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Examining

Examining

Erik Christiansen & Kris Hans

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1 Creator

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1 Creator

Examining is a technology-focused podcast that dives deep. Our co-hosts, Erik Christiansen and Kris Hans examine the technology industry, productivity, and education, and provide practical tech tips. (The podcast started as EdTech Examined in July 2020 with the goal of helping educators transition to online education in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.)
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Top 10 Examining Episodes

Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best Examining episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to Examining 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 Examining episode by adding your comments to the episode page.

Examining - 29: Futurecast
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08/03/21 • 93 min

This episode is all about the trends. Erik and Kris discuss news stories about how video editing skills are here to stay, making higher education more developmental, and eight challenges universities will face in the coming year. They also talk about Windows 365 and what it means for computing, Erik's Op-Ed about open educational resources (OER) in the Edmonton Journal, and how to "de-Google" and protect your privacy online.
SHOW NOTES
News
*Forbes: Meet the Company Proving Two Big EdTech Trends
*Inside HigherEd: 6 Ways to Make Education More Developmental
*Forbes: 8 Reasons This Coming Year Could be the Hardest Yet for Higher Ed
Discussion:
Windows 365
*ZDNet - Mary Jo Foley
*Paul Thurrott

Edmonton Journal - Open educational resources would make post-secondary cots more affordableEdTech Tips
*Forbes - Gmail alternatives*PrivacyTools.ioEDTECH EXAMINED CONTACT:
Website: edtechexamined.com
Email: [email protected]
Twitter: @EdTechExamined
TEAM INFORMATION
Erik Christiansen, Co-Founder & Co-Host
Website: erikchristiansen.net
Twitter: @egchristiansen
Blog: tech-bytes.net
Kris Hans, Co-Founder & Co-Host
Website: krishans.ca
Twitter: @KrisHans
Market Grade: marketgrade.com
Christopher Hoang, Audio Producer & Sound Engineer
Website: chrishoang.ca

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Examining - 9: Capture, Configure, Control
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09/01/20 • 110 min

In this episode, Erik and Kris focus on productivity strategies for educators and students. They give their experience using project management software like Basecamp and Trello, do a deep dive on note-taking apps (for all platforms), and review Cal Newport’s concept of Deep Work and the strategies of Capture, Configure, and Control for taking control of your time. The co-hosts also discuss their experience so far with paid podcast hosting. They also talk about Andy Hargreaves’ critique of EdTech in the Washington Post and innovative social distancing strategies for k-12 students in Alberta.
SHOW NOTES
Project Management Tools

Basecamp: https://basecamp.com
Trello: https://trello.com/home
Cal Newport and Deep Work
*Cal Newport’s Deep Work: https://amzn.to/2EUX5He
Overview of Deep Work (Medium): https://medium.com/@nina.semczuk/5-practices-from-deep-work-by-cal-newport-thatll-change-your-life-303847ec5f3c
Cal Newport Study Hacks Blog: https://www.calnewport.com/blog/ Cal Newport Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/fleeing-collapsing-career-taking-notes-on-books-building/id1515786216?i=1000483167517Cal Newport 3 practices for organizing your documenting your ideas and planning your time

  1. Capture - Get it down
  2. Configure - Describe the task in detail
  3. Control - Plan and execution of the task

Other organization strategies
*Accidental Creative by Todd Henry: https://amzn.to/3lEYORU
Mind Mapping by Tony Buzan: https://tonybuzan.com/ Documentaries on innovationGeneral Magic
Love Notes to Newton
Podcast hosting options
Castos: https://www.castos.comPodBean: https://www.podbean.comSimple Cast: https://simplecast.com
Captivate: https://www.captivate.fm/podcast/Buzzprout: https://www.buzzsprout.com
Anchor: https://anchor.fm
News Articles
Washington Post - “The education technology students will need — and won’t — after coronavirus”: https://www.washingtonpost.com/education/2020/08/06/education-technology-students-will-need-wont-after-covid-19/Huff Post - “Private Businesses Could Host Some Alberta Students' Remote Learning This Year”: https://www.huffingtonpost.ca/entry/private-remote-learning-alberta_ca_5f344abac5b64cc99fe1ab76Clayton Christensen’s Book on Innovation
*Innovator’s Dilemma: https://amzn.to/34OWGRt*Competing Against Luck: https://amzn.to/31JL1Bg*How will you Measure your Life: https://amzn.to/31IXC7NTech Tip: Note-Taking Apps
Web-based Apps

