House of #EdTech

What if becoming a better technology-using educator had less to do with learning new tools and more to do with knowing which ones to stop using?

There's always another app, another platform, and another AI tool competing for our attention. But is all that technology actually improving teaching and learning?

In Episode 271 of House of #EdTech, Chris Nesi challenges educators to rethink their relationship with educational technology. Being innovative doesn't mean adopting every new tool or constantly reinventing your classroom. It means making thoughtful decisions about the technology you use and the value it provides.

We'll explore how technology overload affects teachers and students, why starting with a tool instead of an instructional problem can lead to unnecessary complexity, and how to evaluate the technology already in your classroom.

You'll also get a practical challenge: Conduct an EdTech Audit and decide what to KEEP, RETHINK, or RETIRE.

You don't need to eliminate everything. You don't need to replace everything. You just need to make sure your technology has a purpose.

Your challenge: Eliminate one tool, simplify one workflow, or improve one thing about the technology you're already using.

Because the goal isn't to use the most technology. It's to use the right technology for the right reasons.

By listening to this episode, you'll discover:

• Why educators feel pressure to keep up with every new technology tool.
• The difference between being aware of technology and using it effectively.
• How too many platforms can complicate teaching and learning.
• Why students shouldn't have to navigate unnecessary technology just to demonstrate what they've learned.
• How to approach technology decisions by identifying instructional problems first.
• Why adding technology to an inefficient workflow doesn't automatically improve it.
• How to conduct a practical EdTech Audit.
• Five questions to ask when evaluating your classroom technology.
• How to decide whether to KEEP, RETHINK, or RETIRE a tool.
• Three ways to make an immediate improvement to your technology use.

NOBOOK Virtual Chemistry Lab

An online virtual chemistry laboratory that allows students to explore chemical experiments through digital simulations.

The annual community opportunity to participate, contribute ideas, and celebrate the people and resources making a difference in education.

Submit your entry by email or audio (preferred) by December 12, 2026.

The most important EdTech skill might not be knowing which tool to use. It might be knowing when technology can actually help.

New apps, platforms, and AI tools will always compete for your attention. Trying to keep up with all of them isn't realistic—and it isn't necessary. What educators need is a way to recognize opportunities, think critically about technology, and decide whether a tool will actually make learning or work better.

That's the idea behind the Anytime EdTech Mindset.

In Episode 270, Chris Nesi introduces a practical framework built around seven ideas: Ask, Notice, Your Learners First, Try, Iterate, Make Meaning, and Evolve.

This isn't about using more technology. It's about using technology with purpose.

Whether you're facing a classroom challenge, looking to improve a workflow, considering a new AI tool, or simply wondering if there's a better way to do something, this episode gives you a framework you can return to anytime.

Because you don't need to know every tool.

You need a better way to think when a new tool, challenge, or opportunity comes your way.

• How to stop chasing every new EdTech tool and focus on real problems instead.
• Why anytime does not mean all the time when it comes to technology.
• How to identify what you're actually trying to accomplish before searching for a tool.
• Why observation matters before trying to solve a classroom or workflow problem.
• How to put learners—not features or trends—at the center of technology decisions.
• Why starting small can make trying new technology less intimidating.
• How to learn from imperfect first attempts instead of abandoning an idea too quickly.
• How to determine whether technology actually improved learning or simply added technology.
• When to keep, change, or abandon a tool or approach.
• How the ANYTIME framework can help you approach future EdTech challenges with confidence.

Teacher Hive — teacherhive.app

Bring the app you've built with AI. Teacher Hive gives it a home.

Browse hundreds of apps made by teachers, or add your own. Paste the HTML from ChatGPT, Claude, or Gemini, or drop in a link, and Teacher Hive makes it easy to use with a class, keep for yourself, or share with other teachers.

Bee There by Tony Vincent — apphive.us/there

A QR code scanner for classrooms. Reads the screen from across the room and opens links automatically. Show the code again for anyone who missed it. No ads, nothing collected.

