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 SeasonalI 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 RecommendationsThis year's SmackDown features a wide range of tools and ideas, spanning AI, creativity, productivity, assessment, and wellness.
Chris's Recommendations
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).
Brainfreeze AI (Matt Miller) allows educators to build their own AI agents for classroom use.
