Episodios

  • Streamlining the Classroom - Top Content Creation and Search Tools for Educators
    May 18 2026
    Edtech ThrowdownEpisode 215: Streamlining the Classroom - Top Content Creation and Search Tools for EducatorsWelcome to the EdTech Throwdown. This is Episode 215 called Streamlining the Classroom - Top Content Creation and Search Tools for Educators. It’s been a while so in this episode we’ll be talking edtech tools as we bring you a list of some of our favorites for content creation and online searching. This is another episode you don’t want to miss. Check it out.Segment 1:We haven’t made one of these in a whileSegment 2:Episode 215: Content Creation & SearchConsumer Insight & Ideationanswerthepublic.comTool Breakdown: Research & AI Insights Name of the Tool: AnswerThePublic URL:https://answerthepublic.comDescription: A search listening tool that visualizes search questions and suggested autocomplete searches in an image called a search cloud. It helps users understand what people are asking about any specific topic. Main Purpose: For teachers to discover student inquiry trends or for admins to research community concerns. Cost: Freemium Discount Codes: None currently available Login Required: Optional (Limited searches without login) Throwdown Grade: A-googpt.ai Description: A hybrid search engine that combines Google Search results with ChatGPT's conversational AI answers. It provides a side-by-side view of web links and AI summaries. Main Purpose: Efficient research for teachers and students. Cost: Free Discount Codes: None currently available Login Required: No Throwdown Grade: A-Why:Both tools focus on understanding search intent and generating ideas based on what people are asking online.Audio & Video AIelevenlabs.ioName of the Tool: ElevenLabs URL:https://elevenlabs.ioDescription: An advanced AI audio platform that offers lifelike text-to-speech and voice cloning in dozens of languages. It is widely considered the industry leader for natural-sounding AI voices. Main Purpose: Creating accessible audio versions of lessons or narrating classroom presentations. Cost: Freemium Discount Codes: None currently available Login Required: Yes Throwdown Grade: Ainvideo.io Name of the Tool: InVideo URL:https://invideo.io Description: A powerful AI-driven video creation platform that can turn a script or an idea into a fully edited video with stock footage, voiceovers, and music. Main Purpose: School marketing, news shows, or student presentations. Cost: Freemium Discount Codes: None currently available Login Required: Yes Throwdown Grade: AWhy:High-end generative media tools; one specializes in realistic voice synthesis, the other in AI-driven video production.Niche Media Searchplayphrase.meDescription: A search engine for movie clips. Type in any common phrase, and the site will instantly play a sequence of movie scenes where that exact phrase is spoken. Main Purpose: Language arts teachers or anyone looking for the perfect movie clip for a lesson. Cost: Freemium Discount Codes: None currently available Login Required: Optional Throwdown Grade: A-eaglercraft.com Description: A web-based version of Minecraft that can be played directly in a browser. It is often used by students to bypass local installation restrictions. Main Purpose: Creative building and logic puzzles (use with discretion!). Cost: Free Discount Codes: None currently available Login Required: No Throwdown Grade: B- (High distraction risk)Why:Media-centric entertainment tools—one searches for movie dialogue, the other provides a browser-based gaming experience.Visual Brainstormingnapkin.aiName of the Tool: Napkin AI URL:https://napkin.aiDescription: An AI-powered design tool that turns text descriptions into professional-looking diagrams and visuals instantly. It is designed to help "visualize" thoughts during the writing process. Main Purpose: Teachers creating visual aids and flowcharts for complex concepts. Cost: Freemium Discount Codes: None currently available Login Required: Yes Throwdown Grade: Aimagineexplainers.comName