House of #EdTech

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

In this episode, I share the crucial first steps of starting a podcast: choosing a topic and format. Drawing from Chapter 2 of my book, I share the importance of understanding your target audience and selecting a niche that resonates with them. For complete show notes visit: https://chrisnesi.com/249

In this episode of House of #EdTech, I share my book, "I Like to Podcast and You Will Too!" starting with Chapter 1, "Introduction to Podcasting," to give you an essential primer on podcasting and why it's such an impactful medium. For complete show notes visit: https://chrisnesi.com/248

In episode 247 of House of #EdTech, I explore the evolving role of generative AI in education. Following a reflective conversation with Tom Mullaney on episode 246, I discuss the opportunities and challenges of AI in the classroom, emphasizing the need for thoughtful integration. I also introduce new edtech recommendations and share some exciting changes coming to the podcast. For complete show notes: https://chrisnesi.com/247

Welcome back to another insightful episode of House of #EdTech! In Episode 246, we dive deep into the potential harms of generative AI with the knowledgeable Tom Mullaney. This episode promises to shed light on the complexities and ethical considerations surrounding the use of AI in education. For complete show notes visit: https://chrisnesi.com/246

In this episode of House of #EdTech, host Chris Nesi discusses the importance of critically evaluating educational technology in classrooms. He shares insights from Jessica Grose's NYT article about ensuring tech tools serve educational purposes and protect student privacy. The episode features the announcement of MagicSchool.ai as the 2024 HOET Final Four Winner and an EdTech recommendation for Vocabulary Quest, a gamified vocabulary learning platform. Additionally, Chris bids farewell to SatChat, reflecting on its impact on the education community. For complete show notes visit: https://chrisnesi.com/245

In this episode, we welcome The Resilient Teacher Podcast hosted by Brittany Blackwell to the Education Podcast Network! In the #EdTech Thought, we take a snarky look at the teacher shortage and suggest that former educators consider returning to the classroom to help fix the issue. For the EdTech Final 4, we compare MagicSchool vs. Grammarly to see which tool is better for writing and grammar enhancement, and SchoolAI vs. Quillbot in a battle of AI-powered writing assistants. Plus, we explore Diffit? and its potential impact on education. Don’t forget to vote for the ultimate EdTech winner! For complete show notes visit: https://chrisnesi.com/244

In this episode, I introduce the B.R.A.I.N. framework for interacting effectively with AI in education. I also recommend Humy.ai, a platform for social studies and history educators that offers personalized tutoring, assignment generation, feedback, and custom AI tutors to make learning more engaging. The B.R.A.I.N. framework emphasizes being specific, ensuring relevance, adapting your questions, interacting with AI, and using phrases like "No Yapping" to keep responses concise. Lastly, a big thank you to Brooke, Leo, Derek, and Steve for their support and feedback on the last episode! For complete show notes visit: https://chrisnesi.com/243

In this episode, we explore how integrating technology into Project-Based Learning (PBL) can enhance accessibility, engagement, and impact for students. In the #EdTech Thought, I reflect on self-doubt and ask, "Am I really trying my best?" I also highlight Brisk Teaching, a free AI-powered Chrome extension that helps teachers save time by generating personalized materials, providing targeted feedback, and detecting AI writing. In the Featured Content, we dive into tips for selecting the right EdTech tools for PBL, ensuring they align with learning objectives, are age-appropriate, facilitate collaboration, and are accessible. We also cover essential resources like Trello, Asana, Google Docs, Canva, Flip, and more, plus a bonus recommendation for avoiding formatting issues with the Google Docs add-on "Markdown to Docs." For complete show notes visit: https://chrisnesi.com/242