PODCAST

EdTech Examined

Erik Christiansen & Kris Hans

EdTech Examined is a podcast about all things education technology. Tune in to listen to Erik Christiansen and Kris Hans provide practical tech tips for college and university educators, discuss relevant tech news and answer your tech questions.

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35: All Meta

02-11-2021

1 hr 7 mins

35: All Meta

Kris and Erik provide several tips, including an update on Erik's notes project (see ep. 34), the new Raspberry Pi Zero 2 (for makers), and the new iPhones and Android phones. News coverage was ample this week, with our co-hosts talking about the new MacBook Pros and if you need one, retro computers with personal data, Udemy IPO, Facebook going 'Meta', and more.SHOW NOTES#EdTech Office Hours*Obsidian notes instead of Notion*Raspberry Pi Zero 2 WNews2021 MacBook Pros*Ars Technica review*Erik's blog postWired: Retro collectors are uncovering hoards of old dataElon's tweetReuters: Udemy files for U.S. IPOEdSurge: As Facebook Changes Name to Meta, Company Wants to Pull Education Into Its ‘Metaverse’Inside HigherEd: Faculty Confidence in Online Learning GrowsInside HigherEd: Half of All College Students Take Online CoursesMcGraw Hill talk: Higher Education Trends that Will Outlast the PandemicBonus*Otter.ai transcriptionEDTECH EXAMINED CONTACT:Website: edtechexamined.comEmail: hey@edtechex

02-11-2021

1 hr 7 mins

34: Zettelkasten

In this episode, Erik discusses his secret summer project - implementing a new note-taking strategy. Erik discusses the zettelkasten (German for "slip box") note-taking method which is a bidirectional note-taking system designed to overcome writer’s block or “the blank page effect.” This system could be useful for a student or instructor who struggles getting started writing, or anyone who wants a new way to connect the notes they’ve taken. Zettelkasten is like your second brain.SHOW NOTESZettelkasten method*Wikipedia*Zettelkasten.de*The ultimate guideTools for implementation*Bidirectional note-taking apps*Zettelkasten using Notion*Zettelkasten using Obsidian EDTECH EXAMINED CONTACT:Website: edtechexamined.comEmail: hey@edtechexamined.comTwitter: @EdTechExaminedTEAM INFORMATIONErik Christiansen, Co-Founder & Co-HostWebsite: erikchristiansen.net Twitter: @egchristiansenBlog: tech-bytes.netKris Hans, Co-Founder & Co-HostWebsite: krishans.caTwitter: @KrisHansMarket Grade: marketgrade.co

19-10-2021

42 mins

33: Rewind Episode - Teaching in Virtual Reality

In this episode, Erik and Kris interview Dr. Anthony (Tony) Chaston, an Associate Professor in the Department of Psychology at Mount Royal University, in Calgary, Canada. Tony teaches Sensation & Perception and Research Methods. His research interests include visual perception and cognition, as well as the use of virtual reality for reducing anxiety. This episode was originally published on October 15, 2020. At that time, we discussed Tony's interest in virtual reality and the development of a psychology course to be taught completely in VR. Since our discussion, Tony's VR course has launched at MRU: "The Digital Frontier: Perception, Virtual Reality, and AI in Psychology." Tony built the course using the AltspaceVR platform and Unity. The course had gained media attention in Canada, so we felt it was appropriate to return to this special interview.GUEST INFORMATION:Dr. Anthony (Tony) Chaston, Mount Royal University Faculty ProfileAltSpaceVR username: VizWigYouTube ChannelEducators i

05-10-2021

1 hr 19 mins

32: A World Without Email

In this deep dive episode, Kris and Erik discuss Cal Newport's most recent book "A World Without Email." Newport argues that email and messaging apps (asynchronous communication) have led to what he calls "the hyperactive hive mind." Newport explains that email is taking up too much of our time at work and proposes several solutions to make us more efficient.SHOW NOTESKey concepts:*Email is abused and we spend too much time writing emails*We often offload our brains using email. It's easier to ask questions via email than find answers ourselves.*Email, like physical mail and instant messaging, is a form of asynchronous communication. *Our work has become more reactive than proactive. Newport says email and messaging apps have led to the "hyperactive hive mind" approach to work.*Boundaries around email can be implemented on a personal basis (i.e. Deep Work strategies), but real change has to be institutional (processes and expectations).Other books by Cal Newport:*Deep Work*Digital Min