of the Tool: Imagine Explainers URL:https://imagineexplainers.comDescription: A tool that creates visual explainer videos and animations from text. It is designed to simplify complex topics through storytelling and movement. Main Purpose: Teachers creating flipped classroom content. Cost: Paid Discount Codes: None currently available Login Required: Yes Throwdown Grade: B+Why:These tools focus on turning abstract ideas or text into visual diagrams and explanations.Tool Directoriescommontools.orgName of the Tool: Common Tools URL:commontools.orgDescription: A portal providing various online utility tools like calculators, unit converters, and text manipulators. It is a simple, no-frills site for daily digital tasks. Main Purpose: General classroom utility for quick math or text conversions. Cost: Free Discount Codes: None currently available Login Required: No Throwdown Grade: B
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    33 m
  • Ditch That Chromebook
    May 4 2026
    Edtech Throwdown Episode 214: Ditch That Chromebook (no affiliation with Matt Miller)Welcome to the EdTech Throwdown. This is Episode 214 called Ditch that Chromebook. In this episode we’ll talk about several current issues in the edtech world all centered around technology, the role it serves, and to what extent it belongs in schools. This is another episode you don’t want to miss. Check it out.Segment 1:Apology to Matt MillerSegment 2:3 Current Arguments in the edtech world:To block or not to block: AI in schoolsLet fail? Agree about alway cheating The pendulum swings back on 1:1 devices. What is the right way forward? Banning cell phones in schools. Yay or nay?Edtech Throwdown: Vote on twitter @edtechthrowdown and under the pinned post on the profile.Segment 3: Where to Find EdTech ThrowdownDo us a few favors:Subscribe to the Edtech Throwdown PodcastApple PodcastsSpotifyAmazon PodcastsStitcher YouTube Twitter FacebookWrite us an Apple Podcast Review!Tell your friends aboutwww.edtechthrowdown.comTell your friends about the Teach Better Podcast NetworkSubscribe to our Podcast Channels and SocialsApple PodcastsSpotify YouTube Twitter (@edtechthrowdown)FacebookInstagramConnect with us on Social MediaGuise’s Social MediaTwitter(@guisegotteched)LinkedInNick’s Social MediaTwitter(@nickgotteched)Music Credits:Intro and Outro Music-American Idle - RKVCSegment Identifiers-Duck in the Alley - TrackTribeEdtech Throwdown-Born a Rockstar (Instrumental) - NEFEXNeed a Presenter?As experienced presenters and content creators, you can contact Nick and Guise to speak at your school, event, or conference. They can customize a workshop that meets your organization’s unique time and content needs. While no topic is out of bounds, we are best known for sessions on:AI For Teachers, Admin, and Parents1:1 Chromebook IntegrationEdTech ThrowdownTargetED LearningGamification (Badge Systems)Game-Based Learning (Escape Rooms, Amazing Race, and more)Google apps and extensionsPersonalized learning and Choice BoardsTeacher productivity (Lesson Planning, Online Grading. and Feedback)Digital content creationStudent PodcastingScreencastingFlipped ClassroomStudent-Centered Learning
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    40 m
  • Designing Lessons Based on Cognitive Science with Dave Snyder
    Apr 20 2026
    Edtech Throwdown Episode 213: Designing Lessons Based on Cognitive Science with Dave SnyderWelcome to the EdTech Throwdown. This is Episode 213 called Designing Lessons Based on Cognitive Science with Dave Snyder. In this episode we’ll talk with Mr. Dave Snyder about current research in cognitive science and how it has shaped his lessons and the overall classroom experience for his students and their learning. This is another episode you don’t want to miss. Check it out.Segment 1:In today’s episode, we are talking to Dean of Academics at Seton Hall Prep in West Orange, NJ, Mr. Dave Snyder, welcome to the show! How are you doing today?Can you give everybody your quick pitch, hero’s origin story? What’s your own education? What is your