Category: Podcast Episodes

7 Secrets to Bouncing Back Strong After Spring Break (And Ice Cream)

It can be challenging to transition back to work after a relaxing spring break, but with a few simple tips and tricks, you can make the process much smoother. In this episode, we’ll explore the best ways to transition back to work and maximize your productivity after a restful break. From prioritizing tasks and getting organized to practicing self-care and connecting with colleagues, we’ll cover everything you need to know to come back to work feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. Whether you’re a teacher or just looking for ways to make the most of your time off, this episode is packed with practical advice and insights to help you transition from beach mode to work mode with ease. Tune in and start your post-spring break routine off on the right foot! Buen provecho!

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Ep. 150: What’s New In Computer Science With Shaina Glass

In this episode, I’m joined by Shaina Glass to discuss what’s new in Computer Science. She helps debunk some of the myths and misconceptions many of us have about Computer Science in schools. The term is constantly being redefined and she schools us on what is REALLY going on in these classes. She is currently the Senior Professional Learning Manager with the Computer Science Teachers Association in Texas and helps support Computer Science teachers throughout the state. This is a great conversation for all educators to help us understand what is happening in this discipline and what is on the horizon. Buen provecho!

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About Shaina Glass

Shaina Glass has been in K-12 education for the last 17 years, educating students and teachers alike. She is currently the Senior Professional Learning Manager with the Computer Science Teachers Association.  Prior to this role, Shaina served as Technology Applications/STEM Program Director, where she worked to expand equitable access to STEM and computer science instruction to all over 65,000 school students. She led, supported, and implemented technology applications and STEM programs, instruction, and events for students PK- 12th grade in Aldine ISD located in Houston, Tx. 

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Computer Science Teachers Association Website: https://Csteachers.org

Ep. 149: AI in Education: How ChatGPT Can Help Teachers Save Time With Dr. Monica Burns

In this episode, we explore how teachers can use the power of artificial intelligence to save time and improve productivity in the classroom. My guest, Monica Burns, an educator and edtech consultant, shares her insights on how teachers can leverage ChatGPT, a large language model, to automate routine tasks, research, and gather information quickly and efficiently. She also discusses the potential benefits and challenges of using AI in education and shares tips for teachers who are new to using technology in the classroom. Whether you’re a seasoned educator or a new teacher looking to streamline your workload, this episode is packed with practical tips and ideas for making the most of ChatGPT. Buen provecho!

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About Dr. Monica Burns

Dr. Monica Burns is an EdTech and Curriculum Consultant, author of EdTech Essentials (ASCD, 2021) and former New York City public school teacher. She works with schools and organizations around the world to support PreK-20 educators with thoughtful technology integration. Monica’s website ClassTechTips.com and Easy EdTech Podcast helps educators place “tasks before apps” by promoting deeper learning with technology.  

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Ep. 148: Paperless Is Not A Pedagogy With Alice Keeler

In today’s world, technology is everywhere, and classrooms are no exception. Many educators have embraced the idea of going paperless and using digital tools to enhance teaching and learning. But is this always the best approach? In this episode, Alice Keeler and I chat the idea that paperless is not a pedagogy, and that technology should be used thoughtfully and intentionally in the classroom.

Alice Keeler, is a well-known educator, author, and keynote speaker who has written extensively on the topic of integrating technology into the classroom. Alice argues that while digital tools can be useful, they should not be seen as a catch-all for all educational challenges. In particular, she highlights how teachers could dive deeper into the content without technology use. We discuss the importance of pedagogy and instructional design, and the need to carefully consider when and how to integrate technology into the curriculum.

Join us for a thought-provoking conversation about the role of technology in education, the importance of balancing innovation with a focus on pedagogy and student learning, and the Walking Food Tour at TCEA. She was a participant in that event and discusses her personal opinion on the food. Buen provecho!

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About Alice Keeler

Alice Keeler is a math teacher, edtech expert, author, mom of 5, and the queen of spreadsheets. She is passionate about student centered classrooms. Paperless is not a pedagogy; use technology to improve relationships and learning.