21-09-2021

35 mins

31: Back to School Guide 2021

Erik and Kris discuss provide their "back to school" tech recommendations for the 2021 academic year. Listen for recommendations on laptops, tablets, computer accessories, essential apps, and some analog bonuses. This conversation included several digressions.SHOW NOTESWindows Laptops*Dell XPS 13 (16 gigs ram)*Microsoft surface laptop 4*Also great: Framework - https://frame.work/products/laptop/configuration/edit Mac Laptop*Macbook Air M1 (might update soon)Tablet*iPad (might update soon)*iPad Air (might update soon)For Apple product life cycles check https://buyersguide.macrumors.com/#iosKeyboard*Logitech K780*Logitech Ergonomic K860*Microsoft Sculpt ergonomic (not available through Microsoft store. They now sell 'Surface' economic keyboard and mouse)Mice*Logitech MX Vertical https://www.logitech.com/en-ca/products/mice/mx-vertical-ergonomic-mouse.910-005447.html / MX Master / Logitech Triathlon*Evoluent (for uber ergos out there)Software*Password Manager: 1Password, LastPass, BitWar

07-09-2021

1 hr 29 mins

30: Rewind Episode - Building Better Teams

Erik and Kris interview Dr. Tom O’Neill, an Associate Professor in the Department of Psychology at the University of Calgary. This episode was originally released on August 4, 2020. With the 2021 school year ramping up, we are revisiting Tom's interview where he discusses ITP Metrics, a free online teamwork and behavioural assessment platform. Tom and his team created this platform to improve classroom team dynamics, and it has been used in several programs to great success.SHOW NOTES: ITP Metrics platform: https://www.itpmetrics.com/GUEST INFORMATION:Dr. Tom O’NeillLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomas-o-neill-53bbb321/UCalgary Profile: https://psyc.ucalgary.ca/profiles/thomas-o-neill EDTECH EXAMINED CONTACT:Website: edtechexamined.comEmail: hey@edtechexamined.comTwitter: @EdTechExaminedTEAM INFORMATIONErik Christiansen, Co-Founder & Co-HostWebsite: erikchristiansen.net Twitter: @egchristiansenBlog: tech-bytes.netKris Hans, Co-Founder & Co-HostWebsite: krishans.caTwitter:

17-08-2021

49 mins

29: Futurecast

This episode is all about the trends. Erik and Kris discuss news stories about how video editing skills are here to stay, making higher education more developmental, and eight challenges universities will face in the coming year. They also talk about Windows 365 and what it means for computing, Erik's Op-Ed about open educational resources (OER) in the Edmonton Journal, and how to "de-Google" and protect your privacy online.SHOW NOTESNews*Forbes: Meet the Company Proving Two Big EdTech Trends*Inside HigherEd: 6 Ways to Make Education More Developmental*Forbes: 8 Reasons This Coming Year Could be the Hardest Yet for Higher EdDiscussion:Windows 365*ZDNet - Mary Jo Foley*Paul Thurrott Edmonton Journal - Open educational resources would make post-secondary cots more affordableEdTech Tips*Forbes - Gmail alternatives*PrivacyTools.ioEDTECH EXAMINED CONTACT:Website: edtechexamined.comEmail: hey@edtechexamined.comTwitter: @EdTechExaminedTEAM INFORMATIONErik Christiansen, Co-Founder & Co-HostW

03-08-2021

1 hr 33 mins

28: Window Dressing

In this episode, Kris and Erik answer listener questions about computer security resources, and they discuss the Windows 11 announcement and its implications for education. News coverage includes the differences in EdTech spending between the US and China, the college recruitment startup Unibuddy, and Scott Galloway's summary of the Robinhood debacle. This week's EdTech tips include embedding discussion questions in your podcasts and how to extend your home WiFi signal.SHOW NOTES#EdTechOfficeHoursSecurity books*Click Here to Kill Everybody - Bruce Schneier*Schneier on Security blog*Techno Creep - Tom KeenanSecurity resources*Security Now podcast*Stacey on IoT newsletter and podcastNews*Forbes: EdTech Gap Between China and the US*Global News Wire: Unibuddy startup for college recruitment*Scott Galloway: Robinhood and iAddictionDiscussion: Windows 11Microsoft*Learning with the New Windows 11*Windows 11: The Operating System for Hybrid Work and LearningArticles by Paul Thurrott*Windows 1