teaching experience? What do you do now?Talk about our NJECC meetup our general impressions of what Dave’s sessions was all aboutDave reached out to us and asked if we could check out his session at a recent conferenceWhat was it called again?Focus was on cognitive science, which I thought I knew about, but as I am sitting and listening more, a lightbulb goes off for me as much of what you were saying resonated with my own classroom experience … having mixed results with cooperative learning, seeing students struggle through inquiry-based lessons that end with mixed results, jigsaws that fall flat for mostSegment 2:Presentation: https://setonhallprepschool-my.sharepoint.com/:p:/g/personal/dsnyder_shp_org/IQAq6J9_RDJeQIhbHheNEEjpAXxbJGsNJ_DNgVMdU4GUkUU?rtime=Ox8y2DaW3kgCan you give an overview of your presentation, topic, and what brought you to feature this at a tech-themed education conference?You began with a survey question about what most affects a student's ability to learn science: 1. What they already know 2.How motivated they are 3. Their learning style 4.How interesting the material is 5.How much inquiry-based instruction (discovery learning) they have Can you explain what this illustrates about cognitive science as it pertains to the classroom?Walk people through the working memory game from slide 11. Can you explain what this illustrates about cognitive science as it pertains to the classroom?Explain the forgetting curve and how it changes with multiple reviews. What has that meant for your classroom?This seems to go against what a lot of science teachers have learned about inquiry and student-centered learning. Does it go against those practices?Role of tech?Edtech Throwdown: Vote on twitter @edtechthrowdown and under the pinned post on the profile.Segment 3: Where to Find EdTech ThrowdownDo us a few favors:Subscribe to the Edtech Throwdown PodcastApple PodcastsSpotifyAmazon PodcastsStitcher YouTube Twitter FacebookWrite us an Apple Podcast Review!Tell your friends aboutwww.edtechthrowdown.comTell your friends about the Teach Better Podcast NetworkSubscribe to our Podcast Channels and SocialsApple PodcastsSpotify YouTube Twitter (@edtechthrowdown)FacebookInstagramConnect with us on Social MediaGuise’s Social MediaTwitter(@guisegotteched)LinkedInNick’s Social MediaTwitter(@nickgotteched)Music Credits:Intro and Outro Music-American Idle - RKVCSegment Identifiers-Duck in the Alley - TrackTribeEdtech Throwdown-Born a Rockstar (Instrumental) - NEFEXNeed a Presenter?
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    53 m
  • AI Uses in the Classroom from NJECC 2026
    Apr 6 2026
    Edtech ThrowdownEpisode 212: AI Uses in the Classroom from NJECC 2026Welcome to the EdTech Throwdown. This is Episode 212 called AI Uses in the Classroom from NJECC 2026. In this episode we’ll share 4 ways that AI can be used to support student learning. This is another episode you don’t want to miss. Check it out.Segment 1:Vanguard NJ Districts AI Meetings Segment 2:Our presentation from 2026 feature the following tools:https://www.canva.com/design/DAHBrcMoMnM/qPXmqUkk_mpFJELEH-cv9A/edit?utm_content=DAHBrcMoMnM&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=sharebuttonNotebookLM flashcards to Canva bulk create how-to videohttps://youtu.be/RUCMVAgx8jQ?si=VQns3kuThjIAjpELEdtech Throwdown: Vote on twitter @edtechthrowdown and under the pinned post on the profile.Segment 3: Where to Find EdTech ThrowdownDo us a few favors:Subscribe to the Edtech Throwdown PodcastApple PodcastsSpotifyAmazon PodcastsStitcher YouTube Twitter FacebookWrite us an Apple Podcast Review!Tell your friends aboutwww.edtechthrowdown.comTell your friends about the Teach Better Podcast NetworkSubscribe to our Podcast Channels and SocialsApple PodcastsSpotify YouTube Twitter (@edtechthrowdown)FacebookInstagramConnect with us on Social MediaGuise’s Social MediaTwitter(@guisegotteched)LinkedInNick’s Social MediaTwitter(@nickgotteched)Music Credits:Intro and Outro Music-American Idle - RKVCSegment Identifiers-Duck in the Alley - TrackTribeEdtech