EdTech Bites Podcast

Gabriel Carrillo

EdTech Bites is a Podcast about all things EdTech and Food hosted by Gabriel Carrillo. He interviews teachers, leaders, and innovators to discuss the latest trends in educational technology. Many times, while sharing a meal together. So subscribe, tell a friend or colleague, and remember that great conversations happen when we break bread with great people. Buen Provecho!

  • 24 minutes 6 seconds
    Ep. 290 | The 3 Ingredients of Authentic Assessment w/ Rachel Lemansky

    This episode is sponsored by Teq. One of the biggest challenges in schools right now is capacity. Educators are asked to do more, often with new tools, and very little support. Teq helps by combining classroom technology like SMART Boards and STEM resources with professional learning that respects educators’ time and reality. It’s support that makes technology usable, not overwhelming.

    Learn more at Teq.com.

    In this episode, I’m joined by Rachel Lemansky to unpack the 3 biggest misconceptions about authentic assessment and what it actually requires to move beyond compliance and into real student growth. From process over product, to UDL and accessibility, to the metacognitive reflection we’re all tempted to cut when time runs short, we break down what makes assessment truly meaningful (and human).

    You’ll walk away with practical examples, a fresh lens on AI’s role in student work, and a farm-to-table framework that makes authentic assessment stick.

    And yes… there’s beef stew involved. Buen provecho!

    Connect With Gabriel Carrillo

    About Rachel Lemansky

    Rachel Lemansky is an Elementary Library Coordinator and certified STEM educator dedicated to bridging the gap between traditional literacy and digital innovation. Based in central Massachusetts, she serves both Charlton Elementary and Heritage School within the Dudley-Charlton Regional School District. Rachel views literacy as a dual-pathway of textual and digital fluency; she fosters a deep-seated love for books while simultaneously preparing students for a technology-driven future. Ultimately, Rachel strives to ignite imagination by turning pages into portals, ensuring that the library remains an inclusive space where learning is always an adventure.

    Connect With Rachel Lemansky

    2 March 2026, 12:00 pm
  • 40 minutes 42 seconds
    Ep. 289 | Will AI Kill Critical Thinking? Carl Hooker’s 6 Predictions For 2026

    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, Carl Hooker and I unpack six of his bold 2026 edtech predictions, including students becoming the product in the AI economy, the rise of AI generated “pink slime” misinformation, the threat to critical thinking, and the emergence of a unified Teacher Operating System. We also explore wearable tech, social media trust, and the fine line between innovation and surveillance. If you want clarity and practical insight on leading responsibly in an AI saturated world, this conversation is for you.

    Connect With Gabriel Carrillo

    About Carl Hooker

    Carl Hooker has spent the past 27 years in education as a teacher and administrator focused on the thoughtful integration of technology and innovation in schools. He consults for multiple districts across the country and is a frequent keynote speaker at state and national events. He’s also a 10-time author, 5-time podcast host, advisor to multiple ed tech companies, and National Faculty Emeritus for Future Ready Schools.

    Connect With Carl Hooker

    23 February 2026, 12:00 pm
  • 26 minutes 23 seconds
    Ep. 288| How To Go From Stuck to Unstoppable With Barbara Bray

    This episode is sponsored by Teq. One of the biggest challenges in schools right now is capacity. Educators are asked to do more, often with new tools, and very little support. Teq helps by combining classroom technology like SMART Boards and STEM resources with professional learning that respects educators’ time and reality. It’s support that makes technology usable, not overwhelming.

    Learn more at Teq.com.

    Do you ever feel like you’ve lost your “why” as an educator? In this episode, I have a heartfelt conversation with Barbara Bray, author, podcaster, and empowerment coach. She shares how burnout, system overload, and personal challenges can dim your spark… and how to get it blazing again. We discuss the process of rebranding your role in education to redefining purpose after life-altering events. Barbara offers empowering strategies to help you grow, heal, and teach with intention. If you feel like you’ve lost that spark, this episode will leave you ready to rise.

