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.

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.

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/

• 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).

• 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.

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.

• #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.

• 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.