Throwdown-Born a Rockstar (Instrumental) - NEFEXNeed a Presenter?As experienced presenters and content creators, you can contact Nick and Guise to speak at your school, event, or conference. They can customize a workshop that meets your organization’s unique time and content needs. While no topic is out of bounds, we are best known for sessions on:AI For Teachers, Admin, and Parents1:1 Chromebook IntegrationEdTech ThrowdownTargetED LearningGamification (Badge Systems)Game-Based Learning (Escape Rooms, Amazing Race, and more)Google apps and extensionsPersonalized learning and Choice BoardsTeacher productivity (Lesson Planning, Online Grading. and Feedback)Digital content creationStudent PodcastingScreencastingFlipped ClassroomStudent-Centered Learning
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    34 m
  • 2026 NJECC Edtech throwdown
    Mar 23 2026
    Edtech ThrowdownEpisode 211: NJECC Showdown 2026Welcome to the EdTech Throwdown. This is Episode 211 called NJECC Showdown 2026. Guise and I have each selected 6 of our favorite tools for the classroom. Listen in to learn about what they are, why we like them, and how they might advance your practice! This is another episode you don’t want to miss. Check it out.Segment 1: This year’s NJECC was great!-did 2 sessions-saw a cool session and met a possible future guestSegment 2: Our presentation from 2026 feature the following tools:https://www.canva.com/design/DAHBrY8mBhs/nJ3GQcW00epnK3bp7Uaoyw/edit?utm_content=DAHBrY8mBhs&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=sharebuttonEdtech Throwdown: Vote on twitter @edtechthrowdown and under the pinned post on the profile.Segment 3: Where to Find EdTech ThrowdownDo us a few favors:Subscribe to the Edtech Throwdown PodcastApple PodcastsSpotifyAmazon PodcastsStitcher YouTube Twitter FacebookWrite us an Apple Podcast Review!Tell your friends aboutwww.edtechthrowdown.comTell your friends about the Teach Better Podcast NetworkSubscribe to our Podcast Channels and SocialsApple PodcastsSpotify YouTube Twitter (@edtechthrowdown)FacebookInstagramConnect with us on Social MediaGuise’s Social MediaTwitter(@guisegotteched)LinkedInNick’s Social MediaTwitter(@nickgotteched)Music Credits:Intro and Outro Music-American Idle - RKVCSegment Identifiers-Duck in the Alley - TrackTribeEdtech Throwdown-Born a Rockstar (Instrumental) - NEFEXNeed a Presenter?As experienced presenters and content creators, you can contact Nick and Guise to speak at your school, event, or conference. They can customize a workshop that meets your organization’s unique time and content needs. While no topic is out of bounds, we are best known for sessions on:AI For Teachers, Admin, and Parents1:1 Chromebook IntegrationEdTech ThrowdownTargetED LearningGamification (Badge Systems)Game-Based Learning (Escape Rooms, Amazing Race, and more)Google apps and extensionsPersonalized learning and Choice BoardsTeacher productivity (Lesson Planning, Online Grading. and Feedback)Digital content creationStudent PodcastingScreencastingFlipped ClassroomStudent-Centered Learning
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    41 m
  • AI Prompt Writing for Educators
    Mar 9 2026
    Edtech ThrowdownEpisode 210: AI Prompt Writing for EducatorsWelcome to the EdTech Throwdown. This is episode 210 called “AI Prompt Writing for Educators.” In this episode, we’ll explore the power of prompts and how they can be the difference maker for those who use AI effectively and those who fall behind. This is another episode you don’t want to miss. Check it out.Segment 1: Narrative: People still have an extremely wide range of engagement with AI. Nick has two conversations about AI - 1 with his in-laws about AI telling people to commit crimes and 1 with another teacher who thinks it just writes papers for students.Anatomy of a good prompt1. Don't just ask a question; tell the AI who it is and who it is talking to. This sets the tone and the "knowledge ceiling" of the response.What to include:Give it a job title (e.g., "veteran IB Biology teacher") and