iTS4ED

Welcome back to the ITS4Ed Podcast! Today, we’re diving into how artificial intelligence is reshaping teaching, learning, and innovation across Los Angeles Unified. From supporting educators with new tools to helping students build AI literacy, we’re exploring how the District is navigating one of the most transformative shifts of our time. In this episode, we unpack how AI is being used responsib...

Welcome to the ITS4ED Podcast!  It’s time to trade keyboards for controllers, code for combos, and IT tickets for teamwork because today, we’re not just troubleshooting, we're gaming! Welcome to the first-ever IT Staff Esports Competition, where skill, strategy, and friendly rivalry come together to celebrate the incredible talent within our IT teams. This event is more than just gaming, it&#3...

ITS is on a journey to share all technology within the District that supports students. Today we’re learning about the world of AAC—Augmentative and Alternative Communication—and Assistive Technology, or AT. We will discuss technology tools, low, mid, and high tech, that support learning and improve communication, engagement, and participation for thousands of our students every day. Whether you'r...

Date: March 29, 2025 Location: Beehive Time: 9-3 pm  Welcome to a very special episode of the IT4ED podcast. Today we’re diving into the electric atmosphere and unforgettable moments from the inaugural LAUSD Esports Competition and iDREAM Showcase, held on March 29th at the Beehive! Over 50 schools joined us this season, and after a thrilling playoff run, 16 powerhouse teams, 8 from middle schools...

Welcome to the ITS4ED podcast, where we will be exploring the exciting world of telehealth in our schools. Are you a parent, educator, healthcare provider, or just someone curious about the future of student well-being? Then you're in the right place.  From addressing physical health needs to managing chronic conditions, telehealth is revolutionizing how we deliver healthcare to students. It&#...

Welcome to the iTS4ED podcast.  Today, we will share stories of resilience, community action, and positive change.  We’re discussing something that’s touched the lives of many people - we’re talking about the devastating wildfires that have impacted our communities, especially local schools. These wildfires have not only destroyed homes and landscapes, but they've also disrupted the lives of s...

Welcome to another episode of iTS4ED podcast. Today, we’re excited to explore a topic that’s close to our hearts: fostering a future where women thrive in IT leadership roles. We’ll discuss how we can create inclusive work environments and empower women to reach their full potential through a unique mentoring program. We’ll delve into strategies for lifelong learning, the power of strong networks,...

Welcome to iTS4ED podcast.  In this episode, we are diving into the latest trends and innovations in online education. Did you know that Los Angeles Unified has its own virtual academies?  Have you ever wondered what it's like to learn from home? Well, join us as we delve into the benefits, challenges, and future of virtual education. Host: Youssef Elias, School Systems Manager, Los Angeles Unifie...

Welcome to iTS4ED podcast. Today, we are “LMSing”.  What’s an LMS? It is the Learning Management System (LMS), a digital platform, that serves as a centralized workspace for teachers and students. It functions like a virtual classroom, allowing teachers to post lessons, assignments, and quizzes. The great thing about this is that students can access materials, submit work, and participate in discu...

Welcome to the iTS4ED podcast. Today, we're diving deep into the world of cloud computing. We'll define what cloud computing is, explore the latest trends, discuss real-world use cases, and interview ITS experts to uncover the potential and challenges of this technology. So, grab your wireless Bluetooth headphones, or crank up the volume on your car radio and join us as we unravel the myst...

Welcome to iTS4ED podcast, in this session we will speak with 3 amazing coaches representing LAUSD Esports Programs around the district. We will learn about what eSports is and how they got started with their programs.  These esports coaches will share their highlights and challenges with student participation, competitions and potential careers and college scholarships.  Host: Youssef Elias, Scho...

Welcome to ITS4ED podcast, today’s podcast is titled, “Principals” of Technology: A Podcast for Innovative Educators; How school leaders can inspire and implement technology-driven change in their schools.  This podcast features interviews with principals who are bold leaders of technology and on the forefront of introducing new technologies with their staff.  We aim to share the stories, challeng...

Welcome to the ITS4ED podcast. Today we will explore the landscape of Adult learning in Los Angeles Unified.  Technology is transforming the way adults learn, offering new tools, resources, and opportunities that were unimaginable just a decade ago. We'll explore Adult Education and find out about the programs that are offered. We’ll focus in on Evans Adult School where innovative technology i...

