EdTech Bites Podcast

This episode is sponsored by Doowii. Doowii brings all of your district’s data together. When data is scattered across systems and buried in outdated reports, it’s hard to turn that data into action. Doowii connects your SIS, LMS, assessments, staffing, financial data, and more into one secure, conversational intelligence platform designed for all educators. No extra strain on your district’s resources, just faster, smarter decisions. Hungry for better insights? Visit doowii.io to learn more and see it in action. If your school’s data could talk, would it ask for help? Or maybe just a better dashboard? In this episode, I chat with Ben Dodson, founder and CEO of Doowii, a cutting-edge AI-powered data platform built specifically for education. Ben shares how his tech background (hello, Google and Snapchat!) inspired him to leap into the world of EdTech to solve one of education’s messiest problems: siloed, underutilized data. We cover: 🔍 What exactly Doowii does (and how it’s more than just a dashboard tool) 🧠 How natural language queries make data accessible for everyone—no SQL required! 🏫 Real use cases from school districts and universities (hello, bell schedule analytics!) ⏱️ How Doowii helps admins reclaim hours of reporting time 🔐 The importance of security, privacy, and ethical AI use in student data 🧭 Using predictive models to flag support needs before students slip through the cracks Plus, Ben answers the ultimate question: Corn or flour tortilla? If you’re tired of waiting a week for that failing student report, this episode is your invitation to reimagine how data works for you…not against you. Learn more or book a demo: https://doowii.io Listen now and get inspired to make data your district’s new superpower. Connect With Gabriel Carrillo EdTech Bites Website: https://edtechbites.com EdTech Bites On Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/edtechbites.bsky.social EdTech Bites Instagram: https://instagram.com/edtechbites EdTech Bites X: https://twitter.com/edtechbites EdTech Bites Facebook Page: https://facebook.com/edtechbites EdTech Bites On TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@edtechbites EdTech Bites YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@edtechbites About Ben Dodson Ben Dodson is an experienced data scientist, AI engineer, and startup founder with over a decade of experience at the forefront of data science, AI, and data engineering. His career spans impactful roles at Silicon Valley giants like Google and Snapchat, where he earned multiple patents for groundbreaking innovations, including the application of vision transformer networks to optimize media quality at scale. Ben’s expertise and forward-thinking approach also positioned him as an early contributor at startups like Mux and Marqeta. In 2023, Ben founded Doowii, an AI-powered assistant for data scientists serving the education sector. Doowii’s mission is to empower educators to harness the full potential of data to improve student outcomes. Connect With Doowii And Learn More Doowii Website: www.doowii.io Doowii On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/doowii-inc/

Want to bring your whole district together with one simple tool? ClassDojo for Districts makes it easy to engage families and strengthen school communities—at every level. It’s the number one communication app trusted by millions of K-12 teachers, now with district-wide oversight and controls. From Pre-K to high school, ClassDojo connects your schools and families in one seamless place. Learn more at classdojo.com/districts. What happens when a recently retired edtech queen trades early morning alarms for AI-powered student engagement? You get a mic-drop convo with Kristen Brooks! In this fun and feel-good episode, we talk about turning AI from intimidating to inspiring—one classroom experience at a time. Kristen shares how teachers can invite students to help co-create learning moments using tools like Adobe Express and more. Oh, and pan dulce makes a sweet guest appearance. Come hungry for ideas and maybe even a concha. Connect With Gabriel Carrillo EdTech Bites Website: https://edtechbites.com EdTech Bites On Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/edtechbites.bsky.social EdTech Bites Instagram: https://instagram.com/edtechbites EdTech Bites X: https://twitter.com/edtechbites EdTech Bites Facebook Page: https://facebook.com/edtechbites EdTech Bites On TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@edtechbites EdTech Bites YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@edtechbites About Kristen Brooks Kristen Brooks is a 30 year veteran educator, with 21 years excusively in Educational Technology Leadership as an innovation lab specialist and an instructional technology coach who encourages creativity in the classroom #forEDU. Ms. Brooks enjoys working with schools and districts to build relationships, master pedagogy & execute instructional technology integration & supporting all areas of education through speaking at events & conferences around the globe. She was recently named as a 2025 AI Innovator from ASU+GSV summit and is honored be an ISTE+ASCD 20 to Watch. To connect with Kristen go to KristenBrooks.com or LinkedIn and create > consume today! Connect With Kristen Kristen’s Website: http://www.kristenbrooks.net Kristen On X: https://twitter.com/KristenBrooks77 Kristen On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Kristenbrooks77/ Kristen On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KristenBrooks77EDU STEAM For Little Learners Book: https://books.apple.com/us/book/steam-for-little-learners/id6476427830

