EdTech Bites Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Ep. 278 | UDL, Bagels, And Barbecue: Designing Lessons That Fit All Learners w/ Kyle Niemis Sep 30, 2025

Show notes

What do gluten-free chips, high-protein bagels, and Universal Design for Learning (UDL) have in common? They're all about meeting everyone's needs, and that's exactly what former middle school teacher turned tech coach Kyle Niemis is passionate about. In this episode, we break down the real classroom implementation of UDL, point out the differences between UDL and differentiation, and talk practical grading strategies that won't break your brain. Plus, we take a tasty detour into food metaphors, BBQ negotiations, and the ultimate tortilla debate. (Team corn, for the win!) This episode will leave you full of fresh ideas and hungry for more. 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 Kyle Niemis

Kyle Niemis is the Head of Community at Wayground, formerly Quizizz, where he leads programs that connect and inspire educators worldwide. He spent 13 years as a middle school science teacher and 3 years as a technology coach, experiences that give him a deep understanding of both classroom realities and instructional innovation. Kyle has also co-founded two edtech companies and is known for his authentic connection with teachers and his ability to turn ideas into engaging community experiences. He brings a unique perspective on how technology can transform both teaching and learning.

Connect With Kyle Niemis and Wayground

Wayground Website: https://www.wayground.com
Kyle Niemis On X: https://x.com/KyleNiemis

Ep. 261 | Knowt: Spend More Time Interacting And Less Time Preparing w/ Abheek Pandoh Mar 25, 2025

Show notes

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 creation, how the platform has evolved, and why data privacy and customization are top priorities. Learn how Knowt can be tailored to meet your district's unique needs—helping you spend less time on prep and more time on what matters most: connecting with your students. This conversation is packed with practical insights you won't want to miss. Buen provecho!

About Abheek Pandoh

Abheek is the CEO and co-founder of Knowt. He started the company as a senior in high school, and handles the financial/business operations as well as the product design.

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 Abheek and Knowt

Knowt Website: https://www.knowt.com
Abheek On X: https://x.com/AbheekPandoh
Abheek On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abheek_panda/

Ep. 243 | Why You Should Join The X-Factor EDU Virtual 5k Turkey Trot Nov 26, 2024

Show notes

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:

How the Turkey Trot came to be
Why Snorkl is on board as a sponsor
Training tips to get you ready for race day (or walk day!)
How to sign up and join the virtual fun!

Plus, learn how you can score some sweet prizes just for participating!

Don't miss out! Head over to xfactor.link/trot to register and get ready to move your body this Thanksgiving break! This episode is perfect for any teacher, administrator, or educator looking to boost their wellbeing and connect with their amazing community.

Ep. 239 | When The Professional Learning Impact Comes Full Circle w/ Kathryn Laster and Tisha Poncio Nov 14, 2024

Show notes

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 never formally met until GaETC 2024. She's served in various roles in education such as a math teacher, Instructional Technology Coach, and Digital Learning Consultant. She's passionate about building professional development and professional learning. We discuss the difference between the two and then…the conversation comes full circle! Tisha Poncio joins us at the table because Tisha was a teacher in one of Kathryn's cohorts years ago. These two take us through the journey and Tisha lets us know how much of a pivotal role Kathryn played in her educational journey. This is such a special episode for these two that you have to hear for yourself. While listening to this, think about who has made an impact on your own educational journey and what you'd like to say to them. Buen provecho!

Connect With Gabriel Carrillo

EdTech Bites Website: https://edtechbites.com
EdTech Bites X: https://twitter.com/edtechbites
EdTech Bites Instagram: https://instagram.com/edtechbites
EdTech Bites Threads: https://www.threads.net/@edtechbites
EdTech Bites Facebook Page: https://facebook.com/edtechbites
EdTech Bites YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@edtechbites

Connect With Kathryn Laster

Kathryn Laster X: https://x.com/kklaster
Kathryn Laster on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kathrynkl/
Kathryn Laster on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathrynlaster/

Connect With Tisha Poncio

Tisha Poncio X: https://x.com/TxTechChick
Tisha Poncio on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tishaponcio/
Tisha Poncio on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tishaponcio/
Tisha Poncio on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tisha.poncio

Ep. 235 | AI In The Classroom: Getting Creative w/ Kristen Brooks Nov 10, 2024

Show notes

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 creative ways. She also lets us know her administration and parent feedback on these projects that incorporate AI in new ways. She discusses how she exposes her students to this technology in a safe and ethical manner with best practices to ensure that students know how to properly use it when unsupervised. Give this episode a listen because I can guarantee Kristen will teach you a new way to use this game-changing tool. Buen provecho!

