Africa Tech Insights

Allan Brown and Chad Hoffman host this podcast series highlighting effective instructional strategies implemented by educators in Northeast Ohio. Episodes focus on successful teaching methods from their experiences in the classroom and special guests provide insights as well.

Paul Donatelli on how small things can make significant improvements

In this episode, Allan and Chad are joined by Paul Donatelli, computer science educator from Canton City Schools. Paul details his unique experience transitioning from the field of engineering into education. His journey as a teacher includes both public and private schools, as well as work at the university level. The conversation goes deep into his science-based approach to skill mastery and motivation. We explore how he applies principles from behavioral economics and cognitive load theory to optimize learning, and combat barriers like expectancy cost. In addition, we tackle the massive shift of generative AI and its specific impact on computer science and learning to code. Find out how making small, intentional decisions can lead to a significant impact in student outcomes.

Music: The Right Direction by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com

Published: 2025-10-31

Matthew Mays shares some of his favorite Google AI resources

In this episode, Allan and Chad chat with Matthew Mays, Digital Innovation Consultant from the Stark County ESC and SPARCC in North Canton, Ohio. With new AI tools and resources being introduced every day, we discuss a few tools he's excited about right now. The conversation includes suggestions for better prompting, creating with Gemini's Storybook feature, and designing images with Google's AI experiment Whisk. Regardless of your experience level integrating AI resources in teaching, this episode has something for everyone.

100+ ways to use Gemini and NotebookLM in education

Leading for Learning - 09.17.25

TeacherServer

Music: The Right Direction by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com

Published: 2025-09-27

Aaron DeHart on connecting with kids and improving attendance

Allan and Chad are back for a fourth season of Teaching "N Tech! In episode 1, Aaron DeHart stops by to talk about his journey as an educator. After starting his career in business, we discuss how the desire to work with kids and influence others changed his path completely. The conversation includes motivating reluctant readers, how the size of a school community impacts learning, and why making individual connections with family can pay big dividends in improving attendance and student outcomes.

Music: The Right Direction by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com