Discovering the Future of Education Technology: My Experience at FETC

As an educator and podcaster, I had the privilege of attending and presenting at the Future of Education Technology Conference (FETC) in New Orleans, Louisiana. This annual event is one of the biggest in the edtech industry and provides a unique opportunity to learn about the latest trends and best practices in educational technology. 

At FETC, I had the chance to interview a variety of participants, including representatives from up and coming edtech companies, speakers, and attendees. The topics discussed included the integration of technology into teaching and learning, the use of technology in the classroom, the future of edtech, and food! Additionally, I attended several workshops and sessions, where I learned about new technologies and best practices for integrating technology into the classroom.

One of the key takeaways from my experience at FETC was the importance of the human connection. While there is a wealth of information available online, attending conferences in person provides a unique opportunity to network and make connections with other educators and industry experts. This cannot be done through virtual events. The content may come across but it is not just about the content, it is about the human connection. Additionally, attending conferences in person allows for a more immersive experience, where attendees can see and experience the latest technology first-hand and learn from the experts. 

Attending edtech conferences such as FETC is a valuable experience for educators who are looking to stay up-to-date with the latest trends and best practices in educational technology. Whether you are an administrator, teacher, or tech expert, attending this conference can provide you with the knowledge, skills, and connections needed to effectively integrate technology into teaching and learning. So, if you have the opportunity, I highly recommend attending FETC in person. It happens to be one of my favorite conferences and a great place to connect with like-minded individuals. My only gripe is that I wished it had been in Orlando again this year. Don’t get me wrong, I love New Orleans and all it has to offer. I do however also love Orlando and the fact that we could make a Disney World trip out of it!

I hope this blog post provides a useful overview of my experience at FETC and the importance of educators attending this conference in person. Check out all of the FETC episodes linked below. And if you haven’t subscribed to the show yet, do so ASAP. If you have any questions or would like to learn more about upcoming conference coverage, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Buen provecho!

Ep. 132: Keeping Our Students Safe With Linewize – EdTech Bites Podcast

In this episode, I chat with Ross Young, executive vice president of Linewize, while at the FETC conference. Linewize is a fast-growing EdTech company with an emphasis on tech for good. The company aims to take a unique approach to digital safety and well-being with a focus on mental health. Linewize helps empower educators and parents to instill healthy digital habits in kids. They now serve more than 11 million students globally. To ensure they continue to prioritize their mission of student safety and digital well-being, the company has a number of exciting announcements of services to further bring their communities together.    Connect With Gabriel Carrillo EdTech Bites Website: https://edtechbites.com EdTech Bites Twitter: https://twitter.com/edtechbites EdTech Bites Instagram: https://instagram.com/edtechbites EdTech Bites Facebook Page: https://facebook.com/edtechbites EdTech Bites YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQCZcyW4BkCFQ5P2BLK61xg Connect With Linewize Linewize Website: https://www.linewize.com/ Linewize On Twitter: https://twitter.com/linewize Linewize On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/linewize Linewize On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/linewize/

Ep. 133: LG CreateBoard With Vicky Sanville – EdTech Bites Podcast

In this episode, I chat with Vicky Sanville from LG to discuss their new product for education. This board does not use proprietary software and can easily be deployed in classrooms with minimal efforts and… support from LG! Give this episode a listen to see how LG can help you get interactive displays in your classrooms.   Connect With Gabriel Carrillo EdTech Bites Website: https://edtechbites.com EdTech Bites Twitter: https://twitter.com/edtechbites EdTech Bites Instagram: https://instagram.com/edtechbites EdTech Bites Facebook Page: https://facebook.com/edtechbites EdTech Bites YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQCZcyW4BkCFQ5P2BLK61xg Connect With LG LG Business Solutions Website: https://www.lg.com/us/business/shop-lg-business-solution LG Commercial Displays On Twitter: https://twitter.com/LGCommDisplays LG Commercial Displays On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lg-commercial-displays-usa/

Ep. 134: Parentsquare With Dr. Chad Stevens – EdTech Bites Podcast

In this episode, I chat with Dr. Chad Stevens from Parentsquare. Parentsquare has it all when it comes to communication between campus and home. They have solutions that simplify the process for end users (parents and students) to get all their documents and communication in one place. Dr. Chad Stevens is originally from Texas and breaks down the process of building this product out to something near and dear to Texans…Brisket! It's a great conversation and an even better product. Buen provecho!   Connect With Gabriel Carrillo EdTech Bites Website: https://edtechbites.com EdTech Bites Twitter: https://twitter.com/edtechbites EdTech Bites Instagram: https://instagram.com/edtechbites EdTech Bites Facebook Page: https://facebook.com/edtechbites EdTech Bites YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQCZcyW4BkCFQ5P2BLK61xg Connect With Parentsquare and Dr. Chad Stevens Parentsquare Website: https://www.parentsquare.com/ Parentsquare On Twitter: https://twitter.com/ParentSquare Parentsquare On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/parentsquare/ Parentsquare On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Parentsquare/ Dr. Chad Stevens On Twitter: https://twitter.com/k12cto

