Tech & Learning Conversations Podcast

EdTech's Big Tobacco Moment Is Here. Schools Can't Afford to Miss the AI Reckoning That Follows

Tue, 28 Apr 2026 10:45:00 -0400

Author and educator Andrew Marcinek argues that the Meta lawsuit is the inevitable outcome of 20 years of algorithmic manipulation — and that schools have a narrow window to get AI right before history repeats itself.

Beyond the Classroom: How Esports Spaces Double as Learning Hubs

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 09:20:00 -0400

Extron's Jason Bond explains how districts can start small with esports AV infrastructure, leverage dual-purpose spaces, and use AV over IP to build a scalable foundation for student engagement.

Get Cash Out of the Backpack

Thu, 02 Apr 2026 08:00:00 -0400

Chad Stevens, Head of Growth & Partnerships at ClassDojo for Districts on digital payments, family engagement, and the future of school-to-home communication.

One District's Pragmatic Playbook for the AI Era

Thu, 26 Mar 2026 13:50:00 -0400

Pineville ISD technology coordinator Kenzo Vanhaesebroeck explains why vague-on-purpose policy, a grading scale for AI use, and teacher-to-teacher modeling are the best defenses a small district has against an overnight technological revolution.

Better Safe Than Sorry

Tue, 17 Mar 2026 12:05:00 -0400

Charles Franklin, Assistant Superintendent of Technology & Information Services at Cypress-Fairbanks ISD in Texas, shares his district's gold-standard approach to cybersecurity and data privacy.

Take Teaching To The Next Level: Live From The Kira Event

Tue, 10 Mar 2026 10:40:00 -0400

Conversations with Kevin Hogan: Kira execs and beta-users explore new ways to use AI in schools

How the West May Win When it Comes to Improving Literacy

Mon, 02 Mar 2026 10:25:00 -0400

Conversations with Kevin Hogan: Allison Zimmermann, CEO of Foundations in Learning, and Dr. Seth King, Associate Professor of Special Education at the University of Iowa, on their initiative to help struggling readers across rural Wyoming, Iowa, and other states—with lessons for schools everywhere.

From Compliance to Companion: How One District Built an AI Culture That Puts Students First

Tue, 24 Feb 2026 07:00:00 -0400

Franklin Township Schools' Director of Technology Integration Nadine Gilkison and Superintendent Dr. Chase Oteri share their three-year journey moving beyond AI policy debates to create authentic learning experiences.

A Different Way To Lead

Tue, 10 Feb 2026 09:55:00 -0400

Marlon Styles Jr., Award-winning superintendent and upcoming keynote for the Tech & Learning Leadership Summit at NCCE 26, delivers new techniques to manage today’s school districts.

The Scoop On BETT 2026

Mon, 02 Feb 2026 10:54:00 -0400

Conversations with Kevin Hogan: Industry veteran Elizabeth Crawford, Senior Director, Global Education at Kahoot! breaks down this year’s largest edtech conference.

Let’s Make Some Things Clear: One District's Communications Evolution

Tue, 20 Jan 2026 10:50:00 -0400

Superintendent Tom Livezey of Oakridge Public Schools in Muskegon, Michigan, discusses how he implemented a deliberate approach to communication, that wasn't a grand strategic plan but rather a series of "course corrections" responding to parent needs and changing technology.

How Teachers Can Kick TikTok's Butt (Kind Of)

Tue, 13 Jan 2026 10:55:00 -0400

Matt Bardin, former educator and Zinc Learning Labs Founder, argues that teachers shouldn't try to compete with TikTok's dopamine hits, but instead offer the deeper satisfaction of meaningful reading experiences.

Survey Says: The Human Touch Defines Student Success

Tue, 16 Dec 2025 11:00:00 -0400

Peter Emmel, Director of Technology at Randolph Township Schools (NJ), and Juliana Finegan, VP of Educator Experience at Vivi break down the 2025 Global Teacher Insights Report, in which 85% of nearly 2,000 teachers worldwide identified strong teacher-student relationships and active engagement as the two most influential factors in their sense of success.

Beyond the Ban: Why Taking Away Phones Isn't Enough

Fri, 05 Dec 2025 11:00:00 -0400

FETC 2026 keynote speaker Alana Winnick argues schools must explain the "why" behind cell phone bans and teach students self-regulation for the real world.

Addressing The Digital Design Divide

Tue, 25 Nov 2025 11:00:00 -0400

Julia Fallon, Executive Director, and Ji Soo Song, Director of Projects and Initiatives at SETDA, explain how districts can tap Title II-A funds to provide professional learning for educators.

Alabama Does The Math

Tue, 18 Nov 2025 11:00:00 -0400

Rachel Broadhead, AMSTI Operations & Partnership Director, talks about Alabama has climbed from dead last to the middle of the pack in national math rankings., and the grassroots approach to improve math scores statewide.

AI Gets Real

Tue, 11 Nov 2025 11:00:00 -0400

Education expert Carl Hooker discusses making artificial intelligence work both in and out of class, and how teachers need to teach students the right way to use AI rather than ban it entirely.

How Next-Generation CTE Programs Prepare Students for High-Wage, High-Demand Careers

Tue, 04 Nov 2025 11:05:00 -0400

Brooke Martin, executive director of CTE at Aldine Independent School District, shares her data-driven insights, which help administrators track labor market demands, enrollment patterns, and program completion rates, as well as ensures students aren't being trained for outdated or oversaturated fields.

Things We Talk About When We Talk About Student Engagement

Tue, 28 Oct 2025 11:05:00 -0400

Brian Shaw, CEO of Discovery Education, talks about the second annual Education Insights report, as well as about how to identify, measure, and encourage student engagement.

Exploring the Dynamics of Online Gaming Behavior

Tue, 21 Oct 2025 11:05:00 -0400

Morielle Lotan, CEO of The ADIR Challenge Foundation, discusses the inaugural GameChangers 2025, as well as the educational gap facing parents and educators who struggle to understand gaming's hidden dangers.

Back to Basics: Why Student Engagement Remains a Core Priority

Tue, 14 Oct 2025 11:05:00 -0400

Logitech's Madeleine Mortimore, Global Education Innovation and Research Lead, explains how fundamental principles of hearing, seeing, and interacting are the key drivers for successful technology integration in classrooms.

Warning: Social Media Hurts

Tue, 07 Oct 2025 11:05:00 -0400

Mikey Hothi, Director, California Kids & Tech Policy from Common Sense Media, discusses how California is poised to become the first state to require warning labels on social media platforms, legislation mirrors successful warning label campaigns for tobacco and alcohol.