EdTech Bites Podcast

Want to bring your whole district together with one simple tool? ClassDojo for Districts makes it easy to engage families and strengthen school communities—at every level. It's the number one communication app trusted by millions of K-12 teachers, now with district-wide oversight and controls. From Pre-K to high school, ClassDojo connects your schools and families in one seamless place. Learn more at classdojo.com/districts. AI is everywhere in education but what if our fear of it isn't new at all? In this episode, I'm joined by Brett Salakas from down under. He delivers one of the most unexpected AI metaphors you'll ever hear: Frankenstein. This conversation connects AI, educational change, and human fear in a way that will completely shift how you think about innovation in schools. We unpack why every major tech revolution follows the same pattern, why "Luddites" weren't villains, and what educators can learn from a 200-year-old novel about embracing change without losing our humanity. Oh and yes…Buc-ee's, poetry slams, beaver onesies, and brisket sandwiches all make an appearance. If you're wrestling with AI implementation, staff resistance, or your own uncertainty, this episode will give you clarity, perspective, and a few laughs along the way. Buen provecho! Connect With Gabriel Carrillo EdTech Bites Website: https://edtechbites.com EdTech Bites On Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/edtechbites.bsky.social EdTech Bites Instagram: https://instagram.com/edtechbites EdTech Bites X: https://twitter.com/edtechbites EdTech Bites Facebook Page: https://facebook.com/edtechbites EdTech Bites On TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@edtechbites EdTech Bites YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@edtechbites About Brett Salakas Brett Salakas, the HP Education Ambassador, is an international keynote speaker, the best-selling author of 'A MAMMOTH Lesson', the founder of #aussieED (the largest online network of teachers in Australia) and the co-founder of the ED Poets Society. Currently, he is identified by Linkedin as a TOP VOICE (top 1% worldwide) in K-12 Education. Brett was awarded with the NSWICTE and ISTE 'Making 'IT' Happen award in 2024, was recently identified by the District Administration Leadership Institute as one of the top 100 most influential leaders in education globally (the only Australian named on the list) and he was named the Most Influential Educator in Australia for 2024 by The Educator magazine. Brett is a teacher and experienced school leader who, over the past 26 years, has taught in South East Asia and Australia. He is passionately committed to turning educational theory into real classroom practice. Brett is all about CONNECTION, COLLABORATION and INSPIRATION.‍ Connect With Brett Salakas Brett On X: https://x.com/MRsalakas Brett On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/salakas/ Brett on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brett.salakas

Want to bring your whole district together with one simple tool? ClassDojo for Districts makes it easy to engage families and strengthen school communities—at every level. It's the number one communication app trusted by millions of K-12 teachers, now with district-wide oversight and controls. From Pre-K to high school, ClassDojo connects your schools and families in one seamless place. Learn more at classdojo.com/districts. In this episode, I chat with Steve Sherman to discuss the evolution of STEAM education in South Africa, particularly the integration of coding and robotics into the national curriculum for K-7 students. He highlights the rapid adoption of AI and EdTech tools in schools, the challenges of ensuring data privacy, and the disparities in resources between different schools. Steve also emphasizes the importance of AI literacy and ethical use in education, and shares his efforts to foster global collaboration among educators through a dedicated online community. He also schools us on Rooibos tea and how it's made. Buen provecho! Connect With Gabriel Carrillo EdTech Bites Website: https://edtechbites.com EdTech Bites On Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/edtechbites.bsky.social EdTech Bites Instagram: https://instagram.com/edtechbites EdTech Bites X: https://twitter.com/edtechbites EdTech Bites Facebook Page: https://facebook.com/edtechbites EdTech Bites On TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@edtechbites EdTech Bites YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@edtechbites About Steve Sherman Steve is the Chief Imagination Officer and Executive Dayreamer at a STEM-based NGO called Livingmaths.com, based in South Africa. He is works with many schools in person and online, teaches a few thousand students a week, facilitates teacher training a d he is an Edtech Evangelist. Steve knows Karate, Jujutsu and 2 other Japanese words. Connect With Steve Sherman Steve's Website: https://www.livingmaths.com/ Steve On X: https://x.com/LivingMaths Steve On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/19VTaoaXiX/ Living Maths Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/share/19PZsCRnH7/ ISTE 2026 Global Collaboration Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/687759955855233

This episode explores the quiet, constant tension male teachers experience when trying to build authentic relationships with students. From hugs to high-fives, what feels natural for many female educators often feels risky or off-limits for their male colleagues. We also dive into Texas Senate Bill 12 (SB12), a new law that requires parental consent for schools to provide basic health or emotional support—yes, even for a band-aid or a conversation with a counselor. In This Episode: The double standard male educators face in classrooms Real-life examples of how the same gesture can be interpreted differently The internal checklist male teachers run through every day How SB12 amplifies caution and changes the student-teacher dynamic Why all educators should care about the long-term impact of SB12 A call for empathy, awareness, and proactive communication among staff Call to Action: Start a conversation with your colleagues about how policy and perception shape the way we show care in the classroom. If you're a male teacher, share your experience. If you're not, ask about theirs. Connect With Gabriel Carrillo EdTech Bites Website: https://edtechbites.com EdTech Bites On Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/edtechbites.bsky.social EdTech Bites Instagram: https://instagram.com/edtechbites EdTech Bites X: https://twitter.com/edtechbites EdTech Bites Facebook Page: https://facebook.com/edtechbites EdTech Bites On TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@edtechbites EdTech Bites YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@edtechbites

