Tech Lasso

In this special episode hosts Mark Schwanz and Scott Moss tap into the dynamic world of scholastic esports 🏫🕹️ with guests Alvaro Brito, Larry Hood, and Emmanuel Alvarado. They explore the journey of integrating e-sports into the curriculum 📖, the profound impact on student engagement 💡, academic performance 📈, and the development of critical soft skills. The discussion also highlights the cha...

🎙️ Summary  In this episode of Tech Lasso, hosts Mark Schwanz and Scott Moss introduce Noah and Daniel Egland, high school students who founded CalSTEM.org, a nonprofit aimed at making Science Technology Engineering and Math education accessible to students of all backgrounds. Inspired by their own passion for 🤖robotics and coding💻, the Egland brothers began by participating in robotics competit...

Welcome to another enlightening episode of the Tech Lasso Podcast, where we explore the dynamic integration of technology into education. Today, we're delighted to have Dr. Ed Tse, a leading authority in user experience and ethical AI, sheds light on the importance of secure AI adoption among students and families. Dr. Tse's expertise lies in bridging technological advancements with ethica...

Christine Jones is the Coordinator of Educational Technology at the Palmdale School District. Her district has over 22,000 students and is the 4th largest elementary district in California. She also worked for 14 years at LACOE. She was selected as the Association of California School Administrators Technology Administrator of the Year for 2023.  Topics   The challenges of implementing generative...

For this Tech Lasso podcast, Mark and Scott welcome Vicky Sedgewick. Vicky has had and continues to have an immense impact on the field of elementary computer science education. She helped write the CSTA K–12 Computer Science Standards and CSTA Standards for CS Teachers.   She was also the lead for the AI4K12 Initiative K-2 Working Group and a contributing member of the AIforCA Working Group. Vick...

In this episode, we delve into the exciting world of K12 esports and explore the crucial role of coaching in shaping young players and fostering a positive gaming environment. We'll talk with Alvaro Brito, STEAM Administrator at Compton Unified School District. He oversees the district Innovation Labs, FIRST LEGO Robotics Programs, is General Manager for the growing Middle School & High Sc...

Dr. Patrick Gittisriboongul joins Scott and Mark for a discussion all about AI in Education. Patrick is currently the Assistant Superintendent of Technology & Innovation for Lynwood Unified School District . Patrick served as Assistant Superintendent of Innovation for the San Diego County Office of Education, the Director of Educational Technology and Information Services with the Huntington B...

In this episode of Tech Lasso Dr. Scott Moss and Matt Johnson⁠ delve into the world of AI and education. Matt is a high school teacher and early adopter of AI in the classroom. Matt shares his journey from astrophysics and computer science to pioneering AI courses at ABC Unified School District . Learn about Matt’s innovative approaches in teaching AI, the integration of AI in education, and broad...

“Education and learning are key to having a successful life.”    In this episode featuring Jaime Perez , the discussion centers around Jaime's transition from Apple to LACOE and his passion for integrating technology into education. Highlighting his background in Boyle Heights and the role of influential figures in his life, Jaime emphasizes the importance of coding and digital literacy in tod...

This episode of Tech Lasso dives into the transformative power of media in education, featuring insights from Hall Davidson and Mike Lawrence , experts in the field of educational technology and media production. The discussion orbits around the California Student Media Festival (CSMF) and its impact on students and educators.   Mike Lawrence has worked as a classroom teacher, administrator, techn...

This podcast episode of Tech Lasso features a discussion on integrating technology and music education. The guests include Jack Aron and Molly Peters, music technology teachers, Drew Lieb from Soundtrap, and Scott Moss from the Los Angeles County Office of Education.  Our discussion goes into the importance of encouraging creativity and risk-taking in students, the value of sharing music and recei...

Dr. Mike Karlin's insights provide valuable perspectives on empowering computer science education, particularly for underrepresented groups. His emphasis on inclusive, engaging teaching methods and the integration of AI literacy into education highlights the dynamic and evolving nature of this field.  Dr. Mike Karlin works as an Assistant Professor in the College of Education at Cal State Domi...