What do your classroom and sourdough bread have in common? In this inspiring keynote episode, we explore how patience, preparation, and purposeful pedagogy are the secret ingredients to a thriving school year. From pro tips on using ChatGPT and Google Gemini in the classroom to mindset shifts that set the tone for student success, this episode is packed with real talk and relatable strategies for teachers, instructional coaches, and administrators. Learn how to harness AI as your teaching assistant—not your replacement—and discover why carbs (yes, really) might be the secret to your classroom culture. Let’s make this school year manageable and memorable, together. Connect With Gabriel Carrillo EdTech Bites Website: https://edtechbites.com EdTech Bites On Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/edtechbites.bsky.social EdTech Bites Instagram: https://instagram.com/edtechbites EdTech Bites X: https://twitter.com/edtechbites EdTech Bites Facebook Page: https://facebook.com/edtechbites EdTech Bites On TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@edtechbites EdTech Bites YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@edtechbites

Want to bring your whole district together with one simple tool? ClassDojo for Districts makes it easy to engage families and strengthen school communities—at every level. It’s the number one communication app trusted by millions of K-12 teachers, now with district-wide oversight and controls. From Pre-K to high school, ClassDojo connects your schools and families in one seamless place. Learn more at classdojo.com/districts. What if your favorite classroom behavior tool scaled across an entire district—for free? In this episode, Chad Stevens, Head of Product at ClassDojo, reveals how the platform is evolving beyond K–5. Discover new features that boost district-wide communication, integrate seamlessly with student information systems, and help bridge the middle school gap. This conversation is packed with practical insights and future-ready strategies to engage students and families at scale. Connect With Gabriel Carrillo EdTech Bites Website: https://edtechbites.com EdTech Bites On Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/edtechbites.bsky.social EdTech Bites Instagram: https://instagram.com/edtechbites EdTech Bites X: https://twitter.com/edtechbites EdTech Bites Facebook Page: https://facebook.com/edtechbites EdTech Bites On TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@edtechbites EdTech Bites YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@edtechbites About Chad Stevens Chad A. Stevens, Ph.D. has established a distinguished career in education technology, most recently serving as Head of K12 Engagement at ClassDojo. In 2024 he was inducted into the CoSN (the Consortium for School Networking) Volunteer Hall of Fame. In 2023 Dr. Stevens was recognized as EdTech Chronicle's Best C-Level Officer in Education/EdTech, and he was named a Top 100 Influencer in EdTech by EdTech Digest. His strategies have left a significant mark on educational technology and students. Connect With ClassDojo For Districts ClassDojo For Districts: https://www.classdojo.com/districts ClassDojo For Districts Essentials Blog: https://essential.classdojo.com ClassDojo For Districts On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/classdojofordistricts/

This episode is sponsored by MagicSchool AI. With over 6 million users worldwide, MagicSchool offers more than 80 educator-friendly tools that support everything from AI literacy instruction to smarter lesson planning. To learn more and get started, visit www.magicschool.ai. Differentiation doesn’t have to feel like chaos! In this episode recorded live at the TCEA Elementary Technology Conference, I chat with Melanie Rhode and Bernadette Zamora, two incredible educators, who break down how they use station rotations to meet the needs of every learner. We unpack what differentiation really means, how they plan rotations, manage tech tools, and handle off-task behavior. You’ll also hear practical tips on grading, station setup, and how to kick off your school year with strong routines. If you're looking to spice up your instruction and streamline your workflow, this one’s for you! Connect With Gabriel Carrillo EdTech Bites Website: https://edtechbites.com EdTech Bites On Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/edtechbites.bsky.social EdTech Bites Instagram: https://instagram.com/edtechbites EdTech Bites X: https://twitter.com/edtechbites EdTech Bites Facebook Page: https://facebook.com/edtechbites EdTech Bites On TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@edtechbites EdTech Bites YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@edtechbites About Melanie Rhode Melanie is a third grade teacher at an independent school in Houston. She’s taught for 28 years. She’s taught 1,2,3,4,and 5th grade and loves anything ELA. About Bernadette Zamora Bernadette has been in education for almost 16 years. She has taught 3rd grade, 4th grade and 5th grade and was an instructional specialist for two years. She is currently teaching 2nd grade and teaches all subject areas.

