Edtech Throwdown

Edtech Throwdown

Episode 194: Tech That Teaches: Hardware We Actually Love

Welcome to the EdTech Throwdown.  This is Episode 194 called Tech That Teaches: Hardware We Actually Love.  In this episode, we will go over the hardware that allows our classrooms and offices to run smoothly and efficiently.  Save time, headaches, and hopefully some money!  This is another episode you don’t want to miss, check it out.

Who doesn’t like gadgets?

Nick’s Gadgets

• Workstation Set-Up:  Use a USB splitter connected to an external monitor.  That splitter has all my “stuff” to facilitate quick connection. Connect my laptop to the monitor and then I’m also auto-connected to all my gadgets.  I use the Anker Hub 4 Ports and love it, but there are many options that are all pretty good.
• Second monitor!  Dell 27 inch Monitor, P2725H Full HD 1080p Computer Monitor.  If you haven’t started using a second monitor, get on it!
• Wacom Tablet - I like this better than a touch screen stylus because it feels more like writing on a piece of paper.  When I use the stylus, I find that it my hand accidentally clicks things on the screen, zooming in by mistake, etc.  I have the wired version, which is limiting.  Get the wireless!
• Audio-Technica ATR2100x-USB Cardioid Dynamic Microphone:  I’ve heard lots of teachers like the Blue Yeti or the Rode Podcaster, but my favorite has always been the AT.  All the other mics I’ve tried sound tinny.
• Multi-device Charging Station

Guise’s Gadgets:

• Dinofire Presentation Clicker
• C Desk Clam Power Strip
• DYMO Label Maker or DYMO Label Maker USB
• Personal Laminator
• Portable Speaker

Edtech Throwdown: 

Vote on twitter @edtechthrowdown and under the pinned post on the profile.

Do us a few favors:

1. Subscribe to the Edtech Throwdown Podcast
2. Apple Podcasts
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10. Tell your friends about www.edtechthrowdown.com
11. Tell your friends about the Teach Better Podcast Network

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• Twitter (@guisegotteched)
• LinkedIn

Nick’s Social Media

• Twitter (@nickgotteched)

• Intro and Outro Music- American Idle - RKVC
• Segment Identifiers- Duck in the Alley - TrackTribe
• Edtech Throwdown- Born a Rockstar (Instrumental) - NEFEX

As experienced presenters and content creators, you can contact Nick and Guise to speak at your school, event, or conference. They can customize a workshop that meets your organization’s unique time and content needs. While no topic is out of bounds, we are best known for sessions on:

• AI For Teachers, Admin, and Parents
• 1:1 Chromebook Integration
• EdTech Throwdown
• TargetED Learning
• Gamification (Badge Systems)
• Game-Based Learning (Escape Rooms, Amazing Race, and more)
• Google apps and extensions
• Personalized learning and Choice Boards
• Teacher productivity (Lesson Planning, Online Grading. and Feedback)
• Digital content creation
• Student Podcasting
• Screencasting
• Flipped Classroom
• Student-Centered Learning

Welcome to the EdTech Throwdown.  This is Episode 193 called Check This Edtech Out.  In this episode, we’ll share some edtech tools that we would use to create a specific activity for a specific purpose in our classroom.  This is another episode you don’t want to miss, check it out.

1. Classroom Environment Prep
2. Ideas
3. Posters
4. Rules
5. Edtech
6. Canva
7. Digital Websites
8. Do Nows/Q of the Day/Exit Tickets
9. Ideas
10. Graph Friday
11. What’s in a Picture
12. Assessment Prep
13. Team Building
14. Connections
15. Edtech
16. Canva Sheets
17. Graph of the Day Website
18. Quizizz
19. Classhook.com
20. Course Long Gamification
21. Ideas
22. Survivor
23. Leaderboards
24. Edtech
25. Canva Sites
26. Google Sites
27. Flippity.net
28. goosechase.com
29. Activity Website
30. Ideas
31. Case Study
32. Data nuggets
33. CER
34. Playlist
35. Choice Boards
36. Edtech
37. Google Sites
38. Canva Sites
39. 
    

Edtech Throwdown: 

Vote on twitter @edtechthrowdown and under the pinned post on the profile.

