Innovative Pedagogy Podcast

In this episode of the Innovative Pedagogy Podcast, Chris Garcia sits down with Rob Dickson, Chief Information Officer for Wichita Public Schools, to discuss relationships, partnerships, and purposeful digital leadership. Rob shares how trust and collaboration shape meaningful work in educational technology, especially when leading teams, evaluating opportunities, and navigating digital transforma...

In this episode of the Innovative Pedagogy Podcast, Chris Garcia speaks with Dr. Daniel Winters, Director of Research, Evaluation, and Educational Technology at Sweetwater Union High School District. Dr. Winters reflects on his leadership journey from his early years as a coach to roles as a school administrator, district director, and assistant superintendent. The conversation explores lessons fr...

In this episode of the Innovative Pedagogy Podcast , host Chris Garcia is joined by Laura K. Spencer , Chief Academic Officer at Elite Academic Academy and former President of CALIE through CUE. This conversation explores leadership beyond a single organization. Dr. Spencer reflects on what it means to shape vision, culture, and responsibility at the field level through professional organizations....

In this episode of the Innovative Pedagogy Leadership Series, Chris Garcia speaks with Lolita Rico, Coordinator of Innovation at Chula Vista Elementary School District. Lolita shares how digital citizenship has evolved from a set of online safety lessons into a core foundation for student identity, wellness, and agency. She discusses how leaders can approach artificial intelligence as a thought pa...

Leadership is often learned in motion, between roles, decisions, and moments of pressure. Rarely do we pause to examine why we lead the way we do. In this opening episode of the Innovative Pedagogy: Leadership Series, host Chris Garcia shares the series' vision and purpose. Drawing from experience across classrooms, school sites, district systems, higher education, and professional organizatio...

🎮 In Part Two of our conversation with Pejman Salehi , Vice President Academic at Conestoga College , we explore how esports, gaming, and immersive technologies are reshaping higher education. We discuss how institutions can use esports, 🕶️ AR/VR, and emerging technologies to build digital skills, strengthen collaboration, and increase student engagement across generations.🏫 This episode examine...

In this episode of the Innovative Pedagogy Podcast, Chris Garcia talks with Dr. Jennette Vanderpool from CDW about what it means to lead smarter in today’s schools. Jennette shares how her experience as a teacher, administrator, and board member shapes her approach to efficient spending and strategic decision-making. They break down where districts should focus when budgets are tight, how to balan...

In this episode, we sit down with Becky Keene, author of AI Optimism: A Guide to Redefining Artificial Intelligence in Education . Becky shares how AI can transform learning, address equity and access, and prepare students for success in an unknown future. From overcoming misconceptions to taking practical first steps, we explore how optimism, rather than fear, can shape AI’s role in our classroom...

In this episode, I’m joined by Pejman Salehi, Executive Dean of the School of Applied Computer Science and Information Technology and the School of Creative Industries at Conestoga College and author of the EdTech Magazine article, “ How Higher Ed Leaders Can Adapt to Generational Shifts.” We explore how:- AI-driven platforms personalize learning for individual needs, styles, and paces.- Gamificat...

In this episode, I talk with Jihan Johnston-McGlotten, a leader in digital culture, education, and gaming. She is the co-founder of BeatBotics, a company she started with her son to bring together hip-hop, technology, and esports. Jihan believes in using storytelling to create change and open doors for people who are often left out of these industries. We discuss how hip-hop influences gaming, why...

Gaming should be for everyone ! In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Alicia Gallegos and Carrie Lane from the San Diego County Office of Education to explore how to create truly inclusive gaming experiences for all students. From adaptive controllers to accessible game choices, we’ll discuss practical strategies for making gaming more welcoming. Hear real-world success stories, discover emerging t...

At the Future of Education Technology Conference in Orlando, Florida, we explore the exciting potential of esports in K-12 education and its ability to support social and emotional learning (SEL). This session focuses on how gaming is evolving beyond entertainment to become a valuable tool for building empathy, resilience, and communication skills in students. Educators will learn how to design es...

