GaETC: The Podcast

Lee Green

This is the exclusive podcast of Georgia’s premiere educational tech conference! For more than two decades, the Conference has played a key role in helping educators at all levels increase their understanding of the role of technology in education and providing the opportunity to learn about the latest in educational technology. This podcast seeks to continue that mission. Hosts Lee Green and Clint Winter will take you on a tour behind the scenes of the conference AND allow you to get better insights on some of your favorite presenters!  You can learn more about GaETC by going to www.gaetc.org or find us on your social media platform of choice! 

  1. 12h ago

    De-Stressing Tech, Intentional Screen Time, and Better Communication with Jessica Tatman

    Between digital overload, constant notifications, and post-contract-hour parent emails, tech fatigue is real. How can educators make instructional technology feel manageable instead of overwhelming? In this episode of GaETC: The Podcast, host Dr. Lee Green and attendee engagement committee member Riki Rider sit down with Jessica Tatman, two-time Rockdale County Public Schools Technology Teacher of the Year and Digital Learning Specialist. Jessica breaks down her transition from middle school social studies to coaching teachers across multiple high schools and non-traditional programs. She shares practical strategies for using AI as a neutral sounding board to draft clear, empathetic parent communication, explains why intentional screen time often means pairing digital tools with good old-fashioned pen and paper, and previews her sessions on AI messaging and student podcasting. Plus, Jessica takes on "How Well Does Gemini Know Jessica?" for our highest AI trivia score yet, covering everything from Disney park rope drops to transition tips from elementary to high school coaching. In this episode, we discuss: Transitioning coaching strategies across elementary and secondary buildingsUsing AI to de-stress sensitive parent emails and newslettersThe power of the pen: balancing high-tech creation with intentional offline timeBringing student podcasting into the classroom with Adobe Podcast and 11LabsDetails on Jessica's upcoming sessions at GaETC 2026Connect with Jessica: Search "Jessica Tatman" on LinkedIn, Instagram, and FacebookCatch Jessica live at GaETC on November 4 (Marriott Salon C, 12:15 PM) and November 5 (Spanish 3 & 4, 9:45 AM)!

    De-Stressing Tech, Intentional Screen Time, and Better Communication with Jessica Tatman
  2. 1d ago

    GaETC: The Podcast | Episode: Purposeful EdTech, AI Literacy, and Authentic Voice with Pam Amendola

    Can robots help high schoolers unpack Shakespeare? How do you protect critical thinking in the age of generative AI? In this episode of GaETC: The Podcast, host Dr. Lee Green sits down with Pam Amendola, high school English educator, yearbook adviser, Apple Distinguished Educator, and Certified Journalism Educator from Dawson County High School. Pam takes us through her path into edtech, from early experiences with classic microcomputers to pioneering the "McBot" project where students programmed Finch robots to act out scenes from Macbeth. She shares how she balances high-tech tools with high-cognitive handwriting in the classroom, uses generative tools like Claude to differentiate learning materials for multilingual students in minutes, and leverages Adobe Express to turn literary analysis into creative digital storytelling. Plus, we put Gemini to the test in a round of "How Well Does Gemini Know Pam?" covering everything from her UGA Triple Dog credentials to Dawsonville lore and local barbecue. Topics covered in this episode: The origin of the "McBot" project and connecting coding syntax to ELAAI literacy vs. cognitive offloading: why authentic writing still demands pencil and paperPractical, high-efficiency teacher workflows using Claude and Adobe ExpressRunning a real-world, deadline-driven student journalism and yearbook programPreviewing Pam's upcoming session at GaETC 2026Catch Pam live at GaETC on November 5 at the Georgia International Convention Center! Connect with Pam: Instagram: @pamamendolaLinkedIn: Pamela Amendola

    GaETC: The Podcast | Episode: Purposeful EdTech, AI Literacy, and Authentic Voice with Pam Amendola
  3. 2d ago

    Tyler Tarver is Back!

    Teachers are drowning in busywork, and Dr. Tyler Tarver has a smarter way out. He breaks down how educators can reclaim hours each week with practical technology, better workflows, and AI tools that actually help instead of adding another layer of chaos. Lee Green and Dr. Tyler Tarver keep this one moving with real talk about what it takes to help teachers at scale. Tyler shares how he went from classroom teacher to administrator, conference speaker, and creator by building resources out of necessity—first with YouTube, then Google tools, and now AI-powered systems that save time without replacing the human side of teaching. You’ll discover: Why Tyler thinks Google Slides is one of the best tools for building educational resourcesHow Brisk can give teachers a simple entry point into useful AIWhat educators should ignore when they feel overwhelmed by shiny new appsWhy efficiency matters if you want more time for students, family, and meaningful workHow Tyler turns free templates, social content, and conference sessions into real impactThe conversation also explores the culture of education conferences, the power of themed events, and why the best professional development makes people feel seen, energized, and ready to try something new. Tyler and Lee swap stories about first sessions, conference nerves, sports cards, pop culture, and the practical ideas that stick long after the room empties. If you’re a teacher, school leader, instructional coach, or anyone trying to do more meaningful work with less wasted time, this episode offers immediately usable ideas and a fresh shot of motivation. Find Tyler’s free educational resources at TarverAcademy.com. Connect with Dr. Tyler Tarver: Search for Tyler Tarver or Dr. Tyler Tarver on your preferred social platform.

