Purpose Over Screen Time - Dr. Karla Burkholder with TETL

What does effective technology leadership look like in K-12 education, especially at a time when schools face growing concerns about screen time, AI, online testing, and student technology use? In this episode of The Innovator’s Mindset Podcast, George Couros speaks with Dr. Karla Burkholder, Deputy Executive Director of Texas Educational Technology Leaders (TETL), about why purposeful technology use matters more than blanket restrictions or unlimited access. Dr. Burkholder shares how her classroom experience shaped her approach to technology leadership, from understanding why a one-minute login delay can create chaos in a classroom of first graders to recognizing that reliable systems, meaningful professional learning, and ongoing teacher support are essential. The conversation also explores the growing backlash against screen time and educational technology, including the influence of narratives that do not always reflect how technology is actually used in schools. George and Dr. Burkholder discuss the tension between efforts to limit student technology use and state requirements for online testing, as well as the need for education leaders to better communicate the difference between passive screen time and purposeful learning with technology. As Texas approaches another legislative session, Dr. Burkholder explains how TETL is working to advocate for a more accurate understanding of K-12 technology use. The discussion highlights why technology leaders must do more than manage devices and systems. They must lead through change, remain calm during uncertainty, think strategically, advocate for educators and students, and tell the story of what responsible technology use actually looks like in schools. Topics include: • Why classroom experience is a powerful foundation for technology leadership • The difference between purposeful technology use and passive screen time • How technology leaders can support teachers through reliable systems and training • Why leadership, resilience, and change management matter as much as technical expertise • The tension between online state testing and calls to reduce screen time • How schools can better advocate for responsible technology use • Why education leaders need to tell their story before others tell it for them George also challenges listeners to identify their three biggest takeaways from the conversation as a way to synthesize and retain their learning. ___________ 👉 Share your thoughts in the comments or connect with me on social media using #InnovatorsMindset 🌐 More at: https://georgecouros.com 🎙 Full audio podcast: https://linktr.ee/gcouros Follow George Couros: X: https://x.com/gcouros Instagram:   / gcouros   Facebook:   / georgecourosauthor   LinkedIn:   / george-couros-a5146519   📚 Books by George Couros: Forward, Together: https://a.co/d/99RGvl3 The Innovator's Mindset: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0986155497?... What Makes a Great Principal: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1948334739?... Because of a Teacher: https://www.amazon.com/dp/194833433X?... Because of a Teacher 2: https://www.amazon.com/dp/194833450X?... Innovate Inside the Box: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1948334127?... Music from Bensound - http://bensound.com/