My EdTech Life Fonz Mendoza

Classroom Collaboration with Markify



Welcome to another exciting episode of My EdTech Life! In this episode, I had the pleasure of interviewing Anthony Beckett, the brilliant young creator of the Markify App. At just 18 years old, Anthony has developed a powerful tool designed to enhance classroom engagement and accessibility. Join us as we dive deep into Anthony's journey, his inspirations, and how Markify is revolutionizing the way teachers and students interact in the classroom.

Timestamps:

0:30 - Introduction and greetings
2:26 - Welcome Anthony Becket
3:24 - Anthony's background and journey
5:56 - The inception of Markify
7:10 - Immersing in the education community
13:12 - The challenges and growth of Markify
17:09 - South by Southwest experience
22:02 - Student-centered learning and feedback
26:31 - The vision and capabilities of Markify
34:54 - Collaboration and accessibility features
37:45 - Demo of Markify features
42:19 - Markify’s application in real classrooms
43:54 - Anthony's future plans and feedback importance
46:36 - Edu kryptonite: Weaknesses in the current state of education
48:42 - Billboard message: Promoting student-centered learning
51:28 - Hobbies and passion for STEM

Enjoy this insightful conversation, and don't forget to like, share, and subscribe for more inspiring EdTech content!

Links:

Visit Markify: https://markifyapp.com/
Follow Anthony on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beckett-anthony/
Listen to more episodes: https://www.myedtech.life/


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Book Creator" Igniting Summer Reading with Stevie Frank

Join me in this engaging episode of My EdTech Life as he catches up with two-time guest Stevie Frank! Stevie, a digital innovator and tech coach from Indiana, shares her exciting project with Book Creator aimed at igniting summer reading. She also dives into the importance of creativity in the era of AI and discusses her adventurous approach to life.

🔥 Stevie's Book Creator Project for Summer Reading [16:24]

Discover how Stevie collaborates with Book Creator to create a summer reading project focusing on equity and accessibility. The project will be available nationwide and housed within Book Creator's Discover tab.

🎨 Creativity in the Age of AI [28:08]

Stevie and Fonz discuss the significance of creativity in the era of AI. They explore how Book Creator allows students to express their creativity and showcase their unique ideas, even if they don't consider themselves traditionally creative.

🌎 Stevie's Adventurous Spirit [47:16]

Get inspired by Stevie's adventurous outlook on life as she shares her favorite quote: "Ships are safe in the harbor, but that's not what ships were made for." She encourages stepping out of comfort zones and embracing new experiences.

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction

03:21 - Stevie's background and transition into EdTech

16:24 - Stevie's Book Creator project for summer reading

28:08 - The importance of creativity in the age of AI

38:38 - Stevie's upcoming summer conference appearances

45:43 - Stevie's "EDUKryptonite" (science)

46:52 - Stevie's adventurous spirit and billboard quote

48:00 - Stevie's passion for yoga and considering it as a full-time profession

Connect with Stevie on Twitter @StevieFrank23 and stay tuned for the release of her inspiring Book Creator summer reading project!

Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe to catch more incredible conversations with educators, creators, and practitioners. Visit our website at www.myedtech.life to access all 277 episodes!


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Beyond the Bulletin Board with Jed Stefanowicz


Join me for an exciting conversation with Jed Stefanowicz, a lifelong educator, and author of the newly released book Beyond the Bulletin Board: Crafting a Culture of Content Creation. In this episode, Jed shares practical strategies and insights to help educators shift students from content consumers to content creators.

Jed discusses the importance of fostering a culture of innovation and risk-taking in the learning environment. He provides a framework that breaks down technology integration into four key domains: instruction, operation, creativity, and wellness. Jed emphasizes the power of capturing student thinking and giving them authentic ways to demonstrate their learning.

Whether you're a classroom teacher looking for new strategies or an administrator aiming to support digital literacy, this episode offers valuable takeaways. Discover how to align technology with curriculum, provide multiple pathways for students to express themselves, and make learning visible to parents and the community.

Tune in for an engaging discussion filled with practical advice, inspiring stories, and a meaningful reminder of why we do what we do as educators. Let's go "Beyond the Bulletin Board" together!

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction

02:31 - Jed's background in education

05:36 - The story behind "Beyond the Bulletin Board"

11:45 - Overcoming obstacles to shift educator mindsets

19:08 - Empowering student voice and choice

22:24 - Cultivating a culture of innovation and risk-taking

30:40 - Capturing student thinking and making learning visible

37:38 - Importance of community partnerships

46:12 - Key takeaways from the book

51:54 - Where to find "Beyond the Bulletin Board"

55:56 - Jed's current EduKryptonite

56:51 - Billboard message

58:19 - Hobbies and creative outlets

1:00:43 - Closing thoughts

Jed's Book on Amazon:
Beyond the Bulletin Board: Crafting a Culture of Content Creation


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Balancing AI Innovation and Student Privacy with Michelle L.