define the target audience (e.g., "students with no prior coding experience").2. Be incredibly specific about the verb. Avoid "Help me with..." and use "Analyze," "Draft," "Critique," or "Categorize."What to include:Provide the "raw material." If you want a rubric, paste the assignment. If you want a response to a parent email, paste the email.3. Tell the AI exactly how you want the information delivered. Don't settle for a wall of text.What to include:Specify the format (e.g., "a 3-column table," "a bulleted list of 5 items," or "a formal email script"). Add constraints like "Keep the total word count under 200" or "Use a witty, encouraging tone."Be purposeful with your AI use. Always ask - is there a reason for me to use AI here? Would it benefit my brain to do this myself? Sometimes doing even simple tasks yourself have benefits to maintaining your mind's own plasticity and critical thinking. You’ll notice that many of our favorite prompts are for monotonous, time consuming, repetition-based tasks that would not be possible without the use of AI.Segment 2: Our favorite prompt libraries:Teacher Serverhttps://www.aiforeducation.io/promptshttps://promptbase.com/https://gail.wharton.upenn.edu/prompt-library/https://www.thepromptindex.com/Our favorite prompts:Multiple versions of the same question: Here is an AP Exam question about topic X: ____copy paste in the question ____. Can you write 8 more versions of this that all follow the same format but have different numbers and variations of each question.Meta search: Find for me all the ___ exam questions that deal with ___topic___.Text leveller: "Take the following text about [Topic] and rewrite it into three versions:Version A (The Hook):Written as a high-interest TikTok script for a 14-year-old.Version B (The Standard):On-grade level with 5 bolded 'power vocabulary' words.Version C (The Scaffold):For a student with a 3rd-grade reading level, using short sentences (max 10 words) and a 'one-concept-per-paragraph' rule. Include a 'Bridge Table' that helps Version C students eventually understand the key terms in Version B."I struggle with coming up withreal-world examplesof things. "I’m teaching [Mathematical/Scientific Concept]. Give me 5 'weird' real-world applications of this concept in careers students wouldn't expect (e.g., fashion design, professional gaming, or forest management). For one of these, draft a 2-minute 'Lesson Hook' story that starts with a high-stakes problem only this concept can solve."Jeopardy Clue WriterYou are a Jeopardy Clue Writer. Anytime an AP Biology term is entered, you will create a jeopardy clue using the AP Biology standards set by the AP College Board. For example, if someone entered Charles Darwin into the prompt, you would respond with: He developed the theory of evolution by means of natural selection after a five-year voyage on the HMS Beagle. Let the output be Times new roman font size 12.Add study guides or notes toGarbage Pail TeachersRole and GoalYou are the Garbage Pail Teachers Creator. Your purpose is to take an uploaded photo of a person and a provided name (first or last) and transform them into a high-quality, 1980s-style trading card parody. You specialize in gross-out humor, puns, and classroom-themed chaos.Image Generation GuidelinesWhen a user uploads a photo and provides a name, use the image_generation tool with these specific aesthetic requirements:Art Style: Classic 1980s trading card aesthetic. Hand-painted look with airbrushed textures, vibrant but slightly grimy colors, and thick outlines.Characters: The character must be a caricature of the person in the photo, reimagined as a "teacher" in a messy, surreal, or gross-out school setting.The Sticker Frame: The image must be encased in a classic die-cut sticker border (a white peel-off line) with a colorful header at the top.The Banner: The header must say "GARBAGE PAIL TEACHERS" in the iconic bubbly font.Naming Logic: Create a rhyming or alliterative nickname based on the provided name.Example: For "Guise," use "Greasy Guisey." For "Smith," use "...