    Tyler Tarver is Back!
  4. Jul 16

    Season Kickoff: GAMEIS Recap, AI in Higher Ed, & GaETC 2026 Announcements

    Lee Green and Clint Winter are back to officially kick off the new season of GaETC: The Podcast! In this casual season opener, Lee and Clint catch up on summer travels, including Clint’s solo trip down to Savannah for GAMEIS and Lee’s upcoming trip to Chicago for Google’s AI and Higher Education Symposium. They also dive into major announcements for GaETC 2026, including keynote speaker Malcolm Mitchell, featured speakers Tony Vincent and Dr. Tyler Tarver, the return of Creator's Row, and the launch of Goosechase for conference-wide gamification. Key Highlights & Timestamps**** Behind the Scenes: Wood paneling debates and setting the vibe.Summer Concert Recaps & Upcomings: Stained, Train, Barenaked Ladies, Beck, and Peter Buck in Athens.GAMEIS Recap: Clint breaks down key takeaways on technology leadership, cybersecurity, and earned certifications (CoSN's CETL).AI in Higher Ed & Classroom Workflows: Lee previews his Google Chicago trip and shares how he uses custom notebooks as teaching assistants.Ethical & Infrastructure Realities of AI: Discussing environmental impacts, local small language models, and AI phone scams.GaETC 2026 Speaker Announcements:Keynote: Malcolm Mitchell (Valdosta native, Super Bowl Champion, literacy advocate, and founder of Share the Magic Foundation).Featured Speaker: Tony Vincent (learninginhand.com).Featured Speaker: Dr. Tyler Tarver (TarverAcademy.com).Creator's Row Lineup: Early confirmations including Greg Walkup (Forsyth), Amanda Triplett (Dalton City Schools), and TR Deanon (Modern Classroom Project).Gamifying the Conference Floor: Bringing back Goosechase for active missions and leaderboards.Episode Links & ResourcesGaETC Conference Registration: conference.gatc.orgTony Vincent's Resources: learninginhand.comDr. Tyler Tarver's Resources: TarverAcademy.comMalcolm Mitchell's Literacy Work: Share the Magic Foundation

    Season Kickoff: GAMEIS Recap, AI in Higher Ed, & GaETC 2026 Announcements
  5. Feb 4

    A Bulldog Story - Otwell Middle

    Discover how a middle school teacher turned an under-resourced media classroom into Georgia’s most innovative student media program. Greg Walkup’s journey from small beginnings to leading a state-of-the-art studio exemplifies visionary education, resourcefulness, and community impact. In this episode, you'll learn how strategic investments, strong leadership, and a passion for student success transformed Otwell Middle School into a hub for podcasting, film, and broadcasting—challenging the notion that you need expensive equipment to do great work. Greg shares the story behind Georgia’s only middle school whisper room, their student-led news network, and how they’re preparing kids for careers in media at any skill level. We break down practical insights like building a sustainable media program, fostering authentic industry connections, and designing curriculum that ignites creativity. Greg and his team reveal how their collaborations with high school film programs, local GPB, and WSB radio bring real-world opportunities into the classroom—giving students experiences that inspire lifelong skills and passions. This episode matters because it shows how intentional leadership, community partnerships, and a growth mindset can unlock students’ potential—even with limited resources. If you’re an educator, administrator, or innovative parent eager to inspire tomorrow’s creators, this conversation is packed with actionable ideas and bold vision to elevate your program. Perfect for educators looking to start or scale a student media program, or anyone dreaming of transforming their school into a media hub—listen now to hear how to turn visions into reality and build a legacy that impacts generations. Greg Walkup is the Media Technology Specialist at Otwell Middle School, known for his innovative approach and relentless dedication to student achievement through media education.

    A Bulldog Story - Otwell Middle
  6. 11/25/2025

    Live from GaETC: AI in the Classroom: Magic School's Impact on Teacher Time and Student Learning at Hutto Elementary

    Join Clint Winter on GaETC: The Podcast as they dive into the transformative power of Artificial Intelligence in K-12 education! They welcome Amy Cumming from Magic School AI, along with two innovative educators from Hutto Elementary School in Decatur County, Georgia: Tia Lewis (4th Grade Teacher) and Victoria Kay (STEM Lab Instructor).The group unpacks how Magic School, an AI platform built by educators, is revolutionizing the classroom. Hear firsthand accounts of how tools like the Writing Feedback assistant provide instant, personalized support to students, dramatically improving engagement and shortening the teacher's grading time. Victoria shares how the AI's Raina Chatbot acts as a safe, subject-matter tutor, even helping third-graders with complex tasks like 3D design in Tinkercad and research on biomes. The discussion also covers critical topics like:The essential guardrails and monitoring features that keep AI use safe and responsible for K-12 students.How Magic School's tools—such as the Text ReWriter for professional communication and data analytics for instruction—are actively reducing teacher burnout and creating more time for meaningful student engagement.The value of differentiating and modifying lessons not just for struggling learners, but also for accelerating advanced students, all with seamless translation and support.Tune in to discover how this innovative technology is helping teachers in Decatur County meet every student where they are, making learning more personal, engaging, and effective.

    Live from GaETC: AI in the Classroom: Magic School's Impact on Teacher Time and Student Learning at Hutto Elementary

About

This is the exclusive podcast of Georgia’s premiere educational tech conference! For more than two decades, the Conference has played a key role in helping educators at all levels increase their understanding of the role of technology in education and providing the opportunity to learn about the latest in educational technology. This podcast seeks to continue that mission. Hosts Lee Green and Clint Winter will take you on a tour behind the scenes of the conference AND allow you to get better insights on some of your favorite presenters!  You can learn more about GaETC by going to www.gaetc.org or find us on your social media platform of choice!