3D Printing, Drones & Makerspaces: Smart EdTech Integration w/ Eric Santos

Описание: 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, 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.

🎧 Listen on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...
🎧 Listen on Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/show/5Pqnls7...

🔗 Guest links:
https://betterteaching.org
  / betterteaching  

Chapters:
00:00 – Welcome + Eric Santos intro
02:05 – Eric’s origin story: business → teacher → tech coach/consultant
08:45 – AI origin story: academic integrity + early “AI is coming” moment
15:10 – Intentional tech use: “why” first + project-based learning example
26:05 – AI policy vs. guidance: stakeholders, stoplight model, and getting started
41:10 – Parent/community AI literacy + media literacy for students
48:40 – 3D printing: why it matters + what districts should consider before buying
58:10 – Drones, makerspaces, and what makes STEM spaces actually work
1:06:40 – Lightning round + where to find Eric