20-07-2021

1 hr 22 mins

27: Jim Gibson, Chief Catalyst, Southern Alberta Institute of Technology

In this interview, Kris and Erik interview Jim Gibson, Chief Catalyst at the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT). They discuss Jim's background in venture capital, how he came to SAIT, the School for Advanced Digital Technology, the future of higher education and Alberta's economy.GUEST INFORMATIONJim Gibson, Chief Catalyst, Southern Alberta Institute of Technology*LinkedIn*Twitter*Website: ThinAirLabs.caEDTECH EXAMINED CONTACT:Website: edtechexamined.comEmail: hey@edtechexamined.comTwitter: @EdTechExaminedTEAM INFORMATIONErik Christiansen, Co-Founder & Co-HostWebsite: erikchristiansen.net Twitter: @egchristiansenBlog: tech-bytes.netKris Hans, Co-Founder & Co-HostWebsite: krishans.caTwitter: @KrisHansMarket Grade: marketgrade.comChristopher Hoang, Audio Producer & Sound EngineerWebsite: chrishoang.ca

14-07-2021

44 mins

26: AI Apples

In this episode, Erik and Kris dissect the 2021 Apple World Wide Developer's Conference (WWDC), including all the updates to iOS, iPadOS, and macOS. They answer listener questions about getting started with automation and apps for developing consistent writing habits. News topics include VR geology, Google AI in education, blended learning norms, and AirTags privacy. Our co-hosts also provide some privacy and entertainment edtech tips.SHOW NOTESOur new blog post!*Bootstrapping an Education Technology Podcast - Medium#EdTechOfficeHoursAutomation on the Mac*Mac OS X Automation websiteJournaling apps*DayOne*Penzu*Daylio*Good Notes / Notability (digital pen)Productivity books for writers*Deep Work - Cal Newport*The War of Art - Steven PressfieldPrivacyTools.ioDiscussionWWDC KeynoteEdTech Tips*Privacy Bot*Firefox 89*Curiosity StreamEDTECH EXAMINED CONTACT:Website: edtechexamined.comEmail: hey@edtechexamined.comTwitter: @EdTechExaminedTEAM INFORMATIONErik Christiansen, Co-Founder & Co-HostW

16-06-2021

1 hr 40 mins

25: Silvia Rossi, Learning Strategist at Mount Royal University

Listener Note: We've been busy this month with the academic year wrapping up, so we're a bit behind. More episodes are on the way.-------In this episode, Erik and Kris interview Silvia Rossi, a Learning Strategist at Mount Royal University. Silvia discusses influential technologies that have changed her work, challenges during COVID, micro-credentials, student productivity and more.GUEST INFORMATION*LinkedIn*MRU Learning Strategist teamEDTECH EXAMINED CONTACT:Website: edtechexamined.comEmail: hey@edtechexamined.comTwitter: @EdTechExaminedTEAM INFORMATIONErik Christiansen, Co-Founder & Co-HostWebsite: erikchristiansen.net Twitter: @egchristiansenBlog: tech-bytes.netKris Hans, Co-Founder & Co-HostWebsite: krishans.caTwitter: @KrisHansMarket Grade: marketgrade.comChristopher Hoang, Audio Producer & Sound EngineerWebsite: chrishoang.ca

10-06-2021

1 hr 15 mins

24: Elizabeth Cannon, former University of Calgary President

In this episode Kris and Erik interview Dr. Elizabeth Cannon, former President of the University of Calgary, about the future of higher education and the university experience.GUEST INFORMATION*LinkedInCONTACT:Website: edtechexamined.comEmail: hey@edtechexamined.comTwitter: @EdTechExaminedTEAM INFORMATIONErik Christiansen, Co-Founder & Co-HostWebsite: erikchristiansen.net Twitter: @egchristiansenBlog: tech-bytes.netKris Hans, Co-Founder & Co-HostWebsite: krishans.caTwitter: @KrisHansMarket Grade: marketgrade.comChristopher Hoang, Audio Producer & Sound EngineerWebsite: chrishoang.ca

