and music education, and has worked as an educational consultant and curriculum developer in this area.  

Molly Peters [⁠[email protected]⁠]  has been teaching choir for 20 years in California, and has been teaching music technology since 2021. She discovered Soundtrap and music technology while teaching during COVID, and has since expanded it into a full blown CTE program at her schools and at 2 other schools in the William S Hart High School District.  

Terms and Resources Mentioned 

Production Notes   

This podcast is a joint effort with the Instructional Technology Outreach (ITO) Coordinators, supported by the Technology, Learning & Support Services Department.  

Contact Mark Schwanz [[email protected]] and Scott Moss [[email protected]]. 

The views in Tech Lasso are those of the presenters and don’t necessarily represent the Los Angeles County Office of Education or our guests' organizations. 

Catch our episodes on Spotify, Apple and Google Podcasts. 

We record with Zoom and produce with Soundtrap for Education and Garageband. Thanks to ChatGPT4 and Google Bard for AI support. Special thanks to Canva.com, Soundtrap.com, Bensound.com, MusicLM, and Midjourney for their media contributions. 

Tech Lasso © 2023 by the Technology, Learning & Support Services Department, Los Angeles County Office of Education, licensed under CC BY-NC 4.0. 

Dr. Mike Karlin's insights provide valuable perspectives on empowering computer science education, particularly for underrepresented groups. His emphasis on inclusive, engaging teaching methods and the integration of AI literacy into education highlights the dynamic and evolving nature of this field. 

Dr. Mike Karlin works as an Assistant Professor in the College of Education at Cal State Dominguez Hills. He also serves as the director of the Snap Inc. Institute for Technology & Education. In 2021, he was named a Top 100 Innovator in Education by the Global Forum for Education and Learning. He is the author of ISTE’s computational thinking course, has taught at the pre-K through grade 12, and so much more. 

Links 

Production Notes

Tech Lasso is produced in collaboration with the Instructional Technology Outreach (ITO) Coordinators with support from the 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.     

Twitter/X @lacoe_ito  |  Facebook @lacoeITO  |  LinkedIn @lacoe-ito |  ⁠[email protected]⁠     

Also, listen and follow us on Apple and Google podcasts.   

Tech Lasso © 2023 by Technology, Learning & Support Services Department, Los Angeles County Office of Education is licensed under CC BY-NC 4.0    

The podcast is recorded with Zoom and produced with Soundtrap for Education.   

Produced by: [email protected], [email protected]    

AI assistance provided by: ChatGPT4, Google Bard    

Media credits: Canva.com, Soundtrap.com, Bensound.com, MusicLM, Midjourney 

In this episode Jesus ‘Jay’ Hernandez, a dedicated teacher from Lynwood, California, discusses his journey in the field of STEM education. Starting as a science teacher in Lynwood, Jesus quickly became instrumental in the Math, Engineering, Science, and Academics (MESA) program, fostering STEM interests among middle school students.  

Jesus proudly shares about his and his students’ collective achievements, including multiple state championships and the integration of industry-level tools like 3D printers and web-based 3D design programs. He emphasizes the importance of Project Lead the Way, a nationwide initiative, in guiding students through design and modeling, robotics, and coding, preparing them for professional opportunities in engineering.  

This episode delves into the integration of esports in education. Jesus discusses how esports is an invaluable tool in teaching technical skills in broadcasting, management, and more. He narrates inspiring success stories of students who leveraged their E-Sports skills into professional careers.  

Jesus ‘Jay’ Hernandez has a diverse background in education, initially starting as a Full-Time Substitute and T.A. for a class catering to students with learning and severe physical disabilities. With a personal connection to special needs due to a sibling's disability, they furthered their education, obtaining a Teaching credential from St. Peter's College. Relocating to California in 2005, they spent a decade teaching life science and biology to seventh graders, taking on various roles such as Department Chair, A.V.I.D. Teacher, and G.A.T.E. teacher, while actively contributing to science-related extracurricular activities and committees. 

In addition to his extensive teaching experience he played a crucial role in expanding the Project Lead the Way program to middle schools, introducing students to engineering through 3D modeling, coding, rapid prototyping, and robotics. Recognizing the digital needs during the pandemic, he became a Distance Learning/Digital Coach, providing support for students, parents, and teachers with technology-related issues. This included overseeing the school's 21st-century innovation lab and now serving as an esports coach, initiating the middle academic esports program. 

Overall, Jay’s journey in education showcases a commitment to inclusivity, technological advancement, and innovative teaching methodologies across various educational levels and roles. 

Contact Jesus Hernandez:  

Links: 

Production Notes:   

Tech Lasso is produced in collaboration with the Instructional Technology Outreach (ITO) Coordinators with support from the Technology, Learning & Support Services Department.       

Disclaimer: 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.     

If you have recommendations or feedback for us, please ⁠complete this form⁠. https://forms.gle/yJyioF6L2EeQ5L1A7  

Also, listen and follow us on Apple and Google podcasts.   

Tech Lasso © 2023 by Technology, Learning & Support Services Department, Los Angeles County Office of Education is licensed under CC BY-NC 4.0    

Twitter/X @lacoe_ito  |  Facebook @lacoeITO  |  LinkedIn @lacoe-ito |  ⁠[email protected]⁠     

In a ⁠recent presentation⁠ at a ⁠Computer Using Educators⁠ (CUE) conference Kristin guided teachers on the use of the Google Workspace extension ⁠Autocrat⁠ to help with classroom management and communication. She demonstrates a persistent “can do” attitude towards technology innovations. Key to her success is a partnership with her teaching colleagues to share ideas and “how-to” steps.  

She is a good example of how you can advance yourself through personalized professional development, networking with others, and in general seeking to do what is best for your students.  

Kristin Moushon is a public-school teacher with 17 years of experience in elementary and middle school classrooms in Los Angeles and Orange Counties. She has served as an EdTech TOSA and is a Level 1 and 2 Google Certified Educator.   

Connect with Kristin: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/espresso.educator/⁠    

Kristin's Google Extension Recommendations:  

For other tech:  

Production Notes:   

Tech Lasso © 2023 by Technology, Learning & Support Services Department, Los Angeles County Office of Education is licensed under CC BY-NC 4.0    

Tech Lasso is produced in collaboration with the Instructional Technology Outreach (ITO) Coordinators with support from the 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.     

If you have recommendations or feedback for us, ⁠please ⁠complete this form⁠⁠.   

Twitter/X @lacoe_ito  |  Facebook @lacoeITO  |  LinkedIn @lacoe-ito |  ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠     

Please listen and follow us on ⁠Apple⁠ and ⁠Google⁠ podcasts.   

The podcast is recorded with Zoom and produced with Soundtrap for Education.   

Produced by: ⁠[email protected]⁠, ⁠[email protected]⁠    

AI assistance provided by: ChatGPT4, Google Bard    

Media credits: Canva.com, Soundtrap.com, Bensound.com