EdTech Empowerment: Innovating Education Together
Hosted by Juan Rodriguez, founder and Executive Director of NextGen Classrooms, EdTech Empowerment: Innovating Education Together dives into the power of technology to bridge the digital divide and revolutionize education. Each episode brings insights from guest speakers across the education spectrum, including educators, tech experts, policymakers, and community leaders, who share strategies to empower every student, regardless of background, with access to cutting-edge educational tools. Rooted in NextGen Classrooms’ mission to create globally connected, innovative learning spaces, this podcast covers topics like digital literacy, AI ethics, equitable access, and transformative practices in the classroom. Join us as we explore the latest trends and tools shaping the future of education and empower educators to create impactful, inclusive learning environments for all students.
Episodes
14 episodes
Designing for Real Brains: Rethinking Reading, Dyslexia, and EdTech That Actually Works
What if reading clicked the moment the page changed shape? We sit down with Hillary Summerbell—visual dyslexic, designer, and founder of the Summerbell Reading Method—to explore a bold idea: meet learners where their brains are by reshaping lin...
Technology Without the Hype: Smarter Learning in the AI Era with Muhammad Atif
Tired of tools that promise transformation but deliver more tabs? In this episode of EdTech Empowerment, host Juan Rodriguez sits down with Muhammad Atif, President and CTO of PureLogics, to unpack what actually makes techno...
Beyond the Buzz: Responsible AI Integration in Schools with Sam Whitaker”
Curiosity should be a feature of school, not a casualty of shortcuts. We sit down with Sam Whitaker, Senior Director of Impact at StudyFetch, to unpack how AI can deepen learning without doing the work for students—and why the difference matter...
Building STEM Identity: How Hands-On Learning Transforms Classrooms
What if every learner walked into school already believing they belong, can take on tough challenges, and that their ideas matter? That’s the spark we chase as Juan sits down with Dr. Jennifer Barry, CEO of Smart Lab, to unpack a practical, hum...
From Players to Creators: Matt Dalio on Game Design, Equity, and the Future of Learning
In this episode of EdTech Empowerment, host Juan Rodriguez speaks with Matt Dalio, founder and CEO of Endless, about the transformative power of technology in education. They discuss the importance of empowering students to become creators rath...
Reimagining Education with Amir Nathoo
Personalized learning has been a buzzword for years, but rarely a reality. In this episode, Amir Nathoo, founder & CEO of OutSchool, reveals how technology and human connection are finally making it possible. From breaking out of the...
From Classroom to Innovation: Bridging Data and Technology in Education with Chris Hull
In this episode of EdTech Empowerment, host Juan Rodriguez speaks with Chris Hull, a former social studies teacher and co-founder of Otus, an all-in-one platform for education technology. They discuss the journey from teaching to edtech innovat...
AI & EdTech: Transforming Classrooms with Smarter Tools
In this episode of EdTech Empowerment, host Juan Rodriguez speaks with Lindy Hockenbary, an experienced K-12 EdTech advisor, about the integration of technology and AI in education. They discuss Lindy's journey in EdTech, the key elements for s...
AI in Higher Ed: Upskilling Faculty & Empowering Students
In this episode of EdTech Empowerment, Juan Rodriguez sits down with Anna Haney-Winthrow, Director of the Institute of Innovative & Emerging Technologies at Florida Southwestern State College. They explore how AI is transfor...
Humanizing Online Learning with Technology
Heather Olson, Director of Online Teaching and Learning Experience at Florida SouthWestern State College, discusses her journey into education and her philosophy of fostering inclusivity and confidence in online spaces. She highlights the use o...
Coaching Creators: Integrating AI and Writing in Higher Ed
Unlock the future of education with Professor Lance Cummings from the University of North Carolina, Wilmington, as he shares groundbreaking strategies transforming the classroom. From applied learning and ungrading to leveraging AI and cutting-...
Unlocking AI and Immersive Tech in Classrooms: A Conversation with Abran Maldonado
Abran Maldonado, co-founder of CreateLabs Ventures, takes us on a fascinating journey from the pulsating beats of Hot 97 to the transformative world of education technology. Discover how his experiences as a Gates Scholar and his deep commitmen...
Bridging the Digital Divide: Challenges and Solutions in EdTech
Juan Rodriguez hosts a EdTech Empowerment: Innovating Education Together discussing the digital divide in education with AJ Singh, an experienced educator from Lucknow, India. AJ, currently working at Magic Ed Tech, emphasizes personalized...
Inclusive EdTech: Empowering Every Learner
Naomi Latini Wolf, a sociology professor and inclusive edtech specialist, discusses her approach to integrating technology in education to create inclusive learning environments. She emphasizes the importance of digital literacy, empathy, and c...
