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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 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 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 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: 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. |