My EdTech Life

How Two 19-Year-Olds Are Fixing Reading & Writing with AI ft. Almar & Max | My EdTech Life 358

They’re Only 19… And Already Rethinking Education What happens when two 19-year-olds look at education and say… this isn’t working? In this episode, I sit down with Almar Tishenko [https://www.linkedin.com/in/almar-tishenko-646398319/] and Max Litvinenka [https://www.linkedin.com/in/max-litvinenka-587720349/], two young founders building Reading Rooms [https://readingrooms.org/], a platform designed to rethink how students read, write, and receive feedback in the age of AI. This isn’t about replacing teachers. This is about giving them time back, strengthening critical thinking, and using AI the right way. 🚀 What You’ll Learn •Why delayed feedback is hurting student learning •How Reading Rooms is changing reading & writing workflows •Why banning AI isn’t the answer •How to use AI without killing critical thinking •What teachers actually want from EdTech •The future skills students NEED right now Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background of Guests 02:07 Celebrating 6 Years of My EdTech Life 04:56 Meet Almar and Max: Young EdTech Innovators 08:51 Problems in Education: Grading and Critical Thinking 11:46 Impact of AI on Education and Teachers' Concerns 16:49 Connecting with Educators and Understanding Needs 32:29 Introducing Reading Rooms Platform 36:27 Features of Reading Rooms: Homework Builder and Tools 48:07 Skills for the AI-Driven Future 01:01:57 Advice for Educators and District Leaders 01:04:33 Final Thoughts and Contact Information Connect with Dr. Fonz: 🎙️ Website: https://www.myedtech.life/ 📲 Follow on LinkedIn, TikTok, Instagram, Facebook & YouTube 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 Premium Access! 🤖Eduaide [https://www.eduaide.ai/] 🎓 Peel Back Education [https://www.peelbackeducation.com/] ☕Comeback Coffee [https://comebackbev.com/] 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]

Giving Student Voice a Stage ft. Tim Belmont | My EdTech Life 357

Student voice is one of the most powerful forces in education — but only when it has a real stage. In this episode, Dr. Fonz welcomes back returning guest Tim Belmont, Language Arts teacher and Technology Coordinator at Lyndhurst High School in New Jersey, for a rich conversation on what it actually means to give students an authentic voice — and the innovative project he built to make that a reality. Tim breaks down how he integrates podcasting into his Public Speaking and Advanced Public Speaking classes, why choice and personal connection are the secret ingredients to genuine student expression, and how the NPR Student Podcast Challenge transforms reluctant students into passionate communicators. He also shares the story behind the Bell Tower — a privacy-conscious podcast platform he built from the ground up to give student voices a stage that goes beyond the classroom walls, while staying FERPA and COPPA compliant. Whether you are a classroom teacher, a tech coordinator, or a district leader, this episode will challenge you to rethink how you define assessment, student engagement, and what authentic learning looks like in the age of AI. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 02:43 Tim Belmont's Background in Education 05:51 Integrating Podcasting in the Classroom 10:26 Authentic Student Voice vs. Performative Voice 15:15 The Impact of Authentic Audiences 20:24 The Importance of Scripted Communication 22:32 The Bell Tower Project Overview 23:40 The Bell Tower Project: Vision and Goals 29:57 Authentic Audience Engagement in Education 34:45 Transformative Student Experiences through Podcasting 39:34 Getting Started with Podcasting in the Classroom 44:25 The Future of Student-Created Media and Assessment Connect with Tim Belmont: 🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timbelmont/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/timbelmont/] Tools & Resources Mentioned: NPR Student Podcast Challenge & Curriculum — npr.org Adobe Podcast https://podcast.adobe.com/ [https://podcast.adobe.com/] Screencastify https://www.screencastify.com/ [https://www.screencastify.com/] The Bell Tower https://www.linkedin.com/company/belltower-edu/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/belltower-edu/] Connect with Dr. Fonz: 🎙️ Website: https://www.myedtech.life/ [https://www.myedtech.life/] 📲 Follow on LinkedIn, TikTok, Instagram, Facebook & YouTube Thank you to our sponsors: 📚 Book Creator Edu [https://bookcreator.com/?utm_campaign=4566333-H1%202025%20Be%20an%20Author%20Month&utm_source=myedtechlife&utm_medium=podcast]: Use Code MYEDTECHLIFE for Premium Access! 🎓 Peel Back Education [https://www.peelbackeducation.com/] 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]

Safe AI for Kids: How Chatperone Protects Your Child ft. Caleb Hurd | My EdTech Life 356

