House of #EdTech

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

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