Podcasts
Anytime, anywhere edtech insights for educators who are all ears
Interviews
One-to-One
Authentic voices from edtech’s evolving landscape – right in your hand (and in your ears).
Each month, hosts Linda DeYounge and Brian Bates sit down with K-12 edtech movers, shakers, leaders, and boots-on-the-ground educators like you to discover how every classroom can better harness technology and enhance student learning.
Edtech is so much more than apps, devices, and data. Each conversation promises a peak into fresh perspectives that illuminate edtech as not just a tool, but an vibrant engine for transformative teaching and learning.
🎧 Listen and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcatcher.
Most Recent Episodes
Classroom Integration & Pedagogy
One-to-One Season Four Preview: “Is edtech mostly useless?”
It started with a provocative article. Now, we're digging deep into the current edtech discourse during our upcoming season, with guest voices challenging us to critically appraise where classroom tech…
Classroom Integration & Pedagogy
From Fortnite to Future Careers with Dr. Katrina Lewis
Esports is starting to level up, with real pathways to careers in tech, media, and leadership. Dr. Lewis shares how her state is making it happen - and how to…
Computer Science & STEM
The Middle School Maker (Student Voices, Part 2)
How does a broken shoe strap turn into a thriving small business? Hear how an Illinois 8th grader 3D printed his way to entrepreneurship with a little curiosity and a…
Computer Science & STEM
Young Designers at Work (Student Voices, Part 1)
The next generation of makers and designers are current Illinois students. Hear how 3rd graders are using TinkerCAD and 4th graders are engineering adaptive and assistive devices in their classroom…
Leadership & Capacity Building
Tech Directors Need Mentors, Too
K-12 IT teams are often isolated. Peer-led mentorship can break that norm. We hear from a current and a former mentee to learn about school tech leadership's steep learning curve…
Leadership & Capacity Building
What’s Happening to the Department of Education?
2025 brought a lot of change to federal education policies and procedures. Our seasoned Washington expert reviews what's changing, what isn't, and how your district can plan confidently in uncertain…
Artificial Intelligence
AI Policies are Only the Start
An AI in education expert joins us to cut through the hype and reveal what AI policy really needs: a shift from policing plagiarism to building AI literacy for life.
Classroom Integration & Pedagogy
Edtech I’m Thankful for @ IETC 2025
Our Thanksgiving tradition is back for a second helping! Hear shoutouts for the totally rad apps and resources that engage students, spark creativity, and make teaching just a little bit…
Artificial Intelligence
AI Tour Guides and Student Projects
AI in the classroom doesn’t have to be intimidating. Our guest highlights how AI-guided virtual field trips and project-based assessments can help students create, explore, and think in fresh ways.
Computer Science & STEM
3D Printing 101: A Starter Guide for Schools
Which model should you buy? What software will students use? And how do you keep your 3D printer from becoming yet another pricey gadget collecting dust? An expert offers a…
Artificial Intelligence
Instant Student Feedback with AI
Why wait? Instant feedback is a reality in today's classrooms − and it can transform learning into an active, student-driven experience. A digital trailblazer explains how and explores AI's impact…
Digital Literacy & Wellness
Digital Literacy for Littles
Navigating the digital world with young kids isn’t easy, but it can start with something as simple as a song. Our guest walks us through helping PK-3 students build healthy, lasting…
Digital Literacy & Wellness
Critical Optimism with Digital Thriving
What does it mean to thrive with technology? Explore how educators can push back on tech burnout and take control of their digital lives - all while remaining optimistic about…
Classroom Integration & Pedagogy
Providing Access and Agency with UDL
What if every student had exactly what they needed to learn and thrive? Niel Albero from CAST joins us to discuss how technology can be a game-changer for inclusivity in…
Data Privacy & Cybersecurity
Cybersecurity and the Day the Internet Died
"We've been hacked. It's bad." Guest Emily Flach lived it as a K-12 tech director. Learn from her experiences + hear Eric Muckensturm's strategies for safeguarding your school against evolving…
Artificial Intelligence
Developing Human and AI Intelligence with Matt Miller
AI is here to stay. So, what’s next? Author and educator Matt Miller joins us to explore how AI is reshaping teaching right here, right now and remind us about…
Classroom Integration & Pedagogy
EdTech I’m Thankful For with Our Listeners
In the spirit of Thanksgiving, we're handing over the mic and interviewing teachers, coaches, and technology leaders from across Illinois about the edtech tools they’re most thankful for.
Classroom Integration & Pedagogy
Student Voice, Choice & Creativity with Eric Curts
What if we could use technology to give students more choice? Author and educator Eric Curts joins us to share how teachers can use tech to unlock student creativity and…
Digital Equity
Exploring the NETP
How can districts begin to close the digital use, design, and access gaps identified in the new National Educational Technology Plan? Digital Equity Advisor Ji Soo Song walks us through…
Digital Literacy & Wellness
Developing Digital Literacy
Today's students need to know how to analyze and contextualize digital media to thrive in the classroom and beyond. Digital literacy can teach them how, and this week's guest Darren…
Digital Equity
Proposed FCC Changes & their Impact on Illinois
Changes are coming to several important FCC programs relating to funding and edtech. Tune in to learn how they'll impact Illinois schools from program expert Mindy Fiscus.
Leadership & Capacity Building
Reflections on IETC 2023
Catch up on what you missed at IETC 2023 with our on-site attendees interviews + a special reveal for IETC 2024's first keynote speaker.
Artificial Intelligence
AI for Everyone with Dr. Monica Burns
AI has arrived in the classroom! Let's talk about how educator can harness it for productive learning with Dr. Monica Burns + AI-enhanced apps and tools you can reach for…
Digital Literacy & Wellness
AI & Digital Citizenship with Mike Ribble
This month, we're welcoming Dr. Mike Ribble to discuss the role of digital citizenship and digital literacy as we all come to grips with artificial intelligence, both in society and…
Computer Science & STEM
Building STEAM with Dr. Kristen Brynteson
For our inaugural episode, we're welcoming Dr. Kristen Brynteson from NIU to discuss her university's STEAM Program. Later, Sarah Phelps highlights LTC resources for sparking STEM learning year-round.