This episode is sponsored by MagicSchool AI. With over 6 million users worldwide, MagicSchool offers more than 80 educator-friendly tools that support everything from AI literacy instruction to smarter lesson planning. To learn more and get started, visit www.magicschool.ai. What does it really mean to run a makerspace? In this episode, recorded live at the TCEA Elementary Technology Conference, I chat with a Cari Orts who runs two school makerspaces. She shares the must-haves (and nice-to-haves), what a makerspace is not, and how to thrive if you're suddenly handed the makerspace keys. Whether you're a tech coach, a teacher, or an administrator, this episode is packed with practical tips and inspiration to bring creativity, collaboration, and curiosity to life in your school. Connect With Gabriel Carrillo EdTech Bites Website: https://edtechbites.com EdTech Bites On Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/edtechbites.bsky.social EdTech Bites Instagram: https://instagram.com/edtechbites EdTech Bites X: https://twitter.com/edtechbites EdTech Bites Facebook Page: https://facebook.com/edtechbites EdTech Bites On TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@edtechbites EdTech Bites YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@edtechbites

This episode is sponsored by MagicSchool AI. With over 6 million users worldwide, MagicSchool offers more than 80 educator-friendly tools that support everything from AI literacy instruction to smarter lesson planning. To learn more and get started, visit www.magicschool.ai. Think coding is just for techies and gaming is a waste of time? Think again. In this episode, I sit down with STEM extraordinare, Kathryn Hofman to debunk the myths that are associated with coding, gaming, and STEM in the classroom. Kathryn discusses how these tools fuel communication, collaboration, critical thinking, and problem-solving and how play can be a powerful way of learning. If you’re on the fence about STEM education, this conversation will challenge your assumptions and inspire new classroom possibilities. Especially if you just got a call from your admin this summer stating “Guess what? You’re teaching STEM next year” About Kathryn Hofman Kathryn is a STEM teacher and Digital Integrationist at Timbers Elementary in Humble ISD. She just finished her 15th year of teaching. A fun fact about her is she started in Deaf education and then moved to STEM. She also has an 8 year old daughter that will be going into 4th grade next year! Connect With Gabriel Carrillo EdTech Bites Website: https://edtechbites.com EdTech Bites On Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/edtechbites.bsky.social EdTech Bites Instagram: https://instagram.com/edtechbites EdTech Bites X: https://twitter.com/edtechbites EdTech Bites Facebook Page: https://facebook.com/edtechbites EdTech Bites On TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@edtechbites EdTech Bites YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@edtechbites Connect With Kathryn Hofman Kathryn On X: https://x.com/TimbersSTEM

This episode is sponsored by MagicSchool AI. With over 6 million users worldwide, MagicSchool offers more than 80 educator-friendly tools that support everything from AI literacy instruction to smarter lesson planning. To learn more and get started, visit www.magicschool.ai. In this special episode recorded live at the TCEA Elementary Technology Conference in Galveston, Texas, I sit down with Jeni Long from MagicSchool to explore how this all-in-one platform is revolutionizing classrooms around the globe. In this episode, you’ll learn: How MagicSchool evolved into a trusted tool for educators and students What makes its AI literacy features safe, student-friendly, and effective Why customization is key to saving teachers time and boosting creativity Real-life examples of how teachers are using MagicSchool in their classrooms Connect With Gabriel Carrillo EdTech Bites Website: https://edtechbites.com EdTech Bites On Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/edtechbites.bsky.social EdTech Bites Instagram: https://instagram.com/edtechbites EdTech Bites X: https://twitter.com/edtechbites EdTech Bites Facebook Page: https://facebook.com/edtechbites EdTech Bites On TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@edtechbites EdTech Bites YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@edtechbites Connect With MagicSchool MagicSchool Website: https://www.magicschool.ai/ MagicSchool On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/magicschoolai/ MagicSchool On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/magicschoolai MagicSchool On YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@magicschoolai MagicSchool On TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@magicschoolai MagicSchool On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/magicschool-ai/

