House of #EdTech

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:

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: 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: 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: 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: 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: Level-Up Question: How often do you

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 AIGenially123AppsChronicling Americahttps://icemenubar.app/https://max.codes/latest/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 TeachingBrainfreeze 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)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: Focus on relationships first — learning starts with connection. Make reflection part of the learning process. Model lifelong learning for your students and peers. Use technology with intention, not obligation. Connect learning to the real world. #EdTech Recommendation: Educated: A Memoir by Tara Westover — a powerful reminder of education’s transformative potential.

In Episode 262 of the House of #EdTech, Chris Nesi explores the timely and necessary topic of creating a responsible AI policy for your classroom. With artificial intelligence tools becoming more integrated into educational spaces, the episode breaks down why teachers need to set clear expectations and how they can do it with transparency, collaboration, and flexibility. Chris offers a five-part framework that educators can use to guide students toward ethical and effective AI use. Before the featured content, Chris reflects on a growing internal debate: is it time to step back from tech-heavy classrooms and return to more analog methods? He also shares three edtech recommendations, including tools for generating copyright-free images, discovering daily AI tool capabilities, and randomizing seating charts for better classroom dynamics. Topics Discussed: EdTech Thought: Chris debates the “Tech or No Tech” question in modern classrooms EdTech Recommendations: https://nomorecopyright.com/ - Upload an image to transform it into a unique, distinct version designed solely for inspiration and creative exploration. https://www.shufflebuddy.com/ - Never worry about seating charts again Foster a strong classroom community by frequently shuffling your seating charts while respecting your students’ individual needs. https://whataicandotoday.com/ - We've analysed 16362 AI Tools and identified their capabilities with OpenAI GPT-4.1, to bring you a free list of 83054 tasks of what AI can do today. Why classrooms need a responsible AI policy A five-part framework to build your AI classroom policy Define What AI Is (and Isn’t) Clarify When and How AI Can Be Used Promote Transparency and Attribution Include Privacy and Tool Approval Guidelines Make It Collaborative and Flexible The importance of modeling digital citizenship and AI literacy Free editable AI policy template by Chris for grades K–12 Mentions: Mike Brilla – The Inspired Teacher podcast Jake Miller – Educational Duct Tape podcast // Educational Duct Tape Book

In this exciting crossover episode, Chris Nesi teams up with Leena Marie Saleh (The EdTech Guru) for a detailed look into Canva’s latest educational innovations unveiled during Canva Create 2025. Whether you’re a teacher, instructional coach, or tech integrator, this episode is packed with transformative features and real classroom applications. Featured Topic: Canva Create 2025 Key Themes and Highlights: Canva Sheets: The Spreadsheet Reimagined A powerful new addition to the Canva suite—Canva Sheets brings AI-infused, visually pleasing spreadsheets to the classroom. Bulk Background Remover: Easily remove backgrounds from dozens of student photos at once. Bulk Create with Images: Mass-produce certificates, report cards, or newsletters by integrating images directly into your sheet. Magic AI Prompts: Skip the formulas—just describe your needs and let AI do the rest (e.g., calculating budgets, charting grades). Magic Insights: Auto-generate graphs, summaries, or positive student comments—great for data storytelling or end-of-year celebrations. Student Access: Available to students in districts where Canva’s Magic tools are enabled. The All-in-One Visual Suite Create multi-modal projects within a single file: combine slides, spreadsheets, videos, documents, and websites. Use Case: Teachers can build unit plans with rubrics, grading sheets, lesson videos, and linked resources—all in one shareable design. Student Application: Portfolios that blend writing, multimedia, assessments, and visual elements in a single file. Canva Code No coding experience needed! Generate interactive HTML-based tools like: Flashcard games Vocabulary matching activities Countdown timers Use Cases: Do-Nows & Exit Tickets Interactive experiences (e.g., virtual art exhibits) Includes real-time code editing via voice or chat and seamless integration into other Canva designs. Voiceover and Text-to-Speech Enhancements Record true voiceovers directly in Canva—no more video workarounds. Use AI-generated voices to read text aloud in different accents and languages (e.g., Spanish voice packs Alejandra and Sofia). Ideal for student presentations, podcasts, and accessibility support. AI-Powered Speaker Notes Auto-generate speaking points from your presentation slides. Great for prepping lessons, webinars, or class presentations on the fly. Assignments Hub Instantly generate quizzes from highlighted text in a lesson or document. New classwork dashboard allows for real-time monitoring of student progress (especially for educators without an LMS like Google Classroom). Scrollables (a.k.a. Scrollytelling) Create animated, interactive timelines or diagrams that engage students through scroll-triggered movement and transitions. 🎯 Example: A digestive system walkthrough or a historical timeline using scroll-based animations. Additional Features Mentioned Superscript & Subscript support (finally!) Rich text highlighting in Docs Caption animations Volume balancing for videos Banner placement across all pages Enhanced collaboration (up to 50 collaborators per design)

Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming education, but when we think about AI in the classroom, we often picture high school or college students using it for research, coding, or content creation. But what about elementary school? Can AI be a valuable tool for our youngest learners? In Episode 260 of House of #EdTech, I sit down with Dan Gallagher, an experienced ed tech coach, to explore how AI can be integrated into elementary education. We dive into the best tools, practical applications, and strategies to ensure AI enhances learning while keeping students safe and engaged. Why AI Belongs in the Elementary Classroom Many educators hesitate to introduce AI to young students, concerned about privacy, ethics, and age-appropriate usage. But as Dan explains, AI isn’t about replacing teachers—it’s about enhancing personalized learning and supporting creativity. AI can act as a creative brainstorming partner, a writing assistant, and even a storytelling coach, helping students generate ideas and refine their work in ways that keep them engaged and excited about learning. And the best part? When used correctly, AI doesn’t replace human interaction—it amplifies a teacher’s ability to provide personalized feedback. Real-World AI Applications for Young Learners So, how does this work in a real classroom setting? Dan shares some inspiring examples: 1. AI-Powered Creative Writing & Storytelling Using AI chatbots like “Waffles” (a controlled, kid-friendly chatbot), students can interact with a virtual writing partner that helps them develop their storytelling skills. The AI can ask them engaging questions, suggest details, and even provide feedback on their writing. Example Activity: A student writing a story about a time traveler can ask the AI for historical facts, unique setting ideas, or character inspiration. The AI generates possibilities, but the student makes all the creative decisions! 2. Visual Learning & Digital Art with AI Tools AI-powered platforms like Canva’s text-to-image generator allow young students to turn their ideas into visual representations. Example Activity: A class studying idioms might create posters using AI-generated images. If a student picks "It's raining cats and dogs," AI can generate an imaginative illustration, sparking discussion about figurative language. 3. Personalized Learning & AI Tutors AI can function as a virtual tutor, adapting to each student’s needs. Platforms like Magic School AI provide instant feedback on writing assignments, while School AI can assist with generating lesson plans tailored to students’ learning levels. Example Activity: A teacher might use AI to provide instant feedback on students’ sentence structures, guiding them to refine their writing step by step instead of waiting for the teacher to get to each student individually. Addressing Safety & Ethical Concerns Of course, introducing AI in elementary education requires a responsible approach. Privacy, misinformation, and ethical use are all valid concerns. Dan and I discuss some best practices to keep AI use safe and effective: Use AI platforms with built-in content moderation (e.g., School AI, which ensures safe interactions). Set up AI usage in a controlled, “walled garden” environment where students can explore safely. Teach students critical thinking skills to evaluate AI-generated content—just because AI provides an answer doesn’t mean it’s always correct! Engage parents and school administrators by explaining how AI is being used responsibly in the classroom. Parents, in particular, may be hesitant, so educators should communicate the benefits while addressing concerns about safety. Tools like Common Sense Media can be great resources for helping families navigate AI responsibly. How Teachers Can Get Started with AI in Elementary Classrooms If you’re an educator wondering how to introduce AI to younger students, here are some practical first steps: Start with simple AI tools like...

In this episode of House of #EdTech, I discuss the what, why, and how of gamification in education! By incorporating game design elements into your teaching, you can boost student motivation, engagement, and learning outcomes—all while making lessons more interactive and fun! Segment 1: What is Gamification in Education? Segment 2: Why Gamification Works Segment 3: Practical Gamification Strategies for Educators Points, Badges, and Leaderboards (PBL):Quests and Challenges:Choice and Autonomy:Storytelling & Themes: Resources & Links Mentioned: ClasscraftKahoot!QuizizzMinecraft: Education Edition

In this episode of House of #EdTech, we take a deep dive into the world of AI-driven personalized learning. From how AI adapts to individual student needs to addressing concerns about environmental impact and ethical use, we cover it all. This episode is perfect for educators, school administrators, and tech enthusiasts who want to understand the benefits, challenges, and best practices for incorporating AI into education. Key Takeaways from the Episode: Understanding AI-Driven Personalized Learning We kick off the episode by defining what AI-driven personalized learning is and how it’s transforming education. Key points include: Overcoming Challenges and Barriers This segment explores the practical and ethical challenges of implementing AI in education. Topics include: Real-World Applications and Success Stories We highlight how schools and educators are successfully using AI to enhance learning experiences: Addressing Listener Questions and Concerns In this listener-driven segment, we address two thoughtful questions from our community: Stephanie Howell:AJ Bianco:howwhyResponsible Implementation Checklist

