About this episode

The episode explores the potential of AI to replace human roles in education, discusses recent technology implementations in schools, and features an interview with a technology director.

On this week’s episode, the guys test whether artificial intelligence can replace a person - with AI‑cloned "Josh" sprinkled through the episode. Chris and Mark cover the rapid early success of Apple’s new MacBook Neo, including Kansas City Public Schools’ plan to replace roughly 30,000 Windows PCs and Chromebooks after a 4,500‑unit proof of concept. Elizabethtown Area School District’s cell phone and smartwatch ban (and the community reaction to program names like “Cellcatraz” versus “Device Den”) is discussed. The guys highlight new guidance from the National Council of Teachers of English on using AI in ELA classrooms, centered on a practical stoplight model (red, yellow, green) that helps teachers define AI use. A major segment revisits last week’s episode about showing movies in class. Finally, Chris interviews Chantell Manahan, Director of Technology at MSD of Steuben County, to discuss her district’s experience with SysCloud. Join us July 6th-10th, 2026 – GAMEIS Conference in Savannah, GA Join us at MidwestTechTalk ———— Sponsored by: SysCloud Meter Fortinet Managed Methods NetWatch Today’s K-12 schools are balancing more than ever, student safety, campus communication…

People in this episode

Hosts: Chris, Mark

Guest: Chantell Manahan

Topics covered

• artificial intelligence
• technology in education
• school policies
• AI in classrooms
• interview with tech director
• device management

Keywords

• AI
• MacBook Neo
• cell phone ban
• SysCloud
• K-12 technology
• classroom guidance
• student safety

Sponsors

SysCloud, Fortinet, Managed Methods, NetWatch

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Kansas City Public Schools, Elizabethtown Area School District, National Council of Teachers of English

More episodes of K12 Tech Talk

• Episode 266 - Summer School, Screen Time, and Movies · May 28, 2026 · 55 min
• Episode 265 - Why the Class of 2026 Is Rejecting AI · May 21, 2026 · 36 min
• Episode 264 - Googlebook Announcement & Canvas Breach Debrief · May 14, 2026 · 49 min

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