Tech Lasso

Joining us is Dawn Berkely, the visionary founder and CEO of Createtech Labs⁠. With a rich educational journey spanning over two decades, Dawn has made strides in both public and private educational spheres. Currently, Dawn is at the helm of Educational Technology at a leading independent school in the DC area, where the mission is clear: melding technology and education, ensuring no learner is left behind, be it young or old. 

But that's not all! Dawn has been a prominent figure at DC's Scratch Day events, wearing hats ranging from co-host to speaker. With credentials like Apple Learning Coach, Level 1 & Level 2 Google Certified Teacher, and Common Sense Certified Educator, Dawn’s expertise is undeniable. A previous member of the Discovery Educator Network Leadership Council recognized as a Raspberry Pi Certified Educator, and with a recent certification from Next Generation Personal Finance, xxx truly is an educational powerhouse. Stay tuned to dive deep into Dawn’s insights!

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.    

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

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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   

While AI is heralded as a transformative force in education, its widespread adoption faces challenges ranging from policy constraints to the need for more professional development and support for educators. Scott and Mark discussed the significant role of edtech training and the role of personalized coaching in benefiting teaching and learning with Imran Hussain, Founder and CEO of Techoryze.  

Techoryze is an EdTech solutions company that partners with schools, districts, regional and state educational agencies to support teachers in incorporating technology purposefully into instruction, to drive increases in student engagement and learning. Prior to launching Techoryze in 2021, Imran had more than a decade of experience, supporting principals and teachers with technology in the classroom, at public schools in New York City.  

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]⁠   

Please help promote Tech Lasso. 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 and produced with Soundtrap for Education. 

AI: ChatGPT4, Google Bard 

Human: [email protected], [email protected]  

Music credits: Soundtrap.com, Bensound.com, MusicLM   

Graphics: Canva.com, Midjourney    

In this episode, released during Media Literacy Week 2023, Katie and Scott discuss the importance of understanding what AI is and how it can be used by teachers and students. Katie argues that AI is not something to be feared or blocked, as it is already present in many everyday tools such as spell checkers. Instead, educators should focus on teaching students how to use AI effectively and responsibly. 

Katie also highlights the need to prepare students for a future where traditional jobs are no longer the norm. AI tools such as Bard, ChatGPT, and Claude can be useful in this regard, but they must be used responsibly and securely. 

Who is Katie? 

Katie McNamara serves as a teacher librarian at a public high school in central California, director of the Teacher Librarian Program at Fresno Pacific University, and various EDU boards. She is a Google Certified Innovator and a Tech Troubadour for the American Association of School Librarians.

She served as president of the California School Library Association (Katie has authored contributing chapters and published many journal articles. She has won numerous awards for being innovative and sharing content. She enjoys learning, empowering teachers to inspire student learning, and frequently sharing her expertise as a national and global presenter. She is also a proud boymom.

Links:

Production Notes:

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

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

Sue Thotz provides examples as to how Media Literacy and Digital Citizenship are applicable to our everyday lives and why it is important for our students to become aware of what they are consuming, especially in the age of AI. She also shares different examples from the Common Sense Media curriculum that parents, guardians, and educators can utilize to help students better equipped to navigate the various types of media they consume. 

Sue Thotz is the Director of Outreach for Common Sense Media. Which, as the name implies, focuses on common sense with media. Common Sense Media’s mission is to change that and believes that works to make the digital world better for kids and their families. They acknowledge that most technology wasn't built with kids in mind, they were built for adults. As a result, we need to educate and support our kids with understanding how to use the technology in a positive way.  

Want to get more involved? Visit the LACOE website for more information on the LACOE Digital Citizenship Initiative and register for one of our professional development opportunities. 

Show Notes 

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In this episode Mark and Scott talk with David Ross, their colleague who is Coordinator III of Learning Management Systems (LMS) at LACOE. We discussed David’s career path that brought him to his current role, the important role of an LMS and how it’s use can support engaging and equitable learning for K12 students, professional and university settings.  

Who is David Ross? 

David worked in a variety of roles including a teacher’s aide, childcare attendant, teacher, varsity softball coach, GATE Field Trip Coordinator, Social Studies Department Chair, Middle School Technology Coordinator, Technology for Learning Specialist at Culver City Unified School District, Coordinator II, LACOE Instructional Technology Outreach, and most recently, as Coordinator III - Learning Managment Systems. He received his bachelor's degree in history and teaching credential from California State University, Long Beach, master's degree in education from Pepperdine University, and administrative credential from California State University, Dominguez Hills.  

