July 3, 2024

Discovering a Passion for EdTech

In August of 2023, after transitioning from the classroom to an instructional coach role, I dove into ​Twitter, seeking insights and innovations in educational technology. This platform quickly became my ​gateway to the world of EdTech tools. Each day, week, and month brought new discoveries—tools and ​ideas that shaped my approach to integrating technology into education. I adopted a monthly focus, ​diving deep into one tool at a time, which I shared through "Tech Bytes"—my version of lunch and learns.

As these explorations led to exciting classroom implementations, an idea sparked. Encouraged by my ​wife, we started creating fun videos combining our farm animals with EdTech tools. This approach wasn't ​just entertaining; it made the technology relatable and engaging. The rabbits exemplified MagicSchool, ​each chicken demonstrated the versatility of SchoolAI, and Rusty the sheep helped highlight Curipod! ​This creative twist on tech helped share my passion for EdTech and farm life one tool and animal at a ​time.

But why am I sharing all this? This unique journey led me to connect with four incredible women, ​together forming the EduGuardians community.

Building Up to ISTE

The five of us met frequently, sharing our experiences with various tools at ambassador meetings. During ​a much-needed "brain break," Christie encountered a superhero image prompt from Microsoft Designer ​and inspired us all to create our own. What started as a playful way to use AI on Twitter quickly gained ​traction; soon, more and more educators joined in. Recognizing the enthusiasm, I compiled our creations ​into a Book Creator Comic Book, and now 4 months later... that comic book has been viewed over 800 ​times all over the world! As our group approached 60-70 members, it became clear we were onto ​something special. We expanded our presence to Instagram, TikTok, and a website, inviting educators to ​craft their superhero, create their trading cards, and join our community, regardless of their attendance ​at ISTE.

The Countdown to ISTE

With two months to go before ISTE, I proposed our first virtual meetup to the team to ramp up the ​excitement and, as always, wanted it to be interactive, so I used FigJam. The response was overwhelming​—nearly 50 people participated in what would become the monthly EduGuardian Exchange. During this ​event, Alex, the boss lady of Figma for Education, suggested we host a trading card event at ISTE at their ​booth! During the next two months, the EduGuardian community grew and grew... more trading cards ​were being printed, and more partnerships were being created to invite the EduGuardians to share their ​knowledge at booths!

A Movement, Not Just a Moment

Watching the EduGuardian community at events such as the trading card swap at Figma, the Tech T-Shirt ​Tuesday photos at Quizizz and Swivl, or even the individual booth or sessions of EduGuardians, ​EduGuardians showed up! I sat back and watched the power of a PLF bring support, energy, passion, and ​the commitment of the EduGuardians to each other. This wasn’t just about sharing tools or tips; it was ​about building a community that brings energy and passion to share and uplift other educators!

We, the EduGuardians, are more than just a group; we are a movement. Our mission is to unite and ignite ​learning everywhere we go!

My Yeehaw Moments from ISTE

A week removed from ISTE, I have often been asked what my favorite takeaway from the week was. For ​me, it was seeing everything come together! My first ‘Yeehaw Moment’ was being able to share my ​passion for integrating creativity, collaboration, and AI with the one and only Holly Clark. I love learning ​from her, but I love her passion for continuing to make a difference with students! At the end of the day, ​my passion is getting tools into the hands of students so they are prepared for the future and learn to ​collaborate and create!

My second ‘YeeHaw Moment’ was the Figma Trading Card event and the Quizizz + EduGuardian t-shirt ​photo op. EduGuardians who had spent months only interacting virtually through meetings and social ​media got to trade their trading cards and personalized swag with others. They got to share their “Extra” ​with one another and everyone supported it! Seeing the community invite others with open arms was ​their enthusiasm was contagious, igniting a passion in others to join and grow our community.

From the person in the cowboy hat and overalls... thank you for allowing me to bring a little twang to the ​edtech world, and here’s to more Yeehaw Moments!