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.

What happens when a recently retired edtech queen trades early morning alarms for AI-powered student engagement? You get a mic-drop convo with Kristen Brooks! In this fun and feel-good episode, we talk about turning AI from intimidating to inspiring—one classroom experience at a time. Kristen shares how teachers can invite students to help co-create learning moments using tools like Adobe Express and more. Oh, and pan dulce makes a sweet guest appearance. Come hungry for ideas and maybe even a concha.

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 Kristen Brooks

Kristen Brooks is a 30 year veteran educator, with 21 years excusively in Educational Technology Leadership as an innovation lab specialist and an instructional technology coach who encourages creativity in the classroom #forEDU. Ms. Brooks enjoys working with schools and districts to build relationships, master pedagogy & execute instructional technology integration & supporting all areas of education through speaking at events & conferences around the globe. She was recently named as a 2025 AI Innovator from ASU+GSV summit and is honored be an ISTE+ASCD 20 to Watch. To connect with Kristen go to KristenBrooks.com or LinkedIn and create > consume today!

Connect With Kristen

• Kristen’s Website: http://www.kristenbrooks.net
• Kristen On X: https://twitter.com/KristenBrooks77
• Kristen On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Kristenbrooks77/
• Kristen On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KristenBrooks77EDU
• STEAM For Little Learners Book: https://books.apple.com/us/book/steam-for-little-learners/id6476427830

What do your classroom and sourdough bread have in common? In this inspiring keynote episode, we explore how patience, preparation, and purposeful pedagogy are the secret ingredients to a thriving school year. From pro tips on using ChatGPT and Google Gemini in the classroom to mindset shifts that set the tone for student success, this episode is packed with real talk and relatable strategies for teachers, instructional coaches, and administrators. Learn how to harness AI as your teaching assistant—not your replacement—and discover why carbs (yes, really) might be the secret to your classroom culture. Let’s make this school year manageable and memorable, together.

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 favorite classroom behavior tool scaled across an entire district—for free? In this episode, Chad Stevens, Head of Product at ClassDojo, reveals how the platform is evolving beyond K–5. Discover new features that boost district-wide communication, integrate seamlessly with student information systems, and help bridge the middle school gap. This conversation is packed with practical insights and future-ready strategies to engage students and families at scale.

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 Chad Stevens

Chad A. Stevens, Ph.D. has established a distinguished career in education technology, most recently serving as Head of K12 Engagement at ClassDojo. In 2024 he was inducted into the CoSN (the Consortium for School Networking) Volunteer Hall of Fame. In 2023 Dr. Stevens was recognized as EdTech Chronicle's Best C-Level Officer in Education/EdTech, and he was named a Top 100 Influencer in EdTech by EdTech Digest. His strategies have left a significant mark on educational technology and students.

Connect With ClassDojo For Districts

• ClassDojo For Districts: https://www.classdojo.com/districts
• ClassDojo For Districts Essentials Blog: https://essential.classdojo.com
• ClassDojo For Districts On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/classdojofordistricts/

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, and handle off-task behavior. You’ll also hear practical tips on grading, station setup, and how to kick off your school year with strong routines. If you're looking to spice up your instruction and streamline your workflow, this one’s for you!

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 Melanie Rhode

Melanie is a third grade teacher at an independent school in Houston. She’s taught for 28 years. She’s taught 1,2,3,4,and 5th grade and loves anything ELA.

About Bernadette Zamora

Bernadette has been in education for almost 16 years. She has taught 3rd grade, 4th grade and 5th grade and was an instructional specialist for two years. She is currently teaching 2nd grade and teaches all subject areas.

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, a teacher, or an administrator, this episode is packed with practical tips and inspiration to bring creativity, collaboration, and curiosity to life in your school.

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

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 a powerful way of learning. If you’re on the fence about STEM education, this conversation will challenge your assumptions and inspire new classroom possibilities. Especially if you just got a call from your admin this summer stating “Guess what? You’re teaching STEM next year”

About Kathryn Hofman

Kathryn is a STEM teacher and Digital Integrationist at Timbers Elementary in Humble ISD. She just finished her 15th year of teaching. A fun fact about her is she started in Deaf education and then moved to STEM. She also has an 8 year old daughter that will be going into 4th grade next year!

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

Connect With Kathryn Hofman

• Kathryn On X: https://x.com/TimbersSTEM

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:

• How MagicSchool evolved into a trusted tool for educators and students
• What makes its AI literacy features safe, student-friendly, and effective
• Why customization is key to saving teachers time and boosting creativity
• Real-life examples of how teachers are using MagicSchool in their classrooms

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

Connect With MagicSchool

• MagicSchool Website: https://www.magicschool.ai/
• MagicSchool On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/magicschoolai/
• MagicSchool On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/magicschoolai
• MagicSchool On YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@magicschoolai
• MagicSchool On TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@magicschoolai
• MagicSchool On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/magicschool-ai/

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. No clipboards. No admin. Just real talk, a blender whir in the background, and a few simple actions that will make next year a whole lot easier.

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

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

• 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 Jeannine Freeman

As TCEA's partnerships and events manager, Jeannine Freeman plays a vital role in planning many of the events the organization's 85,000 members know and love. Each year, Jeannine manages speakers and their content for the System and Network Administrators Conference, the TCEA Convention and Exposition, and the Elementary Technology Conference (ETC). As a previous elementary educator, her heart beats for this niche population, which makes ETC one of her favorite events to plan and attend.

Connect With Jeannine and TCEA

• Jeannine On X: https://x.com/TechTimeWithJ9
• Jeannine On Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/techtimewithj9.bsky.social
• Jeannine On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/J9Freeman7
• TCEA Website: https://tcea.org/
• Elementary Technology Conference Website: https://tcea.org/events/etc/