Welcome to ITS4ED podcast, today we return to record session 2 on celebrating women leaders in IT.  In this session we will continue with our conversations with Dr. Jacqueline Sanderlin, Homaira Kaufmann, and Mary Lu Camacho.  These are three amazing Women Leaders in IT who will share more of their journeys, challenges, and triumphs in the tech world. Join us as we embark on these empowering conve...

Welcome to ITS4ED podcast, today we celebrate women leaders in IT and explore their journeys, challenges, and triumphs in the tech world.  As you all know LA Unified’s IT department is a massive enterprise with over 800 employees and we have our own software development shop, maintain our own data center, and have a device repair shop.  Even with all of this, we still rely on valuable partners to...

Welcome to the ITS4Ed Podcast! This session is titled “Things You Didn’t Know About ITS”. Usually when we think of IT we think of computers, software and maybe things like Wi-Fi.  But did you know that ITS is responsible for many other technology related things?  Today we'll be interviewing various members of our ITS team who work on projects for IP phones, radios, public announcement systems,...

Welcome to this session of the ITS4Ed Podcast. Our host, Youssef Elias, will be interviewing our ITS technicians, from ITST to ITST Supervisor.  Learn about what they do day in and day out.  Listen to each of their unique experiences in ITS and understand what makes them focused and dedicated to supporting students and staff in LA Unified. Narrator: Youssef Elias, School Systems Manager, LA Unifie...

Welcome to this session of the ITS4Ed Podcast. Today, we’ll be discussing student devices in LAUSD and the pilot Device Renewal Program.  We have come a long way in the district in terms of technology.  Pre-pandemic we had a handful of schools where every student had a device, during the pandemic it was a necessity.  To ensure the continuity of teaching and learning, devices in the hands of studen...

Welcome to ITS4Ed. In this podcast, we celebrate the Information Technology Services (ITS)  Employees of the Quarter.  The ITS Employee of the Quarter Recognition Program provides an opportunity for all ITS employees to be recognized for their outstanding contributions and service to the students and employees of the Los Angeles Unified School District.  ITS is committed to recognizing employee ex...

Welcome to this session of the ITS4Ed Podcast on Cybersecurity Awareness.  October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month.  Since 2004, the President of the United States and Congress have declared the month of October to be Cybersecurity Awareness Month, a dedicated month for the public and private sectors to work together to raise awareness about the importance of cybersecurity. In 2023, the theme for...

Welcome to the second session of the ITS4Ed Podcast on Artificial Intelligence aka AI. Since AI is continuing to expand and is having a major impact on education, we decided to dig a little deeper into AI in LAUSD.  We will continue our conversation with Ms. Sophia Mendoza, Director of the Information Technology Initiative (ITI). We will learn about ITI's approach to developing thoughtful and...

Welcome to this session of the ITS4Ed Podcast on Artificial Intelligence aka AI.  It’s a hot topic in the news today and it impacts many people.  In fact, the current writers and actors strike has “AI” as a score issue.  AI is having a major impact on education.  Whether you are excited or concerned about AI, we in the education industry have the responsibility to ensure AI is approached thoughtfu...

Welcome to this session of the ITS4Ed Podcast. Joining this session are educators and pioneers who are revolutionizing classrooms, campuses, and beyond with the incredible potential of eSports.  We'll explore how competitive gaming can foster critical thinking, teamwork, problem-solving, and communication skills. From the strategic decision-making in esports titles to the application of STEM c...

In this session, we will discuss “how an idea becomes an app”.  Los Angeles Unified uses a multitude of software applications, some of which have been developed by our internal teams in Information Technology Services and others have been contracted out.  Today we will chat with guests who worked on creating and coming up with ideas for a couple of safety apps such as LASAR and Emergency Alert. Sp...

Welcome to the ITS4Ed Podcast.  This is episode #5.  This podcast focuses on the IT Customer Support (ITCS) Unit of Instructional Technology Services. In this discussion, you will hear different perspectives from various members of ITCS. IT Customer Support provides high-quality, professional, and expeditious support and services to enable District schools and offices to meet the District’s goals,...