18-05-2021

54 mins

23: Apple Spring Loaded Event

In this episode, Kris and Erik discuss the Apple Spring Loaded event from April 20th, 2021. The co-hosts discuss each of Apple's new products and their relevance for educators and students.SHOW NOTES:Sources*MacWorld UK - Apple's Spring Loaded event: Everything Apple announced in April 2021*Dave Lee (Dave2D YouTube) - iMac + AirTags - Lets Talk*CNET - Microsoft Surface Laptop 4 review*Apple Newton (for those who don't know what it is)CONTACT:Website: edtechexamined.comEmail: hey@edtechexamined.comTwitter: @EdTechExaminedTEAM INFORMATIONErik Christiansen, Co-Founder & Co-HostWebsite: erikchristiansen.net Twitter: @egchristiansenBlog: tech-bytes.netKris Hans, Co-Founder & Co-HostWebsite: krishans.caTwitter: @KrisHansMarket Grade: marketgrade.comChristopher Hoang, Audio Producer & Sound EngineerWebsite: chrishoang.ca

04-05-2021

41 mins

22: Rewind Episode - Capture, Configure, Control

PREAMBLE:Given our recent episodes have focused on productivity and behind-the-scenes recording secrets, my co-host Kris Hans and I wanted to highlight an older episode some of you might have missed. Episode #9 “Capture, Configure, Control,” was originally released on September 1st, 2020. In it, Kris and I discuss a variety of productivity hacks such as project management software, Cal Newport’s Deep Work Strategies, Todd Henry’s Accidental Creative, and Tony Buzan’s mind-mapping concept, podcast hosting, and some of our favourite note-taking apps. In fact, Episode #9 has been our most downloaded episode to date and we want to thank you for your support. We hope you enjoy this ‘rewind episode.’ Until next time…DESCRIPTIONIn this episode, Erik and Kris focus on productivity strategies for educators and students. They give their experience using project management software like Basecamp and Trello, do a deep dive on note-taking apps (for all platforms), and review Cal Newport’s concept

14-04-2021

1 hr 51 mins

21: Behind the Curtain

In this episode, Chris Hoang - EdTech Examined's Audio Producer and Sound Engineer - discusses his audio editing process for the shows. Our team reflects on where we started vs where we're heading, including equipment setups, recording best practices, and distribution.SHOW NOTES:Mic optionsDigital (USB)*Audio Technica ATR2500x*Blue Yeti*Blue NanoAnalogue (XLR)*Rode Procaster*Shure SM7BAudio interfaces*Focusrite ScarlettSoftware*Audacity*GarageBand*Apple Logic Pro*Pro ToolsPodcasting guides*SixColors.com - Podcasting Section, by Jason Snell*PodcastingInsights.com - Equipment GuideCONTACT:Website: edtechexamined.comEmail: hey@edtechexamined.comTwitter: @EdTechExaminedTEAM INFORMATIONErik Christiansen, Co-Founder & Co-HostWebsite: erikchristiansen.net Twitter: @egchristiansenBlog: tech-bytes.netKris Hans, Co-Founder & Co-HostWebsite: krishans.caTwitter: @KrisHansMarket Grade: marketgrade.comChristopher Hoang, Audio Producer & Sound EngineerWebsite: chrishoang.ca

06-04-2021

1 hr 42 mins

20: Less is More

In this episode, Erik and Kris discuss lots of news including Royal Roads University's free micro-credential system, new Google certificates, Scott Galloway's $30 million education venture, and Microsoft's Viva and Mesh platforms. For #EdTechOfficeHours our co-hosts recommend the best website creation platforms and address file naming conventions. Kris and Erik also provide a mini-review of Cal Newport's books Deep Work, Digital Minimalism, and A World Without Email. Finally, they also talk about essential (yet mundane) home office gear. SHOW NOTES:News*Royal Roads University micro-credentials*New Google certificates*Scott Galloway raises $30 million*Microsoft Viva*Microsoft Mesh#EdTechOfficeHoursWebsite platforms*WordPress*Squarespace*GitHub Pages*Hugo (Erik's example on GitHub Pages)File naming conventions*Medium - Mike Lord*Princeton University LibraryDiscussion Mini review of Cal Newport's Books*Deep Work*Digital Minimalism*A World Without Email*Cal's websiteEdTech TipsMundane (y

