My EdTech Life

Inside the UK’s Big Adobe Express Movement ft. Sean McLaughlin | My EdTech Life 345

Inside the UK’s Big Adobe Express Movement ft. Sean McLaughlin | My EdTech Life 345 In this conversation, I sit down with Sean McLaughlin [https://www.linkedin.com/in/sean-mclaughlin-/], Adobe for Education’s UK Community & Partnerships Lead, to explore how Adobe Express [https://new.express.adobe.com/], guided creativity, and purposeful AI are reshaping teaching and learning across the UK.  From live lessons with Dom & Merit, to outreach programs with Manchester United Football Club, to powerful creative workflows that build student confidence, Sean shares what’s possible when teachers have the right tools — and the right community. If you’ve ever wondered how Adobe Express works in real classrooms, why UK educators are embracing scaffolded creative tools, or how community-driven EdTech grows globally, this episode brings you front-row insight. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction 02:57 Adobe Express and Its Impact on Education 05:51 Community Building and Engagement in EdTech 08:55 Guided Learning Activities and Student Engagement 11:50 Overcoming Misconceptions About Adobe Express 15:06 The Role of Community in Educator Empowerment 17:51 Live Lessons and Real-World Applications 27:29 Meeting Teachers Where They Are 29:58 12 Days of Creativity 32:50 Amplifying Creativity in Education 36:47 Creating Yee-Haw Moments 40:34 Connecting with the Community Sean's Shared Links: Adobe Express UK Education Links [https://new.express.adobe.com/webpage/bZstDIKeAhHfM] 12 days of creativity | Adobe for Education [https://www.adobeforeducation.com/k-12/12-days-of-creativity?utm_source=adobe_community_team&utm_medium=linkedin&utm_campaign=12_days] Europe ACE Community [https://new.express.adobe.com/webpage/6pVe30dq2Wvbc#resources] Sponsor Shoutout: A massive thank-you to our sponsors: Book Creator [https://bookcreator.com/?utm_campaign=4566333-H1%202025%20Be%20an%20Author%20Month&utm_source=myedtechlife&utm_medium=podcast], use code MYEDTECHLIFE for 3 months of premium access. Thank you, EduAide [https://www.eduaide.ai/], Yellowdig [https://yellowdig.co/], and Peel Back Education [https://www.peelbackeducation.com/] for supporting these conversations. Peel Back Education [https://www.peelbackeducation.com/] exists to uncover, share, and amplify powerful, authentic stories from inside classrooms and beyond, helping educators, learners, and the wider community connect meaningfully with the people and ideas shaping education today. Authentic engagement, inclusion, and learning across the curriculum for ALL your students. Teachers love Book Creator. [https://bookcreator.com/?utm_campaign=4566333-H1%202025%20Be%20an%20Author%20Month&utm_source=myedtechlife&utm_medium=podcast] Support the show [https://www.buymeacoffee.com/myedtechlife]

How CTE Really Works for Students ft. Dr. Joey Mendoza | My EdTech Life 344

How CTE Really Works for Students ft. Dr. Joey Mendoza | My EdTech Life 344 CTE is changing fast. Certifications, digital skills, pathways, tutoring, attendance, career pipelines—there’s a lot happening behind the scenes. In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Joey Mendoza [https://www.linkedin.com/in/joey-mendoza1/], a South Texas educator and freshly-minted doctoral researcher who has worked across classrooms, regional service centers, EdTech companies, and now the CTE space with YaizY [https://yaizy.io/].  We unpack what CTE really looks like today: what works, what doesn’t, where students get stuck, and why attendance—yes, attendance—may matter more than tutoring when it comes to math achievement. We also break down how digital-first CTE programs can help students earn real certifications that actually translate into job-ready skills.  Timestamps: 0:00 Welcome And Sponsor Shoutouts 1:16 Introducing Dr. Joey Mendoza 2:50 From Classroom To Edtech And STEM 5:20 Hands‑On STEM And Student Impact 8:05 Entering CTE: Digital Skills And Pathways 11:07 Digital Nomads And Remote Work Futures 13:18 Certifications And Early Pathway Access 16:20 Myths And Mindsets About CTE 19:10 Funding, Access, And Stacking Credentials 22:00 How YaizY Works From Grade 4 Up 24:20 Barriers To Strong CTE Programs 28:10 Culture, Data, And ROI In CTE 31:10 Why Districts Must Lead With Industry 32:32 Dissertation Setup: Tutoring And STAR Math 34:30 Key Finding: Attendance Outweighs Tutoring 37:10 Rethinking Tutoring, Fidelity, And Alignment 39:40 Attendance Realities And Family Factors 42:00 Next Steps For After‑School Effectiveness 44:00 Closing Thoughts And Rapid‑Fire Questions 47:10 Thank Yous, Links, And Sign‑Off Sponsors A massive thank-you to our sponsors: Book Creator [https://bookcreator.com/?utm_campaign=4566333-H1%202025%20Be%20an%20Author%20Month&utm_source=myedtechlife&utm_medium=podcast], use code MYEDTECHLIFE for 3 months of premium access. Thank you, EduAide [https://www.eduaide.ai/], Yellowdig [https://yellowdig.co/], and Peel Back Education [https://www.peelbackeducation.com/] for supporting these conversations. Peel Back Education [https://www.peelbackeducation.com/] exists to uncover, share, and amplify powerful, authentic stories from inside classrooms and beyond, helping educators, learners, and the wider community connect meaningfully with the people and ideas shaping education today. Authentic engagement, inclusion, and learning across the curriculum for ALL your students. Teachers love Book Creator. [https://bookcreator.com/?utm_campaign=4566333-H1%202025%20Be%20an%20Author%20Month&utm_source=myedtechlife&utm_medium=podcast] Support the show [https://www.buymeacoffee.com/myedtechlife]