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Ep. 147: Destination PD: Redefining Professional Development for Teachers With Melissa Adams and Jennifer Crook

In this episode, I chat with Melissa Adams and Jennifer Crook, the founders of Destination PD. What is Destination PD? It’s a professional development offering that takes a unique approach to personalized learning for teachers. Unlike traditional PD programs, Destination PD uses unconventional techniques to immerse teachers in the learning experience. In this conversation, we explore the inspiration behind their innovative approach, the impact it has had on the teachers they work with, and the challenges they have faced along the way. Join us for an engaging discussion on how Destination PD is changing the game for professional development. Buen provecho!

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About Melissa Adams

Melissa Adams is the Director of Institutional Technology and Innovation for China Spring ISD.  She is a wife and mom of three kids. Melissa has been in education for the past 20 years with the last five in leadership promoting innovation & technology in the classroom. Her passion is supporting teachers through Destination PD to deliver high quality learning & experiences.

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About Jennifer Crook

Jennifer Crook is a fun-loving, adventure-seeking, educational enthusiast with twenty-nine years of service in public schools. She is currently the Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment at China Spring ISD. Jennifer  is dedicated to creating awe-inspiring experiences for educators and is driven by her why to deliver professional development that is truly destination-worthy. 

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Destination PD: Redefining Professional Development for Teachers With Melissa Adams and Jennifer Crook – EdTech Bites Podcast

In this episode, I chat with Melissa Adams and Jennifer Crook, the founders of Destination PD. What is Destination PD? It’s a professional development offering that takes a unique approach to personalized learning for teachers. Unlike traditional PD programs, Destination PD uses unconventional techniques to immerse teachers in the learning experience. In this conversation, we explore the inspiration behind their innovative approach, the impact it has had on the teachers they work with, and the challenges they have faced along the way. Join us for an engaging discussion on how Destination PD is changing the game for professional development. 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 About Melissa Adams Melissa Adams is the Director of Institutional Technology and Innovation for China Spring ISD.  She is a wife and mom of three kids. Melissa has been in education for the past 20 years with the last five in leadership promoting innovation & technology in the classroom. Her passion is supporting teachers through Destination PD to deliver high quality learning & experiences. Connect With Melissa Adams Melissa on Twitter: https://twitter.com/melissala5 Melissa on Instagram: https://instagram.com/melissala5 Melissa on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/melissa.l.adams.5 About Jennifer Crook Jennifer Crook is a fun-loving, adventure-seeking, educational enthusiast with twenty-nine years of service in public schools. She is currently the Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment at China Spring ISD. Jennifer  is dedicated to creating awe-inspiring experiences for educators and is driven by her why to deliver professional development that is truly destination-worthy.  Connect With Jennifer Crook Jennifer on Twitter: https://twitter.com/jdcrook Connect With Destination PD https://www.destinationpdtogo.com  

Ep. 146: From Boring to Brilliant: Using Genially to Capture Students’ Attention With Zinnia Bayardo

In this episode, I chat with school librarian Zinnia Bayardo who is using Genially to create interactive and engaging content for her students. She shares how she discovered Genially and the different ways she’s been able to incorporate it into her library lessons and activities. We learn about the features of Genially that make it such a valuable tool for educators, including its ease of use, ability to create multimedia content, and the wide range of templates available. We also discuss how using Genially has helped to increase student engagement, especially for students who may struggle with traditional text-based learning. Whether you’re a teacher or a librarian looking to incorporate new technology into your classroom or library, this episode is sure to provide some valuable insights and inspiration. Buen provecho!

About Zinnia Bayardo

Zinnia has been an elementary, middle, and high school librarian as well as a 4th and 1st grade teacher. Now she is in the role of a library instructional support specialist helping and supporting all district librarians. 