In this episode of My EdTech Life, I welcome Michelle L. from the UK to discuss the complex landscape of AI in education. As an educator and consultant advising schools on EdTech acquisitions, Michelle brings a wealth of experience and insights to the conversation. Together, we talk about the hype surrounding AI, the potential risks and benefits for students and teachers, and the critical importance of data privacy and security in the EdTech space.

Michelle shares her perspective on the rapid adoption of AI tools, the challenges of meaningful consent, and the need for greater transparency from EdTech companies. She and Fonz also explore the potential impact of AI on the teaching profession, the systemic issues driving teacher burnout, and the importance of proceeding with caution as we navigate this new frontier in education.

Time Stamps:

00:00 - Introduction

01:57 - Michelle's background in education and EdTech consulting

04:21 - Initial reactions to ChatGPT and the AI hype

08:29 - Current experiences with AI in UK schools

11:26 - The importance of defining AI and referencing research

15:01 - Concerns about AI outsourcing and replacing teachers

19:27 - The lack of research on AI's impact on student learning

22:39 - The Trojan horse of AI in education

25:39 - Engaging students vs. ensuring their learning with AI tools

28:58 - The opaque nature of EdTech companies and data sharing

34:20 - The difficulty of regulating AI in schools

38:35 - The potential for student-driven lawsuits against EdTech

42:20 - EdTech companies preying on teacher burnout

46:36 - The need for government oversight of EdTech privacy and security

51:07 - Concerns about using student photos and data in AI systems

56:36 - Wrapping up the conversation

59:01 - Michelle's edu-kryptonite: school uniforms

1:00:16 - Billboard message: "Move slowly and fix things."

1:01:52 - Hobby turned profession: Tarot reading for business


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Exploring the Complex Landscape of AI in Education with Sofia De Jesus

In this episode of the My EdTech Life Podcast, I sit down with Sofia De Jesus, an associate program manager at CMUCS Academy, CSTA Equity Fellow, and author, to discuss the intricacies of AI in education. We dive deep into the critical issues surrounding data privacy, bias, equity, and the responsible implementation of AI tools in the classroom.

Sofia shares her wealth of experience and research in the field, offering valuable insights into the potential risks and challenges educators and students face as AI becomes increasingly prevalent in educational settings. We explore recent developments, such as the LAUSD chatbot release, and examine the need for transparency, proper teacher training, and careful consideration of students' unique developmental needs.

Throughout our conversation, Sofia emphasizes the importance of reading terms of service carefully, ensuring platform transparency, and thoroughly researching and testing AI tools before adopting them in schools. We also touch on the problem of grifting in the AI education space and the dangers of selling potentially flawed AI tutors as a solution for underrepresented students.

Don't miss this essential discussion on the complex landscape of AI in education and the critical work being done to ensure its responsible implementation.

Join us for an informative and engaging episode with Sofia De Jesus on the My EdTech Life Podcast!

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction

01:48 Sofia's background and expertise

05:05 LA USD chatbot release and associated risks

12:44 Transparency in AI training data and potential harm to students

24:00 Grifting in the AI education space and the rush to adopt tools

39:42 Resources for learning about AI ethics

51:50 Equity in AI education and the issue of accessibility vs. availability

59:43 Closing questions with Sofia

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In this episode of My EdTech Life, I welcome back Shira Moskovitz to talk about her dual role as a special education teacher and technology coach. Shira shares her hands-on experience empowering students and teachers through innovative tech tools and project-based learning.

We discuss the importance of providing accessible learning opportunities for all students, including emerging bilinguals and those with diverse needs. Shira and I talk about strategies for supporting teachers in adopting new technologies and overcoming resistance to change. She emphasizes the value of allowing students to showcase their learning through various modalities and creative projects.

Throughout our discussion, we cover topics such as professional development, math manipulatives, and Universal Design for Learning (UDL). We highlight the need for ongoing training and support to ensure teachers feel confident in integrating technology effectively.

Join us for this informative discussion that will inspire you to embrace innovative teaching practices and create inclusive learning environments. Tune in now to gain valuable insights and practical tips from an experienced educator passionate about transforming education through technology.

Key Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction and welcoming Shira Moskovitz

04:27 - Shira's background and transition into education

07:14 - Balancing roles as a special education teacher and technology coach

11:42 - Observations on teachers' professional development needs

17:11 - Empowering students through project-based learning and creative expression

23:08 - Addressing accessibility and supporting diverse learners

29:35 - The importance of providing access to learning tools for all students

35:02 - Overcoming resistance to using math manipulatives and innovative strategies

41:19 - Shira's EdTech kryptonite, billboard message, and dream hobby


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