Today's episode is sponsored by my book, "Cooking Up Experiences In The Classroom: Focus On Experiences, Not Just Lessons." Pick up your copy and get inspired for next school year...this summer! In this short and smoothie-fueled episode (yes, I’m sipping on a chocolate, peanut butter, and banana protein shake as we speak), I walk you through three things every teacher should do before fully checking out for summer. We’re talking bite-sized reflection with big-time payoff: revisit one memorable lesson, do a brain-dump of this school year, and write a quick note to your August self. No clipboards. No admin. Just real talk, a blender whir in the background, and a few simple actions that will make next year a whole lot easier. Connect With Gabriel Carrillo EdTech Bites Website: https://edtechbites.com EdTech Bites On Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/edtechbites.bsky.social EdTech Bites Instagram: https://instagram.com/edtechbites EdTech Bites X: https://twitter.com/edtechbites EdTech Bites Facebook Page: https://facebook.com/edtechbites EdTech Bites On TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@edtechbites EdTech Bites YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@edtechbites

What do flip-flops, beachfront views, and cutting-edge edtech have in common? They’re all part of the Elementary Technology Conference in Galveston, Texas! In this episode, Jeannine Freeman from TCEA joins us to dish on why this event is a must for educators looking to blend sunshine with professional growth. In this special episode, you'll find out what makes this conference unlike any other—and why it might just become your favorite PD getaway. Learn More And Register For The Elementary Technology Conference Connect With Gabriel Carrillo EdTech Bites Website: https://edtechbites.com EdTech Bites On Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/edtechbites.bsky.social EdTech Bites Instagram: https://instagram.com/edtechbites EdTech Bites X: https://twitter.com/edtechbites EdTech Bites Facebook Page: https://facebook.com/edtechbites EdTech Bites On TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@edtechbites EdTech Bites YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@edtechbites About Jeannine Freeman As TCEA's partnerships and events manager, Jeannine Freeman plays a vital role in planning many of the events the organization's 85,000 members know and love. Each year, Jeannine manages speakers and their content for the System and Network Administrators Conference, the TCEA Convention and Exposition, and the Elementary Technology Conference (ETC). As a previous elementary educator, her heart beats for this niche population, which makes ETC one of her favorite events to plan and attend. Connect With Jeannine and TCEA Jeannine On X: https://x.com/TechTimeWithJ9 Jeannine On Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/techtimewithj9.bsky.social Jeannine On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/J9Freeman7 TCEA Website: https://tcea.org/ Elementary Technology Conference Website: https://tcea.org/events/etc/

This episode is sponsored by Knowt — the AI-powered classroom tool that goes way beyond plug-and-chug. From turning your lessons into notes and practice to creating a custom chatbot based on your lecture, Knowt helps you and your students work smarter and stay privacy-compliant. To get started, visit www.knowt.com What happens when a sign language teacher drops deep wisdom, witty moments, and some poop jokes all in one conversation? You get this episode! Join us as we sit down with Melanie Cockrell — high school ASL and computer science teacher from New Haven, Michigan — to explore what it really means to teach American Sign Language in today’s tech-savvy classrooms. From the misconceptions of ASL to how tech tools like Flipgrid (RIP) and ASLdeafined help students express themselves without the stage fright, Melanie brings clarity and passion to a language often misunderstood. Bonus: you’ll find out how body language is basically punctuation in ASL and why Melanie signs at graduation... even when no one asks her to. If you’ve ever wondered how educational technology meets a visual language — or just want to hear a teacher talk about “having the runs” with a straight face — this episode is for you. About Melanie Cochrill Melanie is finishing her 20th year of teaching. She has taught at every level from kindergarten through college, and charter, parochial, and public schools. She currently teaches ASL and Computer Science classes in person at New Haven High School, in New Haven, Michigan, and online for Michigan Virtual. Melanie and her husband of over 20 years have 4 children ranging from tenth grade down to second grade, and three little kittens they adopted. Connect With Gabriel Carrillo EdTech Bites Website: https://edtechbites.com EdTech Bites On Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/edtechbites.bsky.social EdTech Bites Instagram: https://instagram.com/edtechbites EdTech Bites X: https://twitter.com/edtechbites EdTech Bites Facebook Page: https://facebook.com/edtechbites EdTech Bites On TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@edtechbites EdTech Bites YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@edtechbites