How AiDigiCards Help Kids Learn AI Safely ft. Amber Ivey | My EdTech Life Ep.343

How AiDigiCards [https://aidigicards.com/] Help Kids Learn AI Safely ft. Amber Ivey [https://www.linkedin.com/in/amberivey/]| My EdTech Life 343  In Episode 343 of My EdTech Life, I sit down with Amber Ivey [https://www.linkedin.com/in/amberivey/] to explore AiDigiCards [https://aidigicards.com/], a new screen-free way to introduce kids to AI literacy, curiosity, and critical thinking. Amber [https://www.linkedin.com/in/amberivey/] breaks down the journey from her AI-for-adults work, to her children’s book AI Meets AI, to her new hands-on learning system for kids ages 4–8. We talk about parent concerns, privacy, LLM overreliance, ethical design, and why AI learning should start at the kitchen table, not on a tablet. If you're an educator, parent, or anyone thinking about the future of AI readiness for kids, this conversation is packed with insight and practical takeaways. Timestamps 00:00 – Introduction  02:00 – Why Amber focuses on AI for kids  05:30 – From books to workshops  09:15 – Introducing AiDigiCards  10:30 – Why screen-free AI learning matters  12:00 – Parent concerns about AI  14:00 – Protecting curiosity and creativity  17:00 – The four C’s of AI literacy  21:00 – Kids spotting real vs fake  26:00 – “Are kids too young for AI?”  27:00 – Teach kids AI… or AI teaches them  29:00 – The problem with unsafe AI tools  35:00 – Amber’s personal journey  37:30 – What keeps her up (in a good way)  40:00 – AiDigiCards Kickstarter  46:00 – Thank you to our sponsors!  🔗 Learn more about AiDigiCards: https://aidigicards.com [https://aidigicards.com/home] 🔗 Follow Amber Ivey: LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/amberivey/] 🎧 Listen to Episode 317 (Amber’s first appearance) [https://www.myedtech.life/ivey/] A massive thank-you to our sponsors: Book Creator [https://bookcreator.com/?utm_campaign=4566333-H1%202025%20Be%20an%20Author%20Month&utm_source=myedtechlife&utm_medium=podcast], use code MYEDTECHLIFE for 3 months of premium access. Thank you EduAide [https://www.eduaide.ai/], Yellowdig [https://yellowdig.co/], and Peel Back Education [https://www.peelbackeducation.com/] for supporting these conversations. Peel Back Education [https://www.peelbackeducation.com/] exists to uncover, share, and amplify powerful, authentic stories from inside classrooms and beyond, helping educators, learners, and the wider community connect meaningfully with the people and ideas shaping education today. Authentic engagement, inclusion, and learning across the curriculum for ALL your students. Teachers love Book Creator. [https://bookcreator.com/?utm_campaign=4566333-H1%202025%20Be%20an%20Author%20Month&utm_source=myedtechlife&utm_medium=podcast] Support the show [https://www.buymeacoffee.com/myedtechlife]

How AI Is Transforming School Technology Planning ft. Robbie Cobbs | My EdTech Life Ep.342

