Technology Essentials in Education

Discover how technology is revolutionizing education in the Technology Essentials in Education Podcast. Join us for engaging discussions with industry experts, educators, and tech innovators as we uncover the tools and strategies shaping the classrooms of tomorrow.

Host

Monica Burns

EdTech Consultant

All Podcasts

Technology Essentials in Education

E26

Episode 26: Smart Ways Teachers Can Use Forms Beyond Surveys

Technology Essentials in Education is your go-to podcast for practical insights on using technology to simplify your school week. Hosted by author and educator Monica Burns, Ed.D., in partnership with Jotform, this series is designed for K-12 educators, administrators, and leaders looking to make a meaningful impact. In this episode, Monica welcomes Chad Reid, Vice President of Marketing at Jotform, to discuss how online forms can help educators streamline workflows, stay organized, and save valuable time throughout the school year. Drawing on Chad’s twelve-year history with the company, they explore the evolution of forms from simple surveys and quizzes into robust entry points for data management and automation. Chad explains how forms function as ongoing conversations with parents and students, highlighting versatile behind-the-scenes use cases like reflection logs, request workflows, and Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). They dive into the newly released Jotform AI, demonstrating how AI-driven prompt builders remove "blank page syndrome" and allow busy teachers to deploy complex, accessible forms in a fraction of the time. The conversation also touches upon district-level logistics, including athletic departments, IT requests, and compliance reporting, emphasizing that educators do not need to be tech wizards to completely transform their productivity.

Publish Date:Jun 26, 2026

Technology Essentials in Education

E25

Episode 25: How Educators Can Take Collective Action Against the Climate Crisis

Technology Essentials in Education is your go-to podcast for practical insights on using technology to simplify your school week. Hosted by author and educator Monica Burns, Ed.D., in partnership with Jotform, this series is designed for K-12 educators, administrators, and leaders looking to make a meaningful impact. In this episode, Monica welcomes Dr. Jennifer Williams, the executive director and co-founder of Take Action Global, to explore the intersections of educational technology, global collaboration, and climate education. Drawing on their decade-long relationship and Jennifer's background as a school principal and author of Teach Boldly, they discuss how ed tech has evolved from being purely tool-centric to a powerful vehicle for connecting students across the globe. Jennifer details how Take Action Global addresses uneven resource access worldwide by utilizing an asset-based community development model—encouraging classrooms to solve local environmental challenges using whatever materials are right in front of them. She highlights major initiatives like Coding for Climate and the Climate Action Project, explaining how these programs build global student leagues and integrate AI as a tool for perspective-taking, equity, and collective social good.

Publish Date:Jun 18, 2026

Technology Essentials in Education

E24

Episode 24: Supporting All Students as Creators in Today’s Classrooms

Technology Essentials in Education is your go-to podcast for practical insights on using technology to simplify your school week. Hosted by author and educator Monica Burns, Ed.D., in partnership with Jotform, this series is designed for K-12 educators, administrators, and leaders looking to make a meaningful impact. In this episode, Monica joins Kim Zajac, a speech-language pathologist and tech integration specialist, to explore classroom inclusion and student expression. As an "architect of access" in a Massachusetts public middle school, Kim shares how she collaborates with teachers to ensure every student can communicate their learning. They discuss moving past traditional essays toward flexible, multi-modal formats—like podcasts, videos, and physical sculptures—that support executive functioning. Kim also highlights the importance of using low-stakes creative projects to reduce perfectionism and observing students in unstructured moments to uncover their natural strengths.

Publish Date:Jun 12, 2026

Technology Essentials in Education

E23

Episode 23: How to Build Global Classroom Connections Through Literacy

Technology Essentials in Education is your go-to podcast for practical insights on using technology to simplify your school week. Hosted by author and educator Monica Burns, Ed.D., in partnership with Jotform, this series is designed for K-12 educators, administrators, and leaders looking to make a meaningful impact. In this episode, Monica welcomes Amber Peterson, Chief Program Officer at LitWorld, to discuss the powerful intersection of literacy, storytelling, and global collaboration. Drawing on Monica's decade-long history with the organization, they explore how educators can utilize technology—ranging from a simple pencil and paper to AI-driven translation platforms—to foster a profound sense of global belonging among youth across different continents. Amber explains how LitWorld navigates uneven digital access across varying regions by leveraging flexible communication channels like WhatsApp, radio broadcasts, and physical mail delivery to meet communities exactly where they are. They highlight the intimate, universal appeal of read-alouds—boosted by partnerships like StoryVoice to reach millions of listeners simultaneously—and touch upon landmark events like World Read-Aloud Day.