Do us a few favors:

1. Subscribe to the Edtech Throwdown Podcast
2. Apple Podcasts
3. Spotify
4. Amazon Podcasts
5. Stitcher  
6. YouTube  
7. Twitter   
8. Facebook
9. Write us an Apple Podcast Review!
10. Tell your friends about www.edtechthrowdown.com
11. Tell your friends about the Teach Better Podcast Network

• Apple Podcasts
• Spotify  
• YouTube  
• Twitter   (@edtechthrowdown)
• Facebook
• Instagram

Guise’s Social Media

• Twitter (@guisegotteched)
• LinkedIn

Nick’s Social Media

• Twitter (@nickgotteched)

• Intro and Outro Music- American Idle - RKVC
• Segment Identifiers- Duck in the Alley - TrackTribe
• Edtech Throwdown- Born a Rockstar (Instrumental) - NEFEX

As experienced presenters and content creators, you can contact Nick and Guise to speak at your school, event, or conference. They can customize a workshop that meets your organization’s unique time and content needs. While no topic is out of bounds, we are best known for sessions on:

• AI For Teachers, Admin, and Parents
• 1:1 Chromebook Integration
• EdTech Throwdown
• TargetED Learning
• Gamification (Badge Systems)
• Game-Based Learning (Escape Rooms, Amazing Race, and more)
• Google apps and extensions
• Personalized learning and Choice Boards
• Teacher productivity (Lesson Planning, Online Grading. and Feedback)
• Digital content creation
• Student Podcasting
• Screencasting
• Flipped Classroom
• Student-Centered Learning

Edtech Throwdown

Episode 192: Awesome Edtech for the Summer

Welcome to the EdTech Throwdown.  This is Episode 192 called Awesome Edtech for the Summer.  Every year when school ends we publish an episode where Guise and I share what we’ll be reading, listening to, and exploring over the summer break. 192 is that episode and this is another you don’t want to miss, check it out.

Summer plans

Nick

Podcasts

1. Science Vs:  here are a lot of fads, blogs and strong opinions, but then there’s SCIENCE. Science Vs is the show from Spotify Studios that finds out what’s fact, what’s not, and what’s somewhere in between. We do the hard work of sifting through all the science so you don't have to and cover everything from 5G and ADHD, to Fluoride and Fasting Diets.
2. Mr. Barton Maths:  How do you make a podcast about math? By coming at it from a human-first perspective and examining why so many students (and teachers) have an instinctual adverse reaction to the subject. Host Craig Barton is a former math educator and founder of diagnostic educational software company Eedi, so he has a fair bit of personal experience in the subject matter. U.S. listeners should note that Barton is based in the U.K.; while some of the references to the British education system may not resonate, the sentiment behind the content certainly will.

Books

1. Everything is Tuberculosis by John Greene
2. Teachers and Machines: The Classroom of Technology Since 1920

Grab Bag

1. Fully explore Canva Code.  What is it good at, what is it not.
2. Nanolearning Unit Development:  This is a good website that covers the differences between nano and micro and how to do implement them

Guise

Podcasts

1.  Steph and Joe on the Go 
2.  The Brain Health Podcast
3. Join Dr. Jonah Yakel on the Brain Health Podcast where we discuss cutting-edge science and natural strategies to help maximize brain function while aiming to slow, stop, and even reverse symptoms of cognitive decline.

Books

1.   Powerful Teaching: Unleash the Science of Learning
2. empowers educators to harness research on how students learn. Written in collaboration with a K–12 teacher, Powerful Teaching is filled with evidence-based strategies that transform learning—without additional prep or grading.
3. Baseball Mindset:  

Grab Bag

1.  Canva Sheet
2. Push out Canva designed AP Biology practice problems to the LMS  
3. Bulk create canva app
4.   Adobe Aero
5. a tool that allows users to create, share, and view interactive augmented reality (AR) experiences without needing to code. It's available for iOS and as a public beta for macOS and Windows. Aero allows users to bring their own assets, such as 2D and 3D objects, audio, and more, to create engaging AR experiences.
6. Ambassador Programs / PD Collections
7. https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1fzLNKC13WcAmLUVea8hyCiHv-KHKOBt7XXY4N6Z-nKA/edit?usp=sharing
8. https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/18GtutWr8iO156-yEZIdf2B2ZA2RUysN8WX9JIryk3LE/edit?usp=sharing

Edtech Throwdown: 

Vote on twitter @edtechthrowdown and under the pinned post on the profile.

Do us a few favors:

1. Subscribe to the Edtech Throwdown Podcast
2. Apple Podcasts
3. Spotify
4. Amazon Podcasts
5. Stitcher  
6. YouTube  
7. Twitter   
8. Facebook
9. Write us an Apple Podcast Review!
10. Tell your friends about www.edtechthrowdown.com
11. Tell your friends about the Teach Better Podcast Network

• Apple Podcasts
• Spotify  
• YouTube  
• Twitter   (@edtechthrowdown)
• Facebook
• Instagram

Guise’s Social Media

• Twitter (@guisegotteched)
• LinkedIn

Nick’s Social Media

• Twitter (@nickgotteched)

• Intro and Outro Music- American Idle - RKVC
• Segment Identifiers- Duck in the Alley - TrackTribe
• Edtech Throwdown- Born a Rockstar (Instrumental) - NEFEX

As experienced presenters and content creators, you can contact Nick and Guise to speak at your school, event, or conference. They can customize a workshop that meets your organization’s unique time and content needs. While no topic is out of bounds, we are best known for sessions on:

• AI For Teachers, Admin, and Parents
• 1:1 Chromebook Integration
• EdTech Throwdown
• TargetED Learning
• Gamification (Badge Systems)
• Game-Based Learning (Escape Rooms, Amazing Race, and more)
• Google apps and extensions
• Personalized learning and Choice Boards
• Teacher productivity (Lesson Planning, Online Grading. and Feedback)
• Digital content creation
• Student Podcasting
• Screencasting
• Flipped Classroom
• Student-Centered Learning

Edtech Throwdown

Episode 191: 10 Canva Code Ideas for Teachers

Welcome to the EdTech Throwdown.  This is Episode 191 called 10 Canva Code Ideas for Teachers.  In this episode we’ll introduce, explain and analyze one of the features in Canva AI called Canva Code.  We’ll also share 10 ways that teachers can use it to help spark your creativity when it comes to this exciting new feature.  This is another episode you don’t want to miss, check it out.

What is it?  Canva’s AI writes code for you to create specific games/apps/simulations/etc that function in Canva.  When you’ve got the code just right by prompting and then adjusting with other prompts, you can publish it as a Canva website for easy sharing.

What do you do with the code?  The code produced can be copy-pasted to other places OR just published directly in Canva as a Canva website.

Downsides: 

1. Initial teacher response is often “why do i need to write code”?
2. It can take some time to get the code right to produce what you want
3. Does it exist somewhere else?  For example, why make a quizzes app in Canva?
4. The prompt has a character limit, so you’ll have to adjust it as you go.  
5. For example, start with a prompt that describes only the function of the app.  Then adjust it afterwards related to design.  Then again for differentiation, etc.

Why Use it: (what makes it worth the time)

1. TREMENDOUS capability for teachers to make things that don’t exist anywhere else online
2. Can ask it to add specific differentiations into any game/app created for whatever students you have
3. Skip labor intensive prep for physical games

Nicks 5

1. Interactive Periodic Table
2. Virtual Lab about Color Theory (Art Lesson)
3. Geometry Shape Explorer
4. Interactive Poem Creator
5. Interactive Classroom Timer

Guises’ 5

1. Interactive Worksheets
2. Escape Room Puzzles
3. Leaderboards
4. Classroom Website
5. To-Do List Hierarchy

Edtech Throwdown: 

Vote on twitter @edtechthrowdown and under the pinned post on the profile.

Do us a few favors:

1. Subscribe to the Edtech Throwdown Podcast
2. Apple Podcasts
3. Spotify
4. Amazon Podcasts
5. Stitcher  
6. YouTube  
7. Twitter   
8. Facebook
9. Write us an Apple Podcast Review!
10. Tell your friends about www.edtechthrowdown.com
11. Tell your friends about the Teach Better Podcast Network

• Apple Podcasts
• Spotify  
• YouTube  
• Twitter   (@edtechthrowdown)
• Facebook
• Instagram

Guise’s Social Media

• Twitter (@guisegotteched)
• LinkedIn

Nick’s Social Media

• Twitter (@nickgotteched)

• Intro and Outro Music- American Idle - RKVC
• Segment Identifiers- Duck in the Alley - TrackTribe
• Edtech Throwdown- Born a Rockstar (Instrumental) - NEFEX

As experienced presenters and content creators, you can contact Nick and Guise to speak at your school, event, or conference. They can customize a workshop that meets your organization’s unique time and content needs. While no topic is out of bounds, we are best known for sessions on:

• AI For Teachers, Admin, and Parents
• 1:1 Chromebook Integration
• EdTech Throwdown
• TargetED Learning
• Gamification (Badge Systems)
• Game-Based Learning (Escape Rooms, Amazing Race, and more)
• Google apps and extensions
• Personalized learning and Choice Boards
• Teacher productivity (Lesson Planning, Online Grading. and Feedback)
• Digital content creation
• Student Podcasting
• Screencasting
• Flipped Classroom
• Student-Centered Learning

Welcome to the EdTech Throwdown.  This is Episode 190 called Stump the Edtech Guru.  In this episode, we’ll try and stump each other with some of the toughest edtech challenges we could think of.  Each guru will have to come up with a solution on the spot.   This is another episode you don’t want to miss, check it out.

• We compete with everything

Nick’s Scenarios:

• Scenario 1: 
• The AI Essay Epidemic.  Ms. Rivera teaches 10th grade English and has just assigned a personal narrative essay. As she begins grading, she notices several essays that seem... off. They're grammatically perfect, lack any personal voice, and a few students even use similar turns of phrase.  The students cited AI use, and even included a link to a specific conversation in a tool called Perplexity.  When examining the link however, it only shows the student asking questions about the topic.  In other words, there is no evidence of having the AI do the writing, at least not in this particular chat.  The student denies any AI use other than what was cited.  What should she do?
• Perplexity
• Google Docs
• Ai Works Cited
• Scenario 2:
• The Silent Discussion Board.  Mr. Chen is running a blended learning environment for his 8th grade social studies class. He’s trying to build engagement with online discussion boards through Google Classroom and Flip. He posts thoughtful prompts, but most students either don’t respond, copy each other, or leave low-effort replies like ‘I agree.’ He knows these kids have opinions—they just don’t seem to bring them into the digital space. Mr. Chen is wondering: is it the prompt? The platform? The digital culture? Or is this just a lost cause?
• Padlet Sandbox
• MEAL Plan
• CER
• CANVA
• 
  
