My EdTech Life

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 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] Yellowdig is transforming higher education by building online communities that drive engagement and collaboration. My EdTech Life  [https://www.myedtech.life/]is proud to partner with Yellowdig to amplify its mission. See how Yellowdig can revolutionize your campus—visit Yellowdig.co [https://www.yellowdig.co/]today! 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/] 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] Yellowdig is transforming higher education by building online communities that drive engagement and collaboration. My EdTech Life  [https://www.myedtech.life/]is proud to partner with Yellowdig to amplify its mission. See how Yellowdig can revolutionize your campus—visit Yellowdig.co [https://www.yellowdig.co/]today! Support the show [https://www.buymeacoffee.com/myedtechlife]

Episode 340: Austin Levinson

Episode 340: La Lucha Productiva en el Aula con Austin Levinson Bienvenidos a otro episodio de My EdTech Life [https://www.myedtech.life/], con tu anfitrión, el Dr. Alfonso “Fonz” Mendoza, donde exploramos las conversaciones que conectan la tecnología, la educación y lo humano.  En este episodio, tengo el honor de conversar con Austin Levinson [https://www.linkedin.com/in/austin-levinson-innovator/overlay/about-this-profile/], educador, economista y Director de Aprendizaje en MegaMinds, [https://gomegaminds.com/] una plataforma inmersiva que impulsa el aprendizaje activo y la agencia estudiantil. Desde Colombia, Austin [https://www.linkedin.com/in/austin-levinson-innovator/overlay/about-this-profile/]comparte su experiencia en la enseñanza diferenciada, el pensamiento crítico, y cómo la lucha productiva puede transformar la forma en que nuestros estudiantes aprenden y enfrentan la frustración. Hablamos sobre cómo crear una cultura de pedir ayuda, fomentar la curiosidad, y devolverle al aula el valor del proceso —no solo del producto. También discutimos el papel de la inteligencia artificial en la educación, la importancia de la motivación intrínseca, y cómo la vulnerabilidad docente puede abrir espacios seguros para aprender, equivocarse y crecer.  ⏰ Momentos clave 00:00 Bienvenida y agradecimiento a la audiencia 00:04 Qué es la lucha productiva y cómo fomentarla 00:12 Estrategias prácticas para maestros nuevos 00:25 MegaMinds y el poder del aprendizaje inmersivo 00:38 Cómo recuperar la curiosidad en tiempos de TikTok 00:50 Reflexión final y mensaje inspirador 🙌 Agradecimientos Especiales Este episodio es posible gracias al apoyo de nuestros increíbles patrocinadores:  📘 Book Creator [https://bookcreator.com/?utm_campaign=4566333-H1%202025%20Be%20an%20Author%20Month&utm_source=myedtechlife&utm_medium=podcast] — Crea, publica y comparte historias con tus estudiantes. 🤖 Eduaide.AI [https://www.eduaide.ai/] — Tu asistente inteligente para crear recursos educativos. 💬 Yellowdig [https://yellowdig.co/] — Conecta comunidades de aprendizaje a través de la conversación. Gracias por creer en nuestra misión de amplificar voces educativas y fomentar conversaciones que transforman la práctica docente. 💙 🎧 Escucha más episodios en 👉 www.myedtech.life [https://www.myedtech.life/] 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] Yellowdig is transforming higher education by building online communities that drive engagement and collaboration. My EdTech Life  [https://www.myedtech.life/]is proud to partner with Yellowdig to amplify its mission. See how Yellowdig can revolutionize your campus—visit Yellowdig.co [https://www.yellowdig.co/]today! Support the show [https://www.buymeacoffee.com/myedtechlife]