    Connect With Gabriel Carrillo

    About Barbara Bray

    Barbara Bray is an award-winning author, podcast host, and international keynote speaker with over 30 years of expertise empowering women, educators, and thought leaders to navigate meaningful life transitions with clarity and confidence. As a cancer survivor and Story Weaver, she is known for listening deeply and helping people uncover purpose and possibility within their lived experiences. Through her Grow Your Why Collective and signature Purpose Shift: Values Framework, Barbara guides people to reclaim their voice, self-advocate, and become unstoppable—amplifying their influence, impact, and income, even in uncertain times.

    Connect With Barbara Bray

    16 February 2026, 5:08 am
  • 29 minutes 38 seconds
    Ep. 287 | Why AI Fails The Sniff Test With Scott Nunes

    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 sit down with a longtime educator, former tech coach, district advisor, and good friend Scott Nunes to unpack the one human superpower AI simply can’t replicate: intuition built through real relationships. We unpack hallway conversations, coffee chats, high-stakes gut decisions that protect students and families, and why schools can’t automate trust, empathy, or human judgment.

    Buen provecho!

    Connect With Gabriel Carrillo

    About Scott Nunes

    Scott Nunes is a founding member of the Human Intelligence Movement and an ISTE-certified AI educator who helps education and technology leaders translate emerging tech into measurable outcomes. Known for connecting strategy to execution, Scott helps districts secure non-traditional funding to protect educator roles and ensure teams have the resources they need to succeed.

    Connect With Scott Nunes

    9 February 2026, 10:15 pm
  • 30 minutes 6 seconds
    Ep. 286 | The Fix Your School Culture Needs With Mandy Froehlich

    This episode is sponsored by Teq. One of the biggest challenges in schools right now is capacity. Educators are asked to do more, often with new tools, and very little support. Teq helps by combining classroom technology like SMART Boards and STEM resources with professional learning that respects educators’ time and reality. It’s support that makes technology usable, not overwhelming.

    Learn more at Teq.com.

    In this powerful episode, I welcome back Mandy Froehlich—longtime friend of the podcast and a leading voice in educator mental health. Mandy introduces us to the concept of healing spaces. These are not just quiet rooms or meditation music, but deep cultural shifts that support teacher recovery, emotional well-being, and long-term sustainability in education. We unpack the difference between burnout and demoralization, how leadership can unintentionally miss the mark, and what educators truly need to feel supported. If you feel like you’re trying to stay afloat or you’re an administrator ready to build a better culture, this episode is your blueprint for creating change.

    Connect With Gabriel Carrillo

    Connect With Mandy Froehlich

    27 January 2026, 2:06 am
  • 11 minutes 16 seconds
    Ep. 285 | 3 Simple Changes to Avoid Teaching on Autopilot in 2026

    Happy New Year! We’re officially in 2026. Teaching on autopilot feels efficient until it drains energy from the classroom. This episode breaks down three simple changes to reset instruction, set healthy AI boundaries, and bring intention back to the second semester. And if you’re looking to start the year off with a great sourdough recipe, here it is. Buen provecho!

    Sourdough Bread Recipe

    • 100g active sourdough starter (the star of the show)
    • 325g water
    • 500g bread flour
    • 10g salt
    • 20g honey (adds sweetness and helps the dough chill a bit)

    For the full instructions, check out the blog post below.

    https://edtechbites.com/2025/08/19/homemade-sourdough-sandwich-bread/

    Purchase Your Copy Of “Cooking Up Experiences In The Classroom”

    https://tinyurl.com/CookingUpExperiences

    Connect With Gabriel Carrillo

    4 January 2026, 5:28 pm
  • 22 minutes 23 seconds
    Ep. 284 | What Frankenstein Gets Right About AI in Schools w/ 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.

    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

    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

     

    28 December 2025, 10:16 pm
  • 24 minutes 10 seconds
    Ep. 283 | Revolutionizing Education: South Africa's Bold Move with AI and Robotics

    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

    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

    9 December 2025, 2:18 am
  • 15 minutes 18 seconds
    Ep. 282 | Why Male Teachers Second-Guess Every Move

    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

     

    24 November 2025, 6:52 pm
  • 35 minutes 10 seconds
    Ep. 281 | Why Most Teachers Get Student Voice Totally Wrong

    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

    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

     

    11 November 2025, 5:00 am
  • 1 hour 50 seconds
    Ep. 280 | Don't Start a Drone Club Until You Hear This w/ Frankie Baker

    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

    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

    30 October 2025, 3:35 am
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