• Scenario 3: 
• Mrs. Daughtry is a veteran science teacher who’s always been open to new ideas. But lately, her school has adopted a slew of new edtech platforms: a new LMS, AI feedback tools, quiz generators, and now a parent communication app—all with different logins, layouts, and learning curves. She claims to receive “multiple emails per week” from various admins and coaches touting EVEN MORE options for edtech.  Her students are confused, parents are overwhelmed, and she’s spending more time managing tech than teaching content. She’s asking herself: how do I streamline this chaos without ignoring district expectations or shortchanging students?
• Canva
• Google Suite

Guise’s Scenarios:

• Scenario 1:
• You are the edtech coach of a building, and you were just informed that you have two students moving into the high school that speak very little English.  Their English level is that of a 3rd grader.  Devise a plan to help a core curriculum teacher differentiate a lesson to help these two students.
• NotebookLM
• Diffit
• Scenario 2: 
• Each year during awards/banquet season, you are approached with helping make certificates, posters, etc. from the same people.  Unfortunately, this year, you have a lot of projects due where you know you don’t have time to get to everyone’s needs. Develop a plan that would help you help them. 
• Canva
• Bulk Create app using a CSV file
• Adobe Express
• Scenario 3:
• You have finished your curriculum and have given the final. You have 5 instructional days left to do some type of gamified activity. What’s your plan?
• Kahoot
• Blooket
• Gimkit
• Quizizz
• Digital Escape the Room
• Bonus:
• You are an Edtech podcaster who does an Edtech throwdown against your cohost. You have lost the last 10 in a row. What do you do to make sure you don’t lose the next one?

Edtech Throwdown: 

Vote on twitter @edtechthrowdown and under the pinned post on the profile.

Do us a few favors:

1. Subscribe to the Edtech Throwdown Podcast
2. Apple Podcasts
3. Spotify
4. Amazon Podcasts
5. Stitcher  
6. YouTube  
7. Twitter   
8. Facebook
9. Write us an Apple Podcast Review!
10. Tell your friends about www.edtechthrowdown.com
11. Tell your friends about the Teach Better Podcast Network

• Apple Podcasts
• Spotify  
• YouTube  
• Twitter   (@edtechthrowdown)
• Facebook
• Instagram

Guise’s Social Media

• Twitter (@guisegotteched)
• LinkedIn

Nick’s Social Media

• Twitter (@nickgotteched)

• Intro and Outro Music- American Idle - RKVC
• Segment Identifiers- Duck in the Alley - TrackTribe
• Edtech Throwdown- Born a Rockstar (Instrumental) - NEFEX

As experienced presenters and content creators, you can contact Nick and Guise to speak at your school, event, or conference. They can customize a workshop that meets your organization’s unique time and content needs. While no topic is out of bounds, we are best known for sessions on:

• AI For Teachers, Admin, and Parents
• 1:1 Chromebook Integration
• EdTech Throwdown
• TargetED Learning
• Gamification (Badge Systems)
• Game-Based Learning (Escape Rooms, Amazing Race, and more)
• Google apps and extensions
• Personalized learning and Choice Boards
• Teacher productivity (Lesson Planning, Online Grading. and Feedback)
• Digital content creation
• Student Podcasting
• Screencasting
• Flipped Classroom
• Student-Centered Learning

Welcome to the EdTech Throwdown.  This is Episode 189 called AI in Education: Friend of Foe.  In this episode, we’ll give you our annual State of Education address as we explore the hot topics in edtech right now.  We’ll also debate the pros and cons of AI in education today, this is another episode you dont’ want to miss,  Check it out.

 Top 9 Trends in Educational Technology to Watch in 2025 by Dirox

• AI and Personalized learning
• Let’s think outside the box… How can we push the envelope?
• Students automating content, running a business, etc
• Extended Reality (XR) and Immersive Learning
• Virtual field trips to iconic locations
• Google Expeditions
• Interactive VR labs
• Labster
• Training tools
• Interplay Learning, which teach practical skills such as HVAC repair and solar panel installation.
• MicroLearning and nanolearning
• Short attentions spans need bite-sized modules
• Mobile-first learning
• Duolingo
• Edutainment
• Gamification
• Minecraft 
• Roblox Education
• Blockchain and digital credentials
• Academic records are stored

Example tools: Khanmigo, Scribe, ChatGPT as a study helper

Pro (Student Learning): Personalized Learning Support

AI can break down complex topics and adapt explanations to a student’s level. This helps struggling learners feel less overwhelmed and get the help they need outside of class time.