This episode is sponsored by Knowt — the AI-powered classroom tool that goes way beyond plug-and-chug. From turning your lessons into notes and practice to creating a custom chatbot based on your lecture, Knowt helps you and your students work smarter and stay privacy-compliant. To get started, visit www.knowt.com What happens when an introverted educator steps out solo into her first massive edtech conference? Magic. In this episode, I chat with Courney Deadman, a special education teacher who took on MACUL for the very first time—and didn't just survive, she thrived. From productivity tips for students with special needs to bold moves like joining The EdTech Bites Food Tour full of strangers, she shares strategies for note-taking, daily planning, and making meaningful connections (without burning out). If you're nervous about navigating a big conference, this episode has your back. About Courtney Deadman Courtney is a Special Education Teacher currently teaching K-5 Resource room. She has been teaching for 20 years and has taught all grades K-12. Courtney currently teaches in Traverse City, Michigan at Cherry Knoll Elementary. Connect With Gabriel Carrillo EdTech Bites Website: https://edtechbites.com EdTech Bites On Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/edtechbites.bsky.social EdTech Bites Instagram: https://instagram.com/edtechbites EdTech Bites X: https://twitter.com/edtechbites EdTech Bites Facebook Page: https://facebook.com/edtechbites EdTech Bites On TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@edtechbites EdTech Bites YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@edtechbites

This episode is sponsored by Knowt — the AI-powered classroom tool that goes way beyond plug-and-chug. From turning your lessons into notes and practice to creating a custom chatbot based on your lecture, Knowt helps you and your students work smarter and stay privacy-compliant. To get started, visit www.knowt.com What’s the secret ingredient to thriving as an educator? Spoiler alert: it’s not another strategy or tool—it’s relationships. In this heart-filled episode, we’re joined by a special guest who’s been to every walking food tour we've hosted (yes, every single one!) and has seen firsthand the lasting friendships and professional growth that have come from breaking bread together. We explore: 🍽️ Why in-person conference opportunities matter in education 🚶‍♀️ How Walking Food Tours created an unexpected professional support network 👩‍🏫 The power of relationships in reducing burnout and boosting morale ✨ Simple ways to create community in your school or district This episode is full of anecdotes from Heather and I and is a good reminder on what to and NOT to do in your organization. About Heather Brantley Heather Brantley is a passionate expert in leveraging technology to enhance classroom learning. With a strong background as a classroom teacher, she understands the challenges and opportunities educators face in today’s digital age. As an Events and Community Specialist, Heather organizes workshops, webinars, and community events that promote collaboration and continuous learning among educators. Heather is dedicated to fostering dynamic classroom environments where technology and creativity thrive, inspiring educators to transform their teaching practices and positively impact their students' learning experiences. Heather is the Events and Community Specialist for Curipod.com Connect With Gabriel Carrillo EdTech Bites Website: https://edtechbites.com EdTech Bites On Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/edtechbites.bsky.social EdTech Bites Instagram: https://instagram.com/edtechbites EdTech Bites X: https://twitter.com/edtechbites EdTech Bites Facebook Page: https://facebook.com/edtechbites EdTech Bites On TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@edtechbites EdTech Bites YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@edtechbites Connect With Heather Brantley Heather’s Website: http://www.heathertechedu.com Heather On X: https://x.com/HeatherTechEdu Heather On Instagram: www.instagram.com/heathertechedu Heather On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/heather.brantley.14

This episode is sponsored by Knowt — the AI-powered classroom tool that goes way beyond plug-and-chug. From turning your lessons into notes and practice to creating a custom chatbot based on your lecture, Knowt helps you and your students work smarter and stay privacy-compliant. To get started, visit www.knowt.com What does student work look like in the era of AI? In this episode, I chat with Ron Madison, Instructional Technologist & Designer at Genesee Intermediate School District. We explore the evolving landscape of student assignments as artificial intelligence tools become more accessible. Join us as we unpack what ethical AI use looks like in the classroom, how to help students evaluate AI-generated responses, and practical strategies to teach AI literacy. This conversation is packed with insight, humor, and real-world examples you can use right away. Buen provecho! About Ron Madison Ronald A. Madison is an Instructional Technologist and Designer for the Genesee Intermediate School District in Flint, Michigan. He has worked in public education for over 30 years. He enjoys connecting with new groups and people across the United States face-to-face and virtually, including working with International Keynote Speaker Kevin Honeycutt. He has sat on the Executive Board of Directors as the Treasurer for multiple terms with the Michigan Association for Computer Users in Learning (MACUL). Connect With Gabriel Carrillo EdTech Bites Website: https://edtechbites.com EdTech Bites On Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/edtechbites.bsky.social EdTech Bites Instagram: https://instagram.com/edtechbites EdTech Bites X: https://twitter.com/edtechbites EdTech Bites Facebook Page: https://facebook.com/edtechbites EdTech Bites On TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@edtechbites EdTech Bites YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@edtechbites Connect With Ron Madison Ron On X: https://x.com/madison_ron Ron On Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/ronmadison.bsky.social

