Edventures in Tech

Thanks for listening to Episode #73 of the EDventUres in Tech Podcast.

This episode dives into the latest updates across Google Workspace, AI-powered creativity tools, and a critical reflection on professional development in education.

We kick things off with exciting advancements in Google Vids, now featuring custom music generation powered by Lyria 3 and Lyria 3 Pro—making it easier than ever to create polished, original video content. Creators can now also export Google Vids directly to YouTube, streamlining the production process from creation to publishing.

On the AI front, Google continues to expand both access and functionality. The Gemini app is now available on Mac, while NotebookLM receives major upgrades for Education Plus and Teaching & Learning users—enhancing research, synthesis, and classroom application. Users can also generate longer musical tracks within Gemini, opening new possibilities for creative projects.

A key part of the conversation focused on Gems—custom AI assistants—and how to set them up for success. The discussion highlighted the importance of clear prompting, defining specific roles or outcomes, and designing Gems with intentional structure so they are actually useful in classroom and professional workflows—not just novelty tools.

In communication updates, Google Meet is now available through Apple CarPlay, increasing flexibility for users on the go.

The episode wraps with a thought-provoking segment from Matt M, exploring why traditional tech professional development often falls short—and how to redesign PD to be more meaningful, relevant, and actionable for educators.

• AI-powered creativity tools (like Google Vids + Lyria) are becoming more practical and classroom-ready
• Gemini and NotebookLM updates continue to expand research and productivity capabilities
• Well-designed Gems = better outcomes → clarity, purpose, and structure matter
• Seamless workflows are improving (Vids to YouTube, Meet on CarPlay)Effective tech PD must prioritize real-world application, teacher voice, and sustainability

Thanks for listening to Episode #72 of the EDventUres in Tech Podcast.

In this episode of EDventUres in Tech, OpenAI just dropped GPT-5.4, and the 'Thinking' mode is changing the game for complex logic. But is it enough to pull you away from a Google Workspace that now thinks alongside you? Today, we’re pitting ChatGPT’s raw reasoning against the seamless flow of Gemini 3. From GPT’s new unified Google Drive connector to Gemini’s 'Co-Editor' in Docs... we’re helping you pick your anchor. This is Episode 72: Pick Your Player!

If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed by information, lesson planning, or keeping up with tech, this episode is your shortcut.

We break down:

• What’s new with Google and why it matters for education

• Battle of the Chat Bots

Whether you're an educator, tech enthusiast, or just looking to work smarter—not harder—this is one episode you don’t want to miss.

Thanks for listening to Episode #71 of the EDventUres in Tech Podcast.

In this episode of EDventUres in Tech, we’re diving into the latest Google updates that are quietly transforming the way educators and professionals work—and the powerful AI tool you didn’t know you needed: NotebookLM.

If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed by information, lesson planning, or keeping up with tech, this episode is your shortcut.

We break down:

• What’s new with Google and why it matters for education

• How NotebookLM works (and why it feels like your personal AI assistant)

• Real ways to save time, stay organized, and boost productivity

• Why this tool might become your new “best friend” in work and life

Whether you're an educator, tech enthusiast, or just looking to work smarter—not harder—this is one episode you don’t want to miss.

🎯 Tune in and discover the AI advantage you’ve been waiting for.

Thanks for listening to Episode #70 of the EDventUres in Tech Podcast.

In this podcast episode, we are back and better than ever! Andrew & Dan are back live at NYSCATE 2025 with Erin from Securly! Lots to unpack here on how Securly is keeping students safe!

Thanks for listening to Episode #69 of the EDventUres in Tech Podcast.

In this podcast episode, we are back and better than ever! Andrew & Dan are back live at NYSCATE 2025 with Eric from Boxlight! Lots to unpack here, and be sure to stop by the Bluum booth, check out the modern classroom and more!

Thanks for listening to Episode #68 of the EDventUres in Tech Podcast.

In this podcast episode, we are back and better than ever! Andrew & Dan are back live at NYSCATE 2025 with Joe & Omar from Bluum! Lots to unpack here, and be sure to stop by the Bluum booth, check out the modern classroom and podcasting equipment!

Thanks for listening to Episode #67 of the EDventUres in Tech Podcast.

