House of #EdTech

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.
You'll Learn
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.

EdTech Recommendation
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.
#EdTech Thought
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?
#EdTech Recommendation
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.
The Evolution of EdTech
Education technology has changed dramatically over the years.
What Connectedness Really Means
Connectedness in education goes beyond Wi-Fi and devices.
Technology as a Bridge
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.
Why This Matters for Educators
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?
Final Reflection
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.
#EdTech Thought: Shrinking the Engagement Gap
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.
Six Tools to Level Up in 2026
#1 Mote — Rethinking Feedback
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?
#2 FigJam — Making Thinking Visible
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?
#3 Canva — Creativity That Communicates
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?
#4 Curipod, Pear Deck & Nearpod — Real-Time Engagement
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?
#5 Google Keep — Simple Organization That Works
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?
#6 Padlet — Amplifying Every Student Voice
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?
What’s Next
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