18-03-2021

1 hr 19 mins

19: Curt Newton, Director of MIT OpenCourseWare

The following is an interview with Curt Newton. Curt is the director of the MIT OpenCourseWare (OCW) platform, one of the best-known and respected open education platforms. In this interview, we discuss Curt's background and how he came to MIT, the OCW platform and the impact it's had on the world, and the future of open education. April 4, 2021, will mark MIT OCW's 20th Anniversary. To learn more about MIT OCW, be sure to visit the OCW website and follow the Twitter account @MITOCW.LINKS*MIT OpenCourseWare website*MIT OCW Twitter @MITOCW*Curt's website*Curt's Twitter @qwertnewtoPODCAST CONTACT:Website: edtechexamined.comEmail: hey@edtechexamined.comTwitter: @EdTechExaminedTEAM INFORMATIONErik Christiansen, Co-Founder & Co-HostWebsite: erikchristiansen.net Twitter: @egchristiansenBlog: tech-bytes.netKris Hans, Co-Founder & Co-HostWebsite: krishans.caTwitter: @KrisHansMarket Grade: marketgrade.comChristopher Hoang, Audio Producer & Sound EngineerWebsite: chrishoang.ca

02-03-2021

1 hr 10 mins

18: Time Vampires

In this episode, Kris Hans and Chris Hoang discuss their productivity strategies including their habits and routines, their top technologies for staying organized, and their personal productivity goals for 2021.SHOW NOTES:Top productivity habits*Time tracking*One-touch rule*Multiple task lists*Weekly plans*Starting the day with simple tasks (i.e. make the bed)*Separate work and play spaces at home (if possible)The essential (and inessential) tech tools*Digital calendar (colour coding, time blocking, embedded tasks, etc.)* Screen time tracker (iOS, Android, Mac, Windows)* Content site blocker (tracking most visited sites)* Remove unnecessary apps*Cloud storage that syncs quickly (Dropbox, iCloud, etc.)*Project management software (Basecamp, Trello)Goals for 2021*Deliberate time blocking (for writing)*Scheduling work and play*Social media (aka 'digital minimalism' detox)*Disabling notifications whenever possible*Deleting social media CONTACT:Website: edtechexamined.comEmail: hey@edtech

18-02-2021

1 hr 11 mins

17: Privacy is Cool

In this episode, Kris and Erik discuss the WhatsApp and Facebook terms of service criticism and the exodus to Signal Messenger. They also recommend some privacy-related browser extensions, headphones for teaching, how to manage multiple calendars, and the importance of looking for info before asking your instructor.(Error alert: We goofed! The episode is #17, not #18)SHOW NOTESNews*WhatsApp / Facebook terms of serviceTech TipsPrivate browser extensions*HTTPS Everywhere*Privacy Badger*UBlock Origin*Terms of Service: Didn't Read#EdTechOfficeHoursHeadphones*Sony WH1000*Logitech H390*Powerbeats Pro (earbuds)Calendars*Calendars 5*Apple Calendar*Fantastical*Sync iCloud calendar to Google calendarCONTACT:Website: edtechexamined.comEmail: hey@edtechexamined.comTwitter: @EdTechExaminedTEAM INFORMATIONErik Christiansen, Co-Founder & Co-HostWebsite: erikchristiansen.net Twitter: @egchristiansenBlog: tech-bytes.netKris Hans, Co-Founder & Co-HostWebsite: krishans.caTwitter: @KrisHansMarket Grade:

01-02-2021

48 mins

16: 2021 Forecast

In this episode, Kris Hans, Erik Christiansen, and Chris Hoang discuss their top 10 education predictions for 2021.CONTACT:Website: edtechexamined.comEmail: hey@edtechexamined.comTwitter: @EdTechExaminedTEAM INFORMATION:Erik Christiansen, Co-Founder & Co-HostWebsite: erikchristiansen.net Twitter: @egchristiansenBlog: tech-bytes.netKris Hans, Co-Founder & Co-HostWebsite: krishans.caTwitter: @KrisHansMarket Grade: marketgrade.comChristopher Hoang, Audio Producer & Sound EngineerWebsite: chrishoang.ca

05-01-2021

2 hrs 10 mins

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