High school chemistry teacher Tara Altherr joins the podcast to explain how she's helping students use AI as a thinking partner instead of a shortcut. From classroom assignments that encourage students to challenge AI's responses to practical strategies for maintaining authentic learning, Tara offers a thoughtful perspective on what responsible AI integration can look like today.

Whether you're AI-curious or already experimenting with tools like ChatGPT and Gemini, this conversation will leave you with practical ideas for helping students think more deeply—not less.

The biggest change coming to education might not be another AI chatbot—it could be schools creating their own technology.

As AI makes software development more accessible than ever, educators are beginning to rethink their relationship with traditional EdTech vendors. Could the future belong to schools building solutions designed by educators, for educators?

Chris shares a free NASA resource that turns satellite imagery into a creative classroom activity.

AI is everywhere in education—but clarity isn’t.

I’m joined by Derek Tranchina, creator of TrafficLiteEdu, to unpack one of the biggest challenges schools are facing right now: not whether to use AI, but how to use it well. The real issue isn’t the tools—it’s the confusion around expectations, boundaries, and purpose.

Derek shares how the TrafficLiteEdu framework helps schools bring clarity to AI use through a simple, practical approach—giving educators and students a shared language for what’s acceptable, what’s not, and what falls somewhere in between.

If your school is struggling with mixed messages, inconsistent policies, or hesitation around AI, this conversation will help you cut through the noise and focus on what actually matters.

Because in the end, it’s not about banning or embracing AI—it’s about being clear.

In this episode of House of #EdTech, Chris Nesi explores a powerful idea that could shape the next era of education technology: connectedness. While many conversations about innovation focus on tools, platforms, and artificial intelligence, Chris zooms out to examine the deeper force that has always driven meaningful change in education.

From the early days of a single classroom computer to today's globally connected learning environments, technology has steadily expanded our ability to connect students, educators, ideas, and opportunities. Chris challenges listeners to think critically about how connection—not just devices—will influence the next generation of learning experiences. The episode invites educators to reflect on how they can intentionally design more connected classrooms, communities, and learning networks in 2026 and beyond.

Education technology has changed dramatically over the years.

Connectedness in education goes beyond Wi-Fi and devices.

Rather than replacing traditional learning experiences, technology can serve as a bridge, connecting learners to knowledge, people, and perspectives that were previously out of reach.

As technology continues to evolve, educators face an important challenge:

Are we using technology simply because it exists, or are we using it to create meaningful connections?

Chris encourages listeners to reflect on their own classrooms and ask:

• How connected are my students to the world around them?
• How connected am I to other educators?
• How can technology strengthen learning relationships?

Kicking off 2026, let's cut through the noise and focus on what actually matters: edtech tools that can genuinely move the needle for educators. Rather than chasing trends or shiny new platforms, this episode is about intentional, practical technology use that supports feedback, collaboration, creativity, engagement, organization, and student voice.

The episode tackles the growing disconnect between students’ highly interactive digital lives outside of school and the passive digital experiences they often encounter in classrooms.

Chris challenges the idea that more screen time equals more engagement and introduces the 80/20 Producer Strategy:

• For every 80% of the time students spend consuming information
• Ensure at least 20% is spent creating something with value beyond the gradebook

The core message:

Engagement in 2026 isn’t about flashy tools. It’s about student agency. When students create, design, build, and solve real problems, the engagement gap begins to close.

Feedback is essential but time-consuming. Mote allows educators to leave quick voice comments directly inside Google Docs, Slides, and LMS platforms.

Why it matters:

• Faster than typing
• More personal and human
• Accessible through audio + transcription

Level-Up Question:

Where in your workflow could your voice be more effective than your keyboard?

FigJam is a collaborative digital whiteboard that turns learning into an active, visible process.