Con (Student Learning): Over-Reliance on AI Help

Some students might use AI instead of thinking for themselves. Rather than trying to solve a math problem, they could just ask the bot for the answer—missing out on real learning.

Pro (Teacher Productivity): Less Time Re-Explaining Basics

Teachers can recommend AI tools for practice and remediation, freeing up time to work with students who need more direct attention.

Con (Teacher Productivity): Misalignment with Curriculum

AI-generated explanations might not follow the pacing or methods a teacher uses, causing confusion if students get mixed messages.

Example tools: Grammarly, ChatGPT, QuillBot

Pro (Student Learning): Improved Writing Mechanics

Students can get instant feedback on grammar, tone, and structure, helping them refine their writing without waiting days for teacher comments.

Con (Student Learning): Risk of Cheating or Ghostwriting

Some students may copy and paste entire AI-generated essays, which undermines the development of critical thinking and writing skills.

Pro (Teacher Productivity): Faster Draft Reviews

AI-written drafts often require less correction for basic issues, allowing teachers to focus more on higher-level thinking in student writing.

Con (Teacher Productivity): Harder to Detect Authentic Voice

It becomes trickier to tell if a student’s work truly reflects their abilities, making it harder to assess growth or identify areas for intervention.

Example tools: Curipod, MagicSchool.ai, Diffit

Pro (Teacher Productivity): Saves Planning Time

Teachers can generate slides, quizzes, and differentiated content in minutes, giving them more time to personalize instruction or support students.

Con (Teacher Productivity): Quality and Accuracy Concerns

AI doesn’t always get facts right or adapt to classroom context, meaning teachers still have to double-check and often edit the materials.

Pro (Student Learning): More Engaging and Varied Content

With AI, teachers can easily generate visuals, analogies, and leveled texts to match different learning styles and abilities.

Con (Student Learning): One-Size-Fits-All Feel

AI-generated content may not reflect the specific interests, culture, or experiences of the classroom, making learning feel generic or disconnected.

Example tools: Gradescope, ChatGPT for rubric-based review, Snorkl

Pro (Teacher Productivity): Faster Feedback Loops

AI tools can provide near-instant feedback on writing or short responses, helping teachers keep up with grading and giving students timely insights.

Con (Teacher Productivity): False Sense of Accuracy

AI might misinterpret student intent or nuances in open-ended answers, leading to inaccurate scores or unfair feedback.

Pro (Student Learning): Immediate Feedback Improves Learning

Students can revise quickly based on feedback, reinforcing learning while the content is still fresh in their minds.

Con (Student Learning): Shallow Feedback Can Miss the Point

AI may offer only surface-level comments (like “Add more detail”) and fail to push deeper thinking or skill development.

Example tools: ChatGPT, school-based AI helpdesks

Pro (Student Learning): On-Demand Help 24/7

AI can answer questions about homework, instructions, or even mental health resources when teachers or counselors aren’t available.

Con (Student Learning): Misinformation or Misunderstanding

AI can give wrong answers or misunderstand a student’s question entirely, especially when it lacks specific context or phrasing.

Pro (Teacher Productivity): Fewer Repetitive Questions

AI can handle common questions (“What’s the homework?” or “When is the test?”), allowing teachers to focus on higher-level instruction.

Con (Teacher Productivity): Trust Issues with AI Guidance

Teachers may worry about students getting incorrect info, leading to extra work correcting misunderstandings later.

Example tools: Speech-to-text, reading level adjusters, AI-driven IEP support tools

Pro (Student Learning): Greater Accessibility for All Learners

AI can read text aloud, translate instructions, or simplify readings, helping students with IEPs or ELLs stay more engaged and independent.

Con (Student Learning): Reduced Human Interaction

Some students thrive on one-on-one teacher support, and replacing this with AI can reduce the personal connection and tailored encouragement they need.

Pro (Teacher Productivity): More Efficient Accommodations

Teachers can quickly modify materials or assessments using AI, instead of spending hours rewriting tests or readings manually.

Con (Teacher Productivity): Unclear Boundaries Around Use

It’s not always obvious what counts as “appropriate” AI help versus over-reliance, especially when creating modifications for specific learners.

Example tools: Any AI requiring prompts or critical use

Pro (Student Learning): Teaches Prompt Writing and Critical Thinking

Students learn to ask better questions and evaluate AI answers, helping them develop a new kind of digital literacy crucial for the future.

Con (Student Learning): Confusion About What AI Can and Can’t Do

Some students may think AI is “always right” or confuse its confident tone for truth, making it harder to develop strong critical reading habits.

Pro (Teacher Productivity): Builds Future-Ready Skills

Teachers introducing AI intentionally can help students become thoughtful users, preparing them for a tech-driven workforce.

Con (Teacher Productivity): Requires Extra Training and Monitoring

Teachers need to stay up-to-date with AI tools, model ethical use, and teach responsible behaviors—adding more to their already full plates.