In this episode Jesus ‘Jay’ Hernandez , a dedicated teacher from Lynwood, California, discusses his journey in the field of STEM education. Starting as a science teacher in Lynwood, Jesus quickly became instrumental in the Math, Engineering, Science, and Academics (MESA) program, fostering STEM interests among middle school students.   Jesus proudly shares about his and his students’ collective ac...

In a ⁠recent presentation⁠ at a ⁠Computer Using Educators⁠ (CUE) conference Kristin guided teachers on the use of the Google Workspace extension ⁠Autocrat⁠ to help with classroom management and communication. She demonstrates a persistent “can do” attitude towards technology innovations. Key to her success is a partnership with her teaching colleagues to share ideas and “how-to” steps.   She is a...

Joining us is Dawn Berkely, the visionary founder and CEO of Createtech Labs⁠ . With a rich educational journey spanning over two decades, Dawn has made strides in both public and private educational spheres. Currently, Dawn is at the helm of Educational Technology at a leading independent school in the DC area, where the mission is clear: melding technology and education, ensuring no learner is l...

While AI is heralded as a transformative force in education, its widespread adoption faces challenges ranging from policy constraints to the need for more professional development and support for educators. Scott and Mark discussed the significant role of edtech training and the role of personalized coaching in benefiting teaching and learning with Imran Hussain, Founder and CEO of Techoryze .   T...

In this episode, released during Media Literacy Week 2023 , Katie and Scott discuss the importance of understanding what AI is and how it can be used by teachers and students. Katie argues that AI is not something to be feared or blocked, as it is already present in many everyday tools such as spell checkers. Instead, educators should focus on teaching students how to use AI effectively and respon...

In this encore episode, Sue Thotz from ⁠Common Sense Media⁠ shares with Chris Hoang and Scott Moss the importance of Media Literacy and Digital Citizenship. Episode 17 (originally released on May 3, 2023) is being re-released October 18, 2023 for Digital Citizenship Week 2023 .   Sue Thotz provides examples as to how Media Literacy and Digital Citizenship are applicable to our everyday lives and w...

In this episode Mark and Scott talk with David Ross, their colleague who is Coordinator III of Learning Management Systems (LMS) at LACOE. We discussed David’s career path that brought him to his current role, the important role of an LMS and how it’s use can support engaging and equitable learning for K12 students, professional and university settings.   Who is David Ross?  David worked in a vari...

In this episode of Tech Lasso Mark and Scott meet with our two guests Kevin Dougherty and Baxter Kahn. Our discussion covers ways to support school administrators and teachers and how to promote school improvement with a balance of technology and professional development. We also touch on important topics like wellness, stress, leadership, and artificial intelligence. Sample questions include:   W...

Brent Warner is a professor of English as a Second Language at Irvine Valley College. He is a regular presenter on EdTech and ESL at various events. Brent also co-hosts two podcasts: The DIESOL Podcas t , which delves into innovative tech strategies for language learning and The HigherEdTech Podcast , a guide for higher education professionals navigating the vast realm of educational technology. I...

Justin and Chris begin the discussion with their different gaming preferences and then we ask questions about the value of gaming and esports as related to families, schools, and communities. Justin is the founder of Frenzy Esports with a wholistic vision of leveraging gaming and esports to build skills in young people for their lives and future careers.   Justin Coats is a US Marine Veteran, entr...

Chris, April and Valerie have an engaging conversation about technology, artificial intelligence, STEM, coding, and transforming instruction through innovative uses of technology. Have you been amazed at how fast young people today adopt new technologies, especially if it is something they are interested in? How can we as parents and educators support our young people to excel?   April Faieta is a...

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Ms. Jeannine Flores as we explore the transformative power of Arts and Technology in education, and discover the myriad resources available to educators, students, and advocates in the field. Whether you're a teacher, parent, or simply interested in the future of education, this episode promises valuable insights and inspiration. (summary written with...

In this episode Dr. Chris Hoang and Donna “Basic Tac” Walters have a wide-ranging, upbeat conversation with Jihan Johnston. She is the Hip Hop Edtech Diva, a community curator, College Esports Advisory Member, a Mom, and Co-founder and CEO of BeatBotics, an esports and gaming awareness company. Topics covered include esports, diversity, equity, digital equity, Artificial Intelligence (AI), educati...