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    39 m
  • 10 Fun AI Tools to Try in 2026
    Feb 23 2026
    Edtech ThrowdownEpisode 209: 10 Fun AI Tools to Try in 2026Welcome to the EdTech Throwdown. This is episode 209 called “10 Fun AI Tools to Try in 2026” In this episode, we’ll explore the lighthearted side of AI as we examine some silly AI tools and uses that are guaranteed to make you and your students smile. This is another episode you don’t want to miss. Check it out.Segment 1: It's just that time of the year.Segment 2: Clipdrop.coGemini’s new “Create Music” option under Tools. Choose a track and then the AI populates lyrics into that track. Right now there are maybe 20-ish tracks in diff music stylespodsmartai.com Google Arts and Culture - Art Selfie. Download the app. Be careful with students under 18. Use this fun activity as a starting point for analysis and discussion of classic works.Goblin Toolshttps://goblin.tools/Quick, Draw. Prompt Librarieshttps://promptbase.com/https://gail.wharton.upenn.edu/prompt-library/https://www.thepromptindex.com/Google Labs. The home for AI experiments at Google. This deserves more exploration on our part, but there is a ton here so I’m sharing it as a thing of it’s own. For example,GenTypeis one of the experiments that can create fonts. The example they feature is a font using jelly on toast, where each letter of the alphabet is jelly being spread on pieces of toast.https://boredhumans.com/Talking Tours. An AI audio experiment touring cultural landmarks in Street View on Google Arts & Culture.Edtech Throwdown: Vote on twitter @edtechthrowdown and under the pinned post on the profile.Segment 3: Where to Find EdTech ThrowdownDo us a few favors:Subscribe to the Edtech Throwdown PodcastApple PodcastsSpotifyAmazon PodcastsStitcher YouTube Twitter FacebookWrite us an Apple Podcast Review!Tell your friends aboutwww.edtechthrowdown.comTell your friends about the Teach Better Podcast NetworkSubscribe to our Podcast Channels and SocialsApple PodcastsSpotify YouTube Twitter (@edtechthrowdown)FacebookInstagramConnect with us on Social MediaGuise’s Social MediaTwitter(@guisegotteched)LinkedInNick’s Social MediaTwitter(@nickgotteched)Music Credits:Intro and Outro Music-American Idle - RKVCSegment Identifiers-Duck in the Alley - TrackTribeEdtech Throwdown-Born a Rockstar (Instrumental) - NEFEXNeed a Presenter?As experienced presenters and content creators, you can contact Nick and Guise to speak at your school, event, or conference. They can customize a workshop that meets your organization’s unique time and content needs. While no topic is out of bounds, we are best known for sessions on:AI For Teachers, Admin, and Parents1:1 Chromebook IntegrationEdTech ThrowdownTargetED...
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    40 m
  • 10 Canva Apps for Teachers in 2026
    Feb 9 2026
    Edtech ThrowdownEpisode 208: 10 Canva Apps for Teachers in 2026Welcome to the EdTech Throwdown. This is episode 208 called “10 (More) Canva Apps for Teachers” In this episode, we’ll revisit the exciting world of canva apps and deliver some old favorites as well as some exciting new finds. This is another episode you don’t want to miss. Check it out.Segment 1: Lunch and Learn preparationSegment 2: AppsCanva: Visual Suite for Everyone 10 Apps presentationQr CodeImage DivideBulk CreatorImage UpscalerVideo EffectsJigsaw PuzzlerAnimatorImage RecolorType CutoutCan SignYouTube EmbedEdtech Throwdown: Vote on twitter @edtechthrowdown and under the pinned post on the profile.Segment 3: Where to Find EdTech ThrowdownDo us a few favors:Subscribe to the Edtech Throwdown PodcastApple PodcastsSpotifyAmazon PodcastsStitcher YouTube Twitter FacebookWrite us an Apple Podcast Review!Tell your friends aboutwww.edtechthrowdown.comTell your friends about the Teach Better Podcast NetworkSubscribe to our Podcast Channels and SocialsApple PodcastsSpotify YouTube Twitter (@edtechthrowdown)FacebookInstagramConnect with us on Social MediaGuise’s Social MediaTwitter(@guisegotteched)LinkedInNick’s Social MediaTwitter(@nickgotteched)Music Credits:Intro and Outro Music-American Idle - RKVCSegment Identifiers-Duck in the Alley - TrackTribeEdtech Throwdown-Born a Rockstar (Instrumental) - NEFEXNeed a Presenter?As experienced presenters and content creators, you can contact Nick and Guise to speak at your school, event, or conference. They can customize a workshop that meets your organization’s unique time and content needs. While no topic is out of bounds, we are best known for sessions on:AI For Teachers, Admin, and Parents1:1 Chromebook IntegrationEdTech ThrowdownTargetED LearningGamification (Badge Systems)Game-Based Learning (Escape Rooms, Amazing Race, and more)Google apps and extensionsPersonalized learning and Choice BoardsTeacher productivity (Lesson Planning, Online Grading. and Feedback)Digital content creationStudent PodcastingScreencastingFlipped ClassroomStudent-Centered Learning
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    24 m