Publish Date:Jun 05, 2026

Technology Essentials in Education

E22

Episode 22: Helping Students Navigate Reading and Writing in a Digital World

Technology Essentials in Education is your go-to podcast for practical insights on using technology to simplify your school week. Hosted by author and educator Monica Burns, Ed.D., in partnership with Jotform, this series is designed for K-12 educators, administrators, and leaders looking to make a meaningful impact. In this episode, Monica welcomes Dr. Michele Haiken, a veteran middle school English teacher with 25 years of experience and the author of several ISTE and NCTE publications, including New Realms for Writing. Together, they explore the nuances of supporting readers and writers in a multimodal, digital world where literacy extends far beyond the traditional printed page. Michele shares practical strategies for creating "bi-literate" students—those who can fluidly shift between print books, digital textbooks, podcasts, and audiobooks. They discuss the importance of teaching explicit digital reading strategies, such as using hovering definitions and digital annotations, rather than assuming "digital natives" are naturally tech-savvy. From using AI as a "thought partner" in the writing workshop to leveraging tools like Adobe Express and screencasting for student voice, this conversation is packed with actionable ideas for any educator looking to help students become critical, independent thinkers in a tech-heavy world.

Publish Date:May 29, 2026

Technology Essentials in Education

E21

Episode 21: What's New in STEAM Education for 2026

Technology Essentials in Education is your go-to podcast for practical insights on using technology to simplify your school week. Hosted by author and educator Monica Burns, Ed.D., in partnership with Jotform, this series is designed for K-12 educators, administrators, and leaders looking to make a meaningful impact. In this episode, Monica catches up with Dr. Jacie Maslyk, an educational consultant, former assistant superintendent, and author of the recently updated STEAM Makers. Fresh off their meeting at an event in San Francisco, they dive into how STEAM has evolved from "buying cool stuff" to a deep focus on design thinking, collaboration, and social good. Jacie shares inspiring stories of students "creating for social good"—like a project where fourth and fifth graders designed storm drain murals to combat local pollution. They also explore the intersection of literacy and STEAM, discussing how robotics like Ozobots and tools like Adobe Express can help students find their voice and build career-ready skills in entrepreneurship. Whether you're a classroom teacher or a school leader, this conversation offers a practical roadmap for making STEAM an integrated, joyful part of every student's day.

Publish Date:May 22, 2026

Technology Essentials in Education

E20

Episode 20: Art, Technology, and Student Voice in the Classroom

Technology Essentials in Education is your go-to podcast for practical insights on using technology to simplify your school week. Hosted by author and educator Monica Burns, Ed.D., in partnership with Jotform, this series is designed for K-12 educators, administrators, and leaders looking to make a meaningful impact. In this episode, Monica catches up with Tim Needles, an artist, educator, and author of STEAM Power, to discuss the evolving intersection of art, technology, and student voice. Tim, who currently serves as a technology integration specialist, shares how his perspective has shifted over 25 years in the classroom—moving from a time when animation took weeks to today, where AI can help bring an idea to life in minutes. Together, they explore how digital tools are democratizing creativity, allowing students who may not label themselves as "artists" to find their voice through storytelling and advocacy. Tim emphasizes the importance of letting the concept drive the tool, using technology to speed up the iteration and critique process, and preparing students for a world where media literacy and AI fluency are essential. From 3D printing and VR to using AI for social good, this conversation highlights how a sense of play and a student-centered approach can transform the learning experience across all subjects.

Publish Date:May 15, 2026

Technology Essentials in Education

E19

Episode 19: Nurturing the Whole Child in a Tech-Heavy World

Technology Essentials in Education is your go-to podcast for practical insights on using technology to simplify your school week. Hosted by author and educator Monica Burns, Ed.D., in partnership with Jotform, this series is designed for K-12 educators, administrators, and leaders looking to make a meaningful impact. In this episode, Monica is joined by Dr. Chaunté Garrett, CEO and founder of Empowering Learners and Leaders to Excel, to discuss the critical balance of supporting the "whole child" in digital classrooms. Dr. Garrett redefines the whole child framework through three essential pillars: academic, social, and physical safety. Together, they explore how technology can be a powerful ally—not as a replacement for human connection, but as a way to scale mental health support and elevate student voice. Dr. Garrett shares her insights on intentional system rollouts and data-driven decision-making, urging educators to shift from "keeping up" with technology to "growing with it."