Episode 339: Merissa Sadler-Holder

Episode 339: Merissa Sadler-Holder | Teaching with Machines  In this episode of My EdTech Life, Dr. Fonz Mendoza talks with Merissa Sadler-Holder [https://www.linkedin.com/in/msadlerholder/], founder of Teaching with Machines [https://www.teachingwithmachines.com/]. Merissa shares her journey from French teacher to AI consultant and shows how educators can embrace AI without losing their voice, creativity, or purpose. They discuss what human-centered AI really means in the classroom, how to build meaningful professional development, and ways to keep teaching focused on people instead of platforms. Merissa also breaks down her AI Coherence Cycle, explains why teachers should stop chasing every new tool, and highlights the power of authenticity in a world full of automation. This episode will help you rethink AI in education and remind you that the real value is you. Timestamps 00:00 — Intro & Sponsors  01:00 — Meet Merissa Sadler-Holder  03:00 — From French Teacher to Teaching with Machines  06:00 — The Aha Moment: Seeing AI’s Potential  10:00 — What Human-Centered AI Really Means  14:00 — Helping Students Find Their Authentic Voice  20:00 — The AI Coherence Cycle Explained  24:00 — Making PD Meaningful and Ongoing  28:00 — Avoiding the “Shiny Tool” Trap  33:00 — Ethics, Data Privacy & District Challenges  36:00 — Involving Parents and Communities  38:00 — Teaching is Messy—And That’s Good  41:00 — Preview: Speaking at EdTech Week NYC  44:00 — The Future of Teacher-Built Tools  49:00 — The Value is YOU  55:00 — Closing Thoughts + Stay Techie Connect with Merissa Website: teachingwithmachines.com [https://www.teachingwithmachines.com] Facebook Group [https://www.facebook.com/groups/1403469100515516/] Special Thanks to Our Sponsors Huge thanks to Book Creator [https://bookcreator.com/?utm_campaign=4566333-H1%202025%20Be%20an%20Author%20Month&utm_source=myedtechlife&utm_medium=podcast], Eduaide.AI [https://www.eduaide.ai/], and Yellowdig [https://yellowdig.co/] for supporting our mission to amplify educator voices and spark meaningful conversations about the future of learning. Stay Techie! ✌️ 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] Yellowdig is transforming higher education by building online communities that drive engagement and collaboration. My EdTech Life  [https://www.myedtech.life/]is proud to partner with Yellowdig to amplify its mission. See how Yellowdig can revolutionize your campus—visit Yellowdig.co [https://www.yellowdig.co/]today! Support the show [https://www.buymeacoffee.com/myedtechlife]

Episode 338: Dr. Marc Isseks

Captivate Your Classroom with Dr. Marc Isseks In this episode of My EdTech Life, I sit down with Dr. Marc Isseks [https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcisseks/], author of Captivate [https://amzn.to/46JoAfS], to explore how educators can break free from “cognitive entrenchment” and rediscover what it means to truly engage learners. Marc brings over 30 years of classroom, curriculum, and leadership experience, and his insights will challenge the way you think about teaching, technology, and student voice. We dig into why success can sometimes stop us from growing, how teachers can overcome rigidity and the dreaded phrase “this is the way we’ve always done it,” and why technology should be treated as a microphone, not an encyclopedia. Marc shares stories that will resonate with every educator—from rethinking assessment to giving students choice and voice in their learning. Whether you’re a classroom teacher, administrator, or EdTech leader, this conversation will spark reflection and give you fresh ideas to amplify student engagement and your own growth as an educator. Timestamps 00:00 – Welcome to My EdTech Life + Sponsor shoutout 01:00 – Introducing Dr. Marc Isseks and his 31 years in education 04:00 – The story behind Captivate [https://amzn.to/46JoAfS] and why he wrote it 08:00 – Breaking cognitive entrenchment in schools 12:00 – Test #3 story: why success can stall innovation 16:00 – Technology shifts: from Tic-Tac-Toe to TikTok 21:00 – Engagement vs. learning: choosing the right apps 25:00 – Tech as a microphone, not an encyclopedia 30:00 – Process over product: lessons from Pixar 35:00 – The three new R’s: remixing, recording, researching 40:00 – Reframing screen time, dopamine, and classrooms 44:00 – Marc’s biggest takeaways for educators 47:00 – Rapid-fire closing questions 48:30 – How to connect with Marc + final thoughts  Big thanks to our amazing sponsors for supporting this mission: Book Creator [https://bookcreator.com/?utm_campaign=4566333-H1%202025%20Be%20an%20Author%20Month&utm_source=myedtechlife&utm_medium=podcast] – where student stories come to life Eduaide.ai [https://www.eduaide.ai/] – empowering teachers with smarter tools Yellowdig [https://www.yellowdig.co/] – building communities that thrive Stay inspired. Stay innovative. Stay Techie! 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] Yellowdig is transforming higher education by building online communities that drive engagement and collaboration. My EdTech Life  [https://www.myedtech.life/]is proud to partner with Yellowdig to amplify its mission. See how Yellowdig can revolutionize your campus—visit Yellowdig.co [https://www.yellowdig.co/]today! Support the show [https://www.buymeacoffee.com/myedtechlife]