In his current position as Coordinator III Learning Managment Systems, he oversees the integration of Canvas LMS and Canvas Catalog within LACOE’s Ed Services Department. As an account administrator and lead trainer of Canvas LMS, he been tasked with connecting 21st century pedagogical skills and professional development standards in a variety of online instructional models. He has built a professional development model that guides end users to acquire the skills necessary to adapt this LMS with other web applications including Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, Articulate, Kickstand, and other sites used for best practices in the professional development purposes. This program provides users with the opportunity to complete tasks online with my guidance, in a cohort setting, through weekly mini professional development sessions, and with individual coaching support.      

To support the integration of the LMS with LACOE users, he participated in the LACOE Canvas Implementation Team and created and oversaw The LACOE Canvas Development Integration Committee comprised of experts from other departments across LACOE to collaborate on the best practices of daily use of instructional technological pedagogy. The committee members are responsible for supporting staff within their departments on the various district adopted programs connected with Canvas Learning Management Systems. David is also a Canvas administrator that provides level one support to our users.   

David believes that it is important to establish a safe and supportive environment in which learners at all levels can experience success. This was accomplished in his classroom by using an assortment of instructional strategies and team-based activities and worked diligently to ensure that all of his students had the opportunity to flourish by modifying the curriculum to meet their individual needs.   

David Ross, Coordinator III Learning Management Systems (Accountability, Support, and Monitoring) 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-ross-8923a91b/ | [email protected]  

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.   

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

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.     

Music credits: Soundtrap.com, Bensound.com   

Graphics: Canva.com     

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

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

In this episode of Tech Lasso Mark and Scott meet with our two guests Kevin Dougherty and Baxter Kahn. Our discussion covers ways to support school administrators and teachers and how to promote school improvement with a balance of technology and professional development. We also touch on important topics like wellness, stress, leadership, and artificial intelligence. Sample questions include:  

Kevin Dougherty is the Chief Strategy Officer for 806 Technologies. He has spent the past 40 years as an educator and serving educators. A graduate of the University of Massachusetts/Amherst, Kevin earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Multicultural Education. He later earned a Master of Education Degree in Education Administration from the University of Massachusetts/Lowell. Kevin was a classroom teacher for ten years in the Dallas, Boston, and Houston areas. He then served as an assistant principal/principal of Title I/Bilingual campuses in Fort Bend ISD and Irving ISD. 
 
For the past 23 years, Kevin has been serving educators throughout Texas and the nation in various roles supporting sales/marketing, professional learning, and overall company strategy. He has been married to his wife, Michelle, for 33 years. They have two grown children and a grand-dog. Contact: [email protected]  | LinkedIn 

 
Baxter Khan is a dedicated education advocate currently serving as Vice President for Business Development and Partnerships at 806 Technologies, where he oversees the California Region. With a Bachelor's Degree in Accounting from Loma Linda University - Riverside and an MBA from Pepperdine University, Baxter's career has revolved around empowering educators and students. 
 
During his 18-year journey in education, Baxter has held various roles, including sales, marketing, professional learning, and shaping company and region strategy. He is passionate about offering the best programs and support to facilitate successful student outcomes. 
 
Beyond his professional life, Baxter is a loving father to two children in the Corona/Norco School district and recently welcomed a new puppy. His tireless dedication to education continues to benefit educators and students, making him a stalwart advocate in the field. Contact: [email protected] | LinkedIn  

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.   

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

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.     

Music credits: Soundtrap.com, Bensound.com   

Graphics: Canva.com     

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

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

Brent Warner is a professor of English as a Second Language at Irvine Valley College. He is a regular presenter on EdTech and ESL at various events. Brent also co-hosts two podcasts: The DIESOL Podcast, which delves into innovative tech strategies for language learning and The HigherEdTech Podcast, a guide for higher education professionals navigating the vast realm of educational technology. In addition to the podcasts, he hosts the AI in ESL website.  

Links for this episode:

⁠Deepfaking Myself⁠ 

⁠Using Midjourney or Other Text to Image AI to Build Descriptive Language Skills⁠  

Will AI Kill TESOL?   

Production Notes:

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

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Justin and Chris begin the discussion with their different gaming preferences and then we ask questions about the value of gaming and esports as related to families, schools, and communities. Justin is the founder of Frenzy Esports with a wholistic vision of leveraging gaming and esports to build skills in young people for their lives and future careers.  

