Happy Halloween season from Edventures in Tech! In Episode #76, hosts Andrew Nikola and Dan are handing out a bag full of EdTech "treats" with zero tricks.

This week, Andrew and Dan deliver a full, practical roundup of all the newest updates across the Google Workspace ecosystem and Gemini AI. From time-saving classroom hacks and AI workflow upgrades to hidden features you can use right away, this episode serves as your quick-guide to staying ahead without the overwhelm.

In this milestone Episode #75 of Edventures in Tech, co-hosts Andrew Nikola and Dan dive into the iconic educational philosophy behind Shift Happens and explore what it truly means in today's rapidly changing tech ecosystem. Centered on the guiding principle: “Our job is not to prepare students for something; our job is to help students learn to prepare themselves for anything,” Andrew and Dan share practical strategies for educators to foster adaptability and lifelong learning.

They also break down the latest breaking news across Google Workspace and creative suites—including Gemini Notebook enhancements, Google Gems evolving into AI skills, Google Vids, and the Canva ProSuite expansion.

How much technology is too much?

In this episode of EdVentures in Tech, we explore AI in education, educational technology, and the growing debate over student screen time and plugged vs. unplugged learning.

Inspired by conversations from the NYS education technology conference, we take a closer look at what it really means to use technology with purpose. When does technology enhance learning? When should students put the devices away? And how can educators balance digital learning with hands-on experiences, collaboration, creativity, and meaningful human connection?

The conversation goes beyond simply asking whether students are spending "too much time on screens." Instead, we look at what students are actually doing with technology and whether those experiences are helping them think, create, communicate, collaborate, and learn.

We also discuss the latest EdTech news and trends, including the continued impact of AI in education and the changing role technology plays in teaching and learning.

• Plugged vs. unplugged learning

• The debate surrounding student screen time

• When technology enhances learning—and when it becomes a distraction

• Balancing digital learning with offline and hands-on experiences

• Intentional use of instructional technology

• AI's evolving role in education

• Current EdTech news and trends

• Takeaways from the NYS education technology conference

• How educators can make thoughtful decisions about when students should be plugged in—or unplugged

Technology isn't automatically good—or bad—for learning.

The question is whether we're using it intentionally.

"Learning with instructional technology should be intentional."

The goal isn't to choose between a completely plugged-in or completely unplugged classroom. It's about knowing when technology adds value—and when it doesn't.

Because the best technology integration isn't about using more technology.

It's about using technology with purpose.

This episode is for teachers, administrators, technology coaches, instructional coaches, higher education professionals, IT staff, parents, students, education leaders, and anyone interested in AI, educational technology, and the future of learning.

🎙️ EdVentures in Tech — Exploring the people, ideas, tools, and conversations shaping the future of education.