Edtech Throwdown: 

Vote on twitter @edtechthrowdown and under the pinned post on the profile.

Do us a few favors:

1. Subscribe to the Edtech Throwdown Podcast
2. Apple Podcasts
3. Spotify
4. Amazon Podcasts
5. Stitcher  
6. YouTube  
7. Twitter   
8. Facebook
9. Write us an Apple Podcast Review!
10. Tell your friends about www.edtechthrowdown.com
11. Tell your friends about the Teach Better Podcast Network

• Apple Podcasts
• Spotify  
• YouTube  
• Twitter   (@edtechthrowdown)
• Facebook
• Instagram

Guise’s Social Media

• Twitter (@guisegotteched)

Welcome to the EdTech Throwdown.  This is Episode 188 called 10 Tips for Using AI in Your Classroom.   Nick and I have each selected 5 of our top tips for using AI to increase student learning and to help you manage your classroom, and sometimes your life.  Nick presented his 5 tips last episode and today I will do the same!  Listen in to learn about what they are, why we like them, and how they might advance your classroom!  This is another episode you don’t want to miss.  Check it out.

NJECC conference presentation 2

Get a copy of the presentation HERE:  http://bit.ly/ettsignup

Nick’s Tips Part 1

• Acceptable Use Poster
• Google WorkFlow
• Animated Drawings
• Battle AI Over Reliance
• Prompt Collection

Guise’s Tips Part 2

• AI Works Cited
• Khan Academy Writing Coach
• Teacher Server
• Prompts for Google Sheets
• AI Lesson Creation WorkFlow

Edtech Throwdown: 

Vote on twitter @edtechthrowdown and under the pinned post on the profile.

Do us a few favors:

1. Subscribe to the Edtech Throwdown Podcast
2. Apple Podcasts
3. Spotify
4. Amazon Podcasts
5. Stitcher  
6. YouTube  
7. Twitter   
8. Facebook
9. Write us an Apple Podcast Review!
10. Tell your friends about www.edtechthrowdown.com
11. Tell your friends about the Teach Better Podcast Network

• Apple Podcasts
• Spotify  
• YouTube  
• Twitter   (@edtechthrowdown)
• Facebook
• Instagram

Guise’s Social Media

• Twitter (@guisegotteched)
• LinkedIn

Nick’s Social Media

• Twitter (@nickgotteched)

• Intro and Outro Music- American Idle - RKVC
• Segment Identifiers- Duck in the Alley - TrackTribe
• Edtech Throwdown- Born a Rockstar (Instrumental) - NEFEX

As experienced presenters and content creators, you can contact Nick and Guise to speak at your school, event, or conference. They can customize a workshop that meets your organization’s unique time and content needs. While no topic is out of bounds, we are best known for sessions on:

• AI For Teachers, Admin, and Parents
• 1:1 Chromebook Integration
• EdTech Throwdown
• TargetED Learning
• Gamification (Badge Systems)
• Game-Based Learning (Escape Rooms, Amazing Race, and more)
• Google apps and extensions
• Personalized learning and Choice Boards
• Teacher productivity (Lesson Planning, Online Grading. and Feedback)
• Digital content creation
• Student Podcasting
• Screencasting
• Flipped Classroom
• Student-Centered Learning

Welcome to the EdTech Throwdown.  This is Episode 187 called 10 Tips for Using AI in Your Classroom.   Guise and I have each selected 5 of our top tips for using AI to increase student learning and to help you manage your classroom, and sometimes your life.  Listen in to learn about what they are, why we like them, and how they might advance your classroom!  This is another episode you don’t want to miss.  Check it out.

NJECC conference presentation 2

Get a copy of the presentation HERE:  http://bit.ly/ettsignup

Nick’s Tips Part 1

• Acceptable Use Poster
• Google WorkFlow
• Animated Drawings
• Battle AI Over Reliance
• Prompt Collection

Guise’s Tips Part 2

• AI Works Cited
• Khan Academy Writing Coach
• Teacher Server
• Prompts for Google Sheets
• AI Lesson Creation WorkFlow

Edtech Throwdown: 

Vote on twitter @edtechthrowdown and under the pinned post on the profile.