Use it to:

• Brainstorm and organize ideas
• Capture student thinking in real time
• Support collaboration for both synchronous and asynchronous work

Level-Up Question:

How often do students visually share their thinking before submitting a final product?

Canva has evolved into a full creation and communication platform, allowing students to demonstrate learning visually and professionally.

Classroom possibilities include:

• Infographics and explainer visuals
• Digital portfolios
• Ethical media creation and storytelling

Level-Up Question:

Are students creating content — or just consuming it?

These tools transform traditional presentations into interactive learning experiences through polls, questions, and formative checks.

Why they work:

• Immediate insight into student understanding
• No extra grading
• Increased accountability without pressure

Level-Up Question:

How often do you pause mid-lesson to see what students understand right now?

Google Keep acts as a lightweight, flexible system for managing ideas, tasks, and reminders across devices.

Great for:

• Capturing lesson ideas on the go
• Creating to-do lists
• Sharing notes with colleagues

Level-Up Question:

Where could a simple system reduce mental clutter and free up focus for teaching?

Padlet creates flexible digital spaces where all students can contribute ideas, questions, and reflections.

Use Padlet for:

• Brainstorming and exit tickets
• Backchannel discussions
• Collaborative research and planning

Level-Up Question:

How often do all students get to contribute at the same time in a visible way?

Chris also shares updates on:

• A 30-Days to Launch a Podcast short-form video series
• The launch of SatCast, a new community-focused podcast project

The House of #EdTech SmackDown is back — and episode 265 delivers the 12th annual celebration of educator-shared tools, ideas, and inspiration. This fan-favorite episode brings together contributions from teachers, coaches, podcasters, and edtech leaders who share what made a real impact in classrooms and schools throughout 2025. From AI-powered writing feedback and study tools to creative multimedia platforms, productivity apps, and wellness tech, this episode is packed with practical ideas you can use right away.

#EdTech Thought: Integration Isn't Seasonal

I focused on a common trap in education: waiting for the "right time" to change practice.

New semesters, new marking periods, or new years often feel like the natural moment to reset. But great technology integration doesn't follow a calendar. It happens incrementally, through reflection, experimentation, and iteration, even when the school year feels messy and unfinished.

The takeaway is simple but powerful: You don't need permission from the calendar to teach differently tomorrow than you did today.

The 2025 EdTech SmackDown Recommendations

This year's SmackDown features a wide range of tools and ideas, spanning AI, creativity, productivity, assessment, and wellness.

Chris's Recommendations

• Raina AI introduces creative ways to support studying and student engagement, including the concept of "Brain Rot" videos.
• Genially for interactive and gamified learning experiences.
• 123Apps as an all-in-one media creation toolkit.
• Chronicling America from the Library of Congress for primary source research.
• ICE - https://icemenubar.app/
• Latest - https://max.codes/latest/
• Rocket - https://matthewpalmer.net/rocket/

AI & Writing Support

• Beat the Computer (shared by Stephanie Howell) helps students improve writing by focusing on feedback and revision rather than replacement.
• Gemini is highlighted as a tools for educators, including writing Google Apps Scripts to automate workflows (Dan Gallagher).

AI, Engagement & Study Tools

• Brisk Teaching and custom GPTs (shared by Dr. Dan Kreiness) demonstrate how AI can support instruction without removing teacher agency.
• Brainfreeze AI (Matt Miller) allows educators to build their own AI agents for classroom use.

Creativity, Media & Design

• Canva Code and ongoing innovation within Microsoft 365 (Martin Byford).
• QuickTales (Batsheva Frankel), which blends audio storytelling with formative assessment.
• Adobe Express animations and digital signage workflows (Brian Carpenter).

Content, Research & Instruction

• Wayground (Quizizz) for video-based instruction and AI-supported grading (Rebecca Autry).
• Desmos / Amplify phonics review tools (Linda Hummer).

