Tech Tools for Teachers

In Episode 231 of the Tech Tools for Teachers Podcast, we explore Chalkie AI, a teacher-focused AI tool that helps create single lessons, lesson series, activity sheets, and quick review resources. Shanna shares how Chalkie can save time when you need a fast sub plan, station activity, or ready-to-go lesson support. With grade-level adjustments, reading-level options, and classroom-friendly layouts, Chalkie is a practical tool for busy teachers looking to simplify planning without sacrificing quality.Chalkie AIThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacyPodtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp

In Episode 230 of the Tech Tools for Teachers Podcast, we talk about three free resources to help students prepare for testing season. Shanna shares how Khan Academy, ACT.org, and eSpark can support students with standardized test content, online question formats, and digital testing skills. These tools are useful for in-class practice, family support at home, and helping students feel more confident as spring assessments begin.Khan Academy Test PrepACT.orgeSpark Learning ActivitiesThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacyPodtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp

A major pause announcement for the podcast is revealed. The hosts dive into March Book Madness, a bracket-style reading competition for picture books through YA. Practical tips cover running brackets classroom- or school-wide and finding ready-made bracket resources. They also highlight ways to build reading buzz and mention a free digital reading platform for in-class use.

The Olympics are here — and our middle schoolers are ALL IN. 🥇In this episode, we’re sharing two free, student-friendly websites that make it easy to connect the Olympic Games (and Paralympics!) to every content area.From researching athletes and debating who deserves the gold… to mapping host countries and learning world geography… these tools help students make real-world connections in meaningful ways.Even students who don’t normally follow sports are hooked!Featured Tools1. Team USAhttps://www.teamusa.comA fantastic resource for:Athlete bios and statisticsMedal counts and qualificationsOlympic and Paralympic informationEvent details and newsVideo highlightsMapping where athletes are from across the U.S.Students can:Research athletesCompare statisticsBuild arguments and presentationsExplore geography connectionsAnalyze data in mathLearn about training and competition pathwaysThis site makes research easy and engaging, with current and historical Olympic information all in one place.2. Kids World Travel Guidehttps://www.kids-world-travel-guide.comA kid-friendly global resource featuring:Countries of the worldMaps and visualsFun facts and quick-reference informationGeography, landmarks, traditions, and culturesOlympic host country information (including past Games)Trivia and quizzesStudents can:Research Olympic host countriesExplore continents and global geographyCompare countriesLearn about cultural celebrationsDive deeper into world knowledge sparked by Olympic coverageIt’s easy to navigate, visually appealing, and designed specifically for student use.Bonus MentionThe U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum in Colorado Springs is an immersive experience worth exploring — and their website offers additional background resources.Why It WorksWhen learning is tied to real-world events happening right now, engagement skyrockets. Students are asking questions like:Where is Kazakhstan?Why are events spread out across host regions?How do athletes qualify?Which athlete has the strongest stats?And those questions lead to research, writing, math, mapping, debate, and deeper understanding.The Olympics may last a few weeks — but the learning connections can last all year.If you have questions or want to share how you’re using these tools, connect with Shanna on Bluesky, Threads, Facebook, or Instagram @smartinwi.For links and resources from this episode, visit:smartinwi.comWant to support the show? You can buy Shanna a coffee at:buymeacoffee.com/smartinwiThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacyPodtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp

This week on the Tech Tools for Teachers Podcast, we’re tackling indoor recess and cold-weather creativity with two easy, no-friction tools.Tools FeaturedBoMoMo – Abstract art through motion and colorSketchpad (Sketch.io) – Simple digital drawing and design spaceWhy We Love ThemNo logins or setupWorks on Chromebooks, iPads, and laptopsGreat for brain breaks and creative resetsFlexible for multiple content areasBoMoMo: https://bomomo.comSketchpad: https://sketch.ioThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacyPodtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp

This week on the Tech Tools for Teachers Podcast, we’re taking a fresh look at National Geographic Kids and all the updates that make it an even better classroom resource.We talk about:Using Nat Geo Kids for bell ringers and quick researchQuizzes, games, puzzles, and “Weird But True” factsEasy-to-read articles with strong visualsConnections to science, social studies, geography, and current eventsWhy it works for elementary and middle school classrooms🔗 National Geographic Kids: https://kids.nationalgeographic.comThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacyPodtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp

We're kicking off 2026 with two coding resources inspired by winter-break. This week, we feature Coddy.tech, a goal-based coding platform where students can choose a language (Python, JavaScript, HTML, and more) and a skill level, then follow a step-by-step learning path with built-in feedback and challenges. We also talk about projects.raspberrypi.org, a free project hub from the Raspberry Pi Foundation that offers Scratch, Python, AI, web dev, and more, all organized by student interests like nature, space, art, music, and science. Together, these tools support problem-solving, creativity, typing skills, and persistence through productive trial-and-error.This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacyPodtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp

In Episode 224, Shanna highlights Google Vids, a video creation tool inside Google Workspace that makes it easy for students and teachers to create polished videos quickly. Students can convert existing Google Slides into videos, record their own voiceovers, and create engaging presentations in less time than traditional slide talks. Shanna shares classroom examples (like research projects), discusses differences between teacher and student account features, and explains how Vids supports creativity, accessibility, and AI prompting practice—making it a strong alternative as other video tools move behind paywalls.This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacyPodtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp

In Episode 223 of the Tech Tools for Teachers Podcast, Shanna shares HelloKids.com, a free site full of creative classroom-friendly activities—step-by-step drawing guides, crafts, origami, masks, online coloring pages, and even reading resources. It’s a great pick for upper elementary and middle school students during the busy stretch between Thanksgiving and winter break, and it fits easily into choice boards, enrichment time, or whole-class activities. Shanna also recommends Art Hub for Kids on YouTube for guided drawing tutorials that kids love.HelloKids: https://www.hellokids.com/Art Hub for Kids (YouTube): https://www.youtube.com/@ArtforKidsHubThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacyPodtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp

In Episode 222 of the Tech Tools for Teachers Podcast, Shanna revisits Ducksters, a kid-friendly research site that’s perfect for elementary and middle school learners. She shares how Ducksters supports history, biography, geography, and science research with short, accessible articles, built-in audio read-alouds, quick quizzes, and clearly cited sources. Learn how to use Ducksters for biography projects, content-area research, choice boards, and helping students build stronger online research skills—without sending them into the wilds of the internet.DuckstersThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacyPodtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp