The EdTech Bites Podcast

This episode is sponsored by MagicSchool AI. With over 6 million users worldwide, MagicSchool offers more than 80 educator-friendly tools that support everything from AI literacy instruction to smarter lesson planning. To learn more and get started, visit www.magicschool.ai.

Differentiation doesn’t have to feel like chaos! In this episode recorded live at the TCEA Elementary Technology Conference, I chat with Melanie Rhode and Bernadette Zamora, two incredible educators, who break down how they use station rotations to meet the needs of every learner. We unpack what differentiation really means, how they plan rotations, manage tech tools, an...

This episode is sponsored by MagicSchool AI. With over 6 million users worldwide, MagicSchool offers more than 80 educator-friendly tools that support everything from AI literacy instruction to smarter lesson planning. To learn more and get started, visit www.magicschool.ai.

What does it really mean to run a makerspace? In this episode, recorded live at the TCEA Elementary Technology Conference, I chat with a Cari Orts who runs two school makerspaces. She shares the must-haves (and nice-to-haves), what a makerspace is not, and how to thrive if you're suddenly handed the makerspace keys. Whether you're a tech coach...

This episode is sponsored by MagicSchool AI. With over 6 million users worldwide, MagicSchool offers more than 80 educator-friendly tools that support everything from AI literacy instruction to smarter lesson planning. To learn more and get started, visit www.magicschool.ai.

Think coding is just for techies and gaming is a waste of time? Think again. In this episode, I sit down with STEM extraordinare, Kathryn Hofman to debunk the myths that are associated with coding, gaming, and STEM in the classroom. Kathryn discusses how these tools fuel communication, collaboration, critical thinking, and problem-solving and how play can be...

This episode is sponsored by MagicSchool AI. With over 6 million users worldwide, MagicSchool offers more than 80 educator-friendly tools that support everything from AI literacy instruction to smarter lesson planning. To learn more and get started, visit www.magicschool.ai.

In this special episode recorded live at the TCEA Elementary Technology Conference in Galveston, Texas, I sit down with Jeni Long from MagicSchool to explore how this all-in-one platform is revolutionizing classrooms around the globe.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

Today's episode is sponsored by my book, "Cooking Up Experiences In The Classroom: Focus On Experiences, Not Just Lessons." Pick up your copy and get inspired for next school year...this summer!

In this short and smoothie-fueled episode (yes, I’m sipping on a chocolate, peanut butter, and banana protein shake as we speak), I walk you through three things every teacher should do before fully checking out for summer. We’re talking bite-sized reflection with big-time payoff: revisit one memorable lesson, do a brain-dump of this school year, and write a quick note to your August self...

What do flip-flops, beachfront views, and cutting-edge edtech have in common? They’re all part of the Elementary Technology Conference in Galveston, Texas! In this episode, Jeannine Freeman from TCEA joins us to dish on why this event is a must for educators looking to blend sunshine with professional growth. In this special episode, you'll find out what makes this conference unlike any other—and why it might just become your favorite PD getaway.

Learn More And Register For The Elementary Technology Conference

Connect With Gabriel Carrillo

This episode is sponsored by Knowt — the AI-powered classroom tool that goes way beyond plug-and-chug. From turning your lessons into notes and practice to creating a custom chatbot based on your lecture, Knowt helps you and your students work smarter and stay privacy-compliant. To get started, visit www.knowt.com

What happens when a sign language teacher drops deep wisdom, witty moments, and some poop jokes all in one conversation? You get this episode! Join us as we sit down with Melanie Cockrell — high school ASL and computer science teacher from New Haven, Michigan — to explore what it rea...

This episode is sponsored by Knowt — the AI-powered classroom tool that goes way beyond plug-and-chug. From turning your lessons into notes and practice to creating a custom chatbot based on your lecture, Knowt helps you and your students work smarter and stay privacy-compliant. To get started, visit www.knowt.com

What happens when an introverted educator steps out solo into her first massive edtech conference? Magic. In this episode, I chat with Courney Deadman, a special education teacher who took on MACUL for the very first time—and didn't just survive, she thrived. From productivity tips for stud...

This episode is sponsored by Knowt — the AI-powered classroom tool that goes way beyond plug-and-chug. From turning your lessons into notes and practice to creating a custom chatbot based on your lecture, Knowt helps you and your students work smarter and stay privacy-compliant. To get started, visit www.knowt.com

What’s the secret ingredient to thriving as an educator? Spoiler alert: it’s not another strategy or tool—it’s relationships. In this heart-filled episode, we’re joined by a special guest who’s been to every walking food tour we've hosted (yes, every single one!) and has seen f...

This episode is sponsored by Knowt — the AI-powered classroom tool that goes way beyond plug-and-chug. From turning your lessons into notes and practice to creating a custom chatbot based on your lecture, Knowt helps you and your students work smarter and stay privacy-compliant. To get started, visit www.knowt.com

What does student work look like in the era of AI? In this episode, I chat with Ron Madison, Instructional Technologist & Designer at Genesee Intermediate School District. We explore the evolving landscape of student assignments as artificial intelligence tools become more accessible. Join us as we unpack wh...

This episode is sponsored by Knowt — the AI-powered classroom tool that goes way beyond plug-and-chug. From turning your lessons into notes and practice to creating a custom chatbot based on your lecture, Knowt helps you and your students work smarter and stay privacy-compliant. To get started, visit www.knowt.com

In this episode, we're joined by an AI strategist from Michigan Virtual who shares what it really takes to build an AI task force, plan for student AI use, and adapt to the evolving role of artificial intelligence in education. Whether you're just starting to explore AI in...

This episode is sponsored by Knowt — the AI-powered classroom tool that goes way beyond plug-and-chug. From turning your lessons into notes and practice to creating a custom chatbot based on your lecture, Knowt helps you and your students work smarter and stay privacy-compliant. To get started, visit www.knowt.com

What if creating study guides and student resources took minutes instead of hours? In this episode, I sit down with Abheek Pandoh, CEO and founder of Knowt, the all-in-one platform designed to simplify the lives of teachers and students. Abheek shares the inspiring story behind Knowt’s crea...

This episode is sponsored by Brisk Teaching. To learn more and get started, visit www.briskteaching.com.

What does it take to go from passionate educator to sought-after speaker? At TCEA 2025, I sat down with three incredible presenters to talk about their journey to success, the hustle behind the scenes, and how passion fuels everything we do. Along the way, our paths crossed, and now, we’re officially “The Tech Thrillas”—a powerhouse team with more to come! Tune in for an inspiring conversation about growth, grit, and making an impact in the world of edtech. Buen Provecho...

This episode is sponsored by Brisk Teaching. To learn more and get started, visit www.briskteaching.com.

Is creativity vanishing from our classrooms? With the pressure to cover content, many teachers feel like there's no time for creative exploration. But what if creativity and content didn’t have to compete? In this episode, I sit down with Monica Roach, an expert in innovative teaching, to debunk the myth that creativity is fading. She shares practical, easy-to-implement strategies that infuse creativity into daily lessons—without sacrificing content. Tune in and bring creativity back where it belongs! Buen provecho!

  This episode is sponsored by Brisk Teaching. To learn more and get started, visit www.briskteaching.com.     After a whirlwind of edtech, learning strategies, and the hustle of the expo hall at TCEA 2025, we decided to mix things up with a fun, lighthearted challenge—EdTech & Food Trivia! 🎉 Join us as we test our knowledge on everything from groundbreaking tech trends to delicious culinary facts. Can you guess which AI-powered tool pairs best with your favorite snack? Or which historical invention shaped both classrooms and kitchens? Play along and see how well you do!   🔹 What You’ll Learn:   ✔️ Surprising connections between food and edtech  ...

This episode is sponsored by Brisk Teaching. To learn more and get started, visit www.briskteaching.com.

Live from TCEA 2025, we’re bringing you an electrifying discussion on "The Price We Pay for AI" with special guests Brianna Hodges and Carl Hooker. This is TCEA’s first EVER live podcast as a concurrent session so we had a live audience in front of us. We tackle AI literacy, the dangers of over-reliance, and whether AI is making us less creative. And because we like to keep things spicy—literally—we threw in a hot sauce challenge...

This episode is sponsored by Brisk Teaching. To learn more and get started, visit www.briskteaching.com

In this episode, we’re joined by Brenda Gutierrez, Student Services Coordinator at Ysleta de Sur Pueblo Department Of Tribal Empowerment in El Paso, Texas. She shares her first experience attending TCEA 2025. We dive into her mission to bring engaging STEM ideas back to her organization and discuss her newfound excitement for integrating podcasting into professional development. From key conference takeaways to actionable steps for starting a podcasting initiative, this conversation will inspire you to innovate and experiment in...

This episode is sponsored by Brisk Teaching. To learn more and get started, visit www.briskteaching.com.

Ever feel like there just aren’t enough hours in the day to plan lessons, grade assignments, and still have time to breathe? In today’s episode, I chat with Suvi Gluskin, Head of Marketing and Community for Brisk Teaching. We dive into Brisk Teaching—the AI-powered Chrome extension that’s here to change the game for educators. Suvi shares how Brisk streamlines your teaching tasks, make differentiation a breeze, and frees up your time for what truly matters: connecting with stu...

*This episode is sponsored by Class Companion. To learn more and get started, Click Here!

What happens when a group of passionate educators comes together to spark change? In this episode, I sit down with Larisa Black, Heather Brown, Farmer Faubs, and Christie Cloud, the four of the founding members of the EduGuardians. We discuss how their movement started, why they’re so dedicated to supporting educators, and the driving force behind their mission. From inspiration to action, this conversation will leave you feeling empowered and ready to make an impact in your own educational community.

*This episode is sponsored by Class Companion. To learn more and get started, Click Here!

How do we blend tried-and-true teaching strategies with cutting-edge AI? In this episode, I chat with the dynamic husband-and-wife duo, Kristin and Joe Merrill AKA Kroe, about their latest book The InterACTIVE Class: Creation in a World of AI: Empowering Educators to Inspire Creativity and Innovation in an AI-Driven Classroom. They share timeless teaching strategies while incorporating AI—all through their signature interACTIVE approach. Whether you're a tech enthusiast or a teaching purist, this episode will show you how to strike the pe...

*This episode is sponsored by Class Companion. To learn more and get started, Click Here!

Are Legos just toys, or are they powerful tools for learning? In this inspiring episode, I chat with Dan Thomas, a middle school STEM teacher known for using Legos to spark creativity and enhance student learning. We explore how these colorful bricks encourage Creativity, Critical Thinking, Collaboration, and Communication—all while making learning fun! Whether you're a Lego enthusiast or a skeptic, you’ll discover how they can transform your classroom into a hands-on, engaging learning environment. Buen provecho!

Connect With...

*This episode is sponsored by Class Companion. To learn more and get started, Click Here!

What’s driving you (and your students) crazy in the world of edtech? In this fun and honest episode, I sit down with Katie Fielding and Stevie Frank to unpack our biggest edtech pet peeves. We discuss the amazing innovations happening in classrooms, but also the frustrating trends and missteps that make us cringe. From tech overload to pointless tools, we’re sharing it all—plus tips on how to make edtech work for you, not against you! Buen provecho!

Connec...

*This episode is sponsored by Class Companion. To learn more and get started, Click Here!

Are you feeling the weight of burnout or wondering how to rekindle your love for teaching? In this inspiring episode, I sit down with Brittany Blackwell, an educator dedicated to helping teachers nourish their mind, body, and soul. She shares her powerful story of learning to pivot when faced with exhaustion, offering practical strategies to reignite your passion and embrace teaching with renewed energy. She also hosts The Resilient Teacher Podcast where she gives teachers ways to pivot...

*This episode is sponsored by Class Companion. To learn more and get started, Click Here!

What’s the secret to a thriving classroom? In this episode, we explore the power of building strong relationships with students before diving into content. Join me and Jess Boyce, yes…Jess from Flip (RIP, Flip) as we discuss why connections matter, how they impact learning, and practical ways to foster meaningful relationships in your classroom. From simple daily practices to transformative mindset shifts, this episode is packed with ideas to help you create a more connected and engaged learning environment. Buen Prov...

*This episode is sponsored by Class Companion. To learn more and get started, Click Here!

What does personalized learning really look like in today’s classrooms? In this episode, I’m joined by Michelle Manning, who shares her insights on the transformative power of personalized learning. She breaks down what personalized learning means, why it’s essential for student success, and how she helps teachers bring it to life in their classrooms. From practical tips to real-world examples, Michelle offers actionable strategies to create learning experiences tailored to every student’s unique needs.

Connect With Gabriel...

*This episode is sponsored by Class Companion. To learn more and get started, Click Here!

What’s better than discovering an edtech tool that makes your teaching life easier? Sharing it with a friend! In this episode, we sit down with the ever-insightful Greg Bagby to trade notes on our favorite new edtech finds. Greg introduces us to Notebook LM, a next-level AI-powered notetaking assistant, while I dive into Class Companion, a versatile tool designed to facilitate student writing feedback through AI. Join us for a fun, practical conversation filled with tips, tricks, and plenty of “Why didn...

*This episode is sponsored by Class Companion. To learn more and get started, Click Here!

What’s it like to attend your first major edtech conference? In this episode, I sit down with Roy Francis, a music and French teacher from Nova Scotia, who attended his first-ever FETC conference. We discuss his initial expectations, how he and his team planned their conference experience, and the strategies they used to maximize their learning.

Roy also shares how he integrates edtech into his curriculum, from engaging students in music composition to enhancing language acquisition in French. Whether yo...

*This episode is sponsored by Class Companion. To learn more and get started, Click Here!

Are you ready to reclaim your time and supercharge student learning? In this episode, recorded live at FETC 2025, we sit down with Avery Pan (Co-Founder) and Brittany Blackwell (Marketing and Community Lead) of Class Companion to explore how their innovative platform saves teachers hours of work and provides timely insights into student progress. Discover how you can spend less time grading and more time engaging with your students. Whether you're a teacher, administrator, or instructional coach, this conversation will inspire you to...

Today's episode is brought to you by Colleague AI. Colleague AI can create new ideas and help teachers brainstorm ideas, create unique lesson plans, new high level rubrics, and grade homework with ease. Colleague AI is also able to manage administrative tasks with parental controls to help students succeed with ease. To learn more and get started, visit www.colleague.ai

As educators, the start of a new year often comes with ambitious plans to do it all. But what if less is more? In this episode, I dive into the power of simplicity in les...

Calling all educators! Feeling burnt out before Thanksgiving even hits? This episode's for you! In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Matthew Joseph of X-Factor EDU, Jon Laven, and Jeff Plourd of Snorkl.app to get you pumped for the X-Factor EDU Virtual 5K Turkey Trot sponsored by Snorkl!

This fun, FREE event is all about educator wellness, giving you a chance to prioritize your health and connect with fellow teachers from around the world. We dive deep into:

Make sure you purchase a copy of my book Cooking Up Experiences In The Classroom: Focus On Experiences, Not Just Lessons from Amazon.

Why are so many educators flocking to Bluesky? In this episode, Alice Keeler shares her journey to Bluesky, how it champions data privacy, and why it’s the next big thing for social media in edtech. Learn how Bluesky empowers educators, its unique features, and how to get started today. Tune in for practical tips and insights to make the move smoother!

Connect With Gabriel Carrillo

This episode is sponsored by MagicSchool AI. If you’re ready to transform the way you teach, With over 3.5 million users worldwide, MagicSchool AI is the #1 educational AI platform. They’re committed to data privacy for all users in order to keep classrooms protected. Save time and focus on creating experiences with your students with MagicSchool AI. To learn more and get started, visit www.magicschool.ai

In this episode, I’m joined by Victoria Thompson while at the Georgia Educational Technology Conference in Atlanta, Georgia. We catch up to discuss the difference between badge collecting and buildi...

This episode is sponsored by MagicSchool AI. If you’re ready to transform the way you teach, With over 3.5 million users worldwide, MagicSchool AI is the #1 educational AI platform. They’re committed to data privacy for all users in order to keep classrooms protected. Save time and focus on creating experiences with your students with MagicSchool AI. To learn more and get started, visit www.magicschool.ai

In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Desiree Alexander while at the Georgia Educational Technology Conference in Atlanta, Georgia. She discusses Student Cybersafety and how that is geared towards studen...

This episode is sponsored by MagicSchool AI. If you’re ready to transform the way you teach, With over 3.5 million users worldwide, MagicSchool AI is the #1 educational AI platform. They’re committed to data privacy for all users in order to keep classrooms protected. Save time and focus on creating experiences with your students with MagicSchool AI. To learn more and get started, visit www.magicschool.ai

In this episode, I’m joined by Kathryn Laster while at the Georgia Educational Technology Conference in Atlanta, Georgia. We’ve been connected and have crossed paths at various conferences but neve...

This episode is sponsored by MagicSchool AI. If you’re ready to transform the way you teach, With over 3.5 million users worldwide, MagicSchool AI is the #1 educational AI platform. They’re committed to data privacy for all users in order to keep classrooms protected. Save time and focus on creating experiences with your students with MagicSchool AI. To learn more and get started, visit www.magicschool.ai

In this episode, I’m joined by Manny Faces while at the Georgia Educational Technology Conference in Atlanta, Georgia. He’s the founding director of The Center For Hip Hop Advocacy...

This episode is sponsored by MagicSchool AI. If you’re ready to transform the way you teach, With over 3.5 million users worldwide, MagicSchool AI is the #1 educational AI platform. They’re committed to data privacy for all users in order to keep classrooms protected. Save time and focus on creating experiences with your students with MagicSchool AI. To learn more and get started, visit www.magicschool.ai

In this episode, I’m joined by Angela Moore. She’s a Health Care Science Teacher in Muscogee County, GA with a passion for what she does in and out of the c...

This episode is sponsored by MagicSchool AI. If you’re ready to transform the way you teach, With over 3.5 million users worldwide, MagicSchool AI is the #1 educational AI platform. They’re committed to data privacy for all users in order to keep classrooms protected. Save time and focus on creating experiences with your students with MagicSchool AI. To learn more and get started, visit www.magicschool.ai

In this episode, I’m joined chat with Meredith White to discuss how AI has effected the World Languages sector of education. Believe it or not, they’ve been ready for this...

This episode is sponsored by MagicSchool AI. If you’re ready to transform the way you teach, With over 3.5 million users worldwide, MagicSchool AI is the #1 educational AI platform. They’re committed to data privacy for all users in order to keep classrooms protected. Save time and focus on creating experiences with your students with MagicSchool AI. To learn more and get started, visit www.magicschool.ai

In this episode, I’m joined by Kristen Brooks at the GaETC Conference in Atlanta, GA. We catch up and discuss how she is utilizing AI with her students in creati...

In this episode, I’m joined by Tom Murray of Future Ready Schools to discuss being a male in education and some of the nuances we have to consider in this profession. We also discuss how we can take that information to our future leaders (AKA Our Students) and instill behaviors including perspective when approaching tasks. Tom’s passion is Personal and Authentic which is one of the reasons he is revered in such high regard amongst educational leaders. This is a great episode and one that will give you a new perspective on what it means to be a ma...

This episode is sponsored by MagicSchool AI. If you’re ready to transform the way you teach, With over 3.5 million users worldwide, MagicSchool AI is the #1 educational AI platform. They’re committed to data privacy for all users in order to keep classrooms protected. Save time and focus on creating experiences with your students with MagicSchool AI. To learn more and get started, visit www.magicschool.ai

In this episode, I’m joined by Andrew Davies of MagicSchool AI to discuss his transition from the classroom to a popular edtech company and how he found his way into a...