Meet Aqua by Adobe: The Free Creative Playground Putting Kids in the Driver's Seat

Meet Aqua by Adobe: The Free Creative Playground Putting Kids in the Driver's Seat

Author: Jeffrey Bradbury - TeacherCast Educational Network June 3, 2026 Duration: 18:26
Welcome to Digital Learning Today. In this episode, Jeff Bradbury explores the strategic systems that shape the future of education, focusing on Instructional Coaching, Artificial Intelligence, Professional Learning, and the latest Educational Technology Trends. In this episode, Lydia Hall from Adobe introduces Aqua, a free creative app for kids that fosters artistic expression and innovation. We explore how Aqua supports student creativity, privacy, and future skills, along with insights on integrating AI and tech tools in education.

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  • Curriculum Design and Implementation:Discover practical strategies for integrating digital learning into existing curricula, creating vertical alignment of skills, and mapping digital learning across grade levels.
  • Effective Instructional Coaching:Master the art of coaching people rather than technology, building relationships that drive success, and measuring impact through student engagement rather than just technology usage.

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Chapters:

  • 00:00 Introduction to Aqua by Adobe
  • 03:45 The Creative Playground for Kids
  • 05:47 The Development Journey of Aqua
  • 08:46 Empowering Young Entrepreneurs
  • 11:54 Integrating AI in Education
  • 14:54 Future of Aqua and Educational Technology

Resources Mentioned in This Episode:


About our Guest: Lydia Hall

Lydia Hall is Venture Lead and Co-Founder of Project Aqua at Adobe, where she co-leads the company’s first-ever product for kids and families. Built within Adobe’s incubator program, Project Aqua was inspired by Lydia’s experience as a parent. The app extends Adobe’s creative ecosystem to young creators through art, design, and play in a safe, educational mobile environment. A serial founder and growth strategist, Lydia has held executive roles across four venture-backed startups. She founded her first company, an edtech platform, while attending Penn Law and Wharton; and later served as COO at Chalkup, a content collaboration platform acquired by Microsoft. Lydia participated in Y Combinator Imagine K12, and was recognized by the Forbes 30 Under 30. Outside of work, Lydia is a lifelong sailor and U.S. Sailing Association–certified coach. Competitive racing has shaped her approach to leadership — balancing focus and adaptability amid shifting winds, changing tides, and the occasional sea monster.

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Hosted by Jeff Bradbury of the TeacherCast Educational Network, Digital Learning Today is a conversation for educators who think strategically about the long game. This podcast moves beyond quick tech fixes to examine the underlying frameworks and leadership philosophies required for meaningful, lasting improvement in schools. It’s designed for those in the driver’s seat of change-principals, district administrators, and instructional coaches-who understand that real transformation is about systems, not just software. Listeners will find practical discussions on implementing digital learning initiatives effectively, crafting and executing school improvement plans that stick, and the nuanced work of fostering a collaborative, innovative culture among staff and students. The dialogue naturally bridges educational theory with the realities of school business and management, offering a grounded perspective on steering institutions forward. By focusing on sustainable models and big-picture ideas, each episode provides a space to reflect on the core structures that define modern education, making this podcast a resource for anyone committed to thoughtful, systemic growth in their learning community.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

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