In this episode of the Integrate This! EdTech Podcast, we’re joined by Eric Santos, an education leader and consultant with the Learning Technology Center of Illinois and founder of BetterTeaching.org. Eric shares his origin story (from corporate consulting to the classroom), how AI “hit him in the face” through academic integrity challenges in higher ed, and why intentional technology use should always start with the why—not the tool. We also dig into practical guidance for district AI policy vs. day-to-day guidance, stakeholder communication (students, families, staff, and board members), plus Eric’s favorite STEM pathways: 3D printing, drones, and makerspace design. If your district is navigating AI implementation, building STEM experiences, or trying to avoid “tool-first” tech adoption, this conversation is packed with ideas you can use immediately.

🎧 Watch the episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/5xupuZdtc3w

🔗 Guest links: BetterTeaching.org | Eric's LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/betterteaching/

What does it look like when a former classroom teacher helps build an AI tool specifically for teachers?

In this episode of Integrate This!, we talk with Thomas Thompson (CEO & co-founder) about Eduaide.ai / EduAid AI and what it means to design AI around real classroom workflow: lesson planning, instructional materials, differentiation, assessment supports, and the realities of what AI can (and can’t) do well.

We also dig into the bigger picture: why teacher-to-teacher sharing has been so powerful for growth, why “learning science” matters when evaluating edtech tools, and what Thomas thinks the next few years of AI in education could look like.

🔗 Check out Eduaide.ai: https://www.eduaide.ai/

Engagement isn’t a Chromebook problem. It isn’t an app problem. And AI isn’t a magic wand.

In this episode, Jeremy and David sit down with Carl Hooker to talk about what actually moves the needle right now: designing learning experiences students want to be part of, making creativity + risk-taking normal again, and using AI in ways that strengthen thinking instead of replacing it. Carl also shares practical ways leaders can set direction (without over-controlling), and what kind of professional learning actually changes practice.

In this conversation, we dig into:

• Why engagement isn’t about the device—and what it is
• Creativity vs. compliance (and how school systems accidentally train it out of kids)
• “Ready, Set, FAIL!”: risk-taking as a classroom and leadership skill
• AI beyond efficiency: creative use-cases that don’t reduce teaching to shortcuts
• Differentiation + accessibility wins (including language supports)
• Leadership moves for the AI era: modeling, guardrails, and staying nimble
• PD that sticks: what changes practice and what doesn’t

Resources & links

Carl Hooker (Website): https://carlhooker.com/

Carl Hooker (LinkedIn): https://www.linkedin.com/in/carlhooker/

Learning Evolution: The New Era of AI in the Classroom: https://www.amazon.com/Learning-Evolution-New-Era-Classroom/dp/B0CS482H2B

Ready, Set, Fail!: Using Failure & Risk-Taking to Unlock Creativity: https://www.amazon.com/Ready-Set-Fail-Risk-Taking-Creativity/dp/B0CS46GGX1/ref=sr_1_1?crid=31GL44GW0F710&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.dyPeOd58pYfwqZNCs8NuLoFZrGW6MkiZQzpr9r5htEJWclatQr3y7ct1pIjTn-gREpFtY11CAdPZNOz3sHrG5g.jcvUnHQtDJj6M4-F0MPgaGigDR0G6Wj3UhPofQ3WBpQ&dib_tag=se&keywords=Ready%2C+Set%2C+FAIL%21&qid=1770049981&s=books&sprefix=ready%2C+set%2C+fail+%2Cstripbooks%2C107&sr=1-1