How AI Is Transforming School Technology Planning ft. Robbie Cobbs | My EdTech Life Ep.342 In this episode of My EdTech Life, I sit down with Robbie Cobbs [https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertcobbs/], the founder of Tech My School [https://techmyschool.org/] and creator of Tech Plan Genie [https://www.techplangenie.com/], a groundbreaking platform built by tech directors for tech directors. We talk about how school leaders can create meaningful, data-driven technology plans that bring their vision to life, empower teachers, and make innovation sustainable. No hype, no buzzwords—just real stories and practical solutions that work in schools. ⏱️ Timestamps 00:00 – Welcome and sponsor shoutouts (Book Creator, Eduaide.ai, Yellowdig, Peel Back Education)  01:00 – Catching up with Robbie Cobbs and his big news  03:00 – How Tech My School is transforming education in Puerto Rico  05:00 – The Google encounter that sparked Tech Plan Genie  08:00 – The reality of being a tech director without support  10:00 – Building a tool that helps schools plan and grow smarter  13:00 – Collaboration, inclusion, and creating the right task force  15:00 – Using data and strategy to drive professional learning  18:00 – Turning tech plans into ongoing project management  21:00 – Introducing the Genie assistant: an AI that knows your school  24:00 – Equity, access, and making EdTech affordable for all  31:00 – Why Tech Plan Genie belongs in every school  40:00 – How Tech My School is changing education in Puerto Rico  44:00 – Bringing innovation, esports, and PD to underserved schools  49:00 – Inviting educators and vendors to join the Tech My School Conference  53:00 – My reflections on transparency, leadership, and impact  54:00 – Robbie’s Edu Kryptonite  55:00 – The billboard message that sums up his mission  56:00 – The one person Robbie would trade places with  58:00 – Closing thoughts and my reminder to always “Stay Techie” 💡 What We Talk About * How Tech Plan Genie helps tech directors and school leaders design smarter, customized technology plans * Why Puerto Rico’s education system needs innovative support and how Tech My School is making it happen * How AI, data, and collaboration can empower entire school communities * The importance of transparency and equity in educational technology * What it takes to build lasting systems that work for teachers and students alike 🔗 Resources and Links 🌐 Explore Tech Plan Genie: https://techplangenie.com [https://www.techplangenie.com/] 💰 Use code FONZ for 10% off your Tech Plan Genie purchase 🌐 Learn more about Tech My School: https://techmyschool.org/ [https://techmyschool.org/] 🎟️ Join the Tech My School Conference: https://techmyschool.org/conference/ [https://techmyschool.org/conference/] 💬 Connect with Robbie Cobbs on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robbiecobbs [https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertcobbs/] 📣 Sponsors Huge thanks to https://bookcreator.com/?utm_campaign=4566333-H1%202025%20Be%20an%20Author%20Month&utm_source=myedtechlife&utm_medium=podcast Peel Back Education [https://www.peelbackeducation.com/] exists to uncover, share, and amplify powerful, authentic stories from inside classrooms and beyond, helping educators, learners, and the wider community connect meaningfully with the people and ideas shaping education today. Authentic engagement, inclusion, and learning across the curriculum for ALL your students. Teachers love Book Creator. [https://bookcreator.com/?utm_campaign=4566333-H1%202025%20Be%20an%20Author%20Month&utm_source=myedtechlife&utm_medium=podcast] Support the show [https://www.buymeacoffee.com/myedtechlife]

Teaching in an AI World ft. David L. Jackson | My EdTech Life Ep. 341

Teaching in an AI World ft. David L. Jackson | My EdTech Life Ep. 341  In this episode of My EdTech Life, Dr. Fonz Mendoza sits down with David L. Jackson [https://www.linkedin.com/in/thedavidljackson/] of Digital Promise to talk about how educators can slow down, refocus, and bring humanity back to teaching in an AI-driven world. David shares insights from the upcoming Elevating Innovation: Thinking in an AI World [https://digitalpromise.org/verizon-innovative-learning-schools/elevating-innovation-thinking-in-an-ai-world/] conference, a research-based, human-centered event designed to help educators, leaders, and district teams move from surviving the AI shift to shaping it. • Questions Explored • How do we humanize tech integration in classrooms? • Can AI improve or harm critical thinking? • What does AI literacy really mean? • How can leaders and teachers prepare for ethical and equitable AI adoption? • What keeps education experts up at night about AI? Timestamps 00:00  Welcome + Sponsors (Eduaide, Yellowdig, Book Creator) 01:30  Meet David L. Jackson (Digital Promise) 03:30  Elevating Innovation: Thinking in an AI World 05:00  The Human Side of Tech Integration 07:00  Pedagogy Before Technology 09:00  Reconciling Fear and Hope in AI 14:00  Slowing Down to Move Forward 17:00  Has AI Closed the Equity Gap? 19:00  The Understand–Use–Evaluate Framework 22:00  What AI Literacy Really Means 24:00  Play, Test, and Evaluate 27:00  Student Voice, Choice, and Ownership 31:00  ROI for Superintendents & District Leaders 34:00  From Surviving AI to Shaping It 37:00  Staying Ahead of the Curve 39:00  Challenges & Hopes for AI’s Future 43:00  Speed Round: Kryptonite + Billboard 47:00  Closing + Stay Techie 🔗 Resources & Links 🌐 Digital Promise – Elevating Innovation Conference [https://digitalpromise.org/verizon-innovative-learning-schools/elevating-innovation-thinking-in-an-ai-world/] 🎧 Listen to More Episodes of My EdTech Life [https://www.myedtech.life/] 💼 Connect with David L. Jackson on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/thedavidljackson/] 🎙️ Follow Dr. Fonz Mendoza (My EdTech Life) on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/amendoza1381/] Peel Back Education [https://www.peelbackeducation.com/] exists to uncover, share, and amplify powerful, authentic stories from inside classrooms and beyond, helping educators, learners, and the wider community connect meaningfully with the people and ideas shaping education today. Authentic engagement, inclusion, and learning across the curriculum for ALL your students. Teachers love Book Creator. [https://bookcreator.com/?utm_campaign=4566333-H1%202025%20Be%20an%20Author%20Month&utm_source=myedtechlife&utm_medium=podcast] Support the show [https://www.buymeacoffee.com/myedtechlife]