There’s a shift happening in how technology is being talked about in education.
Questions around screen time, student well-being, and the role of EdTech are becoming more visible. At the same time, educators are still navigating the day-to-day reality of using these tools to support learning, manage time, and stay effective in the classroom.
That tension is creating a more layered conversation.
In this episode, Elana Leoni sits down with educator, author, and Ditch That Textbook founder Matt Miller, a voice that resonates widely with teachers and regularly collaborates with education brands. Together, they unpack what is actually happening beneath the surface, from how teachers want to be supported to how technology and AI are showing up in real classrooms.
The conversation centers on a core question that continues to evolve. What is the true role of EdTech, and how do we ensure it stays grounded in teacher and student learning?
What You’ll Learn
1️⃣ Why teacher appreciation needs to go beyond a moment
Checking the box during Teacher Appreciation Week is not enough. What stands out is ongoing support, useful resources, and making teachers feel seen in ways that actually reflect their work.
2️⃣ How to navigate the growing conversation around screens and EdTech
The shift toward questioning technology is real, but the answer is not all or nothing. The more useful lens is understanding when technology supports learning and when it does not.
3️⃣ What thoughtful use of AI looks like in classrooms today
AI can reduce workload and support planning, but it should not replace thinking. The most effective use keeps teachers in control and helps students engage more deeply with the material.
What This Means for Marketers
Education marketers are navigating a more nuanced and more scrutinized landscape. The conversation is no longer just about innovation or features. It is about how well your product fits into real classroom use and whether educators trust the role it plays. This shift changes how you position your work. Messaging needs to reflect balance, not just capability. Proof needs to come from educators, not just brand claims. And strategy needs to account for growing concerns around screen time, AI, and effectiveness. The brands that stand out will be the ones that stay grounded in how teachers actually work, and communicate that clearly across every touchpoint.
Resources Mentioned in this Episode:
Matt Miller’s LinkedIn Post
The spark for this conversation, particularly around the “no screens” discussion. It reflects how educators are thinking about balance, not elimination, when it comes to technology.Ditch That Textbook Community (Circle)
Matt’s educator community where teachers share practical strategies, ideas, and real classroom applications. It reflects the value of peer-driven insights over top-down messaging.Brisk Boost
Highlighted as a classroom tool that can provide adaptive support and feedback for students, especially in situations where a teacher is not physically present.Pear Deck
Referenced as a tool for real-time formative assessment, allowing teachers to quickly gauge student understanding and adjust instruction in the moment.Gemini and NotebookLM
Mentioned as tools used to transform and interact with content, including generating visuals, summarizing material, and creating alternative formats like audio for deeper learning.EdTechnical Podcast
Referenced by Elana in the AI discussion, particularly around emerging areas like voice, speech recognition, and new ways students may interact with technology beyond screens.How to get in touch with Matt: Instagram | Facebook | TikTok | LinkedIn
Elana Leoni, Host
Elana Leoni has spent nearly two decades helping education organizations grow through strategic marketing and storytelling. Over the past nine years, she has built and scaled Leoni Consulting Group, an education marketing agency that has partnered with more than 50 education and EdTech brands. Earlier in her career, she led marketing for Edutopia (The George Lucas Educational Foundation).
Matt Miller, Guest
Matt Miller has taught in public schools for more than 10 years, teaching all levels of high school Spanish. In his career, he has planned nearly 12,000 class lessons. He has taught more than half a million instructional minutes. And he has graded work for nearly 2,000 days of class. He’s an award-winning author of seven books. Matt is a Google Certified Innovator and Microsoft in Education Expert. He was named a ‘23-’24 Top 100 Influencer in EdTech by EdTech Digest. His Ditch That Textbook blog encourages tens of thousands of educators in more than 100 countries to use technology and creative ideas in teaching.
About All Things Marketing and Education
What if marketing was judged solely by the level of value it brings to its audience? Welcome to All Things Marketing and Education, a podcast that lives at the intersection of marketing and you guessed it, education. Each week, Elana Leoni, CEO of Leoni Consulting Group, highlights innovative social media marketing, community-building, and content marketing strategies that can significantly increase reach, relationships, and revenue.
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