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EdTech Adventures

EdTech Adventures

CodeCombat

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1 Creator

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1 Creator

Welcome to EdTech Adventures. Join us as we explore the role of technology, STEM, and creative play in education. With expert guests, we’ll discover how learning is always an adventure.
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Top 10 EdTech Adventures Episodes

Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best EdTech Adventures episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to EdTech Adventures for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite EdTech Adventures episode by adding your comments to the episode page.

EdTech Adventures - Creative Coding with Illestpreacha
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05/16/23 • 29 min

Creative coding utilizes code and programming as a form of creative expression. Coding can be your art toolkit, creating works of art like visual art, interactive games or films, immersive experiences, and data visualizations. There is no limit to what can be expressed with code!

In this episode, Kofi Oduro (Illestpreacha) describes his experiences as a creative coder, merging artistic expression with programming. Learning about musical coding and audio visual coding inspired Illestpreacha to challenge himself by making abstract short films and asking the question: “Can you let the code tell a story?” In this conversation, Illestpreacha shares some examples of what creative coding could look like in a classroom and also relevant events like the Abstract Art in Motion world event Punto Y Raya Festival. Live coding is a form of creative coding as performance art in which a coder programs in real-time, using sound, imagery, and lights, for example, to create an experience. Illestpreacha created Dip in Code: Kitchen of Hues, an audiovisual experience that explores the concept of “Hearing Colour, Seeing Sound” and allows the audience the opportunity to take part in an immersive culinary experience. Coding with food, coding, with poetry, incorporating indigenous languages into a programming language...these are all examples of ways that we can be creative with code!

Recommended Resources from the Interview

Programming in Cree: Interview with Jon Corbett (2021-03-30)

Create Your Own Coding Language: https://www.zompist.com/gen.html

Abstract Art Festival: https://www.puntoyrayafestival.com/en/fest/editions

Junior Art Festival: https://www.puntoyrayafestival.com/en/fest/editions

Color Coding: https://colorscape.illestpreacha.com/colorscape

Public Domain Day: https://creativecommons.org/2023/01/09/celebrate-public-domain-day-2023-with-us-the-best-things-in-life-are-free/#:~:text=Artists%20of%20all%20levels%20are,ENTRY%20OR%20FIND%20OUT%20MORE!

Code is Poetry & Data is Poetry: https://blog.illestpreacha.com/

About Our Guest

Kofi Oduro (Illestpreacha) is an Experiential Storyteller who transforms data, words, and code into experiences that nurture discussion, reflection, and interaction. With a decade plus of performance, event, and audiovisual production, he takes inspiration from endeavors that are not normally connected to create a harmonic experience for audiences.

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EdTech Adventures - Scholarships and Incentives with Joshua Samuel
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08/22/23 • 34 min

Trigger Warning // death

Please note that about 5 minutes into this conversation, Joshua describes his childhood experiences which includes mention of a friend’s death.

Whether you're 12 years old or a high school student, it’s never too early to start preparing for college. In this episode, Joshua Samuel, CEO & Founder of Coins For College, shares how he’s found a way to convert a student’s day-to-day school activities into scholarship incentives.

Coins For College empowers education through community, helping prepare students for college academically, financially, and most importantly, mentally. Joshua was inspired to found Coins For College (CFC) because of his childhood experiences seeking a pathway to college and the barriers he faced. The CFC platform is a new way for K-12 parents to access college funding by partnering with local businesses that purchase sponsorships on the platform. One of the core aspects of the platform is the student financial dashboard, which tells a story of a student’s achievements from kindergarten to 12th grade, helping colleges award scholarships more effectively. Students using the CFC platform earn rewards by maintaining daily attendance and completing assessments for example. The platform was created with four key pillars in mind: attendance, assessments, educational resources, and extracurricular activities. Joshua believes that by adhering to these four activities consistently and diligently, a student can get into any college of their choice, saying:

“That's what the Coins For College platform does. We expose you beyond the limitations of your demographics and give you a trajectory to get into any college of your choice.” - Joshua Samuel

About Our Guest

Joshua Samuel is the innovative CEO and Founder of Coins For College and Intuition Exchange. Leveraging his expertise in blockchain technology and his passion for education, Joshua has crafted unique platforms that reward academic achievement and foster community engagement. His vision and commitment to driving educational growth and accessibility continue to shape his journey, establishing him as a transformative figure in the realm of EdTech.