Google Keep: https://keep.google.comEvernote: https://evernote.comRoam: https://roamresearch.comDesktop and mobile apps
Apple Notes: https://support.apple.com/en-ca/guide/notes/welcome/mac
iA Writer: https://ia.net/writer
Stylus based apps
Notability: https://www.gingerlabs.com
Good Notes:

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Examining - 52: FrankenPad
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11/05/22 • 38 min

Erik and Kris discuss new hardware announcements from Microsoft and Apple. They provide their take on the new Surface devices and iPads. Our co-hosts also discuss the purchase of edX and the pros and cons of outsourcing online learning program development.

PATREON

Please show us your support by becoming an EdTech Examined patron.

https://www.patreon.com/EdTechExamined

SHOW NOTES

Links

Microsoft Surface event: Paul Thurrott (Thurrott.com)
* New iPad: Six Colors, Engadget and CNET
* edX purchase: The Crimson
* Andreessen Horowitz betting big on edtech: Business Insider
* Pros and cons of outsourcing online program development: Inside HigherEd
* Udemy third-quarter results: Globe Newswire

CONTACT

Website: edtechexamined.com
Email: [email protected]
Twitter: @EdTechExamined

Erik Christiansen, Co-Founder & Co-Host
Website: erikchristiansen.net

Kris Hans, Co-Founder & Co-Host
Website: krishans.ca

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Examining - Bonus Back to School Special 2020
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09/03/20 • 95 min

In this episode, Kris and Erik discuss their recommendations for back to school gear including laptops, tablets, phones, monitors, ergonomic office equipment, and data backup.
.
SHOW NOTES
.Recommended computers and devices
.Apple back to school deals (free AirPods)
.
Apple Education
.Tablets
.
iPad Air 3
iPad Pro 11
iPad Mini
.Laptops.Lenovo X1 Carbon
Lenovo T490s
Microsoft Surface Laptop 3
Microsoft Surface Pro 7
Dell XPS 13
Apple MacBook Air
Apple MacBook Pro 13”
Apple iMac 27”
HP OMEN desktops
.Phones
.
Google Pixel 3a
OnePlus
Phone SE
.Tech-Bytes.net: “Trickle-down technology”
.Computer Accessories
.
*Evoluent VerticalMouse D
*Logitech MX Vertical
*Logitech K380 keyboard
*Logitech K780 keyboard
*Logitech Ergo K860 keyboard
*Microsoft Sculpt keyboard and mouse.Sites for researching tech
.RTings.com
NYTimes The Wirecutter
.Physiotherapy YouTube channels
.AthleanX
Bob and Brad.
.Data backup
.3-2-1 backup strategy Leo Laporte TWiT - https://twit.tv/shows/twit-bits/episodes/3019
.
Local backup tools
.
See Episode #9 "Capture, Configure, Control"
.(Please note that items preceded by a * are Amazon affiliate links)
.
TEAM INFORMATION:
.Erik Christiansen, Co-Founder & Co-Host
.Website: erikchristiansen.net
Twitter: @egchristiansen
Blog: tech-bytes.net
.Kris Hans, Co-Founder & Co-Host
.Website: krishans.ca
Twitter: @KrisHans
Market Grade: marketgrade.com
.Christopher Hoang, Audio Producer & Sound Engineer
.Website: chrishoang.ca

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Examining - 45: Sherlocked Phantom Zone
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06/17/22 • 83 min

