Abran Maldonado, co-founder of CreateLabs Ventures, takes us on a fascinating journey from the pulsating beats of Hot 97 to the transformative world of education technology. Discover how his experiences as a Gates Scholar and his deep commitment to urban education fused with his love for music to create innovative educational tools. Abran's story is one of turning personal passions into powerful platforms for change, focusing on the development of a hip hop-themed education app that engages students through cultural connections.

Listeners will uncover the exciting opportunities being forged at the crossroads of tech, media, and education. From the founding of CreateLabs Ventures alongside Grady to the launch of the New School app, designed to make learning relatable, this episode highlights how technology can bridge gaps in underserved communities. Learn about the creative strategies Abran and his team employ, like pop-up tech events and unconventional hiring practices, to foster inclusive growth and development.

Concluding with a forward-thinking dialogue on AI and AR in education, we introduce Clara, the AI ambassador inspiring young minds. Through real-world examples, Abran discusses how AI tools like ChatGPT can enhance educational equity and support personalized learning experiences. This episode offers insights into how embracing technology not only empowers educators and students but also prepares future generations for the challenges ahead, emphasizing the collective effort required to innovate and transform education.

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!

Juan Rodriguez hosts a EdTech Empowerment: Innovating Education Together discussing the digital divide in education with AJ Singh, an experienced educator from Lucknow, India. AJ, currently working at Magic Ed Tech, emphasizes personalized learning and inclusive classroom environments. He highlights the use of Google Classroom for improved time management and communication, and addresses challenges like the digital divide by offering hybrid learning and low-cost educational resources. AJ stresses the importance of digital literacy for both students and teachers, advocating for continuous professional development. He also underscores the role of companies like Magic Ed Tech in providing accessible, inclusive digital learning solutions and staying updated with the latest educational technology trends.

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!

Naomi Latini Wolf, a sociology professor and inclusive edtech specialist, discusses her approach to integrating technology in education to create inclusive learning environments. She emphasizes the importance of digital literacy, empathy, and critical thinking. Wolf uses tools like Google's Applied Digital Skills, Canva, Padlet, and AI platforms to enhance student engagement and accessibility. She addresses challenges such as tech anxiety and socioeconomic barriers by offering multiple submission options and scaffolding digital skills. Wolf also highlights the role of AI in personalizing education and the need for ethical use and data privacy. She advocates for continuous learning and the creation of socially conscious innovators.

Send us a text

Support the show

This episode features Naomi Latini Wolf, a visionary in inclusive edtech, sharing her expertise on digital literacy and the transformative role of technology in building accessible, empathetic, and critical-thinking learning spaces. Tune in to discover actionable insights for educators seeking to create equitable, tech-savvy classrooms.