In this exciting episode, we sit down with Aman Sahota, Co-Founder of Factors (formerly Ei Amplified), an award-winning Canadian EdTech startup revolutionizing personalized learning with AI. Named the 2021 Canadian Educational Technology Startup of the Year, Factors is tackling the complex data challenges of tailoring education to individual student needs. Join us as we dive into the intersection...

Welcome to the Innovative Pedagogy Podcast! Join host Chris Garcia as he chats with Max Tompkins, a seasoned esports commentator, analyst, and content creator with over five years in the industry. Max, who has worked with leading titles and major platforms like IGN, now runs Weirdo Studios and KEG Studios, where he embraces the quirks and oddities of the esports world. In this episode, Max shares...

🎙️ Join us for an engaging discussion on AI and education with special guest Dr. Daniel Schiff from Purdue University. Dr. Schiff's expertise in the governance and social implications of AI promises an enlightening conversation on the future of education. Tune in to discover Dr. Schiff's journey into AI, insights on AI adoption in education, and how AI can replicate teachers' social be...

Join Chris, Smoke, and Rob on the "What the EdTech?" podcast as they dive into the transformative world of the San Diego County Office of Education's Innovation Center. Discover how the center is harnessing the power of RIASEC theory to align students' strengths, interests, and values. The episode features special guests Clint Dayhuff and Chris Garcia, who shed light on their pio...

Join host Chris Garcia on the Innovative Pedagogy Podcast as he shares lessons learned from his tenure as a school administrator. Discover the importance of trust and collaboration within the administrative team, and how vulnerability fosters stronger bonds. Explore strategies for supporting office staff, including active listening and celebrating achievements. Learn the value of transparency in l...

🎙️ Join us for "Classrooms and Circuitboards: Teachers Unplugged at CES." Roel Mislan from Feaster Charter School discusses insights from industry leaders like Google, Microsoft, Apple, and more on cybersecurity, AI, gaming, and innovation in education. Dive into the future of EdTech with exclusive CES highlights. 🚀🔧💡 #TeachersUnplugged #CES2024 #EdTech garciaedtech.com 🔊 Disclaimer:...

In this episode, we dive into the inspiring story of Edvar, a current CalTech student and former student in Mr. Garcia's class. Edvar's journey from our classroom to higher education exemplifies the transformative power of innovative experiences. Through immersive innovative STEAM experiences, he discovered his passion for aerospace engineering, leading him to pursue a career that reaches...

After one year of a hiatus, we are back and bringing you the latest content on innovative pedagogy, ed tech, and even technology that will impact the classroom now and for years to come.

How can teachers establish a classroom culture of consistency, respect, and expectations during the post-pandemic era of students returning to the classroom? Take a moment to hear what a first-year teacher did to make that happen.    Don't forget to subscribe and leave a comment. Feel free to email us at   cbgarcia@sandiego.edu with any questions or comments about our show.      Host: Chris Ga...

Mental health is such a vital topic that needs to be addressed. Here is a story from a current teacher and how they have been fighting the fight to keep their mental health sane during and after a pandemic. This episode is not intended to replace the advice from a licensed medical or mental health professional. If you are struggling with anxiety, stress, or any mental health factor, please seek ou...

With so much response from our last episode I had a good friend and current history teacher, Peter Rappaport, reach out to share his take and thoughts on the topic of whether teachers are really teaching Critical Race Theory. Our conversation may enlighten you to know that not every teacher is teaching what mainstream media may make you think is happening. We'll share stories from our classroo...

Critical Race Theory has been a term that the big market media has somewhat placed on the curriculum that teachers are teaching in the classroom. However, that has not been my experience. Take a listen to how I have gone about teaching culturally responsive teaching in the classroom. I also share some of my personal and historical ties with the European age of exploration and how I've responded to...

Hey everyone, just a check in to let you know where we have been and how this school year has been going. Please continue to share the good news of what's happening with our podcast and don't forget to subscribe and leave us some ratings.