Ep. 135: Intelitek And Robotics With Graham Celine – EdTech Bites Podcast

In this episode, I chat with Graham Celine from Intelitek. He's been in the robotics game for quite some time and breaks down the realities of the future of robotics. He also debunks the myths regarding robots taking our jobs. This conversation will spark interest to anyone in the CTE or Robotics world. Buen provecho!   Connect With Gabriel Carrillo EdTech Bites Website: https://edtechbites.com EdTech Bites Twitter: https://twitter.com/edtechbites EdTech Bites Instagram: https://instagram.com/edtechbites EdTech Bites Facebook Page: https://facebook.com/edtechbites EdTech Bites YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQCZcyW4BkCFQ5P2BLK61xg Connect With Intelitek Intelitek Website: https://www.Intelitek.com/ Intelitek On Twitter: https://twitter.com/Intelitek Intelitek On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/intelitekedu/ Intelitek On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Intelitek

Ep. 136: ShareTheBoard With Martin Demkowicz – EdTech Bites Podcast

In this episode, I chat with Martin Demkowicz from ShareTheBoard. If you're not sure what ShareTheBoard does, you NEED to listen to this episode. It's a simple creative solution to a problem in the classroom. Here's what you need to know before you listen to this episode: Other than the teacher and students, what is the most powerful tool in the classroom? The existing whiteboard! Enjoy! Buen Provecho!   Connect With Gabriel Carrillo EdTech Bites Website: https://edtechbites.com EdTech Bites Twitter: https://twitter.com/edtechbites EdTech Bites Instagram: https://instagram.com/edtechbites EdTech Bites Facebook Page: https://facebook.com/edtechbites EdTech Bites YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQCZcyW4BkCFQ5P2BLK61xg Connect With ShareTheBoard ShareTheBoard Website: https://sharetheboard.com/

Ep. 137: Propello With Brandi And Amanda – EdTech Bites Podcast

In this episode, I chat with Amanda Bratten and Brandi Eppolito from Propello. Amanda is a former teacher turned VP of Content and Curriculum and Brandi is the VP of Marketing at Propello. They're a new EdTech company looking at helping teachers with curriculum for their classrooms. Sorry… FREE Curriculum! If that didn't get your attention, I don't know what does. Give this episode a listen and check out their website to learn more about what they can contribute to your classroom. Buen Provecho!   Connect With Gabriel Carrillo EdTech Bites Website: https://edtechbites.com EdTech Bites Twitter: https://twitter.com/edtechbites EdTech Bites Instagram: https://instagram.com/edtechbites EdTech Bites Facebook Page: https://facebook.com/edtechbites EdTech Bites YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQCZcyW4BkCFQ5P2BLK61xg Connect With Propello Propello Website: https://propello.com/ Propello on Twitter: https://twitter.com/PropelloLearn Propello on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/propellolearn/ Propello on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/propello.learn/ Propello on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/propellolearn/

Ep. 138: Tutor Me With Kyle Baker – EdTech Bites Podcast

In this episode, I chat with Kyle Baker to discuss assisting students beyond the classroom with TutorMe. Kyle's been working with TutorMe since August 2021 and has seen exponential growth in student needs beyond the typical school day. TutorMe extends the learning beyond the walls of the classroom for virtually any subject and grade level…24/7! This is a great conversation that also delves into Texas eats. Strap in and connect with TutorMe to see how they can meet the needs of your learners and own students at home. Buen Provecho!   Connect With Gabriel Carrillo EdTech Bites Website: https://edtechbites.com EdTech Bites Twitter: https://twitter.com/edtechbites EdTech Bites Instagram: https://instagram.com/edtechbites EdTech Bites Facebook Page: https://facebook.com/edtechbites EdTech Bites YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQCZcyW4BkCFQ5P2BLK61xg Connect With TutorMe TutorMe Website: https://tutorme.com/ TutorMe on Twitter: https://twitter.com/tutorme TutorMe on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tutorme_hq/ TutorMe on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TutorMeHQ TutorMe on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tutorme-inc/

