Rethinking EdTech: Why Marcy Samayoa Is Leading a Tech-free Classroom “Tech Reset”
In this episode, we sit down with Marcy Samayoa, a Los Angeles chemistry teacher, to unpack her bold “tech reset” in the classroom—and what happened next. After noticing how constant screen time (especially post-pandemic) was impacting her students’ focus and engagement, Marcy made the surprising move to scale back Chromebook use in favor of more traditional, hands-on learning. What she found was pretty eye-opening: more collaboration, deeper thinking, and students who were actually present again. We also dive into her approach to test prep—ditching gamified tools for structured practice and reflection—and her belief that teaching students how to learn matters more than ever. It’s a thoughtful, honest conversation that challenges assumptions about edtech while offering a hopeful look at what classrooms can become when we slow things down and get intentional.
Season 3 is brought to you by our principal sponsor, Teachers' Insurance Plan. Check out their website below for more information and to get a quote.
Teachers' Insurance Plan: auto insurance that brings exclusive educator savings and exceptional customer care to New Jersey and Pennsylvania educational employees.
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