Derek Larson's Annual SmackDown Deep Dive

No SmackDown episode would be complete without Derek Larson, who once again delivers a rapid-fire breakdown of tools and ideas educators should know about.

This year's highlights include:

• Google Keep for organization and workflow
• StoryGraph for reading and reflection
• Instapaper for managing long-form content
• Teaching AI across multiple content areas
• Health and wellness apps like Capsule, Easy Fast, and Sleep++

Derek's segment reinforces an important theme of the episode: productivity and wellness tools matter just as much as classroom tools.

You can explore Derek's curated archive of recommendations at https://appsmackdown.com

House of #EdTech VIP: You

The episode closes with the House of #EdTech VIP segment — and once again, the VIP is YOU the listener.

I reflect on the fact that this podcast exists because educators are willing to share, contribute, and support one another. The SmackDown isn't just an episode; it's a snapshot of a professional community learning together.

In this special announcement, I give a direct, time-sensitive reminder to you: it's the final week to submit contributions for the 2025 House of #EdTech SmackDown! With only two submissions so far, I encourage you to send in your favorite EdTech tips, tools, prompts, and resources from the past year.

Participate by sending a voice message through the website or the House of EdTech hotline.

Voicemail Website

Hotline: 732-903-4869

House of #EdTech is one of the only (if not the only) education podcasts that consistently offers a platform for listener contributions and I celebrate the long-standing community that has grown around more than a decade of episodes. I don't care if you're a longtime or a new listener... join in, revisit past SmackDowns, and help strengthen the connected educator community as the show heads into 2026.

From lesson planning and assessment design to AI-assisted tutoring and district-wide policy development, Chris explores how artificial intelligence is reshaping teaching and learning, not as a replacement for educators, but as a partner in creativity and efficiency.

You will gain insights into the AI tipping point, practical classroom applications, real risks (including equity, bias, privacy, and the loss of human connection), and how teachers can lead responsibly through this transformation. The episode also includes a timely #EdTech Recommendation highlighting Google Chrome's live caption and translation features, and an invitation to participate in the 2025 EdTech SmackDown, the annual listener-powered finale of the show.

Key Topics Discussed

• #EdTech Thought: The AI tipping point: Why AI in education is no longer "next" but "now."
• How educators are using generative AI for planning, differentiation, and feedback.
• Examples of AI tools supporting English language learners and accessibility.
• Major risks of AI in schools — equity, bias, privacy, and the human factor.
• How to lead responsibly with AI in your classroom or district:
• Build your AI literacy
• Put pedagogy before technology
• Model ethical transparency
• Advocate for clear district policies
• Share both wins and failures
• #EdTech Recommendation: Google Chrome's Live Caption & Translate feature.

Relevant Links & Resources

• House of #EdTech Episode 246 – The Harms of Generative AI featuring Tom Mullaney

In Episode 263 of the House of #EdTech podcast, Chris Nesi steps back from the gadgets, apps, and AI tools to remind educators what truly powers learning — education itself. While technology continues to reshape classrooms, Chris explores why human connection, curiosity, and lifelong learning remain at the heart of every meaningful educational experience.

This reflective episode offers both inspiration and practical strategies for making learning more personal, purposeful, and people-centered — with technology as the support, not the driver.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Why education matters beyond technology
• "Education is the great equalizer" — unpacking what that really means
• Educated by Tara Westover: A must-read memoir about resilience and learning
• The real power of learning: curiosity, connection, and contribution
• Historical examples of education changing lives (Malala, GI Bill)
• Practical tips for meaningful teaching in a tech-driven world

5 Practical Takeaways:

1. Focus on relationships first — learning starts with connection.
2. Make reflection part of the learning process.
3. Model lifelong learning for your students and peers.
4. Use technology with intention, not obligation.
5. Connect learning to the real world.

#EdTech Recommendation: Educated: A Memoir by Tara Westover — a powerful reminder of education's transformative potential.