EdTech Bites Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Ep. 270 | Debunking The Myths of STEM, Coding, and Gaming w/ Kathryn Hofman Jun 21, 2025

Show notes

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

Ep. 256 | TCEA Takeaways: Bringing STEM Ideas and Podcasting to Life w/ Brenda Gutierrez Feb 11, 2025

Show notes

This episode is sponsored by Brisk Teaching. To learn more and get started, visit www.briskteaching.com

In this episode, we're joined by Brenda Gutierrez, Student Services Coordinator at Ysleta de Sur Pueblo Department Of Tribal Empowerment in El Paso, Texas. She shares her first experience attending TCEA 2025. We dive into her mission to bring engaging STEM ideas back to her organization and discuss her newfound excitement for integrating podcasting into professional development. From key conference takeaways to actionable steps for starting a podcasting initiative, this conversation will inspire you to innovate and experiment in your own teaching or leadership role.

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. 234 | Passion Over Paycheck: Being a Male In Education w/ Tom Murray Nov 09, 2024

Show notes

In this episode, I'm joined by Tom Murray of Future Ready Schools to discuss being a male in education and some of the nuances we have to consider in this profession. We also discuss how we can take that information to our future leaders (AKA Our Students) and instill behaviors including perspective when approaching tasks. Tom's passion is Personal and Authentic which is one of the reasons he is revered in such high regard amongst educational leaders. This is a great episode and one that will give you a new perspective on what it means to be a male in education. 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 Tom Murray and Future Ready Schools

Tom's Website: https://www.thomascmurray.com/
Tom On X: https://x.com/thomascmurray
Tom On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomascmurray/
Future Ready Schools Website: https://all4ed.org/

Ep. 177 | Lightspeed: The Impact of Classroom Acoustics with Ray Young Sep 28, 2023

Show notes

In this episode, I give you the reasons I haven't dropped an episode in a month. You're going to want to hear why, trust me! I also delve into a critical yet often overlooked aspect of education: classroom acoustics. Join me as I chat with Ray Young from Lightspeed to explore the profound influence of acoustics on both teachers and students in the classroom. Discover how Lightspeed, a leading innovator in classroom audio solutions, is revolutionizing the educational experience. From enhancing teacher instruction to boosting student engagement, Ray reveals how the right acoustic environment can make all the difference in the classroom 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 Ray Young

Ray Young is the Director of Education Design & Development at Lightspeed. A 100 percent employee-owned company, Lightspeed is on a mission to help every student hear every word.

Connect With Lightspeed

Lightspeed Website: https://lightspeed-tek.com/
Lightspeed On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lightspeedtek/
Lightspeed On YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LightspeedCAT

Gearing Up For ISTE: 10 Things You Need To Pack For ISTE Live 23! Jun 23, 2023

Show notes

In this episode, I give you 10 things that you need to pack with you for ISTE Live 23 in Philadelphia! This episode is for all ISTE goers… first timers and frequent flyers. Whether this is your first or tenth ISTE, You will be reminded of something to take with you to ISTE. These conferences can be overwhelming so these 10 things can help alleviate some stress and help you get the best out of ISTE. One of the items on my list is what I'm enjoying while recording this episode. I sip on some water with a Liquid I.V. hydration packet for my "bite" in this episode. So make sure you listen to this episode before you pack and share it with someone who is also attending ISTE Live 23. Buen provecho and we'll see you in Philly!