Do us a few favors:

1. Subscribe to the Edtech Throwdown Podcast
2. Apple Podcasts
3. Spotify
4. Amazon Podcasts
5. Stitcher  
6. YouTube  
7. Twitter   
8. Facebook
9. Write us an Apple Podcast Review!
10. Tell your friends about www.edtechthrowdown.com
11. Tell your friends about the Teach Better Podcast Network

• Apple Podcasts
• Spotify  
• YouTube  
• Twitter   (@edtechthrowdown)
• Facebook
• Instagram

Guise’s Social Media

• Twitter (@guisegotteched)
• LinkedIn

Nick’s Social Media

• Twitter (@nickgotteched)

• Intro and Outro Music- American Idle - RKVC
• Segment Identifiers- Duck in the Alley - TrackTribe
• Edtech Throwdown- Born a Rockstar (Instrumental) - NEFEX

As experienced presenters and content creators, you can contact Nick and Guise to speak at your school, event, or conference. They can customize a workshop that meets your organization’s unique time and content needs. While no topic is out of bounds, we are best known for sessions on:

• AI For Teachers, Admin, and Parents
• 1:1 Chromebook Integration
• EdTech Throwdown
• TargetED Learning
• Gamification (Badge Systems)
• Game-Based Learning (Escape Rooms, Amazing Race, and more)
• Google apps and extensions
• Personalized learning and Choice Boards
• Teacher productivity (Lesson Planning, Online Grading. and Feedback)
• Digital content creation
• Student Podcasting
• Screencasting
• Flipped Classroom
• Student-Centered Learning

Welcome to the EdTech Throwdown.  This is Episode 186 called 12 AI Tools to use in the 2025-26 School Year.   Guise and I have each selected 6 of our favorite AI tools for the classroom.  Listen in to learn about what they are, why we like them, and how they might advance your classroom!  This is another episode you don’t want to miss.  Check it out.

http://bit.ly/ettsignup

Get our latest updates.  Don’t miss out on a blog, podcast, or Youtube video!

Guise’s AI Tools

1. Snorkl.app
2. Suno
3. notebooklm.google.com
4. Diffit Books
5. Google Lens
6. Sky Followers Bridge

Nick’s AI Tools

• Twin Pics
• Khanmigo
• Teachable Machine
• Debunkbot
• Sidekick from SchoolAI
• Deledao

Edtech Throwdown: 

Vote on twitter @edtechthrowdown and under the pinned post on the profile.

Do us a few favors:

1. Subscribe to the Edtech Throwdown Podcast
2. Apple Podcasts
3. Spotify
4. Amazon Podcasts
5. Stitcher  
6. YouTube  
7. Twitter   
8. Facebook
9. Write us an Apple Podcast Review!
10. Tell your friends about www.edtechthrowdown.com
11. Tell your friends about the Teach Better Podcast Network

Subscribe to our Podcast Channels and Socials

• Apple Podcasts
• Spotify  
• YouTube  
• Twitter   (@edtechthrowdown)
• Facebook
• Instagram

Connect with us on Social Media

Guise’s Social Media

• Twitter (@guisegotteched)
• LinkedIn

Nick’s Social Media

• Twitter (@nickgotteched)

Music Credits:

• Intro and Outro Music- American Idle - RKVC
• Segment Identifiers- Duck in the Alley - TrackTribe
• Edtech Throwdown- Born a Rockstar (Instrumental) - NEFEX

Need a Presenter?

As experienced presenters and content creators, you can contact Nick and Guise to speak at your school, event, or conference. They can customize a workshop that meets your organization’s unique time and content needs. While no topic is out of bounds, we are best known for sessions on:

• AI For Teachers, Admin, and Parents
• 1:1 Chromebook Integration
• EdTech Throwdown
• TargetED Learning
• Gamification (Badge Systems)
• Game-Based Learning (Escape Rooms, Amazing Race, and more)
• Google apps and extensions
• Personalized learning and Choice Boards
• Teacher productivity (Lesson Planning, Online Grading. and Feedback)
• Digital content creation
• Student Podcasting
• Screencasting
• Flipped Classroom
• Student-Centered Learning

Welcome to the EdTech Throwdown.  This is Episode 185 called How to Teach Students about AI.   Have you ever tried to teach your students about AI, what it is, and what role it can serve in education and their future lives?  This is a tall task and in this episode, we’ll discuss how we go about this complex process.  This is another episode you don’t want to miss.  Check it out.

For years now we’ve been involved in trying to get our district to adopt a formal AI policy.  Now that this is happening, we’re being asked to put together an education program for students.

• What is AI?
• What can it do?  What can’t it do?
• How can it be used to benefit you while in school?  In your future lives?
• How can it hurt you in school?  In your future lives?

What is AI?

• Ask students what they think AI is?  Share their thoughts in a digital space like Padlet.  Facilitate some discussion.
• Show a video that explains what it REALLY is.  There are tons of good ones, here are a couple we like
• For older students:  https://www.ted.com/talks/mustafa_suleyman_what_is_an_ai_anyway
• For younger students:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ttIOdAdQaUE

What can AI do?

• Choose an AI tool to demo (we use ChatGPT).  Show three prompts:
• A bad prompt, something very vague that gives a general and bland response.
• A better prompt, something that includes lots of detail and specific requests.  Show that this yields a much better response from the AI tool.
• A prompt that gets untrue results.  Students need to know that AI tools can give incorrect information, sometimes that it just “makes up” due to lack of other information.
• ACTIVITY:  Have students play with prompts:  Ask them to try a bad, vague prompt on purpose.  Then ask them to try it again but with more specificity, comparing the results.  They share out what they notice.
• Provide a prompt library as a resource.  Here is a great one from AI for Education.
• ACTIVITY:  Ask them to head to TwinPic and try and complete the challenge there.  Give a prize to the most accurate recreation.