Publish Date:May 08, 2026

Technology Essentials in Education

E18

Episode 18: The Secret to Thriving Educator Networks

Technology Essentials in Education is your go-to podcast for practical insights on using technology to simplify your school week. Hosted by author and educator Monica Burns, Ed.D., in partnership with Jotform, this series is designed for K-12 educators, administrators, and leaders looking to make a meaningful impact. In this episode, Monica is joined by Elana Leoni, founder of Leoni Consulting Group, to break down what truly makes an educator community thrive. They explore the critical distinction between a mere "audience" and a true community—one defined by mutual care, co-creation, and a sense of belonging. Alana shares insights into the "speed of trust," explaining why successful communities must be built intentionally to create safe spaces for vulnerability. They discuss the reality of "lurkers," the importance of giving more than you take, and how these networks serve as a powerful antidote to the isolation of the teaching profession.

Publish Date:May 01, 2026

Technology Essentials in Education

E17

Episode 17: Rethinking Professional Development in the Age of AI

Technology Essentials in Education is your go-to podcast for practical insights on using technology to simplify your school week. Hosted by author and educator Monica Burns, Ed.D., in partnership with Jotform, this series is designed for K-12 educators, administrators, and leaders looking to make a meaningful impact. In this episode, Monica joins Allison Rodman, founder of The Learning Loop and ASCD author, to discuss reimagining professional development through the lens of AI. They explore shifting away from "one-size-fits-all" training toward personalized, high-impact learning that leverages AI as a strategic partner for design and facilitation. Allison shares practical ways educators can use AI to analyze pre-session data and refine instructional coaching, while stressing the importance of maintaining the "human in the loop." The conversation highlights how to balance technical efficiency with the authentic social collaboration and relationship-building essential to teacher growth.

Publish Date:Apr 24, 2026

Technology Essentials in Education

E16

Episode 16: Practical Examples of AI in Education

Technology Essentials in Education is your go-to podcast for practical insights on using technology to simplify your school week. Hosted by author and educator Monica Burns, Ed.D., in partnership with Jotform, this series is designed for K-12 educators, administrators, and leaders looking to make a meaningful impact. In this episode, Monica welcomes Caroline Haebig, a K-12 coordinator of teaching and learning and ISTE author, to discuss the practical application of AI in today’s classrooms. Together, they explore how educators can move past the "wow factor" to find sustainable, research-backed ways to integrate AI into daily instruction and student work. They discuss the transition from viewing AI as a "magic wand" to treating it as a sophisticated partner for retrieval practice, lateral reading, and creative brainstorming. Caroline also shares her insights on constructing effective AI prompts through a cognitive science lens, emphasizing why transparency and clear citation norms are the foundation of AI literacy for students.

Publish Date:Apr 17, 2026

Technology Essentials in Education

E15

Episode 15: Emerging AI Trends in Education for 2026

Technology Essentials in Education is your go-to podcast for practical insights on using technology to simplify your school week. Hosted by author and educator Monica Burns, Ed.D., in partnership with Jotform, this series is designed for K-12 educators, administrators, and leaders looking to make a meaningful impact. In this episode, Monica welcomes Julie Willcott, a STEM and AI specialist and fellow Apple Distinguished Educator, to discuss the rapidly shifting landscape of educational technology. Together, they explore how AI has moved from a novelty to a pervasive daily tool in classrooms and why 2026 marks a turning point for "human-in-the-loop" systems. They discuss the transition from text-based bots to fluid, real-time AI tutoring that can scaffold learning and challenge students in ways previously only possible with human one-on-one support. Julie also shares her unique experiences with AI "interviews" and the critical importance of AI literacy—specifically identifying hallucinations and biases.

Publish Date:Apr 10, 2026

Technology Essentials in Education

E14

Episode 14: Play-Based Learning in Today’s Classrooms

Technology Essentials in Education is your go-to podcast for practical insights on using technology to simplify your school week. Hosted by author and educator Monica Burns, Ed.D., in partnership with Jotform, this series is designed for K-12 educators, administrators, and leaders looking to make a meaningful impact. In this episode, Monica welcomes Dr. Robert Dillon, an innovation expert and former school leader who specializes in bridging the gap between curriculum and engagement. Together, they dive into the power of play-based learning—from reimagining sterile hallways as "playful spaces" to using playgrounds for guided academic discovery—and how these initiatives reduce cognitive load to build a true sense of curiosity and focus.