This episode is sponsored by Knowt — the AI-powered classroom tool that goes way beyond plug-and-chug. From turning your lessons into notes and practice to creating a custom chatbot based on your lecture, Knowt helps you and your students work smarter and stay privacy-compliant. To get started, visit www.knowt.com In this episode, we're joined by an AI strategist from Michigan Virtual who shares what it really takes to build an AI task force, plan for student AI use, and adapt to the evolving role of artificial intelligence in education. Whether you're just starting to explore AI integration or you're already drafting district policy, this conversation will help guide your next steps. What You’ll Learn: Why forming an AI task force isn’t just for tech directors How to get buy-in across departments Tips for responsibly planning student AI use What’s changing in education—and what’s staying the same Michigan Virtual’s perspective on supporting districts at scale Karle also shares some great anecdotes from the classroom and these defining moments were birthed from the district having an AI taskforce. Buen provecho! About Karle Delo AI Strategist, PD Provider, and Speaker | Empowering Educators to Save Time & Enhance Instruction with Artificial Intelligence. She’s a part of Michigan Virtual and is a wealth of knowledge when it comes to AI literacy. Connect With Gabriel Carrillo EdTech Bites Website: https://edtechbites.com EdTech Bites On Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/edtechbites.bsky.social EdTech Bites Instagram: https://instagram.com/edtechbites EdTech Bites X: https://twitter.com/edtechbites EdTech Bites Facebook Page: https://facebook.com/edtechbites EdTech Bites On TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@edtechbites EdTech Bites YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@edtechbites Connect With Karle And Michigan Virtual Karle’s Linktree: https://linktr.ee/coachkarle Michigan Virtual Website: https://michiganvirtual.org/

This episode is sponsored by Knowt — the AI-powered classroom tool that goes way beyond plug-and-chug. From turning your lessons into notes and practice to creating a custom chatbot based on your lecture, Knowt helps you and your students work smarter and stay privacy-compliant. To get started, visit www.knowt.com What if creating study guides and student resources took minutes instead of hours? In this episode, I sit down with Abheek Pandoh, CEO and founder of Knowt, the all-in-one platform designed to simplify the lives of teachers and students. Abheek shares the inspiring story behind Knowt’s creation, how the platform has evolved, and why data privacy and customization are top priorities. Learn how Knowt can be tailored to meet your district’s unique needs—helping you spend less time on prep and more time on what matters most: connecting with your students. This conversation is packed with practical insights you won’t want to miss. Buen provecho! About Abheek Pandoh Abheek is the CEO and co-founder of Knowt. He started the company as a senior in high school, and handles the financial/business operations as well as the product design. Connect With Gabriel Carrillo EdTech Bites Website: https://edtechbites.com EdTech Bites On Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/edtechbites.bsky.social EdTech Bites Instagram: https://instagram.com/edtechbites EdTech Bites X: https://twitter.com/edtechbites EdTech Bites Facebook Page: https://facebook.com/edtechbites EdTech Bites On TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@edtechbites EdTech Bites YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@edtechbites Connect With Abheek and Knowt Knowt Website: https://www.knowt.com Abheek On X: https://x.com/AbheekPandoh Abheek On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abheek_panda/

