Curiosity should be a feature of school, not a casualty of shortcuts. We sit down with Sam Whitaker, Senior Director of Impact at StudyFetch, to unpack how AI can deepen learning without doing the work for students—and why the difference matters for equity, creativity, and the future workforce. Sam pulls from data on a million student chats, showing that when guardrails are clear, most learners use AI to understand concepts, plan essays, and practice step by step rather than asking for answers. That insight flows into powerful teacher tools: class-wide and individual dashboards that spotlight misconceptions, save planning time, and make targeted support feel doable in a packed day.

We take on the two big mistakes schools make: banning AI outright or rushing in a generic productivity bot that invites cheating. Sam maps a third path—responsible integration—where AI acts as a coach, not a shortcut, and students build critical thinking, resilience, and AI literacy from the start. From rural Uganda to STEM installs in Utah, the same spark shows up when students feel seen, supported, and challenged. And for families and districts weighing costs, we dive into real talk about pricing, donated licenses, and how costs will drop as the tech matures, keeping the mission—every student everywhere deserves the best—front and center.

Looking ahead, we explore the AI economy as simply the economy. Some roles shrink, many grow: data center HVAC specialists, electricians, applied AI roles, and new hybrid careers. Students don’t need to memorize code; they need to express ideas clearly, prompt effectively, and protect their creativity. Sam’s take is simple and bold: AI won’t replace teachers; it should give them back the time and insight to do the human work only they can do. We close with practical guidance for leaders on privacy, safety, and picking tools that teach rather than tempt.

If this conversation sparked ideas, subscribe, share with a colleague or parent, and leave a review so more educators can find it. Your support helps us bring thoughtful, responsible innovation to every classroom.

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EdTech Empowerment: Innovating Education Together is hosted by Juan Rodriguez, founder of NextGen Classrooms. Our mission? To empower every student with access to technology-rich education. Tune in each episode to hear from thought leaders, educators, and tech experts on transformative strategies in education, from digital literacy and AI ethics to building inclusive classrooms.

Let’s bridge the digital divide, together!

Visit our website at NextGen Classrooms to learn more about our mission and programs.

Don’t forget to subscribe, share, and join our growing community of educators shaping the future of learning!

What if every learner walked into school already believing they belong, can take on tough challenges, and that their ideas matter? That’s the spark we chase as Juan sits down with Dr. Jennifer Barry, CEO of Smart Lab, to unpack a practical, human-centered approach to STEM and STEAM that turns technology from a shiny object into a catalyst for real learning.

We dive into a clear definition of STEM identity—belonging, mastery, and impact—and why it must anchor every choice about tools, projects, and assessments. Jennifer shares how to build career-connected, project-based experiences that link classroom skills to industries like media, logistics, health, and advanced manufacturing, so students understand not just how to do something but where and why it matters. You’ll hear simple, replicable examples, like using a 3D pen to bring an archaeology unit to life, and a powerful reminder to choose one tool, one outcome, and a real problem to solve.

The conversation moves into AI literacy and agency: teaching students to direct AI, not be directed by it. We explore facilitator training that prioritizes productive struggle over perfection, the design of flexible learning environments, and the role of community partnerships—including a free, open STEM Identity Day—to widen exposure across zip codes. Equity runs through every topic as a commitment to time, access, and mentorship that levels opportunity for historically marginalized students.

If you’re a school leader, teacher, or parent looking for a blueprint that’s bold and doable, this one’s for you. Subscribe, share with a colleague, and leave a review to help more educators discover these strategies—and tell us one tool you’ll pilot next week.

Send us a text

Support the show

EdTech Empowerment: Innovating Education Together is hosted by Juan Rodriguez, founder of NextGen Classrooms. Our mission? To empower every student with access to technology-rich education. Tune in each episode to hear from thought leaders, educators, and tech experts on transformative strategies in education, from digital literacy and AI ethics to building inclusive classrooms.

Let’s bridge the digital divide, together!

Visit our website at NextGen Classrooms to learn more about our mission and programs.

Don’t forget to subscribe, share, and join our growing community of educators shaping the future of learning!

In this episode of EdTech Empowerment, host Juan Rodriguez speaks with Matt Dalio, founder and CEO of Endless, about the transformative power of technology in education. They discuss the importance of empowering students to become creators rather than consumers, the role of games in learning, and the challenges of integrating technology in classrooms. Matt shares insights on affordability, public-private partnerships, and the essential skills needed for the future workforce, particularly for underserved communities. The conversation emphasizes the need for innovative approaches to education that engage students and prepare them for a rapidly changing world.

Send us a text

Support the show

EdTech Empowerment: Innovating Education Together is hosted by Juan Rodriguez, founder of NextGen Classrooms. Our mission? To empower every student with access to technology-rich education. Tune in each episode to hear from thought leaders, educators, and tech experts on transformative strategies in education, from digital literacy and AI ethics to building inclusive classrooms.

Let’s bridge the digital divide, together!

Visit our website at NextGen Classrooms to learn more about our mission and programs.

Don’t forget to subscribe, share, and join our growing community of educators shaping the future of learning!