Tech Unwreck

Episode 15 | Unpacking the Impact of Tariffs on K12 Tech and District Budgets with Bo Patterson

In this episode, host Nicky Acevedo sits down with Bo Patterson to unpack the impact of tariffs on the K-12 tech industry and school budgets. They explore how Vivacity Tech is helping districts adapt, from utilizing refurbished devices and buybacks to smart procurement and brand-new service plans like FleetAssure. Bo shares real-world insights into the creative solutions schools are using to stretch their budgets and keep tech accessible for students despite economic uncertainty. He explains how Vivacity’s innovative offerings are meeting schools where they are and providing flexibility in tough times. Timestamps: 00:00 Tariffs and Tech: School Impact 04:43 Maximize Value of Unused Devices 06:57 FleetAssure: Extend and Optimize Fleet 09:56 Early Project Engagement Benefits 13:29 Vivacity's Vivacious Sales Support Additional Links: Vivacity Tech’s website: https://www.vivacitytech.com/ Bo Patterson Contact Information: Direction Line: (864) 438-5055 Extension: (877) 731-2069, ext. 131 Email: bpatterson@vivacitytech.com Interested in learning more about how to unwreck your school’s tech? For more details or to consider Vivacity's offerings for your school, check out vivacitytech.com. #VivacityTech #K12EdTech #SchoolTechnology #EducationTariffs #DeviceSupport #SchoolBudgets #RefurbishedDevices #TechBuyback #FleetAssure #Vsuite #EducationInnovation #EdTechSolutions #TechForSchools #SchoolTechDirectors

Episode 14 | Unlocking Value at Vivacity with Ben Erickson

In this episode, host Nicky Acevedo sits down with Ben Erickson, Chief Revenue Officer, at Vivacity Tech, to discuss the company’s innovative approach to supporting schools and IT directors as they navigate the AI tool landscape. Ben shares valuable insights on how tech directors can pilot Gemini Education, Google's generative AI tool, to streamline their district’s AI adoption at zero cost and explore the evolving role of AI in shaping the future of education technology. Timestamps: 00:00 From Salesman to Chief Revenue Officer 04:47 V Suite: Unified Device Management & Repair 07:25 Vivacity's Real-Time Analytics & Repair Academy 10:43 Introducing AI in K-12 Education 16:25 Optimizing AI Deployment Strategies 18:19 Gemini AI Pilot Impresses Customers 21:24 Vivacity's Comprehensive School Solutions Additional Links: Vivacity Tech’s website: https://www.vivacitytech.com/ If you're curious about optimizing school tech and leveraging AI for education, don't miss out on the insights shared in this episode! For more details or to consider Vivacity's offerings for your school, check out vivacitytech.com. #VivacityTech #ChromebookManagement #K12Tech #DeviceManagement #GenerativeAI #GeminiEducation #VSuite #TechDirector #EdTech #SchoolTech #AIinEducation #AssetManagement #RepairTraining #EducationalTechnology

Episode 13 | A Year in Review with Vivacity Tech's Eli Maloley

In this episode, host Nicky Acevedo sits down with Eli Maloley, founder of Vivacity Tech, to reflect on the company's incredible journey through 2024. Eli shares milestones, from securing a patent to achieving substantial revenue growth, all while emphasizing the role of the passionate Vivacity team. Diving into challenges, Eli discusses how the team tackled obstacles head-on, especially in the rapidly evolving tech landscape. He also unveils the company's 2025 mission of “purpose and precision,” along with new product launches like the innovative vSuite and exciting initiatives to enhance customer service. Timestamps: 00:00 Achieved $125M revenue growth, credited by partners. 05:55 Grateful for ambitious, growth-focused team. 08:34 Precision and purpose drive streamlined goal achievement. 12:00 Challenge: Stay highly innovative amid company growth. 13:55 Uncertain tariff effects on US product imports. 19:03 Vivacity Tech expanding into healthcare and technology. 21:21 Eli Maloley revealed teasers, more online. Additional Links: Vivacity Tech’s website: https://vivacitytech.com/ Don’t miss out on this insightful conversation packed with stories of innovation and community impact. Tune in now to discover what lies ahead for Vivacity Tech and how they plan to make an even bigger mark in the EdTech space.

Episode 12

In this episode, host Nicky Acevedo and Drew Sidel dive into the extensive security features of Google Workspace for Education, highlighting their benefits for schools. Drew emphasizes the importance of robust security tools provided even in the free editions, securing schools against threats efficiently without the need for expensive third-party solutions. We also hear about Huntley Community School District 158's success with Education Plus, dramatically reducing phishing attempts and IT labor. Drew shares essential resources for learning more about these tools, including security checklists, comparison pages, and an online ROI calculator provided by Google. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 04:51 Advanced tools enhance security for education administrators. 08:46 Improved security monitoring with Workspace for Education. 12:03 Chrome OS: cloud backups, ransomware protection, automatic updates. 14:36 Enhanced security features for education edition users. 17:33 Alert center offers real-time security alerts. 22:35 Google offers resources for education administrators' security. 26:23 Workspace admin uses alert center for security. 27:38 Streamlined email threat detection and response process. 34:26 Security tool provides recommendations to strengthen configurations. 38:09 Education Plus reduces phishing attempts and labor. 39:22 Education Plus offers 191% ROI and savings. Additional Links: Security Center: https://support.google.com/a/answer/7492003 Alert Center: https://support.google.com/a/answer/9105276 Start an investigation from the alert center: https://support.google.com/a/answer/9105396 Investigation tool: https://support.google.com/a/answer/7575955 Compare additions page: https://edu.google.com/intl/ALL_us/workspace-for-education/editions/compare-editions/ Security Checklist: https://support.google.com/a/answer/7587183 About Context-Aware Access: https://support.google.com/a/answer/12645308 Listeners can explore these tools and resources linked in the episode notes. Don't miss Drew Sidel's invaluable insights on safeguarding educational institutions; tune in now to discover how you can harness the power of Google Workspace for improved security and efficiency!

Episode 11

In this episode, Nicky Acevedo chats with Erick Buenrostro, a digital resource and content specialist with over 12 years of experience in education. Erick shares his insights on integrating AI tools like Google's Gemini for Education into schools, highlighting its responsiveness and security features, which make it an invaluable resource for students and teachers alike. Erick also talks about the Ysleta School District's innovative approach, which includes training staff and selectively expanding Gemini licenses. He emphasizes the necessity of understanding AI technology for creating a more engaged and informed learning environment, especially for socio-economically disadvantaged students. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 04:43 AI tools streamline multitasking and content creation. 06:40 Gems: Custom chatbots focused on specific topics. 09:44 Do not share PII with AI tools. 14:46 Licenses aid leaders in content distribution. 18:11 AI tools help teachers differentiate and understand students. 19:41 AI enhances student learning and teacher productivity. 23:06 Educate students on safe AI usage responsibly. 27:55 Instant Gemini chat via Chrome omnibox shortcut. 29:15 Gemini insures valid AI-generated educational content. 33:15 Improving community by conversation and engagement. Additional Links: Erick’s Contact Info: Email: ebuenrostro2@yisd.net X: @BuenrostroErick Generative AI for Educators Course: As a teacher, we know your time is valuable and student needs are broad. With Generative AI for Educators, you’ll learn how to use generative AI tools to help you save time on everyday tasks, personalize instruction, enhance lessons and activities in creative ways, and more. https://grow.google/ai-for-educators/ Tune in to learn how Gemini can revolutionize your school’s approach to AI and ensure data privacy. Follow our podcast on your favorite platforms and Instagram to stay informed about groundbreaking educational technology!