In this podcast episode, we are back and better than ever! Andrew & Dan are back with all the good tech news and updates and part two of our interview with Ditch That Textbooks Matt Miller!

Thanks for listening to Episode #66 of the EDventUres in Tech Podcast.

In this podcast episode, we are back and better than ever! Andrew & Dan are back with all the good tech news and updates and of course a conversation with Matt Miller!

Thanks for listening to Episode #65 of the EDventUres in Tech Podcast.

In this podcast episode, we are back and better than ever! Andrew & Dan are back with all the good tech news and updates!!

Thanks for listening to Episode #64 of the EDventUres in Tech Podcast.

In this podcast episode, we are back and better than ever! Andrew & Dan are joined by multiple guests with rapid fire interview sessions in the afternoon of Day 2 at Deeper Learning NY conference 2025. Tune in to meet many of the various attendees!

Thanks for listening to Episode #63 of the EDventUres in Tech Podcast.

In this podcast episode, we are back and better than ever! Andrew & Dan are joined by multiple guests with rapid fire interview sessions in the afternoon of Day 2 at Deeper Learning NY conference 2025. Tune in to meet many of the various attendees!

Thanks for listening to Episode #62 of the EDventUres in Tech Podcast.

In this podcast episode, we are back and better than ever! Andrew & Dan are joined by multiple guests with rapid fire interview sessions in the afternoon of Day 1 at Deeper Learning NY conference 2025. Tune in to meet many of the various attendees!

Thanks for listening to Episode #61 of the EDventUres in Tech Podcast.

In this podcast episode, we are back and better than ever! Andrew & Dan are joined by multiple guests with a rapid fire interview sessions at Deeper Learning NY conference 2025. Tune in to meet many of the various attendees!

Thanks for listening to Episode #60 of the EDventUres in Tech Podcast.

In this podcast episode, we are back and better than ever! Andrew & Dan are joined by Will Jackson, the founder of Mote to dive into the transformative power of voice in today’s classrooms. From empowering student expression to streamlining teacher feedback, we explore how voice technology is reshaping learning. Will shares the origin story behind Mote, its evolution into Mote 2.0, and the exciting intersection of AI, edtech, and accessibility in education. Whether you're a teacher, techie, or just voice-curious—this one’s for you.

🎤 Plug in, press record, and let’s talk about the future—one voice note at a time.

Thanks for listening to Episode #59 of the EDventUres in Tech Podcast.

In this podcast episode, we are back and better than ever! Andrew & Dan are joined by Jason & Eric, from LG Technologies at NYSCATE 2024.

They focus the conversation around LG has revolutionized the display technology market with different displays in classrooms and the introduction of the LG CreateBoard in education and how it is available for Districts and educators now.

Thanks for listening to Episode #58 of the EDventUres in Tech Podcast.

In this podcast episode, we are back and better than ever! Andrew & Dan are joined by Calli Zauner, Vice President of Sales & Marketing for Luxor Workspaces, and Kerry Martin Senior Account Executive for Liberty AV Solutions at NYSCATE 2024.

They focus the conversation around various products and solutions for educational spaces and how to make learning seamless and simplified to ensure that all students have the access to learning.

Thanks for listening to Episode #57 of the EDventUres in Tech Podcast.

In this podcast episode, we are back and better than ever! Andrew & Dan are joined by Kristin Edwards, representing the New York State Digital Learning Consortium at NYSCATE 2024.

They focus the conversation around how distance learning is not virtual or pandemic learning and explore the opportunities that are available for educators and their classes in New York State.

Thanks for listening to Episode #56 of the EDventUres in Tech Podcast.

In this podcast episode, we are back and better than ever! Andrew & Dan are joined by Art from Wappingers and Joe from Bluum - Joe.Parente@bluum.com

They focus the conversation around Chromebooks, and how Bluum has been innovative in their new A+ Chromebook product.

Thanks for listening to Episode #55 of the EDventUres in Tech Podcast.

In this podcast episode, we are back and better than ever! Andrew & Dan are joined by Jason from Newline.

They focus the conversation around Newline display technology, and Merlyn the AI assistant to works in conjunction with Newline Interactive Displays.

