Make It Mindful: Insights for Global Learning

In this episode of Make It Mindful, host Seth Fleischauer engages with Monica Burns, a former New York City public school teacher and the voice behind the popular Class Tech Tips blog and podcast. Monica shares her journey from classroom teaching to becoming a pivotal figure in educational technology. She discusses the evolution of her career, sparked by her early adoption of iPads in a one-to-one classroom setting, leading to significant engagements with educators nationwide.Monica and Seth delve into the concept of using technology mindfully and with intention in the classroom, emphasizing the importance of aligning technology with educational goals rather than letting the allure of new tools dictate the teaching process -- "task before apps."  They explore practical strategies for educators to integrate technology meaningfully, ensuring it enhances learning without overwhelming educational intent. Their conversation also touches on the broader implications of emerging technologies like AI, discussing both the excitement and the cautious skepticism that accompany its integration into educational settings.Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of how to approach technology not just as a tool, but as an ally in crafting engaging and effective educational experiences. Monica provides actionable advice on simplifying the digital landscape for teachers and students, reinforcing the necessity of a foundational understanding of core subjects to fully leverage technological advancements.Guest Links:1. Class Tech Tips - https://classtechtips.com/2. Monica's AI resources - https://classtechtips.com/artificial-intelligence-resources/3. Easy EdTech podcast - https://classtechtips.com/podcast/4. Twitter - https://twitter.com/ClassTechTips5. Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/classtechtipsCo-Host Links:Seth FleischauerFounder and President of Banyan Global LearningLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/seth-fleischauer/Website: https://banyangloballearning.com/Lauren PintoCofounder of Ambitious Ed, Educational Technology SpecialistLinked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauren-s-pinto/Website: https://www.ambitioused.com/

Show Notes

In this episode of Make It Mindful, host Seth Fleischauer engages with Monica Burns, a former New York City public school teacher and the voice behind the popular Class Tech Tips blog and podcast. Monica shares her journey from classroom teaching to becoming a pivotal figure in educational technology. She discusses the evolution of her career, sparked by her early adoption of iPads in a one-to-one classroom setting, leading to significant engagements with educators nationwide.
Monica and Seth delve into the concept of using technology mindfully and with intention in the classroom, emphasizing the importance of aligning technology with educational goals rather than letting the allure of new tools dictate the teaching process -- "task before apps."  They explore practical strategies for educators to integrate technology meaningfully, ensuring it enhances learning without overwhelming educational intent. Their conversation also touches on the broader implications of emerging technologies like AI, discussing both the excitement and the cautious skepticism that accompany its integration into educational settings.
Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of how to approach technology not just as a tool, but as an ally in crafting engaging and effective educational experiences. Monica provides actionable advice on simplifying the digital landscape for teachers and students, reinforcing the necessity of a foundational understanding of core subjects to fully leverage technological advancements.

Guest Links:
1. Class Tech Tips - https://classtechtips.com/
2. Monica's AI resources - https://classtechtips.com/artificial-intelligence-resources/
3. Easy EdTech podcast - https://classtechtips.com/podcast/
4. Twitter - https://twitter.com/ClassTechTips
5. Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/classtechtips

Co-Host Links:
Seth Fleischauer
Founder and President of Banyan Global Learning
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/seth-fleischauer/
Website: https://banyangloballearning.com/

Lauren Pinto
Cofounder of Ambitious Ed, Educational Technology Specialist
Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauren-s-pinto/
Website: https://www.ambitioused.com/

Creators and Guests

SF
Host
Seth Fleischauer

What is Make It Mindful: Insights for Global Learning?

Make It Mindful: Insights for Global Learning is a podcast for globally minded educators who want deep, long-form conversations about how teaching and learning are changing — and what to do about it.

Hosted by former classroom teacher and Banyan Global Learning founder Seth Fleischauer, the show explores how people, cultures, technologies, cognitive processes, and school systems shape what happens in classrooms around the world. Each long-form episode looks closely at the conditions that help students and educators thrive — from executive functioning and identity development to virtual learning, multilingual education, global competence, and the rise of AI.

Seth talks with teachers, researchers, psychologists, and school leaders who look closely at how students understand themselves, build relationships, and develop the capacities that underlie deep learning — skills like perspective-taking, communication, and global competence that are essential for navigating an interconnected world. These conversations surface the kinds of cross-cultural experiences and hard-to-measure abilities that shape real achievement. Together, they consider how to integrate new technologies in ways that strengthen—not replace—the human center of learning.

The result is a set of ideas, stories, and practical strategies educators can apply to help students succeed in a complex and fast-changing world.