What Can’t AI Do?

• Hallucinations:  LLMs can generate plausible but inaccurate information, also known as "hallucinations".  This can mislead users into believing that the generated content is factual and reliable.
• Bias:  LLMs can exhibit biases in their responses, often generating stereotypical or prejudiced content.  This bias stems from the large datasets they are trained on, which may contain biased information.
• Exhibit True Creativity:  Since LLM’s can only repurpose old information, they can’t exhibit creativity like a human can.  After reading enough AI responses, you can start to tell a sample of writing is AI generated.
• ACTIVITY:  Have students ask ChatGPT to write a brief biography of themselves.  Try the prompt:  "write a brief biography of [insert name here], a student in [insert town here]” but have them sub in their own names.  Have them share the results as accurate or inaccurate.

How AI Can be Used to Help Learning

• Intro Video:  https://www.ted.com/talks/tom_gruber_how_ai_can_enhance_our_memory_work_and_social_lives
• Yes AI can write essays for you.  But this hurts you long term because then you never learn to write yourself.
• Better prompts that help learning, not hurt it:
• "Proofread my writing above. Fix grammar and spelling mistakes. And make suggestions that will improve the clarity of my writing"
• "I want to learn about [insert topic]. Identify and share the most important 20% of learnings from this topic that will help me understand 80% of it."
• “Give me a step by step guide for solving the following problem.  I am a complete beginner.”
• "I am currently learning about [insert topic]. Ask me a series of questions that will test my knowledge. Identify knowledge gaps in my answers and give me better answers to fill those gaps."
• Tools like Khanmigo Writing Coach are tailor made for students and use AI to help you learn, not get around learning

How can AI Hurt Learning and Future

• Using AI to do work for you is academic dishonesty and will be treated as such if suspected?
• AI can save you lots of time, but what are you replacing that time with?  If the replacement is scrolling through IG, this is really bad for your brain.
• New research shows that over-reliance on AI results in cognitive decline.
• Tip sheet for battling over-reliance
• Research on the topic as of 2025:  https://www.forbes.com/sites/larsdaniel/2025/02/14/your-brain-on-ai-atrophied-and-unprepared-warns-microsoft-study

Fun Wrap-Up Activities:

• Debate about AI and if it’s good or not
• Ask students to create a story about a robot that helps a lost puppy find its way home using facial recognition. After the story, discuss how AI can recognize faces, make decisions, and help people.
• AI Art Project:  Kids can use different AI tools like Google’s AutoDraw and DeepArt to create unique artwork. These tools use AI and offer different tools. Kids can draw and transform photos into art in their desired form.
• Create a 3 slide presentation about how they think AI will impact the world in the future.  Use Canva presentations and encourage them to use Canva’s AI tools as part of the process.  
• Teachable Machine with google.  Allows students to train an AI model without any coding experience.  Ask them to create an AI model that recognizes different facial expressions or body poses.

Edtech Throwdown: 

Vote on twitter @edtechthrowdown and under the pinned post on the profile.

Do us a few favors:

1. Subscribe to the Edtech Throwdown Podcast
2. Apple Podcasts
3. Spotify
4. Amazon Podcasts
5. Stitcher  
6. YouTube  
7. Twitter   
8. Facebook
9. Write us an Apple Podcast Review!
10. Tell your friends about www.edtechthrowdown.com
11. Tell your friends about the Teach Better Podcast Network

Subscribe to our Podcast Channels and Socials

• Apple Podcasts
• Spotify  
• YouTube  
• Twitter   (@edtechthrowdown)
• Facebook
• Instagram

Connect with us on Social Media

Guise’s Social Media

• Twitter (@guisegotteched)
• LinkedIn

Nick’s Social Media

• Twitter (@nickgotteched)

Music Credits:

• Intro and Outro Music- American Idle - RKVC
• Segment Identifiers- Duck in the Alley - TrackTribe
• Edtech Throwdown- Born a Rockstar (Instrumental) - NEFEX

Need a Presenter?

As experienced presenters and content creators, you can contact Nick and Guise to speak at your school, event, or conference. They can customize a workshop that meets your organization’s unique time and content needs. While no topic is out of bounds, we are best known for sessions on:

• AI For Teachers, Admin, and Parents
• 1:1 Chromebook Integration
• EdTech Throwdown
• TargetED Learning
• Gamification (Badge Systems)
• Game-Based Learning (Escape Rooms, Amazing Race, and more)
• Google apps and extensions
• Personalized learning and Choice Boards
• Teacher productivity (Lesson Planning, Online Grading. and Feedback)
• Digital content creation
• Student Podcasting
• Screencasting
• Flipped Classroom
• Student-Centered Learning