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EdTech Adventures - Data Privacy with Jen Langdon
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04/18/23 • 37 min

Data privacy is the process of protecting data from unauthorized access or use and can help protect against cyber-attacks, data theft, and other malicious activities. In this episode, Jen Langdon, Education Program Coordinator at the National Cryptologic Foundation, discusses the topic of data privacy and how to introduce this concept to students. Jen describes how a passion for educating others led her to a career in teaching and how she became fascinated with cybersecurity through a podcast. In her current role at the National Cryptologic Foundation, Jen hosts the #CyberChats Podcast which features conversations with industry professionals in the fields of cyber security, information security, and technology and focuses on providing practical advice and sharing stories from experts in the field in order to help listeners understand and apply their knowledge to the ever-evolving world of cyber security.

In this conversation, Jen also dives into the strategies that bad actors and social engineers can use and the importance of empowering students to know what to do next if they experience a cyber attack. Jen describes how you can use games and authentic conversations to teach cybersecurity concepts like data privacy. For example, the cybersecurity-themed game Amanita Whitehat and the Curious Case of the Compromised Computers is based on the booklet included in the NCF’s Outsmart Cyberthreats Collection and uses real-world scenarios to help others and fight against cyber attacks. Ultimately, Jen encourages listeners wanting to get started in data privacy education to educate themselves on the variety of topics by listening to a podcast, playing a cybersecurity-themed game, taking a class in computer security and penetration testing, and attending a cyber conference.

Recommended Resources from the Interview

#CyberChats Podcast: https://cryptologicfoundation.org/students/cyberchats/podcast/

Amanita Computer Game (Original): https://cryptologicfoundation.org/students/games/original-game.html

Amanita Computer Game Sequel (Currently in Beta): https://cryptologicfoundation.org/students/games/amanita-whithat-mayhem-at-mallory-middle-game-2.html

"Outsmart Cyberthreats" Collection: https://cryptologicfoundation.org/educators/outsmart-cyberthreats-collection.html

Security BSides Conferences: http://www.securitybsides.com/w/page/12194156/FrontPage

About Our Guest

Jen Langdon is a former 6-year middle school science teacher with a Master’s of Arts in Curriculum and Educational Technology. While listening to a podcast, she heard about cybersecurity and decided to pursue an Associate’s degree in Information Assurance. Now, she works for the National Cryptologic Foundation and hosts the #CyberChats Podcast to spread data and cyber career awareness to youth.

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EdTech Adventures - Self Discovery with Nick Gross
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04/04/23 • 27 min

Nick Gross, Founder of Find Your Grind, discusses how we can tap into student passions to encourage self-discovery and improve the education experience. In this episode, Nick shares how an early talent and passion for a career in music led him to found Find Your Grind, a Gen Z focused learning and self discovery platform that seeks to provide students with the tools and confidence to be future ready. By using a lifestyle-first approach, Find Your Grind helps students figure out who they are and where they want to go by turning the tables on traditional career planning. Through curriculum that changes the conversation around career exploration by asking students about the kind of life they want to live and then guiding them to create it, Find Your Grind focuses on social emotional learning and student agency, and challenges students through inquiry and reflection. In this conversation, Nick discusses the importance of adaptability, project-based learning, and self-discovery, saying:

“I think self-discovery is honestly the most important piece of anything in learning, like having that confidence and that identity of the things you value, the interests you have, the inherent strengths you have and talents that you carry...” - Nick Gross

About Our Guest

Nick Gross is the Founder and Chairman of Gross Labs, a multi-dimensional entertainment and media holding company and the active CEO of Find Your Grind, a Gen Z focused learning and self discovery platform. In 2019, Find Your Grind started hosting nation-wide speaking tours in high schools and major college campuses with partners that include Amazon, TikTok, Twitch and so much more. Most recently, Nick partnered with Tiger Woods to rebuild after-school facilities in Southern California that also use the Find Your Grind curriculum.

