{"type":"rich","version":"1.0","provider_name":"Transistor","provider_url":"https://transistor.fm","author_name":"Make EdTech 100 with LindyHoc","title":"Finding the Kids Who Don’t Have a “Thing”: Esports, Libraries, and Montana Magic with Marne Bender","html":"","width":"100%","height":180,"duration":2641,"description":"What happens when a Montana librarian starts an esports team?\n\nIn this episode, I sit down with Marne Bender — educator, librarian, esports coach, and fellow Montanan — to talk about creating spaces where students belong. From building a state championship esports program to transforming the school library into a makerspace hub with 3D printers and coding robots, Marne shares how she makes EdTech 100% work for her students.\n\nWe dive into rural innovation, esports misconceptions, digital literacy in the age of AI, and why sometimes the best ideas start with “Let’s just try it.”\n\nIf you care about belonging, creativity, and preparing kids for careers that don’t exist yet, this one’s for you.   \n\nEast Helena Public Schools: https://www.ehpsmt.gov/\nConnect with Marne: mbender@ehps.k12.mt.us \n  \nMore about Marne:\nWith 16 years in education at East Helena Public Schools, Marne is currently a Library Media Specialist working with preschool, kindergarten, and high school students. She's helped grow Montana’s high school esports scene for the past seven years and loves creating opportunities for students to explore new passions. She loves yapping about books, tinkering with 3D printers and robots, and encouraging curiosity in all learners. Outside of school, she spends as much time as possible in the mountains of Montana with her family.","thumbnail_url":"https://img.transistorcdn.com/6wPWuZtSVgXFNTl_XHb_cOlCc4vqpHUdQvcIsdwiyOw/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:400/h:400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS8xYzM3/ZTFhYzUwNWYzZDVk/MTUwNDRmZWIzYWRj/MzkwYS5wbmc.webp","thumbnail_width":300,"thumbnail_height":300}