Connect With Gabriel Carrillo

EdTech Bites Website: https://edtechbites.com
EdTech Bites X: https://twitter.com/edtechbites
EdTech Bites Instagram: https://instagram.com/edtechbites
EdTech Bites Threads: https://www.threads.net/@edtechbites
EdTech Bites Facebook Page: https://facebook.com/edtechbites
EdTech Bites YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@edtechbites

Connect With Kristen Brooks

Kristen's Website: http://www.kristenbrooks.net/
Kristen on X: https://x.com/KristenBrooks77
Kristen on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kristenbrooks77
Kristen on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIIAPz1Mzz5Y7yElgTcJJrA
Kristen on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristenbrooks77/

AI in Education: How ChatGPT Can Help Teachers Save Time With Dr. Monica Burns Mar 07, 2023

Show notes

In this episode, we explore how teachers can use the power of artificial intelligence to save time and improve productivity in the classroom. My guest, Monica Burns, an educator and edtech consultant, shares her insights on how teachers can leverage ChatGPT, a large language model, to automate routine tasks, research, and gather information quickly and efficiently. She also discusses the potential benefits and challenges of using AI in education and shares tips for teachers who are new to using technology in the classroom. Whether you're a seasoned educator or a new teacher looking to streamline your workload, this episode is packed with practical tips and ideas for making the most of ChatGPT. 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

About Dr. Monica Burns

Dr. Monica Burns is an EdTech and Curriculum Consultant, author of EdTech Essentials (ASCD, 2021) and former New York City public school teacher. She works with schools and organizations around the world to support PreK-20 educators with thoughtful technology integration. Monica's website ClassTechTips.com and Easy EdTech Podcast helps educators place "tasks before apps" by promoting deeper learning with technology.

Connect With Dr. Monica Burns

Monica's Website: https://www.classtechtips.com
Monica on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/classtechtips/
Monica on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/classtechtips/
Monica on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/classtechtips/
Monica On TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@classtechtips

Ep. 133: LG CreateBoard With Vicky Sanville Jan 25, 2023

Show notes

In this episode, I chat with Vicky Sanville from LG to discuss their new product for education. This board does not use proprietary software and can easily be deployed in classrooms with minimal efforts and… support from LG! Give this episode a listen to see how LG can help you get interactive displays in your classrooms.

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 LG

LG Business Solutions Website: https://www.lg.com/us/business/shop-lg-business-solution
LG Commercial Displays On Twitter: https://twitter.com/LGCommDisplays
LG Commercial Displays On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lg-commercial-displays-usa/

Ep. 102: Wireless Earbuds In The Classroom And Omelettes Feb 16, 2022

Show notes

In this episode, I ask the question "are students allowed to use wireless earbuds in your classroom?" I look at this from different angles and explain the perception that this might give. We've all got a pair of Airpods, Beats By Dre, Skullcandy, Bose, or some other brand's wireless earbuds. We see them in the hallways, gym, grocery stores, but are they acceptable in the classroom setting? What are your thoughts in this matter? All while discussing this topic, I'm chowing down on half of a country omelet and half of a French omelet. Why? Because I can! If you'd like to see my recipe for these omelettes, check out the link below. Buen provecho!

Country Omelet and French Omelet Tutorial

https://youtu.be/Xhy1Esu-Ufs

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. 94: Ann and The New Flipgrid Aug 31, 2021

Show notes

In this episode, I'm joined by Ann Kozma of Flipgrid to discuss all of the new updates Flipgrid and Microsoft have to offer. There are a lot of updates to Flipgrid that rolled out without you even knowing and Ann is here to go over each one. Each one of these is designed to enhance the student experience and amplify student voice for all of our students. So sit back with your favorite snack and let's get our Flipgrid on with #flipgridforall ! 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

About Ann Kozma

Ann loves to explore, share, and contribute and has spent 19+ years dedicated to transforming education as a classroom teacher, Innovation & Instructional Support Teacher on Special Assignment, and as an Educator Innovation Lead on Team Flipgrid at Microsoft. Believing that "Play is our brain's favorite way to learn," Ann is passionate about helping others explore how to meaningfully integrate technology into teaching and learning and is on a mission to help educators engage, empower, and amplify student voice in learning communities around the world. She is a member of the Apple Distinguished Educator Class of 2015 and Leading Edge Certified as a Professional Learning Leader.

Connect With Ann and Flipgrid

Ann on Twitter: https://twitter.com/annkozma723
Flipgrid Website: https://www.flipgrid.com
Flipgrid Blog: https://info.flipgrid.com/
Flipgrid on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flipgrid
Flipgrid on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/flipgrid

Ep. 25: Sarah, Edumatch, And Vegetarian Cuisine May 16, 2018

Show notes

In this episode, I chat with Sarah Thomas to discuss EduMatch and the importance of connecting educators. No, EduMatch is not a dating site for educators. It's Sarah's brainchild that connects like-minded educators. All this while being a vegetarian! Sarah is the first guest on the podcast who is a strict vegetarian and is proud of it. Check it out for yourself and be sure to connect with EduMatch and Sarah with a plate of vegetarian lasagne! Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and tell a friend about the podcast. Buen provecho!