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EdTech Adventures - Professional Development with Elizabeth Bacon
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03/21/23 • 35 min

Professional development for computer science education empowers teachers to learn the necessary skills to effectively teach computer science. In this episode, our guest Elizabeth Bacon, Director of Pedagogy at CoderZ, explores the complex world of professional development for CS education.

In this conversation, Elizabeth explains some of the strategies for developing effective professional development including relying on a balance of content and pedagogy. She discusses the importance of forging connections in community and the pros and cons of in-person versus online and on-demand professional development. For example, being in-person allows participants the chance to immerse themselves in a way that they’re not going to be able to do virtually. Furthermore, she discusses the importance of leveraging strengths and understanding the diversity of needs. In conclusion, Elizabeth shares her advice for developing professional development for computer science educators. She emphasizes the importance of using standards like the Computer Science Teachers Association (CSTA)’s Standards for CS Teachers, reaching out to local communities, and identifying learning objectives.

“The coolest thing ever is programming. And, you know, what's even cooler than programming is showing other people how cool it is to program.” - Elizabeth Bacon

Recommended Resources from the Interview

Unlocking the Clubhouse: Women in Computing by Jane Margolis and Allan Fisher

Stuck in the Shallow End: Education, Race, and Computing by Jane Margolis et al.

The Big Book of Computing Pedagogy by the Raspberry Pi Foundation

Computer Science Teachers Association (CSTA)’s Standards for CS Teachers

CSTA Annual Conference

CSTA PD Opportunities

CSforALL

About Our Guest

Elizabeth Bacon is the Director of Pedagogy at CoderZ. Previously, she served as Curriculum Development Manager for Code.org’s CS Discoveries course. A former classroom teacher and school administrator, she has designed computer science courses for students from 5 to 18 years old and developed blended learning systems for students preparing to study in the United States. She is active in the computer science education community, volunteering directly with students in local schools and community centers, serving on advisory panels for computer science pathways in Seattle area school districts, and presenting workshops on various topics around teaching and learning computer science.

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EdTech Adventures - Spatial Cognitive Skills with Scott Traylor
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03/07/23 • 33 min

From building chemical compounds to designing Martian robots, spatial cognitive skills are a crucial part of many STEM careers. Our guest Scott Traylor, President of the Children’s Media Association (Bay Area Chapter), discusses how we can foster spatial skills in young kids and adults too!

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EdTech Adventures - Representation and Inclusion with Ms. Robotics
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02/21/23 • 16 min

Whether it’s robotics, drones, or coding, how can we use EdTech tools to engage underserved communities so that they can see themselves in STEM careers? Join us and our guest Ms. Robotics, STEM Consultant, in discussing strategies for using EdTech tools to excite, inspire, and motivate all children in STEM education.

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EdTech Adventures - Scenario Based Learning with Kevin Carrington
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07/11/22 • 49 min

Kevin Carrington discusses how his scenario-based The C3 Initiative takes kids on secret STEM-based missions to teach the practicality of STEM concepts taught in classrooms. The elaborate sets and characters create a learning theme park experience where kids feel free to unlock their STEM potential. In this episode, Carrington shares how a message left in a public bathroom led to the development of this cool initiative. He also expresses the importance of having scenario-based learning experiences embedded in the k-12 education system to empower kids to take risks to solve problems in safe environments. It’s one of the best ways to bring STEM to life!

For more information, transcripts, and resources, check out our website at: https://codecombat.com/podcast

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EdTech Adventures - Designing Tactile Tech with Dan Klitsner
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10/17/23 • 30 min

Bop It...Twist It...Pull It! From the 90s and beyond, these sounds have been an integral part of many people's childhood. In today’s episode, Dan Klitsner, multi-award winning Toy Inventor and creator of Bop It, joins us to discuss leveraging tactile technology to transform play experiences.