Thanks for listening to Episode #54 of the EDventUres in Tech Podcast.

In this podcast episode, we are back and better than ever! Andrew & Dan are joined by Ditch That Textbook Author and Speaker, Matt Miller!

They focus the conversation around AI in the classroom, Matt's return to the classroom, and the mantra AI as an Enhancement not a Replacement for teachers.

Thanks for listening to Episode #53 of the EDventUres in Tech Podcast.

In this podcast episode, we are back and better than ever! Andrew & Dan discuss Google updates, upcoming conferences, and how AI has transformed and continues to evolve the educational landscape.

Thanks for listening to Episode #52 of the EDventUres in Tech Podcast.

In this podcast episode, we have a roundtable discussion about the NYSCATE Annual Conference with Art and Mike Kealy. The conversation turns to security and how to protect yourself in this ever-changing society.

Thanks for listening to Episode #51 of the EDventUres in Tech Podcast.

In this podcast episode, we interview Dr. Michael Jabbour, the Chief Innovation Officer at Microsoft, and discuss the transformative world of Artificial Intelligence (AI), from its fundamentals to its uncharted propensity to 'hallucinate.

Thanks for listening to Episode #50 of the EDventUres in Tech Podcast. In this episode, Andrew & Dan are live at NYSCATE 2023!

In this podcast episode, we discuss updates and happenings as the conference kicks off and the exhibit hall opens with special guests Art Schouten and Paul Rubeo. We look at how quickly AI has become the topic of discussion as it wasn't even on the radar about a year ago!

Thanks for listening to Episode #49 of the EDventUres in Tech Podcast. In this episode, Andrew & Dan are back and better than ever!

In this podcast episode, we discuss updates and happenings, as well as a deep dive into all the AI tools available in the education field.

Thanks for listening to Episode #48 of the EDventUres in Tech Podcast. In this episode, Andrew & Dan are back and better than ever!

In this podcast episode, we discuss Google updates, AI, and the changes and tools available, and a discussion on assessing the process versus the product.

Thanks for listening to Episode #47 of the EDventUres in Tech Podcast. In this episode, Andrew & Dan host a roundtable discussion with Art Schouten, Director of Technology, and Jon Redeker, K-12 Technology Coordinator. They discuss TedX Goshen and Hudson Valley NYSCATE conferences.

In this podcast episode, we will explore the potential uses and pitfalls of Chat GPT, Bard, and Bing in education.

They all have the ability to generate human-like text, which could be used to create personalized learning experiences for students. However, there are also concerns about the potential misuse AI such as using it to generate fake news or misleading information. They discuss how it's important for educators to approach these tools with a critical eye and consider their potential pitfalls. By using these tools in conjunction with traditional teaching methods and promoting critical thinking skills, educators can help students unlock the full potential of these tools for their learning.

@JonRedeker

@ASchout10

Thanks for listening to Episode #46 of the EDventUres in Tech Podcast. In this episode, Andrew & Dan's fill-in Jon interview Eric Curts of Ctrl, Alt, Achieve!

Thanks for listening to Episode #45 of the EDventUres in Tech Podcast. In this episode, Andrew & Dan discuss AI -ChatGPT, Bing and Bard, as well as all the updates coming to Google! 

Thanks for listening to Episode #44 of the EDventUres in Tech Podcast. In this episode, Andrew & Dan interview Kasey Bell, author of many books, blogger, Edtech speaker, from Shake Up Learning. 

In this episode, we discuss a variety of education topics and how and how to increase student engagement, boost creativity, and transform education.

@ShakeUpLearning

Thanks for listening to Episode #43 of the EDventUres in Tech Podcast. In this episode, Andrew & Dan interview Dave Burgess, author of many books, blogger, Edtech speaker, and head PIRATE from Dave Burgess Consulting Inc. 

In this episode, we discuss a variety of education topics and how and how to increase student engagement, boost creativity, and transform education. 

@BurgressDave

Thanks for listening to Episode #42 of the EDventUres in Tech Podcast. In this episode, Andrew & Dan discuss Canva and how robust of a tool it is, and why you should use it in your classroom and education tomorrow! 