Welcome to the House of #EdTech! In this special episode, I celebrate the 11th annual #EdTech Smackdown. Prepare for a jam-packed showcase of the best edtech tips, tools, and insights from incredible educators in our community. Let’s get into the 2024 edition! Guest Contributions: Noah King (Math Club Podcast): NotebookLM—a transformative tool for organizing and connecting your ideas. Stephanie Howell: Putting Out Fires: A Framework for Solving Problems in Your Classroom or School by Kaylah Holland—an essential read for tackling challenges in education. Matt Smith: SchoolAI—innovative AI solutions for educators. Adobe Podcast—audio editing made easy and professional. Martin Byford-Rew: Microsoft Copilot—an AI assistant integrated with Microsoft tools. Microsoft To-Do—an intuitive task management app. Joe: Flippity.net—turning spreadsheets into engaging activities and tools. Nicole Naditz: Generative AI Tip—encourage students to ask 3-4 clarifying questions before starting tasks to foster deeper understanding. Bryon Carpenter: Adobe Express—creative projects made simple. Microsoft Teams—collaboration at its best. Tony Vincent: Shapegrams—engaging activities for creativity and problem-solving. Trish Hinchman: Speaker Spotlight in Google Slides—enhance your presentations with dynamic speaker cues. Derek Larson: AppSmackdown.comLastPass Toggl Track Timery WaterMinder Google Voice Poe.com You can view all previous recommendations on older editions of the smackdown here.

I wrap up the podcasting journey outlined in my book with a comprehensive recap of the essential steps to launch, grow, and sustain your podcast. Whether you're a seasoned podcaster or just starting out, this episode is packed with actionable insights and inspiration to help you refine your craft and achieve your podcasting goals. Key Takeaways: Recap of Podcasting Fundamentals:Overcoming Challenges:Next Steps for Growth:Leveraging Resources: Why Listen to This Episode? Discover how to set actionable goals for your podcast, maintain momentum, and take your content to the next level. Whether your aim is growing your audience, increasing revenue, or refining your production quality, this episode provides the tools and motivation you need to keep evolving as a podcaster. Episode Resources: Get the Book:https://chrisnesi.com/iliketopodcastJoin the HOET Discord CommunityExplore Equipment Recommendations:https://chrisnesi.com/schoolpodcast

I discuss the most common challenges podcasters face and how to troubleshoot them effectively. Whether you’re a seasoned podcaster or just starting out, mastering these solutions can elevate your podcasting game and ensure your show runs smoothly. PURCHASE "I LIKE TO PODCAST AND YOU WILL TOO!: A HOUSE OF #EDTECH GUIDE TO PODCASTING!" What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Key Takeaways: For Current Podcasters: For Aspiring Podcasters: Resources Mentioned: Editing Tools:Hosting Platforms:Social Media Tips: CLICK HERE FOR ALL MY PODCAST RESOURCES

In this episode, we dive deep into strategies for growing your podcast audience and building a strong brand. Learn how to define your target audience, create engaging content, and develop a cohesive brand identity that resonates with listeners. We'll explore the importance of networking, leveraging social media, and creating consistent, high-quality episodes to not only attract an audience but keep them coming back for more. Plus, discover tips to monetize your growing platform and turn your podcast into a sustainable success. For complete show notes please visit: https://chrisnesi.com/254

In today’s episode, we dive into Chapter 6 of I Like to Podcast and You Will Too!—all about monetizing your podcast. We’ll explore the essential steps for transforming your passion project into a profitable venture. From traditional advertising and sponsorships to innovative methods like selling merchandise and offering consulting services, we cover the top strategies to help you decide what works best for you. Plus, we discuss the vital role of building a loyal audience and delivering high-quality content to maximize income potential and keep listeners engaged. Whether you’re podcasting for fun or aiming to build a sustainable income, these insights will guide you on the path to podcasting success. For complete show notes visit: https://chrisnesi.com/253

Welcome to House of #EdTech! Today, we're diving into Chapter 5 from my book I Like to Podcast and You Will Too!: A House of #EdTech Guide to Podcasting. This chapter is all about what comes after you hit record – hosting, promoting, and distributing your podcast to ensure it reaches as many ears as possible. We'll cover essential strategies to help you expand your audience and engage listeners effectively. For complete show notes visit: https://chrisnesi.com/252

In this episode, we're diving into the essentials of recording and editing a podcast -- Chapter 4 of my book --to help you produce high-quality episodes that captivate your audience. Whether you're new to podcasting or looking to refine your skills, we’ll cover everything from selecting the right equipment to key editing techniques that ensure professional results. For complete show notes visit: https://chrisnesi.com/251

In this milestone episode, we dive into Chapter 3 of my book, which focuses on the essential steps for planning and preparing your podcast. Whether you're just starting or looking to refine your existing show, this episode provides actionable tips to help you build a strong foundation for success. For complete show notes visit: https://chrisnesi.com/250