🎧 New Podcast Episode: The Chromebook Conundrum – Distraction vs. Learning

Welcome to episode #55 of The Why Edify Podcast, where we explore the real issues shaping education today. I’m Jeremy Jorgensen, an 8th-grade science teacher, creator of The Sunday Scaries Club, and your host for this honest exploration of teaching, learning, and well-being in a world filled with both promise and pressure.

The Chromebook Conundrum – Distraction vs. Learning

In this episode, I take on one of the biggest double-edged swords in education today—technology. Specifically, I tackle the growing tension between how tools like Chromebooks are meant to support learning, and how they often end up getting in the way. If you’ve ever felt like your classroom has turned into a tab-switching circus, this one’s for you.

But this episode is about more than just screens. We’ll also dive into how AI is reshaping student thinking (sometimes for the worse), how music can be a tool for both teaching and healing, and why handwriting, purpose, and presence still matter in a digital-first world.

🔍 Episode Highlights

The Chromebook Conundrum (03:06)
Chromebooks are supposed to be tools for learning, but let’s be honest: they’re also major sources of distraction. I talk about what I’m seeing in the classroom and how we can respond thoughtfully instead of reactively.

AI and the Erosion of Critical Thinking (06:52)
ChatGPT and other AI tools are making it easier than ever to skip the hard parts of thinking. I share ideas for designing assignments that demand authentic reflection—the kind that can’t be faked by a bot.

Music as a Mental Reset (10:25)
Music has the power to elevate, energize, and even heal. I share how I use it personally and professionally, and how creating intentional “listening moments” can improve mood, memory, and focus.

Finding Your Ikigai (17:04)
Burnout is real—but so is purpose. I discuss the Japanese concept of Ikigai, and how it can help educators reconnect with the "why" behind what they do.

💡 Key Takeaways

• Technology has changed the game, but not always for the better.
• Chromebooks can be both a lifeline and a liability.
• AI is shaping how (and whether) students think critically.
• Personal reflection, not regurgitation, should be at the heart of our assignments.
• Handwriting still holds surprising power for learning and memory.
• Music isn’t just background noise—it’s a tool for cognitive and emotional well-being.
• Teachers need tools and time to prevent burnout—and rediscover purpose.

🎙️ Whether you're a classroom teacher, school leader, or simply someone who cares about the future of learning, this episode is for you. Join me as we explore how to make education more human in an increasingly digital world.

And if you haven’t already, subscribe to the Why Edify Newsletter for updates, insights, and strategies delivered straight to your inbox every Sunday.

Thanks for tuning in. Here’s to teaching, learning, and living with more intention.

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