Integrate This! Ed Tech Podcast

David Berner and Jeremy Mikla

Integrate This! is the podcast where education and innovation meet real conversation. Join Jeremy Mikla and David Berner as they dive into thought-provoking discussions and interviews with inspiring voices across the EdTech and education world. From classroom insights to big-picture ideas, each episode brings fresh perspectives and honest dialogue about the future of learning.

  1. Dr. Catlin Tucker | Rethinking Modern Teaching through Blended Learning, UDL, & Student Autonomy

    3d ago

    Dr. Catlin Tucker | Rethinking Modern Teaching through Blended Learning, UDL, & Student Autonomy

    In this episode of the Integrate This EdTech Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Catlin Tucker -- teacher turned author, speaker, and professor at Pepperdine University. Catlin shares her rocky start in education, how nearly quitting the profession led to her biggest breakthrough, and why blended learning has been misunderstood long before COVID made it a dirty word. The conversation covers station rotation, UDL, giving students agency through "would you rather" choices, how AI fits into a strong pedagogical framework, screen time audits, the importance of reflection pauses in the classroom, and what both teachers and leaders can do right now to make learning more intentional. One of the most practical and honest conversations we've had on the show. Check out all of Catlin's Work Here: Dr. Catlin Tucker - Transform Your Classroom with Blended Learning Follow Catlin on LinkedIn: Dr. Catlin Tucker | LinkedIn

    59 min
  2. Controlling the AI Chaos: Executive Function, Coaching, & Classroom Support | with Stephanie Howell

    Jun 4

    Controlling the AI Chaos: Executive Function, Coaching, & Classroom Support | with Stephanie Howell

    In this episode of Integrate This!, Jeremy and David are joined by Stephanie Howell for a conversation about AI, instructional coaching, executive functioning, UDL, and classroom support. Stephanie shares her path from struggling student to educator, instructional coach, technology leader, author, and AI advocate. She reflects on how her own school experiences shaped the way she supports teachers and students today, especially when it comes to designing more active, accessible, and engaging learning experiences. The conversation explores how coaches can build trust with teachers who may be hesitant to try new tools, why relationships matter before innovation can take hold, and how AI can support—not replace—the human work of teaching and coaching. Stephanie also discusses her book Controlling the Chaos and explains how executive functioning connects to classroom design, student behavior, UDL, and AI-supported learning. From reframing student needs to helping teachers personalize strategies, this episode offers practical ideas for educators looking to navigate the changing world of AI with purpose. A great listen for teachers, instructional coaches, technology integrationists, and school leaders who want to support students and teachers without getting lost in the AI chaos. Links & Resources: Control the Chaos: https://www.amazon.com/Control-Chaos-classroom-executive-functioning/dp/B0B92V9L2Y SchoolAI Spaces by Stephanie Howell: https://app.schoolai.com/profile/TYYVZtPo13VtRZ8LKJdN44eNsew1 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrshowell24/

    56 min
  3. Agency, Hope, and AI: Keeping Human Connection at the Center with AI4MN

    May 29

    Agency, Hope, and AI: Keeping Human Connection at the Center with AI4MN

    In this episode of Integrate This!, Jeremy and David welcome Donna Roper and Jen Hegna from AI4MN for a thoughtful conversation about artificial intelligence, education, and what it means to keep human connection at the center of rapid change. Donna and Jen share the story behind the Minnesota Generative AI Alliance, now known as AI4MN, and how the group’s work has evolved from early conversations about generative AI into a broader statewide effort focused on responsible AI leadership, professional empowerment, human-centered design, and statewide coherence. The conversation explores how Minnesota educators and leaders can prepare learners for a world shaped by AI while still prioritizing relationships, judgment, empathy, collaboration, and human agency. Donna and Jen also discuss why rural and under-resourced districts need to be part of the design process, why professional learning should empower educators rather than simply train them on tools, and why some things — especially relationships and human judgment — should never be outsourced to AI. The episode also previews the upcoming AI Thought Leaders Summit in St. Cloud, an event designed to bring together K–12, higher education, workforce, and policy leaders to build shared language, strengthen collaboration, and help participants leave with agency, hope, and practical next steps. Learn more at AI4MN.org.

    1h 6m
  4. A Lifelong Love of Learning | Dr. Nneka McGee on AI, Ethics & Teaching with Heart

    May 28

    A Lifelong Love of Learning | Dr. Nneka McGee on AI, Ethics & Teaching with Heart

    In this episode of the Integrate This EdTech Podcast sits down with Dr. Nneka McGee -- math teacher turned chief academic officer, doctoral researcher, and one of the few educators who was building AI initiatives in schools before ChatGPT ever arrived on the scene. Nneka shares her journey from lugging around a 27-pound IBM computer as a kid to becoming one of the most thoughtful voices in the AI education space. The conversation covers why AI in education is decades older than most people realize, the ethics and terms of service concerns that slowed her down when others were rushing in, her AI Creative Framework, what schools are missing when it comes to young learners and AI, and why quantum computing might be the next big thing nobody in education is talking about yet. A rich, grounded, and genuinely fun conversation. Learn more from Dr. Nneka McGee Muon Global: https://muonglobal.com/founders-space The Detour Degree: https://muonglobal.com/the-detour-degree Resources at Muon Global: https://muonglobal.com/resources

