Hey Friends! Let’s Talk Coding, STEM, AI, and the Future on the Teacher’s Pep Rally Podcast
I’ve got something really exciting to share! I recently had the awesome opportunity to sit down with the fantastic folks and my good friends at The Teacher’s Pep Rally podcast, and I can’t wait for you to check out our conversation.
We talked about something that’s near and dear to my heart—helping kids (and teachers!) unlock the world of coding, STEM, artificial intelligence, and digital thinking. If you’ve ever wondered how to make coding more accessible, how AI fits into the mix, or why STEM education needs a fresh perspective, this episode is for you!
From Star Wars Dreams to Teaching Code
In this episode, I take a trip down memory lane, sharing how my love for Star Wars tech got me hooked on coding as a kid. I started out on classic computers like the Commodore 64 and Timex Sinclair, back when there was no internet to Google how things worked. It was all trial and error, but that process shaped how I approach teaching coding today.
I also shared how my journey took me through the military, where I gained discipline and leadership skills, and eventually into teaching, which has been my passion for the past 26 years. Whether in the classroom or online, I love helping students and educators break down the barriers to coding.
Why Coding is for EVERYONE (Yes, Even You!)
One of my biggest missions at GetMeCoding is to bust the myth that coding is only for “geeks” or math geniuses. Coding is really about problem-solving, logical thinking, and creativity—skills that benefit everyone. That’s why I work to make coding approachable, fun, and engaging for all learners, whether they’re using block coding (like Scratch) or jumping into real-world languages like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
AI & Coding – Friend or Foe?
Another exciting topic we covered was artificial intelligence and its role in coding. AI can generate code, but does that mean we no longer need to teach programming? Absolutely not! If anything, it makes understanding the why behind the code even more critical. We need to ensure that students still develop problem-solving and critical thinking skills so they can work alongside AI as a powerful tool rather than relying on it blindly.
STEM Education: What’s Next?
We also explored how STEM education has evolved, the role of AI in the classroom, and why we need to do a better job at measuring its real impact. It’s not just about throwing robotics kits into a classroom—it’s about giving students the tools to think, create, and solve problems in ways that matter.
Join the Conversation!
We also explored how STEM education has evolved and why we need to do a better job at measuring its real impact. It’s not just about throwing robotics kits into a classroom—it’s about giving students the tools to think, create, and solve problems in ways that matter.
If you’re an educator, parent, or just someone who’s curious about how we can empower the next generation of digital creators, I’d love for you to check out my conversation on The Teacher’s Pep Rally Podcast!
🎧 Watch or listen here: [(Visit Youtube)]
Let’s keep inspiring the next wave of innovators, tinkerers, and problem-solvers. If you listen, drop a comment and let me know your thoughts! 🚀💡
Keep tinkering,
Take 5 minutes and try a FREE coding activity!
If you are a teacher or someone looking to help others learn to code, let me help you.