In this episode, Erik and Kris discuss Apple's WWDC 2022 event, provide laptop and travel tech recommendations for educators and students looking to upgrade their devices, the latest edtech privacy news, and more.
SHOW NOTES:
#EdTechOfficeHours:
*MacBook Air 2022
*Surface Laptop Go 2
*Charger for all devices
News
*Apple WWDC announcements: MacRumors
*Surface Adaptive Kit: Microsoft, Forbes
*Surface Laptop Go 2: XDA Dev
*FireFox ‘total cookie protection’: Paul Thurrott
*Washington Post: Pandemic disrupted learning for US teens
*Digital Journal: The EdTech market was valued at...
*The Conversation: EdTech is treating students like products
*The Print: Schools. Universities in the metaverse?
Apps of the month
*PictureThis
*Bit Warden

CONTACT:
Website: edtechexamined.com
Email: [email protected]
Twitter: @EdTechExamined
TEAM INFORMATION:
Erik Christiansen, Co-Founder & Co-Host
Website: erikchristiansen.net
Twitter: @egchristiansen
Blog: tech-bytes.net
Kris Hans, Co-Founder & Co-Host
Website: krishans.ca
Twitter: @KrisHans
Market Grade: marketgrade.com
Christopher Hoang, Audio Producer & Sound Engineer
Website: chrishoang.ca

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Examining - 57: Rewind - Atomic Effort
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06/02/23 • 91 min

This episode originally launched August 5th, 2022.

---

In this episode, Erik and Kris review essential Windows 10 tips, edtech privacy in schools, tech industry layoffs, 3D Google Maps, Chromebook updates, Intel mini desktops, and iOS Lockdown Mode. Kris reviews the book Atomic Habits by James Clear, and Erik reviews the book Effortless by Greg McKeown.

SHOW NOTES:

Links

Windows Tips from How To Geek: 10 hidden windows features you should be using

Human Right Watch: Online learning products enables surveillance of children

The Economic Times: Why edtech needs a deep renovation

McKinsey & Company (consulting): Demand for online education is growing. Are providers ready?

Times Colonist: We need to ensure education technology doesn’t amplify inequality

Tech Crunch: Google maps rolls out location sharing notification, immersive views and better bike navigation

ArsTechnica: Google Maps is getting 3D imagery on mobile, detailed biking info, and more

Thurrott: Google is bringing a video editor and virtual desktops to chromebooks

Tech Crunch: Denmark bans Chromebooks and Google Workspace in schools over data transfer

Tech Radar: Intel NUC 12 could be a mini PC powerhouse

CNET: Apple’s new Lockdown Mode on iOS 16 could protect you from cyber attacks

Books

Atomic Habits - James Clear

*Resources from Book: https://jamesclear.com/atomic-habits/resources

Effortless - Greg McKeown

CONTACT

Website: edtechexamined.com
Email: [email protected]
Twitter: @EdTechExamined

Erik Christiansen, Co-Founder & Co-Host
Website: erikchristiansen.net

Kris Hans, Co-Founder & Co-Host
Website: krishans.ca

Christopher Hoang, Audio Producer & Sound Engineer
Website: chrishoang.ca

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In this special episode, Kris and Erik were interviewed by the Teaching and Learning Online Network (or TALON) at the University of Calgary€TMs School of Architecture, Planning and Landscape about their strategies for teaching online, including the importance of preparation, communicating with students effectively, developing reusable resources, suggestions for collaboration software, and 'netiquette.'
.
To learn more about TALON visit taloncloud.ca. You can see the full video interview on TALON's website or the EdTech Examined YouTube channel.
.
TALON website: https://taloncloud.ca/Kris-Hans-Erik-Christiansen
.
EdTech Examined YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/RIAOPa1L_Os
.
University of Calgary: https://ucalgary.ca/
.
School of Architecture, Planning and Landscape
Website: https://sapl.ucalgary.ca/
Twitter: twitter.com/ucalgarysapl
. Mac McGinn, TALON Team
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/mac-mcginn
.
CONTACT:
.
Website: edtechexamined.com
Email: [email protected]
Twitter: @EdTechExamined
.
TEAM INFORMATION:
.
Erik Christiansen
Co-Founder & Co-Host
Website: erikchristiansen.net
Twitter: @egchristiansen
Blog: tech-bytes.net
.
Kris Hans
Co-Founder & Co-Host
Website: krishans.ca
Twitter: @KrisHans
Market Grade: marketgrade.com
.
Christopher Hoang
Audio Producer & Sound Engineer
Website: chrishoang.ca

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Examining - 51: Bricking News
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10/21/22 • 63 min

In this episode, Kris and Erik discuss podcast discovery tools and strategies, the firing of an NYU chemistry prof, Lego's purchase of Brain Pop, edtech surveillance, edtech layoffs, and a new EdTech book from Athabasca University Press.

