EdTech Bites Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Ep. 282 | Why Male Teachers Second-Guess Every Move Nov 24, 2025

Show notes

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
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Ep. 249 | Connections Before Content: The Power of Building Classroom Relationships With Jess Boyce Jan 20, 2025

Show notes

*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 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
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Connect With Jess Boyce

Jess On X: https://x.com/jessxbo
Jess On Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/jessxbo.bsky.social
Jess On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessxbo/

Ep. 244 | Less Is More: Simplifying Your 2025 Classroom Plan Dec 29, 2024

Show notes

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 lesson planning for 2025. Learn how focusing on one or two impactful activities per week can not only reduce your stress but also enhance your students' learning outcomes. Whether you're a seasoned teacher or just starting out, this episode will help you embrace intentional planning for a smoother, more effective classroom experience.

Plus, stick around for a simple yet delicious recipe that perfectly illustrates the "less is more" philosophy—Chicken, Rice, and Squash Bowl. With protein-packed chicken, hearty rice, and the natural sweetness of roasted squash, this dish is a healthy, balanced meal that will leave you inspired to simplify your teaching and your cooking!

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

Why overplanning can overwhelm both teachers and students.
How to design focused lesson plans that drive deeper understanding.
Practical examples of "less is more" teaching strategies for concepts like the water cycle or literary themes.
A minimalist recipe (Chicken, Rice, and Squash Bowl) to bring the "less is more" concept to life in the kitchen.
How simplifying your approach can reduce stress and increase classroom impact.

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

Ep. 146: From Boring to Brilliant: Using Genially to Capture Students' Attention With Zinnia Bayardo Feb 24, 2023

Show notes

In this episode, I chat with school librarian Zinnia Bayardo who is using Genially to create interactive and engaging content for her students. She shares how she discovered Genially and the different ways she's been able to incorporate it into her library lessons and activities. We learn about the features of Genially that make it such a valuable tool for educators, including its ease of use, ability to create multimedia content, and the wide range of templates available. We also discuss how using Genially has helped to increase student engagement, especially for students who may struggle with traditional text-based learning. Whether you're a teacher or a librarian looking to incorporate new technology into your classroom or library, this episode is sure to provide some valuable insights and inspiration. Buen provecho!

About Zinnia Bayardo

Zinnia has been an elementary, middle, and high school librarian as well as a 4th and 1st grade teacher. Now she is in the role of a library instructional support specialist helping and supporting all district librarians.

Connect With Gabriel Carrillo

EdTech Bites Website: https://edtechbites.com
EdTech Bites Twitter: https://twitter.com/edtechbites
EdTech Bites Instagram: https://instagram.com/edtechbites
EdTech Bites Facebook Page: https://facebook.com/edtechbites
EdTech Bites YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQCZcyW4BkCFQ5P2BLK61xg

Connect With Zinnia Bayardo

Zinnia on Twitter: https://twitter.com/bayardozinnia
Zinnia on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zthelibrarychica/

Ep. 105: Paperless Test Prep And Pulled Pork Apr 19, 2022

Show notes

In this episode, I go over three different strategies you can use with your students to prepare for state testing. Best of all, none of these three require making copies. This is especially important since there is a worldwide paper shortage. As far as the food is concerned for this episode, I chow down on a pulled pork sandwich with some homemade coleslaw. There's a giveaway in this episode for a $10 Starbucks gift card so make sure you give it a listen. Buen provecho!

Connect With Gabriel Carrillo

EdTech Bites Website: https://edtechbites.com
EdTech Bites Twitter: https://twitter.com/edtechbites
EdTech Bites Instagram: https://instagram.com/edtechbites
EdTech Bites Facebook Page: https://facebook.com/edtechbites
EdTech Bites YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQCZcyW4BkCFQ5P2BLK61xg

Templates

Ep. 92: 2021-2022 Beginning Of The Year Keynote Aug 03, 2021

Show notes

In this episode, I deliver my Beginning of the Year Keynote for the 2021-2022 school year. This episode is meant for you to reflect on the past school year and answer some questions that I pose to you. Oh, also, I do this while eating a donut… I mean power ring. So if you're a teacher, principal, administrator, instructional coach, paraprofessional, librarian, cafeteria staff member, custodian, or bus driver, give this episode a listen. Buen provecho!

Connect With Gabriel Carrillo

EdTech Bites Website: https://edtechbites.com
EdTech Bites Twitter: https://twitter.com/edtechbites
EdTech Bites Instagram: https://instagram.com/edtechbites
EdTech Bites Facebook Page: https://facebook.com/edtechbites
EdTech Bites YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQCZcyW4BkCFQ5P2BLK61xg

Ep. 73: Nearpod Updates for Student Engagement Aug 25, 2020

Show notes

In this episode, I chat with Amber Calderon from Nearpod. She goes over all of the updates that are now available in Nearpod to increase student engagement for face to face, virtual, and blended learning environments. After hearing this episode, you will no longer think of Nearpod as a tool rather, a hub for learning to take place. At the end of this episode let us know on social media if you are a Pop-Tart, a slow cooker, or a pressure cooker. If you don't quite understand what I'm talking about, give it a listen and it will all make sense. Buen provecho!

About Amber

Amber Calderon is a former elementary teacher. While teaching, she created a teaching website (PeppyZestyTeacherista.com) and social media community that focused on ed-tech tips and classroom management strategies. She now leads social media and influencer marketing for Nearpod and Flocabulary! She LOVES talking to teachers and learning about ways she can support them in their ed-tech journey! Don't be shy - reach out to her!

Connect With Amber and Nearpod

Ep. 60: Cari, Digital Art For Distance Learning, And Desserts Apr 30, 2020

Show notes

In this episode, I chat with Cari Orts to discuss a key element missing in distance learning...FUN. She goes through various ways to use common GSuite tools in creative and artistic ways. She covers her and her students' favorite projects and how these can be done at home to alleviate stress and pressure during these uncertain times. And what's distance learning without binging on our favorite desserts, right?! Tune in to hear what she's indulging on and let us know what your favorite quarantine snacks are! Buen Provecho!

Ep. 58: Distance Learning Resources With Tisha And Jacob Mar 31, 2020

Show notes

This episode is the audio from a livestream I held with Tisha Poncio and Jacob Luevano a couple of weeks ago. We streamed this webinar through Periscope when school closures were announced. Our goal was to curate a list of tools for educators to use with their students for distance learning. Going through an overwhelming list of tweets and posts through social media platforms can be extremely overwhelming, which is why we hosted this. As you are going through your distance learning with your students, you might realize that you're already using some of these tools. We are going through best practices with these tools as well as different ways to use them. So strap in (as I know you're not going anywhere), and hear what we have to say about some of our favorite tools for distance learning. Buen provecho!

Ep. 35: Sylvia and Tinkering Jan 08, 2019

Show notes

Happy New Year! In the first episode of a two part FETC series, I chat with Sylvia Martinez, co-author of Invent To Learn: Making, Tinkering, and Engineering in the Classroom. We discuss the importance of tinkering in the classroom, her presentations at FETC, and food. Make sure you follow Sylvia on Twitter and check out her books. If you are planning on attending FETC, check out her sessions and chat with her afterwards.

As an added bonus, I'll be giving away a physical copy of Sylvia's latest book Invent To Learn: Making, Tinkering, and Engineering in the Classroom to a lucky listener. To enter, all you have to do is send a tweet out about the podcast with the #edtechbites and make sure to tag both Sylvia and myself. At the end of the month, I'll randomly choose a winner and send them a copy of the book.

Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and tell a friend about the podcast. Great conversations happen when we break bread with great people. Buen provecho!