Publish Date:Apr 03, 2026

Technology Essentials in Education

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Episode 13: Organizing Schoolwide Projects

Technology Essentials in Education is your go-to podcast for practical insights on using technology to simplify your school week. Hosted by author and educator Monica Burns, Ed.D., in partnership with Jotform, this series is designed for K-12 educators, administrators, and leaders looking to make a meaningful impact. In this episode, Monica welcomes Kim Marie Kefalas, a New Jersey technology teacher who manages over 500 students across two schools. Together, they dive into the power of school-wide projects—from student-led elementary podcasts to interactive door-decorating contests—and how these initiatives break down classroom silos to build a true sense of community and equity. They discuss strategies for introducing collaborative tools like Canva and Book Creator to young learners, the importance of fostering "student experts" to encourage independence, and how teachers can find inspiration by duplicating and tweaking successful projects from social media. Kim also shares her "tell three before me" approach to ensure students become confident, independent problem-solvers in the digital age.

Publish Date:Mar 27, 2026

Technology Essentials in Education

E12

Episode 12: AI Ethics in Action

Technology Essentials in Education is your go-to podcast for practical insights on using technology to simplify your school week. Hosted by author and educator Monica Burns, Ed.D., in partnership with Jotform, this series is designed for K-12 educators, administrators, and leaders looking to make a meaningful impact. In this episode, Monica chats with Nasser Jones, founder of the nonprofit Bending the AI Curve, who shares his mission to ensure the future of technology is equitable for everyone. Together, they explore how to move beyond a reactive "policing" mindset to find proactive, strategic solutions that bridge the AI gap and prepare all students for the digital age. They discuss why minimizing "tool fragmentation" is essential for reducing teacher burnout, how to use agentic AI to identify and surface bias in school data, and how the AI Academy is empowering communities of color through culturally relevant tech resources.

Publish Date:Mar 13, 2026

Technology Essentials in Education

E11

Episode 11: 5 Low or No Cost Tech Tools That Can Save Teachers Time

Technology Essentials in Education is your go-to podcast for practical insights on using technology to simplify your school week. Hosted by author and educator Monica Burns, Ed.D., in partnership with Jotform, this series is designed for K-12 educators, administrators, and leaders looking to make a meaningful impact. In this episode, Monica chats with Richard Colosi, an Instructional Technology Specialist and founder of EdTech Hustle, who shares five powerful low- or no-cost tools designed to save educators time. Together, they explore how to move beyond "tech for tech’s sake" to find digital solutions that reduce friction and help teachers focus on what matters most: their students. They discuss why tools like ChatGPT for Teachers and Notion are essential for streamlining administrative "emotional labor," how to use Google AI Studio and Microsoft Clipchamp to create more accessible, inclusive content, and how Canva Code is empowering teachers to build their own interactive classroom resources.

Publish Date:Mar 06, 2026

Technology Essentials in Education

E10

Episode 10: EdTech Trends 2026: Jotform’s Latest Research

Technology Essentials in Education is your go-to podcast for practical insights on using technology to simplify your school week. Hosted by author and educator Monica Burns, Ed.D., in partnership with Jotform, this series is designed for K-12 educators, administrators, and leaders looking to make a meaningful impact. In this episode, Monica chats with Heather Turbeville, Content Director at Jotform, who shares exclusive findings from Jotform’s 2026 EdTech Trends Report. Together, they explore the shift from the "novelty era" of AI to a new era of purposeful integration in the classroom. They discuss why educators prioritize tool interoperability over new features, how AI is being used to reclaim "brain capital," and the transition of AI from a productivity helper to a deeply embedded part of school workflows.

Publish Date:Feb 27, 2026

Technology Essentials in Education

E09

Episode 9: Simplifying Professional Development with On-Demand Tools

Technology Essentials in Education is your go-to podcast for practical insights on using technology to simplify your school week. Hosted by author and educator Monica Burns, Ed.D., in partnership with Jotform, this series is designed for K-12 educators, administrators, and leaders looking to make a meaningful impact. In this episode, Monica chats with Naomi Church, from Growing Minds Consulting, LLC, who is on a mission to help schools and districts move beyond one-time events and into professional learning that is flexible, actionable, and inclusive. Together, they discuss the definition of on-demand professional development and how focusing on the individual learner makes professional learning experiences more meaningful.

Publish Date:Feb 20, 2026

Technology Essentials in Education

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Episode 8: Personalizing Learning Resources for All Students

Technology Essentials in Education is your go-to podcast for practical insights on using technology to simplify your school week. Hosted by author and educator Monica Burns, Ed.D., in partnership with Jotform, this series is designed for K-12 educators, administrators, and leaders looking to make a meaningful impact. In this episode, Monica chats with Krista Leh, Ed.D., from Resonance Education LLC, who is on a mission to help secondary educators integrate social emotional learning (SEL) into academic instruction so that every learning experience feels authentic, connected, and practical.