Ep. 140: AI In Education With Matt Miller – EdTech Bites Podcast

In this episode, I chat with Matt Miller while at FETC in New Orleans, Louisiana. This conversation covers AI (Artificial Intelligence) in the classroom, specifically ChatGPT. He debunks some myths we have about how this will "replace teachers". He also shares some ways he personally uses it as a "rough draft" for his tasks at hand. Give this episode a listen and see how you can use AI to work for you, not against you.  Buen Provecho!   About Matt Miller Matt Miller is a blogger, author, speaker and educator with more than 10 years of classroom experience. He's the author of five books: Ditch That Textbook, Ditch That Homework, Don't Ditch That Tech, Tech Like a PIRATE, and Do More with Google Classroom. Matt is a Google Certified Innovator, PBS LearningMedia Digital Innovator and two-time Bammy! Awards nominee. His Ditch That Textbook blog encourages tens of thousands of educators in more than 100 countries to use technology and creative ideas in teaching.  Connect With Gabriel Carrillo EdTech Bites Website: https://edtechbites.com EdTech Bites Twitter: https://twitter.com/edtechbites EdTech Bites Instagram: https://instagram.com/edtechbites EdTech Bites Facebook Page: https://facebook.com/edtechbites EdTech Bites YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQCZcyW4BkCFQ5P2BLK61xg Connect With Matt Miller Matt Miller's Website: http://DitchThatTextbook.com Matt Miller on Twitter: http://twitter.com/jmattmiller Matt Miller on Facebook: http://facebook.com/ditchthattextbook

Ep. 141: Let's Unpack FETC With Jason Denard – EdTech Bites Podcast

In this episode, I chat with Jason Denard while at FETC in New Orleans, Louisiana. Jason was at FETC on his own and without anyone else from his district. He represents New Jersey and w had a great time unpacking FETC. We discuss sessions and overall experience in the Big Easy. Buen Provecho!   About Jason Denard Jason is the Director of teaching and learning at College Achieve in Paterson Charter School in Paterson, New Jersey. He's a husband and father of two and a huge foodie. He was born and raised in the great state of New Jersey.  Connect With Gabriel Carrillo EdTech Bites Website: https://edtechbites.com EdTech Bites Twitter: https://twitter.com/edtechbites EdTech Bites Instagram: https://instagram.com/edtechbites EdTech Bites Facebook Page: https://facebook.com/edtechbites EdTech Bites YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQCZcyW4BkCFQ5P2BLK61xg Connect With Jason Denard Jason Denard On Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/denardeats

Ep. 142: Educator Wellness With Mandy Froehlich – EdTech Bites Podcast

In this episode, I chat with Mandy Froehlich while at FETC in New Orleans, Louisiana. Mandy is an expert when it comes to talking wellness, especially with educators. We are not immune to stressors, fatigue, anxiety, and depression but can be uneducated when it comes to identifying triggers and our coping mechanisms. She breaks down her path to wellness and how we never really arrive. We're constantly struggling and juggling and she's managed a variety of ways to keep the fire burning from within. It's a great conversation and the energy she brings from chatting in person makes this convo hit harder. Buen Provecho!   About Mandy Froehlich Mandy Froehlich passionately encourages educators to create innovative change in their classrooms. An experienced Director of Innovation and Technology, technology integrator, and teacher, she has experience at many levels of the organizational structure. Her interest lies in reinvigorating and re-engaging teachers back into their profession, as well as what's needed to support teachers in their pursuit of innovative and divergent thinking and teaching. She consults internationally with school districts and post-secondary institutions in the effective use of technology to support great teaching, mental health support for educators, and how to create organizational change.  Connect With Gabriel Carrillo EdTech Bites Website: https://edtechbites.com EdTech Bites Twitter: https://twitter.com/edtechbites EdTech Bites Instagram: https://instagram.com/edtechbites EdTech Bites Facebook Page: https://facebook.com/edtechbites EdTech Bites YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQCZcyW4BkCFQ5P2BLK61xg Connect With Mandy Froehlich Mandy's Website: http://www.mandyfroehlich.com Mandy on Twitter: https://twitter.com/froehlichm

Ep. 143: Chromebooks In The Classroom With John Sowash – EdTech Bites Podcast

In this episode, I chat with John Sowash while at FETC in New Orleans, Louisiana. We discussed his transition to a Chromebook only user. We also discuss the work he does with school districts and the biggest mistake school districts make when deploying Chromebooks to students. What do you think that mistake is? Listen to this great conversation to find out! Buen Provecho! About John Sowash John Sowash is an experienced classroom teacher, former school administrator, author of The Chromebook Classroom, and founder of the Google Certification Academy. John inspires educators to use technology, connect with and challenge students. Schools around the world have invited John to come and share with them. You can connect with John via his blog (Chrmbook.com/blog) or Twitter (@jrsowash). Connect With Gabriel Carrillo EdTech Bites Website: https://edtechbites.com EdTech Bites Twitter: https://twitter.com/edtechbites EdTech Bites Instagram: https://instagram.com/edtechbites EdTech Bites Facebook Page: https://facebook.com/edtechbites EdTech Bites YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQCZcyW4BkCFQ5P2BLK61xg Connect With John Sowash John's Website: http://chrmbook.com John on Twitter: http://twitter.com/jrsowash John on Instagram: http://instagram.com/jrsowash John on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chromebookclassroom John on YouTube: http://YouTube.com/jrsowash