Justin Coats is a US Marine Veteran, entrepreneur, founder of Volitant Consulting (Acquired), Founder of Frenzy Esports, Helicopter Pilot, Professional Drone Pilot, and an avid gamer. Connect with him on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leader-justin 

Key questions:  

Key Terms (mentioned in this episode)

Apex Legends: “Epic battle royale game is more realistic than Fortnite.” Common Sense Media 

Call of Duty (COD): This FPS was first released in 2003 and was based on a simulation of infantry combat in World War II. It has, by some accounts, been responsible for ramping up the interest in FPS type games. Check a site like Common Sense Media for recommendations where COD4 received a recommendation of 18+ due to the realistic violence depictions and language. 

Campaign: “A campaign in a video game is a series of linked missions or quests that tell a complete story. Campaigns are typically found in single-player video games, but cooperative multiplayer video games may also have campaigns where players assist each other with a series of challenges or goals.” bard.google.com “What is a video game campaign?” 

First Person Shooter (FPS): Video games that are played from the perspective of the player in some type of combat, which can be realistic or fantasy-based. 

Play Station 4 (PS4): “Classic” game console released in 2013 https://www.playstation.com/en-us/ps4/  

Valorant: “A free-to-play, competitive, online first-person shooter” (Common Sense Media) 

If you have recommendations or feedback for us, please complete this form. Additionally, we'd love to hear from you on social media or by email: 

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

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

Please note: 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.    

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

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.   

Music credits: Soundtrap.com, Bensound.com, MusicLM “an upbeat electronic and cinematic sounding video game musical interlude in the style of a first person shooter like Valorant”  

Graphics: Canva.com   

Chris, April and Valerie have an engaging conversation about technology, artificial intelligence, STEM, coding, and transforming instruction through innovative uses of technology. Have you been amazed at how fast young people today adopt new technologies, especially if it is something they are interested in? How can we as parents and educators support our young people to excel?  

April Faieta is a highly qualified and motivated educator with 27 years of teaching experience. She has a strong background in technology integration, having worked as a Technology Teacher on Special Assignment and a middle school technology teacher. Jane has a proven track record of success, including being voted as Outstanding Teacher and Teacher of the Year by her colleagues. She has also received recognition for her collaboration with the Los Angeles Mayor's office and her involvement in robotics coaching and after-school clubs. Currently teaching Instructional Technology at Wilson Middle School, Jane's exceptional technology skills and dedication to student learning make her an asset to any educational institution. 

Dr. Valerie Sun has been an educator since 2005 and has taught across the entire educational spectrum from preschool classes to doctoral-level courses. A techy dual-immersion teacher in practice, she enjoys sharing the awesomeness of edtech into her training to help teachers create an effective and inclusive learning environment. She is a Google Certified Educator and Trainer, a Nearpod Certified Educator, an MIE Expert, and an Apple Teacher. Currently, she is the Coordinator of Instructional Technology in Glendale Unified School District and a part-time faculty in the Department of Teacher Education at CSU, East Bay. 

If you have recommendations or feedback for us, please complete this form. Additionally, we'd love to hear from you on social media or by email:  

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

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

Please note: 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.   

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

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.  

Music credits: Soundtrap.com, Bensound.com     

Graphics: Canva.com  

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Ms. Jeannine Flores as we explore the transformative power of Arts and Technology in education, and discover the myriad resources available to educators, students, and advocates in the field. Whether you're a teacher, parent, or simply interested in the future of education, this episode promises valuable insights and inspiration. (summary written with help from ChatGPT) 

Ms. Jeannine Flores is the Los Angeles County Office of Education (LACOE) Arts & STEAM Coordinator in the Center for Distance and Online Learning, a division of Curriculum & Instructional Services. She has been in education for 26 years, and is an alum of California State University, Long Beach and Concordia University, Irvine.  

Prior to her position at LACOE, Ms. Flores was the VAPA Coordinator for the Santa Clara County Office of Education where she oversaw Artspiration and supported STEAM. Currently, she serves as Chair for Create CA and Regional Arts Lead for California County Superintendents Arts Initiative for Region 11.   

Jeannine brings a wealth of knowledge around discrete arts and arts integration curriculum, professional development, standards-based instruction, community arts partnerships, and arts advocacy leadership. Her background as a music educator in Orange County established strong roots and connections to all disciplines. Flores was named Teacher of the Year in 2005 and was awarded the ACSA Region 7 Doris Prince Scholarship in 2019. (written by human) 

Links and resources: 

If you have recommendations or feedback for us, please complete this form. Additionally, we'd love to hear from you on social media or by email: Twitter/X @lacoe_ito | Facebook @lacoeITO | LinkedIn @lacoe-ito | [email protected]  

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

Please note: 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.   

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

Credits - Music: Soundtrap.com, Bensound.com, Graphics: Canva.com  

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.