Publish Date:Feb 06, 2026

Technology Essentials in Education

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Episode 7: Future-Proofing Classroom Technology: Sustainable Choices

Technology Essentials in Education is your go-to podcast for practical insights on using technology to simplify your school week. Hosted by author and educator Monica Burns, Ed.D., in partnership with Jotform, this series is designed for K-12 educators, administrators, and leaders looking to make a meaningful impact. In this episode, Monica chats with Tammy Musiowsky, Associate at Education Elements, who helps educators and school leaders cut unnecessary tasks and focus on their priorities, to discuss future-proofing classroom technology and how to create sustainable and practical ideas for educators.

Publish Date:Jan 23, 2026

Technology Essentials in Education

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Episode 6: Creating Uncheatable Assessments in the Age of AI

Technology Essentials in Education is your go-to podcast for practical insights on using technology to simplify your school week. Hosted by author and educator Monica Burns, Ed.D., in partnership with Jotform, this series is designed for K-12 educators, administrators, and leaders looking to make a meaningful impact. In this first episode of 2026, Monica chats with Michael Hernandez, a California-based ISTE author who is an Apple Distinguished Educator, about how to create an uncheatable assessment in the age of AI.

Publish Date:Jan 09, 2026

Technology Essentials in Education

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Episode 5: What You Should Know about Creating Accessible Resources

Technology Essentials in Education is your go-to podcast for practical insights on using technology to simplify your school week. Hosted by author and educator Monica Burns, Ed.D., in partnership with Jotform, this series is designed for K-12 educators, administrators, and leaders looking to make a meaningful impact. In this episode, Monica chats with Dr. Katie Nieves Licwinko, a Director of Technology in New Jersey, about the importance of creating accessible resources for students. You'll hear about common accessibility barriers and practical tips for improving accessibility for diverse learners using EdTech. If you’re looking to learn more about creating inclusive learning environments, this episode has you covered!

Publish Date:Feb 28, 2025

Technology Essentials in Education

E04

Episode 4: How to Tackle Student Data

Technology Essentials in Education is your go-to podcast for practical insights on using technology to simplify your school week. Hosted by author and educator Monica Burns, Ed.D., in partnership with Jotform, this series is designed for K-12 educators, administrators, and leaders looking to make a meaningful impact. In this episode, Monica breaks down how to transform student data into actionable insights that drive classroom success in K-12 education. You'll learn practical strategies for combining traditional assessment methods with digital tools to create an efficient, evidence-based approach to understanding student progress. If you want to master the art of using data to make informed instructional decisions that support every student's growth, this episode provides ideas you can put into practice right away.

Publish Date:Feb 21, 2025

Technology Essentials in Education

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Episode 3: AI Trends You Should Watch This Year

In this episode, Monica chats with Carl Hooker, the author of Learning Evolution: The New Era of AI in the Classroom, all about the latest AI trends in education. You’ll hear about AI-powered tools to look out for spanning AI-powered tutoring, content creation, personalized learning, and more. If you want actionable tips for effectively using AI in your classroom to elevate teaching and learning, this episode is for you!

Publish Date:Feb 14, 2025

Technology Essentials in Education

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Episode 2: Classroom Management Challenges in a Digital Age

Technology Essentials in Education is your go-to podcast for practical insights on using technology to simplify your school week. Hosted by author and educator Monica Burns, Ed.D., in partnership with Jotform, this series is designed for K-12 educators, administrators, and leaders looking to make a meaningful impact. In this episode, Monica chats with Laurie Guyon, the author of SMILE Learning: Leveraging the Power of Educational Technology, to explore actionable strategies for tackling classroom management challenges. You'll hear her expert tips for establishing routines, leveraging AI tools, and differentiating instruction for diverse students. If you're looking to master classroom management and enhance student engagement with EdTech, be sure to tune in!

Publish Date:Feb 07, 2025

Technology Essentials in Education

E01

Episode 1: Crafting the Perfect Student Interest Survey

In this episode, Monica shares essential tips for designing an optimized student interest survey and how educators can use surveys to boost student engagement and personalize learning. You'll hear specific strategies for crafting surveys across different grade levels and content areas. Tune into this episode and learn how to create more targeted, student-centered learning experiences that connect with kids' interests, motivations, and learning preferences.

Publish Date:Jan 31, 2025