Hello Falling for Learning Collective!
Last weekend, I kicked off my book tour at the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books! I had a wonderful time presenting my book at two book signings, a fictional book panel, and two readings! I will keep you updated on the next events as they are planned! Little Mobile Home on the Tundra is going worldwide with the message of healing and disrupting generational dysfunction!
Episode Update!
On the Falling for Learning Podcast, we’re pulling back the curtain on something that’s quietly shaping our children’s education in ways most families don’t realize: the growing influence of EdTech companies in our classrooms.
While technology is often presented as “support,” not all systems are designed with children’s best interests at the center.
When profit enters the learning space, we have to ask better questions about what our children are actually experiencing behind the screen.
🎧 This Week’s Episode
In this episode, T.D. Flenaugh breaks down how digital learning platforms are being used in schools, what data is being collected from students, and why parents and educators need to be more aware of how deeply technology is embedded in everyday instruction.
From adaptive learning systems to behavior tracking tools, this conversation raises important questions about privacy, learning quality, and who truly benefits from these systems.
The Breakdown
You’ll hear a clear breakdown of how EdTech tools are shaping the modern classroom and what that means for children’s learning experiences.
One major focus of the episode is understanding how “personalized learning” platforms actually work behind the scenes.
While they are marketed as tools that support individual growth, they often rely on constant data collection to adjust instruction in real time.
This includes student response patterns, time spent on tasks, reading and comprehension, and engagement monitoring.
The goal, on paper, is improvement. But the deeper question is what happens to all of that information once it’s collected?
Why This Matters
This conversation is a reminder that convenience is not always neutral.
When schools rely heavily on digital platforms, it can slowly change the role of the teacher, the experience of the student, and the way learning is measured.
Children may begin to interact more with screens than with people, and over time, that shift can impact attention, critical thinking, and how deeply they engage with learning material.
We must make sure technology serves children—not the other way around.
The heart of education should always be human connection, trust, and thoughtful instruction. Not algorithms quietly deciding what a child does next.
📚 Purchase My New Novel
Little Mobile Home on the Tundra
A powerful story rooted in real-life experiences that helps spark reflection, connection, and meaningful conversations at home.
→ https://littlemobilehomeonthetundra.com
🎧 Listen to the Falling for Learning Podcast on Apple Podcasts
📺 Watch episodes and clips on the Falling for Learning YouTube Channel
Bonus Resource:
Looking for practical tools to support your child’s writing journey?
Explore The R.E.W.R.I.T.E. Method and Workbook, designed to help students move from frustration to fluency through clear, supportive strategies.
👉 Get the R.E.W.R.I.T.E. Method here
Let’s Reflect Together
As you move through the week, consider:
• What technology is shaping my child’s learning experience right now?
• Do I know what data is being collected in their school apps or programs?
• How often is my child learning through screens versus human interaction?
• Am I asking enough questions about the systems being used in their classroom?
As always, do something today that gives your child the competitive advantage.
With purpose and intention,
T.D. Flenaugh
Host, Falling for Learning Podcast
P.S. If this episode sparked a new perspective for you, consider sharing this newsletter with a parent, educator, or caregiver who’s navigating the same questions.