This episode is sponsored by Brisk Teaching. To learn more and get started, visit www.briskteaching.com. What does it take to go from passionate educator to sought-after speaker? At TCEA 2025, I sat down with three incredible presenters to talk about their journey to success, the hustle behind the scenes, and how passion fuels everything we do. Along the way, our paths crossed, and now, we’re officially “The Tech Thrillas”—a powerhouse team with more to come! Tune in for an inspiring conversation about growth, grit, and making an impact in the world of edtech. Buen Provecho! Connect With Gabriel Carrillo EdTech Bites Website: https://edtechbites.com EdTech Bites On Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/edtechbites.bsky.social EdTech Bites Instagram: https://instagram.com/edtechbites EdTech Bites X: https://twitter.com/edtechbites EdTech Bites Facebook Page: https://facebook.com/edtechbites EdTech Bites On TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@edtechbites EdTech Bites YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@edtechbites About Jorge Valenzuela Jorge Valenzuela is a respected performance and education coach, author, and speaker at Lifelong Learning Defined. His mission is to empower educators to lead confidently and teach with greater effectiveness. Specializing in instructional innovation and action research, Jorge provides expert training in team building, core instruction, project-based learning (PBL), STEM pathways, entrepreneurship, and life skills integration. Partnering with Corwin, he helps schools systematically enhance instructional practices and adopt innovative teaching strategies, including PBL. He is a published researcher and author who also hosts the Lifelong Learning Defined podcast, sharing insights and strategies to inspire and support educators. Connect With Jorge Valenzuela Life Long Learning Defined Website: https://www.lifelonglearningdefined.com/ Jorge On X: https://x.com/JorgeDoesPBL?lang=en Jorge On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jorgedoespbl/ Jorge On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LifelongLearningDefined/ Life Long Learning Defined On Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lifelong-learning-defined-podcast-for-self-improvement/id1647222488 About Jean Darnell Jean is the Library Director for the School District of Philadelphia, an AI expert, phenomenal storyteller, the best awakened librarian the world has to offer and the curator of the instructional website: https://awakenlibrarian.com. She's a born and raised Texan educator with almost 25 years experience. Giving voice to the voiceless, Jean is a natural born advocate. Her heroes are Barbara Jordan, Nina Simone, Eartha Kitt, authors Tomi Adeyemi and Angie Thomas. One of her first love is music, as she's a classically trained cellist. Connect With Jean Darnell Jean’s Website: https://awakenlibrarian.com Jean On X: https://x.com/awakenlibrarian Jean On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/awaken.librarian/ Jean On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/eboni.darnell/ Jean On Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/awakenlibrarian.bsky.social About Andre Daughty Andre Daughty is a highly acclaimed keynote speaker known for his expertise in transforming education and inspiring positive change. With over two decades of experience, he has made a significant impact on tens of thousands of educators and students and well over 400 schools as an educator, facilitator, speaker, and workshop presenter. He is recognized for his ability to captivate audiences with his dynamic speaking style and thought-provoking insights. Connect With Andre Daughty Andre’s Website: https://www.andredaughty.org/ Andre On X: https://twitter.com/andredaughty Andre On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andredaughty/ Andre On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andre-daughty-8878b297 Andre On YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AndreDaughty/featured Andre On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/andre.daughty

This episode is sponsored by Brisk Teaching. To learn more and get started, visit www.briskteaching.com. Is creativity vanishing from our classrooms? With the pressure to cover content, many teachers feel like there's no time for creative exploration. But what if creativity and content didn’t have to compete? In this episode, I sit down with Monica Roach, an expert in innovative teaching, to debunk the myth that creativity is fading. She shares practical, easy-to-implement strategies that infuse creativity into daily lessons—without sacrificing content. Tune in and bring creativity back where it belongs! Buen provecho! Connect With Gabriel Carrillo EdTech Bites Website: https://edtechbites.com EdTech Bites On Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/edtechbites.bsky.social EdTech Bites Instagram: https://instagram.com/edtechbites EdTech Bites X: https://twitter.com/edtechbites EdTech Bites Facebook Page: https://facebook.com/edtechbites EdTech Bites On TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@edtechbites EdTech Bites YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@edtechbites About Monica Roach Monica Roach is an Instructional Technology Specialist in Virginia, recognized for her innovative approach to integrating technology in education. She is dedicated to empowering teachers and students with meaningful, intentional tech use. Monica loves leading professional development workshops at local, state, and national levels, fostering digital citizenship and culturally responsive teaching. Passionate about collaboration, she co-teaches lessons, models best practices, and designs engaging learning experiences that enhance student success. In her free time she loves to read, travel, and crochet! Connect With Monica Roach Monica On X: https://x.com/MonicaRoach15 Monica On Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/monicaroach15.bsky.social