We're sorry for some of the audio issues. The Internet was a little wonky during our recording :(

PATREON

Please show us your support by becoming an EdTech Examined patron.

https://www.patreon.com/EdTechExamined

SHOW NOTES

Links

*Podcast discovery: Overcast; Podchaser; Rephonic
*Bloomberg: Firing of NYU chemistry prof
*WSJ: Lego buys Brain Pop
*NYT: A review of online learning
*The74: EdTech surveillance and the White House
*QZ: India's post-pandemic setbacks
*TC: End of the EdTech honeymoon
*Book: EdTech Metaphors - AU Press

CONTACT

Website: edtechexamined.com
Email: [email protected]
Twitter: @EdTechExamined

Erik Christiansen, Co-Founder & Co-Host
Website: erikchristiansen.net

Kris Hans, Co-Founder & Co-Host
Website: krishans.ca

Christopher Hoang, Audio Producer & Sound Engineer
Website: chrishoang.ca

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Examining - 31: Back to School Guide 2021
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09/07/21 • 89 min

Erik and Kris discuss provide their "back to school" tech recommendations for the 2021 academic year. Listen for recommendations on laptops, tablets, computer accessories, essential apps, and some analog bonuses. This conversation included several digressions.
SHOW NOTES
Windows Laptops
*Dell XPS 13 (16 gigs ram)
*Microsoft surface laptop 4
*Also great: Framework - https://frame.work/products/laptop/configuration/editMac Laptop
*Macbook Air M1 (might update soon)
Tablet
*iPad (might update soon)
*iPad Air (might update soon)
For Apple product life cycles check https://buyersguide.macrumors.com/#ios
Keyboard
*Logitech K780*Logitech Ergonomic K860*Microsoft Sculpt ergonomic (not available through Microsoft store. They now sell 'Surface' economic keyboard and mouse)
Mice
*Logitech MX Vertical https://www.logitech.com/en-ca/products/mice/mx-vertical-ergonomic-mouse.910-005447.html / MX Master / Logitech Triathlon
*Evoluent (for uber ergos out there)
Software
*Password Manager: 1Password, LastPass, BitWarden (open source)
Desk lamp
*Taotronics LED Desk Lamp 38
*IKEA Forså
Water Bottle
*Hydro Flask
Backpack
*Tumbuk2 authority Laptop bag
Notebooks (analog alert!)
*Field Notes

Charging accessories and cables
*Check out Anker (PowerPort Series with USB A and C, cables, etc.)
Recommended Software

  • Cloud storage: Google Drive, Dropbox, or other cloud storage
  • Notes: Apple Notes, Google Keep, Evernote, Notion, Microsoft OneNote, Standard Notes, Bear
  • Apple Pencil notes apps: Good Notes, Notability, Explain Everything (diagraming),
  • Networked Notes (i.e. Zettlekasten): Notion, Mem, Roam Research
  • Writing: Ulysses, Scrivener, Mars Edit (for the web - eg. WordPress).
  • Writing (distraction-free): iA Writer, ByWord, Ulysses, Hemmingway
  • Mind Mapping: Mind Node, Jamboard, Mural, Miro
  • Automation: Apple Shortcuts, IFTTT
  • Books: Blinkist (book summarizing service), Audible, Libby (for your local library)
  • eLearning (supplemental): Khan Academy, Duolingo, Coursera, Udemy, TED
  • Reference: Wolfram Alpha, Wikipedia, Terminology
  • Scanning apps: Microsoft Lense, Adobe Scan, Scanner Pro/Light

EDTECH EXAMINED CONTACT:
Website: edtechexamined.com
Email: [email protected]
Twitter: @EdTechExamined
TEAM INFORMATION
Erik Christiansen, Co-Founder & Co-Host
Website: erikchristiansen.net
Twitter: @egchristiansen
Blog: tech-bytes.net
Kris Hans, Co-Founder & Co-Host
Website:

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Examining - 35: All Meta

35: All Meta

Examining

play

11/02/21 • 67 min

Kris and Erik provide several tips, including an update on Erik's notes project (see ep. 34), the new Raspberry Pi Zero 2 (for makers), and the new iPhones and Android phones. News coverage was ample this week, with our co-hosts talking about the new MacBook Pros and if you need one, retro computers with personal data, Udemy IPO, Facebook going 'Meta', and more.
SHOW NOTES
#EdTech Office Hours
*Obsidian notes instead of Notion
*Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W
News
2021 MacBook Pros
*Ars Technica review
*Erik's blog post
Wired: Retro collectors are uncovering hoards of old data
Elon's tweet
Reuters: Udemy files for U.S. IPOEdSurge: As Facebook Changes Name to Meta, Company Wants to Pull Education Into Its ‘Metaverse’
Inside HigherEd: Faculty Confidence in Online Learning GrowsInside HigherEd: Half of All College Students Take Online Courses
McGraw Hill talk: Higher Education Trends that Will Outlast the Pandemic
Bonus
*Otter.ai transcription

EDTECH EXAMINED CONTACT:
Website: edtechexamined.com
Email: [email protected]
Twitter: @EdTechExamined
TEAM INFORMATION
Erik Christiansen, Co-Founder & Co-Host
Website: erikchristiansen.net
Twitter: @egchristiansen
Blog: tech-bytes.net
Kris Hans, Co-Founder & Co-Host
Website: krishans.ca
Twitter: @KrisHans
Market Grade: marketgrade.com
Christopher Hoang, Audio Producer & Sound Engineer
Website: chrishoang.ca

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Podcast Q&A

Why did you start this show?

Originally, our goal was to help educators during the COVID-19 pandemic. The show has evolved into a technology-focused podcast that dives deep into specific issues.

What do you hope listeners gain from listening to your show?

We hope listeners learn something valuable from each episode - ideally practical skills that improve their technology skills and productivity.

Which episode should someone start with?

#19, our interview with MIT OpenCourseWare director Curt Newton, or #34 Zettelkasten.

Which have been your favourite episodes so far?

Definitely our high-profile interviews (eg. 19: Curt Newton and #5: Tom O'Neill), but also our more practical productivity-focused episodes such as #34: Zettelkasten, #11: Back to school, and #1: Synchronous vs asynchronous.

Which episode are you most proud of?

All of them :)

What is your vision for your show?

Our goal is to give listeners a better understanding of the topics we cover, so they can walk away feeling more confident using technology.

What is your favourite other podcast that isn't yours?

Windows Weekly, This Week in Tech, Macbreak Weekly, Accidental Tech Podcast, How I Built This, and Upgrade.

How did you come up with the name for your podcast?

EdTech Examined was the original podcast title. At that time we wanted to include "EdTech" because very few podcasts covered that topic. We went with "examined" because we wanted to signal to users that our podcast was practical and informative. We transitioned to "Examining" to stick with the spirit of our previous podcast title, while making room to cover other topics outside of education. Also the domains were available :)

Tell us a bit about yourself

Erik is a life-long technology enthusiast and works as an academic librarian in Calgary, Alberta. Erik has experience working in IT, information architecture, instructional design, and education technology. Kris Hans is the Co-Founder and Strategist at Market Grade, an interdisciplinary consultancy focused on marketing, design, innovation, and strategy. Kris teaches a wide range of courses at the University of Calgary and Mount Royal University.

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FAQ

How many episodes does Examining have?

Examining currently has 69 episodes available.

What topics does Examining cover?

The podcast is about News, Tech News, Podcasts and Technology.

What is the most popular episode on Examining?

The episode title '10: Podcast Champ' is the most popular.

What is the average episode length on Examining?

The average episode length on Examining is 67 minutes.

How often are episodes of Examining released?

Episodes of Examining are typically released every 16 days, 23 hours.

When was the first episode of Examining?

The first episode of Examining was released on Jun 28, 2020.

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