What happens when we put the human side of learning first and use technology with purpose?

In this episode of Integrate This!, Jeremy and David are joined by Zareen Levien, Principal Educator at Padlet, for a conversation about student voice, collaboration, AI, and what better EdTech should actually look like.

Zareen shares her journey from the tech world at Yahoo to the classroom, instructional coaching, district leadership, and eventually Padlet. Along the way, the conversation explores why technology should augment—not replace—the relationships and interactions that make learning meaningful.

They discuss avoiding EdTech tool fatigue, creating safe and welcoming digital learning spaces, giving every student meaningful ways to participate, and challenging the “myth of the independent learner.” Zareen also shares her perspective on AI in education, including why students need adults talking with them about AI rather than simply restricting access to it.

The conversation wraps up with practical Padlet ideas for classroom community, peer feedback, younger learners, multimedia creation, and more—plus the Integrate This! lightning round.

Resources: Padlet: https://padlet.com

Padlet Learning Resources: https://padlet.tv

Zareen on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zareen-poonen-levien-m-ed-786817/