Ep. 144: DigCit Academy With Marialice Curran And Eugenia Tamez – EdTech Bites Podcast

In this episode, I chat with Marialice Curran and Eugenia Tamez from the DigCit Institute while at FETC. They recently launched a brand new workshop called the DigCit Academy. It was an absolute hit at FETC and they are planning on taking this show on the road! It was actually so popular that as we were recording, attendee and friend of theirs Ron Madison recognized them and jumped into the conversation mid interview. This was a first for the show but shows the impact of this DigCit Academy. Peep our conversation and get ready because this will not be the last time you hear about the DigCit Academy.  Buen Provecho! About Marialice Curran I​​nternationally recognized as a digital citizenship pioneer, Dr. Marialice B.F.X. Curran is an author, consultant, and speaker who is the global connector behind the Digital Citizenship Institute, Digital Citizenship Summit, and DigCitKids. With her son, she co-authored DigCitKids: Lessons Learning Side-by-Side to Empower Others Around the World. Committed to Human-Centered Design, Dr. Curran leads by hand, heart, and mind as she models how to make a positive impact in local, global, and digital communities. Dr. Curran has served as an associate professor, a middle school principal, and middle school teacher. As a connected educator, her work with school communities around the world has created positive and powerful shifts in how we engage and learn online. About Eugenia Tamez Consultant, conference organizer, website editor and writer, social media manager, translator, and speaker. Now part of the Digital Citizenship Institute to amplify and make a positive impact along Latin American countries. #DigCitSummitMX and #DigCitSummit LATAM organizer. Researcher and writer, collaborations, English – Spanish translations in different printed and electronic media on topics of technology, education, and digital citizenship. Connect With Gabriel Carrillo EdTech Bites Website: https://edtechbites.com EdTech Bites Twitter: https://twitter.com/edtechbites EdTech Bites Instagram: https://instagram.com/edtechbites EdTech Bites Facebook Page: https://facebook.com/edtechbites EdTech Bites YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQCZcyW4BkCFQ5P2BLK61xg Connect With Marialice Curran Marialice on Twitter: https://twitter.com/mbfxc Connect With Eugenia Tamez Eugenia on Twitter: https://twitter.com/etamez Eugenia on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/eugeniatamez Connect With The DigCit Institute DigCit Institute Website: https://digcitinstitute.com DigCit Institute on Instagram: https://instagram.com/digcitinstitute DigCit Institute on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/digcitinstitute

Ep. 293 | Why Cheap Headsets Are Actually Costing You More w/ Alan Sherbourne – EdTech Bites Podcast

This episode is sponsored by TWT Audio. TWT Audio was built for educators, by educators, designing headsets specifically for real classroom environments, durable enough to last, and comfortable for all-day use. With over 5 million headsets and headphones sold, schools trust TWT because they just work, delivering consistent performance while simplifying technology.Instead of replacing cheap headsets year after year, invest in a solution that schools nationwide trust every day.TWT Audio — hear the difference.If you’ve ever dealt with broken headphones during testing season, you already know the chaos. In this episode, I sit down with a Alan Sherbourne, VP of marketing at TWT Audio to break down the real cost of low-quality classroom audio. We explore why schools keep replacing headsets year after year, how poor audio impacts student performance, and how durability, clarity, and thoughtful design can completely change the game. If you’re preparing for testing season or planning next year’s tech purchases, this episode is a must-listen.Connect With Gabriel CarrilloEdTech Bites Website: https://edtechbites.comEdTech Bites On Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/edtechbites.bsky.socialEdTech Bites Instagram: https://instagram.com/edtechbitesEdTech Bites X: https://twitter.com/edtechbitesEdTech Bites Facebook Page: https://facebook.com/edtechbitesEdTech Bites On TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@edtechbitesEdTech Bites YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@edtechbitesAbout Alan SherbourneAlan Sherbourne is a former Administrator of Technology and Innovation in one of the largest school districts in the nation, where he helped drive impactful, forward thinking initiatives at scale. Above all, he is committed to student success and putting people first in everything he does.Connect With Alan Sherbourne and TWT AudioAlan On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alan-sherbourneTWT Audio Website: https://www.twtaudio.comTWT Audio On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/twtaudio/TWT Audio On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/twtaudioTWT Audio On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/twtaudio/TWT Audio On X: https://x.com/TWTAudio/TWT Audio On YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TWTAudio