{"type":"rich","version":"1.0","provider_name":"Transistor","provider_url":"https://transistor.fm","author_name":"OnYourMark Podcast","title":"Designing for Multilingual Learners: Technology, Access, and Human Connection","html":"","width":"100%","height":180,"duration":1983,"description":"In this episode, host Mindy Sjoblom sits down with Brandon Cardet-Hernandez, Founder and CEO of Medley Learning, to explore how thoughtful technology can expand access for multilingual learners while keeping human connection at the center of learning.\nBrandon shares how his own experience as a multilingual learner shaped his career as a special education teacher, principal, district leader, education advisor, and eventually founder. He also explains why years of research on literacy and multilingual learning haven't always translated into classroom practice--and how Medley is working to help close that gap.\nMindy and Brandon also dig into student agency, scaffolding without lowering expectations, the role of assistive technology, and why educators need tools that build their capacity rather than replace their relationships with students.\nKey Moments\n01:05 Brandon's journey from educator to founder\n04:01 Lessons from his first years teaching\n08:33 Closing the research-to-practice gap\n11:43 How Medley supports multilingual learners\n14:42 Giving students more agency\n18:00 Creating space for human connection\n22:00 Rethinking technology and screen time\n24:54 Making grade-level text accessible\n27:11 Why all screen time isn't equal\n31:40 Brandon's vision for Medley's future\nWhy You'll Love This Episode\nBrandon challenges the idea that supporting multilingual learners means lowering the level of the work. Instead, he shares how the right scaffolds can help students access challenging, grade-level content while building greater independence over time.\nFor educators and school leaders navigating questions about AI, screen time, multilingual learning, and student support, this episode offers a practical reminder: technology is most powerful when it creates more opportunities for students to learn, connect, and take meaningful risks.\nConnect with Brandon Cardet-Hernandez\nLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandoncardethernandez \nMedley Learning:...","thumbnail_url":"https://img.transistorcdn.com/5NydEFA_qXyiCW0KwnrKe3r-T7cwMW6JrfLozUoHRfY/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:400/h:400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS9hZjZm/YTE1ZjRlMjNkMDU4/MzI1MTBjZWJkOGU5/M2FiYS5wbmc.webp","thumbnail_width":300,"thumbnail_height":300}