  This episode is sponsored by Brisk Teaching. To learn more and get started, visit www.briskteaching.com.     After a whirlwind of edtech, learning strategies, and the hustle of the expo hall at TCEA 2025, we decided to mix things up with a fun, lighthearted challenge—EdTech & Food Trivia! 🎉 Join us as we test our knowledge on everything from groundbreaking tech trends to delicious culinary facts. Can you guess which AI-powered tool pairs best with your favorite snack? Or which historical invention shaped both classrooms and kitchens? Play along and see how well you do!   🔹 What You’ll Learn:   ✔️ Surprising connections between food and edtech   ✔️ Fun facts you can share at your next staff meeting   ✔️ A behind-the-scenes look at TCEA 2025   Get ready to laugh, learn, and maybe even get a little hungry. Hit play and let’s dive in! Buen provecho!   Connect With Gabriel Carrillo EdTech Bites Website: https://edtechbites.com EdTech Bites On Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/edtechbites.bsky.social EdTech Bites Instagram: https://instagram.com/edtechbites EdTech Bites X: https://twitter.com/edtechbites EdTech Bites Facebook Page: https://facebook.com/edtechbites EdTech Bites On TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@edtechbites EdTech Bites YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@edtechbites     About Frankie Baker   Frankie considers herself “the unofficial hype girl of all the things” and “irreparable yes girl”, but officially, she’s a digital learning coach for Frisco ISD and community coordinator for Robolink. Regardless of her role, her main goal is to empower teachers to be confident technology users and to promote student choice, voice, and agency. She loves to learn, so being a part of various communities allows her to learn from her peers and from the tools/programs themselves. Through these programs and events, Frankie is able to grow her network and her learning. Her love for edtech, especially AI in Education, knows no bounds, and is thrilled at the opportunity to share it.   Connect With Frankie Baker Frankie On X: https://x.com/baconedtech Frankie On Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/baconedtech.bsky.social Frankie On Wakelet: https://wakelet.com/@baconedtech

This episode is sponsored by Brisk Teaching. To learn more and get started, visit www.briskteaching.com.   Live from TCEA 2025, we’re bringing you an electrifying discussion on "The Price We Pay for AI" with special guests Brianna Hodges and Carl Hooker. This is TCEA’s first EVER live podcast as a concurrent session so we had a live audience in front of us. We tackle AI literacy, the dangers of over-reliance, and whether AI is making us less creative. And because we like to keep things spicy—literally—we threw in a hot sauce challenge and some food trivia! Tune in for a mix of deep insights, audience engagement, and a little bit of heat. Because of the live audience, the energy in the room was unmatched and Brianna and Carl made this episode much more special and spicy. You’ll hear the energy while listening to this episode. Buen provecho! Connect With Gabriel Carrillo EdTech Bites Website: https://edtechbites.com EdTech Bites On Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/edtechbites.bsky.social EdTech Bites Instagram: https://instagram.com/edtechbites EdTech Bites X: https://twitter.com/edtechbites EdTech Bites Facebook Page: https://facebook.com/edtechbites EdTech Bites On TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@edtechbites EdTech Bites YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@edtechbites About Brianna Hodges Learner. Listener. Leader. Storyteller. Texas EdTech of the Year (2017). K12 Administrator to Watch (2018). National Advisor and Spokesperson for Future Ready Instructional Coaches. An experienced school and district leader with a superpower for storytelling (Bri spent 10+ years as a PR exec) and developing capacity, Brianna works with school districts across the country to transform learning for all ages and stages. Let's rewrite the story of what school has been and provide purpose to practice, and institute innovative change together. Connect With Brianna Hodges Brianna’s Website: https://www.briannahodges.com Brianna On Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/bhodgesedu.bsky.social Brianna On X: https://www.x.com/bhodgesEDU Brianna On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bhodgesedu/ About Carl Hooker Carl Hooker is a 25-year educator from Austin, TX. He's an 8-time author, 5-time podcast host, 2-time bar owner, 3-time father, and 1-time husband. His latest book, Learning Evolution tackles the challenges of AI-enhanced learning and empowers teachers to leverage this new technology in creative ways for learning. He identifies as a pizza-lover, with a regular household debate between Detroit-style and New York-style. Connect With Carl Hooker Carl’s Website: https://CarlHooker.com Carl’s Blog: https://hookedoninnovation.com/ Carl On Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/hookertech.bsky.social Carl On X: https://twitter.com/mrhooker Carl On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hookertech/