In this episode, Dr. Alfonso sits down with Caleb Hurd [https://www.linkedin.com/in/calebrhurd/], founder of Chatperone [https://chatperone.com/], an AI chat platform built specifically to keep kids safe online. As a father of two and a 20-year tech industry veteran, Caleb [https://www.linkedin.com/in/calebrhurd/] built Chatperone [https://chatperone.com/] not for investors or school district contracts, but for his own children first. What started as a personal solution has become a mission to give parents and educators peace of mind in a world where AI chatbots are already in the hands of our kids. From the Character AI controversy to COPPA compliance gaps, Caleb [https://www.linkedin.com/in/calebrhurd/] and Dr. Fonz unpack the real dangers lurking in unguarded AI platforms and why Big Tech is getting it wrong. They also explore what it truly means to put the child at the center of EdTech design, how parents and teachers can work together to guide healthy AI interactions, and why data ownership matters more than ever in 2026. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Context Setting 06:04 The Birth of Chatperone [https://chatperone.com/] 12:01 Navigating Parental Concerns 17:48 Building Trust with Parents 23:52 Challenges with Big Tech 29:52 The Future of Child Safety in EdTech 30:47 Understanding AI in Education 35:46 Building Solutions with Children in Mind 40:39 The Philosophy Behind Chatperone 42:44 Navigating the Current Educational Landscape 47:46 Reflections on Parenting and Technology Sponsor Shoutout 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], Eduaide.AI [https://www.eduaide.ai/], and Peel Back Education [https://www.peelbackeducation.com/] for supporting My EdTech Life. Get 3 Months of Book Creator Premium Access Free! Use Code: MyEdTechLife Stay Techie ✌️ 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]

Podcasting in 2026: Grow Your Show with AI & Descript ft. Aaron Makelky | My EdTech Life 355

Dr. Alfonso sits down with Aaron Makelky [https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaron-makelky-m-a-ed-038b852a3/] of Descript [https://web.descript.com/] to unpack the real future of podcasting beyond vanity metrics, beyond over-polished edits, and beyond the AI hype. This conversation is a masterclass for creators, educators, and entrepreneurs who want to amplify their voice without burning out. From workflow wisdom to sponsorship strategy to the rise of hyper-niche podcasts, Aaron [https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaron-makelky-m-a-ed-038b852a3/] delivers practical insight with zero fluff. If you’ve ever wondered whether your downloads are “enough,” whether video matters, or how AI fits into authentic storytelling, you won't want to miss this one. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Podcasting and Descript 02:50 The Evolution of Podcasting and Its Accessibility 06:04 Changing Perspectives on Sponsorships 08:53 Building Relationships and Trust in Podcasting 11:58 The Surge in Podcasting and Content Formats 15:00 The Role of Video in Podcasting 18:02 Enhancing Audio and Video Quality with Descript 20:54 Leveraging AI Tools for Podcasting Efficiency 29:02 Enhancing Video Interaction with AI Tools 32:00 Streamlining Podcast Editing with AI 33:37 Balancing Polish and Authenticity in Content 41:30 The Importance of Learning and Repetition in Podcasting 44:51 Future Trends in Podcasting and Content Creation Try Descript: https://descript.cello.so/hVfs5yHcBjx [https://descript.cello.so/hVfs5yHcBjx] Sponsor Shoutout 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], Eduaide.AI [https://www.eduaide.ai/], and Peel Back Education [https://www.peelbackeducation.com/] for supporting My EdTech Life. Get 3 Months of Book Creato [https://bookcreator.com/?utm_campaign=4566333-H1%202025%20Be%20an%20Author%20Month&utm_source=myedtechlife&utm_medium=podcast]r Premium Access Free! Use Code: MyEdTechLife Stay Techie ✌️ 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]

Ready to Lead With AI ft. Dr. Kip Glazer | My EdTech Life 354

Four years after ChatGPT changed everything, schools are still treading water. In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Kip Glazer [https://www.linkedin.com/in/kip-glazer-09a26933/], principal of Mountain View High School, home of Google, and author of Ready to Lead With AI: A Practical Guide for School Leaders [https://amzn.to/4kPh1ed]. Dr. Kip [https://www.linkedin.com/in/kip-glazer-09a26933/] has been in this conversation since 2015 and she is bringing ALL of that experience to the table. We talk about why the AI cheating conversation is failing our students, what questions every school leader should be asking vendors before letting ANY tool into their school, and why the real work has always been about human connection, not detection. If you are a school leader, educator, or aspiring administrator trying to navigate AI without losing sight of what matters most, this one is for you. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Context Setting 02:55 The Impact of AI on Education 05:48 Navigating AI as a School Leader 08:49 Practical Applications of AI in Schools 11:37 Mindset and Attitude in Leadership 14:48 Actionable Tips for School Leaders 17:43 The Role of Pedagogy in Technology Integration 20:36 Community and Collaboration in Learning 26:31 AI and Equity in Education 30:06 Innovative Pedagogy and Student Engagement 34:41 Empowering Student Voices in Decision-Making 39:09 Navigating Tech Chauvinism in Education 43:51 Enhancing Human Connection through AI Sponsor Shoutout 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], Eduaide.AI [https://www.eduaide.ai/], and Peel Back Education [https://www.peelbackeducation.com/] for supporting My EdTech Life. Get 3 Months of Book Creato [https://bookcreator.com/?utm_campaign=4566333-H1%202025%20Be%20an%20Author%20Month&utm_source=myedtechlife&utm_medium=podcast]r Premium Access Free! Use Code: MyEdTechLife Stay Techie ✌️ 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]