Thanks for listening to Episode #41 of the EDventUres in Tech Podcast. In this episode, Andrew & Dan discuss how quickly AI and AI detectors have changed the education landscape and tips for increasing educator time efficiency. 

Thanks for listening to Episode #40 of the EDventUres in Tech Podcast. In this episode, Andrew & Dan interview Matt Miller, author of many books, blogger, Edtech speaker, and head "ditcher" from Ditch that Textbook. 

In this episode, we discuss Chat GPT and what Matt's thoughts are on how AI, Chat GPT and more revolutionize education. 

@JMattMiller

Thanks for listening to Episode #39 of the EDventUres in Tech Podcast. In this episode, Andrew & Dan interview Nate Ridgway, author of Breaking the Blockbuster Model.

In this episode, we discuss Nate's book, and discuss the future of Edtech in the classroom. 

@TeachFromRidge

Thanks for listening to Episode #38 of the EDventUres in Tech Podcast. In this episode, Andrew & Dan interview Misbah & Emily from Wakelet.

In this episode, we discuss all the ins and outs of Wakelet, how they are evolving in the ed tech world, and new features coming to Wakelet soon.

Thanks for listening to Episode #37 of the EDventUres in Tech Podcast. In this episode, Andrew & Dan host a roundtable discussion with Art Schouten, Director of Technology, and Jon Redeker, K-12 Technology Coordinator.

In this episode, we discuss the recent advancements in AI technology, specifically focusing on ChatGPT, a large language model developed by OpenAI. We explore the potential uses of ChatGPT in education, including its ability to assist with language learning, writing, and research. Furthermore, we discuss potential uses of ChatGPT in education, such as automated essay scoring and personalized language instruction.

However, we also delve into the challenges and ethical considerations that come with using AI in education. We discuss issues such as data privacy and bias, and the need for responsible implementation of these technologies in the classroom.

@JonRedeker

@ASchout10

Thanks for listening to Episode #35 of the EDventUres in Tech Podcast. In this episode, Andrew & Dan reflect on the Inner vs. Outer Scorecard, and ways to manage project-based learning.

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Thanks for listening to Episode #34 of the EDventUres in Tech Podcast. In this episode, Andrew & Dan interview Jake Miller; Teacher, Author, Podcaster (EduDuctTape & The EdTech News Brief, Google Certified Teacher,  Gif/Jif Guy, and Master Dad Joke Teller. Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays!

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Thanks for listening to Episode #33 of the EDventUres in Tech Podcast. In this episode, Andrew & Dan discuss Chat GPT which is all the talk nowadays.

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Thanks for listening to Episode #32 of the EDventUres in Tech Podcast. In this episode, Andrew & Dan interview John Iannarelli, The Voice of Cyber and Security. John is a former FBI Special Agent, speaker, author, and consultant with a wealth of knowledge on protecting students and yourself from threats.

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Thanks for listening to the EDventUres in Tech Podcast Episode #31, live from NYSCATE 2022. In this episode, we are joined by Misfit Educator and friend Jon Redeker. Jon is in charge of NYSCATE Social Media, a Technology Integration Specialist in Goshen CSD, and an educational disruptor. Andrew, Dan, and Art interview Jon discussing being a misfit educator, TedX Goshen, empathy in students, and recap NYSCATE 2022. This is an episode you don't want to miss!

Be sure to follow Jon on all socials at @jonredeker.

Thanks for listening to Episode #28 of the EDventUres in Tech Podcast. In this episode, Andrew & Dan discuss upcoming conferences and events.  In the weekly windup includes updates from Google Docs, Canva Whiteboards, and BookCreator. Without diving too deep, Andrew & Dan discuss PBL and outlines what makes PBL successful in classrooms.

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Thanks for listening to Episode #27 of the EDventUres in Tech Podcast. In this episode, Andrew & Dan discuss upcoming conferences and events.  In the weekly windup includes information about all the updates from Google, Flip (formerly Flipgrid), Screencast-o-matic, Quizizz, and a student work scanner! Tune in for the fun.

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Thanks for listening to Episode #26 of the EDventUres in Tech Podcast. In this episode, Andrew & Dan return as we kick off Season 2! In the weekly windup includes information about all the updates from tools over the summer and what is new and happening in classrooms! Tune in for the fun.

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