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. 120: The Importance Of Our Story w/ Chris Ortiz At TCCA Oct 29, 2022

Show notes

In this episode, I chat with Chris Ortiz while at TCCA. He shares his story and the importance of the story behind all of us. This is episode 3 of 11 that was recorded at TCCA. Each episode will be released daily for 11 days so make sure you're subscribed to the podcast to hear all about TCCA. 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

Connect With Chris

Chris' Website: https://coachortiz.com
Chris on Twitter: https://twitter.com/BeSomeone09
Chris on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chrisortiz3946/?hl=en
The Be Someone Podcast on Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-be-someone-podcast/id1332785619
The Be Someone Podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7gPLlY2RZDXPeS1pMsqDN0?si=NjuWYFWDRCmtj3szU4TQNw

Ep. 114: 5 Reasons Why You Need To Be Creating Newsletters! Sep 13, 2022

Show notes

In this episode, I give you my top 5 reasons why you need to be creating newsletters. Whether you are a district office director, principal, or teacher, you need to be creating newsletters for your department, teaching staff, or parents. Check out the episode and get inspired to start creating your newsletters today!

This episode is sponsored by Smore. Everyone struggles to keep families informed. That's why Smore offers a one-stop-shop solution for school communications. Their easy-to-use online newsletter tool lets educators create interactive updates that parents actually read. Kickstart communication with templates made for schools. Use features like automatic translation to reach more families. Smore is built with education in mind, which is why it's trusted by educators in nearly every school district in the United States. Help busy parents stay connected to what's going on. And don't rely on a paper flyer to survive the trip home.

To learn more, visit http://www.smore.com/podcast?utm_source=edtechbites for an exclusive offer.

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. 95: Adam, EduProtocols, And Dad Jokes Sep 14, 2021

Show notes

In this episode, I'm joined by Adam Moler to discuss EduProtocols while sipping on some great beverages! I went down the EduProtocols rabbit hole recently and really wanted to record an episode with relevant ideas and clarity on the subject so I reached out to Adam. But there's another reason I reached out to him. He's the king of Dad Jokes! So make sure you listen to the end because Adam and I go back and forth with the Dad Jokes. !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 Adam Moler

Adam Moler is a 7th year Social Studies teacher at New Richmond Middle School. He teaches 8th grade American History and does some instructional coaching. Adam has a passion for intentional use of technology as well as student engagement.

Connect With Adam Moler

Adam on Twitter: https://twitter.com/moler3031
Adam on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/moler.adam
Adam's Website: https://molersmusings.wordpress.com

Ep. 78: Mandy, Reigniting The Fire, And EdTech Tools Nov 17, 2020

Show notes

In this episode, I chat with Mandy Froehlich to discuss how educators can reignite the fire within them in order to ______. Being that she juggles quite a bit with her personal and professional career, she also shares some tools to help her tackle everything she needs to in order to maintain balance. And if that isn't enough, she also shares a delicious recipe that you won't want to miss out on. So give this episode a listen and as always, Buen provecho!

About Mandy

Mandy Froehlich passionately encourages educators to create innovative change in their classrooms. A former Director of Innovation and Technology, technology integrator, and teacher, she has experience at many levels of the organizational structure. Her interest lies in reinvigorating and re-engaging teachers back into their profession, as well as what's needed to support teachers in their pursuit of innovative and divergent thinking and teaching. Her books are The Fire Within: Lessons from defeat that have ignited a passion for learning, Divergent EDU: Challenging assumptions and limitations to create a culture of innovation, Reignite the Flames: Finding our passion and purpose for learning among the embers, and The Educator's Matchbook: A weekly guidebook for educators to build resilience and fight burnout.

Connect With Mandy

Ep. 28: The Global SMART SEE Summit and Building Your PLN Jul 24, 2018

Show notes

This special episode was recorded in Calgary, Canada while attending the SMART Global Summit and is all about building your PLN or in this case PLF, professional learning family. This episode is made up of four interviews with four different individuals. Two of them are employees of SMART and the other two are attendees like myself. I would like to give a huge shout out to SMART Technologies for hosting this event and the Conrad Foundation for all the work they did with us, especially the students. Katie Novak 2:30 Gretchen Monahan 15:06 Monica Mora 26:53 Kelly Miksch 36:53 For more information on becoming a SEE, click here. Thanks again to everyone who I interviewed thanks to my new PLF from all over the world. Don't forget to subscribe to be notified when future episodes are released. Buen Provecho!