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Connect With Zinnia Bayardo

7 Secrets to Bouncing Back Strong After Spring Break (And Ice Cream) – EdTech Bites Podcast

It can be challenging to transition back to work after a relaxing spring break, but with a few simple tips and tricks, you can make the process much smoother. In this episode, we'll explore the best ways to transition back to work and maximize your productivity after a restful break. From prioritizing tasks and getting organized to practicing self-care and connecting with colleagues, we'll cover everything you need to know to come back to work feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. Whether you're a teacher or just looking for ways to make the most of your time off, this episode is packed with practical advice and insights to help you transition from beach mode to work mode with ease. Tune in and start your post-spring break routine off on the right foot! 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

Ep. 145: iCollaborate: Building A Powerful PLN With Kelli Coons And Ainsley Hill

In this episode, I chat with Kelli Coons and Ainsley Hill while at FETC. They share their story on how they met and built a powerful course, iCollaborate, all virtually! They then met in person for the first time to get this thing off of the ground at FETC. We also discuss how this session helps instructional coaches build and learn from their PLN. Us coaches often times work in silos and need that support group to grow and learn with. And what’s an episode without some food talk! Listen to hear what dish has been their favorite in New Orleans while attending the FETC conference. Buen Provecho!

About Kelli Coons

Kelli Coons is currently a District Elementary Digital Innovation Specialist for Spartanburg District Five in South Carolina.  Previously she has served as an Elementary Literacy Coach, Curriculum Coach, and as a classroom teacher.  Her participation in the Dynamic Learning Project, allowed her to work with Google for Education, Digital Promise, and Edtech Team.  This fellowship focused on providing personalized professional development to all teachers in order to ensure effective technology integration.  As one of the organizers of Edcamp Greenville since the origination in 2016, she is passionate about providing engaging professional development opportunities for educators.  She has had the opportunity to present on effective technology integration and the Edcamp model at conferences in the Carolinas, FETC,  as well as several ISTE conferences.

About Ainsley Hill

Ainsley Hill is an Instructional Technology Facilitator at Arlington Community Schools supporting Donelson Elementary School in Arlington, Tennessee. Ainsley provides training to teachers and students and coaches her faculty in technology integration. Ainsley aspires to inspire teachers to make learning more meaningful and creative by using technology as their avenue to enhance learning. When Ainsley isn’t serving as the technology facilitator and coach in her school, she is presenting in her district and at conferences across the U.S. about accessibility, the power of growing your PLN, and apps in the classroom.

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7 Secrets to Bouncing Back Strong After Spring Break (And Ice Cream) – EdTech Bites Podcast

It can be challenging to transition back to work after a relaxing spring break, but with a few simple tips and tricks, you can make the process much smoother. In this episode, we'll explore the best ways to transition back to work and maximize your productivity after a restful break. From prioritizing tasks and getting organized to practicing self-care and connecting with colleagues, we'll cover everything you need to know to come back to work feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. Whether you're a teacher or just looking for ways to make the most of your time off, this episode is packed with practical advice and insights to help you transition from beach mode to work mode with ease. Tune in and start your post-spring break routine off on the right foot! 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

Ep. 144: DigCit Academy With Marialice Curran And Eugenia Tamez

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.

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Connect With Marialice Curran

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7 Secrets to Bouncing Back Strong After Spring Break (And Ice Cream) – EdTech Bites Podcast

It can be challenging to transition back to work after a relaxing spring break, but with a few simple tips and tricks, you can make the process much smoother. In this episode, we'll explore the best ways to transition back to work and maximize your productivity after a restful break. From prioritizing tasks and getting organized to practicing self-care and connecting with colleagues, we'll cover everything you need to know to come back to work feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. Whether you're a teacher or just looking for ways to make the most of your time off, this episode is packed with practical advice and insights to help you transition from beach mode to work mode with ease. Tune in and start your post-spring break routine off on the right foot! 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

Ep. 143: Chromebooks In The Classroom With John Sowash

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).

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7 Secrets to Bouncing Back Strong After Spring Break (And Ice Cream) – EdTech Bites Podcast

It can be challenging to transition back to work after a relaxing spring break, but with a few simple tips and tricks, you can make the process much smoother. In this episode, we'll explore the best ways to transition back to work and maximize your productivity after a restful break. From prioritizing tasks and getting organized to practicing self-care and connecting with colleagues, we'll cover everything you need to know to come back to work feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. Whether you're a teacher or just looking for ways to make the most of your time off, this episode is packed with practical advice and insights to help you transition from beach mode to work mode with ease. Tune in and start your post-spring break routine off on the right foot! 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

Ep. 141: Let’s Unpack FETC With Jason Denard

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. 

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Jason Denard On Instagram: www.instagram.com/denardeats

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