How did the idea for Bop It evolve? As is the case with many inventions, success can come from failure. It all began when Dan pitched the idea for a new type of interactive tv remote for kids. When other ideas were pursued instead, Dan explored turning it into a game and behold - the Bop It...Twist It...Pull It phenomenon was created! When discussing his journey as an inventor and entrepreneur, Dan shares his thoughts that an idea won't succeed until everything is RITE, that is, the four pillars relationship, innovation, timing, and execution are all equally strong.

Bop It‘s unique popularity and accessibility is due to its tactile design - the twist knob looks and feels like a twist knob. The pull knob looks and feels like a pull knob. The bop it...you want to bop it! With tactile design, the product's job is to animate the user. The tactile design of Bop It enables it to be an inclusive game and led to a partnership between Bop It For Good and LightHouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired. Players who are blind or have low vision can rely on sound and their sense of touch to succeed in the game and play equally with others. When two people are playing Bop It, you can’t tell who’s blind. Throughout this conversation, Dan shares his thoughts on how we can use tactile products in the world of education and his advice for those interested in invention, saying

“Really learn to listen when someone throws an idea out there because later, I was like, maybe it isn't a remote...maybe it's a game. And that's eventually, you know, what turned into Bop It.” - Dan Klitsner

Recommended Resources from the Interview

KublaCon Game Convention

LightHouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired

Bop It For Good

About Our Guest

Dan Klitsner is an award winning Industrial Designer specializing in concept ideation focused primarily on toy invention. He has created and licensed hundreds of concepts including the mega-hits Bop It, Perplexus and Simon Air. Before specializing in toys, Dan designed many well known bottles such as Woodford Reserve, Hornitos Tequila, and the Clorox Toilet Cleaner bottle. Recently Dan and his wife Alicia have founded Bop It For Good to support organizations that can benefit the most from Bop It‘s unique popularity and accessibility.

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Surveys and case studies are useful tools in understanding the mindset of teachers. This year, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt’s 8th Annual Educator Confidence Report asked teachers about issues that impact them daily, with a focus on technology and their current needs. The purpose of this report is to give voice to educators and for those who didn't participate to learn from their colleagues. The key takeaways from this year's report include topics like educator retention and well-being and the role technology is playing for teachers and students. In this episode, our guest, Francie Alexander, discusses this report and shares her advice for making a positive impact in EdTech. This report revealed that EdTech is a bright spot in education, with teachers saying that tech is essential. Alexander elaborates:

“It is an integrated part, just like it is in your work and mine. And you won't find anyone who will say technology is not an important part of every child's future in how they're going to learn and how they're going to live. So if they're learning using these tools, they're more future ready, and that becomes another important part of what teachers do.”

Technology is an important tool that teachers have and it’s going to make teachers more effective in their work. The survey points to three significant ways that teachers are using technology - to be connected, to build community, and to customize. Furthermore, Alexander mentions that there were four major ways that teachers use technology: for productivity tools, data insights, social networking, and instructionally.

In conclusion, Alexander shares her advice for making a positive impact in EdTech. She encourages asking experts and examining the evidence. A guiding acronym that she uses is TOO - Think Of Others. Alexander adds that she wants to encourage people to keep learning.

“You're gonna make mistakes because we all do. But if you are doing it from the perspective of thinking of others, then you're gonna fix it.” - Francie Alexander

Recommended Resources from the Interview:

HMH's 2022 Educator Confidence Report

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FAQ

How many episodes does EdTech Adventures have?

EdTech Adventures currently has 41 episodes available.

What topics does EdTech Adventures cover?

The podcast is about Coding, Computer Science, Educational Technology, Javascript, Podcasts, Edtech, Technology, Education, Python and Programming.

What is the most popular episode on EdTech Adventures?

The episode title 'Self Discovery with Nick Gross' is the most popular.

What is the average episode length on EdTech Adventures?

The average episode length on EdTech Adventures is 34 minutes.

How often are episodes of EdTech Adventures released?

Episodes of EdTech Adventures are typically released every 14 days.

When was the first episode of EdTech Adventures?

The first episode of EdTech Adventures was released on Jun 8, 2022.

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