Want to bring your whole district together with one simple tool? ClassDojo for Districts makes it easy to engage families and strengthen school communities—at every level. It's the number one communication app trusted by millions of K-12 teachers, now with district-wide oversight and controls. From Pre-K to high school, ClassDojo connects your schools and families in one seamless place. Learn more at classdojo.com/districts. What if your students had the power to shape your lessons—and it actually worked? In this insightful conversation, educator and author Jennifer Casa-Todd joins us to break down the real meaning of student voice. From her work with high schoolers and pre-service teachers to co-authoring a book with a student, Jennifer shares how to move from "listening" to "collaboration" to full-on student leadership. You'll learn: Why asking students to "keep it, ditch it, tweak it" transforms your teaching How classroom committees build purpose and belonging The surprising ways students are using AI to innovate (not just cheat) Why your mindset—not your method—is the biggest roadblock This episode will have you rethinking the role of students in everything from curriculum design to digital citizenship. Time to put the "co" in co-creator! Connect With Gabriel Carrillo EdTech Bites Website: https://edtechbites.com EdTech Bites On Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/edtechbites.bsky.social EdTech Bites Instagram: https://instagram.com/edtechbites EdTech Bites X: https://twitter.com/edtechbites EdTech Bites Facebook Page: https://facebook.com/edtechbites EdTech Bites On TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@edtechbites EdTech Bites YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@edtechbites About Jennifer Casa-Todd Jennifer am a wife, mom, educator, a former Literacy Consultant, a Google Certified Innovator, and author of several educational publications--most recently, Hopes for School: A student perspective and ideas for educational transformation. She's an ISTE Community leader, a Google Educator Group leader for Ontario and a Board member for the Canadian School Library Association. Jennifer can currently be found supporting pre-service teachers at Lakehead University (Ontario). She's passionate about amplifying student voice and helping learners use technology positively and productively. Connect With Jennifer Casa-Todd Jennifer's Website: https://jcasatodd.com/ Jennifer On X: https://x.com/JCasaTodd Jennifer On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/raisingdigitalleaders/ Jennifer On Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/jcasatodd.bsky.social Jennifer On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifercasa-todd/

Hear that? That's the sound of STEM careers taking off. Meet CoDrone EDU from Robolink — the drone made for classrooms and competitions and the sponsor for this episode. It's safe, durable, and fixable — with no FAA license or assembly required to fly and help every student feel more confident in a tech-driven world. Students fly CoDrone EDU three ways: manually, coded with Blockly, or coded with Python. See how over 7 thousand schools have proven you CAN have drones in classrooms, buzz and all, at www.robolink.com Ever wondered how to get a drone club off the ground—without crashing it on day one? In this episode, we're joined by Frankie Baker, former classroom teacher turned Community Manager at Robolink, to break down the big wins (and mistakes) teachers make when bringing drones into their schools. From fixable, flyable classroom drones to career-ready skills and whale snot (yes, really), we're covering everything you didn't know you needed to know about drones in education. Whether you're drone-curious or halfway to competition day, this episode will give you the real talk, the how-tos, and a few good laughs. In This Episode, You'll Learn: The real reason most teachers fail at starting a drone club Why drones aren't just toys—and how they build real-world skills A $250 drone that doesn't need an FAA license? Yep. Free curriculum + PD that makes drone clubs teacher-friendly Student-led learning in action: from Earth Day bees to conference presenters Why Frankie's Twitter handle is "BaconEdTech" A food segment featuring sourdough gone wrong and pan de muerto done right Gabriel's Sourdough Pan De Muerto Recipe Connect With Gabriel Carrillo EdTech Bites Website: https://edtechbites.com EdTech Bites On Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/edtechbites.bsky.social EdTech Bites Instagram: https://instagram.com/edtechbites EdTech Bites X: https://twitter.com/edtechbites EdTech Bites Facebook Page: https://facebook.com/edtechbites EdTech Bites On TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@edtechbites EdTech Bites YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@edtechbites About Frankie Baker A self-proclaimed "hype girl of all the things," Frankie is committed to empowering teachers to confidently integrate technology and foster student voice, choice, and agency in every classroom. With a strong focus on AI in education, robotics, and coding, she helps bridge the gap between tech and curriculum—making it approachable and meaningful for all learners. Frankie thrives on learning through collaboration and loves growing her network through communities, tools, and events that push the boundaries of what's possible in education. Connect With Frankie Frankie On X: https://x.com/baconedtech Frankie On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/baconedtech/ Frankie On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/frankie-baker-9001636a/ Robolink Website: https://www.robolink.com Robolink On Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/robolinkinc/ Robolink On YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@robolinkinc