What does it actually look like to support over 300 classrooms every year?

In this episode of Imagine This, Dylan, Jen, and Carlo take you behind the scenes of their work as educational technology coaches. From co-planning lessons with teachers to jumping between kindergarten and grade seven classrooms in a single day, they share what they’ve learned about designing meaningful, engaging learning experiences with technology.

This conversation explores the evolution of their role, from early days focused on teaching tools and devices to a deeper, more impactful focus on curriculum, competencies, and student learning. Along the way, they unpack what makes classroom projects truly successful, why technology should feel invisible when done right, and how small moments of support can lead to big shifts in teaching practice.

They also walk through real classroom examples, including podcasting projects, terrarium-based science lessons, and collaborative inquiry work that connects students beyond the classroom.

Whether you’re an educator, school leader, or just curious about what’s possible in modern classrooms, this episode offers a candid look at the realities (and possibilities) of meaningful tech integration.

About Classmate

Classmate partners with educators to co-create engaging, meaningful learning experiences in the classroom. Rather than focusing on technology for its own sake, they work alongside teachers to design projects that spark curiosity, creativity, and real student engagement.

Through a blend of instructional coaching and technical support, Classmate helps schools bring ideas to life, making learning more collaborative, purposeful, and connected to the real world.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

• [00:00:22] Introduction to the podcast and the Classmate team
• [00:01:00] What it means to support over 300 classrooms each year
• [00:02:03] Explaining the role of an educational technology coach
• [00:04:17] What a typical week looks like across multiple schools
• [00:05:59] From kindergarten lessons to grade seven podcast projects
• [00:09:37] How the role has evolved from tech training to curriculum integration
• [00:12:14] Why foundational tech skills matter (and how they’re applied)
• [00:12:51] Teacher isolation and the importance of collaboration
• [00:16:38] The terrarium project: bringing the water cycle to life
• [00:21:53] Why technology should support learning—not be the focus
• [00:22:34] The immigration podcast project and authentic storytelling
• [00:25:13] Why real audiences make learning more meaningful
• [00:29:04] Iterating on projects across classrooms and schools
• [00:33:20] The fur trade survival guide and collaborative learning design
• [00:38:03] Why time and structure matter for successful projects
• [00:39:45] What teachers should know when starting with tech integration
• [00:45:02] Why curiosity matters more than age or experience
• [00:46:04] “We don’t teach technology”—we use it with purpose

Classroom Chronicles Articles discussed:

• Vol. 71 Grade One / Two Terrarium Project
• Vol. 44 Grade 7 Ancient Rome Podcasts
• Vol. 46 Grade 5 Immigration Podcasts

Resources discussed in this episode:

• Seesaw (student reflection and documentation tool)
• Canva (design and media creation tool)

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Contact Classmate:

• Website: Classmate.team
• Instagram: @classmate.team
• Classroom Chronicles