    1h 7m
  5. Approaching Life and Education with Purpose | Dr. Jorge Valenzuela

    May 21

    Approaching Life and Education with Purpose | Dr. Jorge Valenzuela

    In this episode of the Integrate This EdTech Podcast, hosts David Berner and Jeremy Mikla sit down with Dr. Jorge Valenzuela -- educator, author, PBL Works national faculty member, and founder of his own instructional coaching practice. Jorge shares his journey from the foster care system to computer science, into the classroom, through district leadership, and eventually onto national stages as a keynote speaker and consultant. The conversation covers his "PBL Plus" framework for project-based learning, how AI integration fits into -- not on top of -- strong teaching practice, what authentic professional development actually looks like, and why relationships are the foundation of everything he does. A rich, honest conversation about purpose, alignment, and what it means to keep teaching at the center of educational innovation. Follow Jorge: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jorgedoespbl/ Check out Jorge's Website: https://www.lifelonglearningdefined.com/

    1h 8m
  6. The Force of Storytelling: How Indiana Jones & Star Wars Shaped Thomas Riddle's Mission

    May 14

    The Force of Storytelling: How Indiana Jones & Star Wars Shaped Thomas Riddle's Mission

    In this episode of the Integrate This EdTech Podcast, hosts David Berner and Jeremy Mikla sit down with Thomas Riddle — award-winning educator, author of Imagineering Education, assistant director at Roper Mountain Science Center, and a man who once got a letter read by George Lucas. Thomas shares his 35-year journey through classroom teaching, school leadership, district curriculum coordination, and college instruction, and makes a compelling case that the principles Disney Imagineers use to design theme parks can — and should — be applied to schools. The conversation covers the power of storytelling in the classroom, designing learning spaces around curriculum (not the other way around), immersive student experiences, and what it looks like to run what some call "the educational Disneyland." Plus, the Indiana Jones connection you didn't see coming. Watch the YouTube Interview Here: https://youtu.be/2VH5jJcc2vk Check out the Timeless Heroes Documentary featuring Thomas on Disney+ Follow Thomas on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomasriddle21/ Check out the Website: https://www.imagineeringedu.com/ Order the book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FP43S9WZ?ref=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cp_ud_dp_YBY07DSYF8KZAMHDFRT9&ref_=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cp_ud_dp_YBY07DSYF8KZAMHDFRT9&social_share=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cp_ud_dp_YBY07DSYF8KZAMHDFRT9&bestFormat=true

    1h 14m
  7. Any Class, Any Teacher: Matt Miller on AI Literacy

    May 7

    Any Class, Any Teacher: Matt Miller on AI Literacy

    In this episode of Integrate This, Jeremy and David welcome back Matt Miller, creator of Ditch That Textbook and author of the new book AI Literacy in Any Class. Matt shares what he’s seeing from inside the classroom as he teaches high school Spanish while continuing his work as an author, speaker, blogger, and edtech leader. The conversation explores how teachers can build AI literacy without adding “one more thing” to an already full plate. Matt discusses the value of “by-the-way” AI literacy moments, why students need to practice critiquing AI outputs, and how teacher-led AI activities can help students understand AI’s role, usefulness, and limits. The group also digs into responsible use, the tension between preparing students for an AI-shaped future and maintaining academic integrity, and why human thinking should come before AI assistance. They also discuss practical classroom ideas from Matt’s book, including the “Be the Bot” activity, the “Always Be Critiquing” mindset, and the Prompt & Ponder sections that help teachers personalize AI literacy for their own classrooms. Resources mentioned in this episode: Matt’s book, AI Literacy in Any Class: https://ditchthattextbook.com/alac/ Ditch That Textbook newsletter: https://ditchthattextbook.com/join/ Ditch That Textbook: https://ditchthattextbook.com/ Matt Miller on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ditchthattextbook/

    1h 9m
  8. SchoolAI in Action: Safe, Student-Centered AI with Hattie Strong

    Apr 30

    SchoolAI in Action: Safe, Student-Centered AI with Hattie Strong

    In this episode of Integrate This EdTech Podcast, Jeremy and David talk with Hattie Strong from SchoolAI about what it really looks like to bring AI into schools in ways that are safe, practical, and genuinely helpful for teachers and students. Hattie shares her journey from the elementary classroom to supporting schools through SchoolAI, and the conversation digs into what makes an AI platform truly pedagogy first. You’ll hear about safe student-facing AI, built-in guardrails, teacher oversight, differentiated learning spaces, AI literacy, and why the human element in teaching still matters most. The episode also explores how schools can help teachers move from AI skepticism to confident classroom use, how SchoolAI supports implementation and professional learning, and why the best AI tools should act more like a thought partner or teammate than just another tool on the menu. If you’ve been wondering how to approach AI in education without losing sight of good teaching, this conversation is a great place to start. Links: SchoolAI website: https://schoolai.com/ School AI Champions Community: https://schoolai.com/champions Hattie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hattie-strong/

    47 min
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Ratings & Reviews

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About

Integrate This! is the podcast where education and innovation meet real conversation. Join Jeremy Mikla and David Berner as they dive into thought-provoking discussions and interviews with inspiring voices across the EdTech and education world. From classroom insights to big-picture ideas, each episode brings fresh perspectives and honest dialogue about the future of learning.

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