Tech Tools for Teachers

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 ActivitiesMentioned in this episode:Education Podcast NetworkTech Tools for Teachers is part of the Education Podcast Network. https://www.edupodcastnetwork.com/This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacyPodtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp

In Episode 229, we share a big announcement: the Tech Tools for Teachers Podcast will pause after Episode 235 at the end of this school year.Then we dive into March Book Madness, a bracket-style reading competition started by two Ohio teachers that brings excitement and engagement to reading for picture books, middle grade, and young adult levels.We also revisit Epic, a digital reading platform free for teachers during the school day.If you’re looking to build reading energy this spring, this episode is for you.Mentioned in this episode:Education Podcast NetworkTech Tools for Teachers is part of the Education Podcast Network. https://www.edupodcastnetwork.com/This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacyPodtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp

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/smartinwiMentioned in this episode:Education Podcast NetworkTech Tools for Teachers is part of the Education Podcast Network. https://www.edupodcastnetwork.com/This 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.ioMentioned in this episode:Education Podcast NetworkTech Tools for Teachers is part of the Education Podcast Network. https://www.edupodcastnetwork.com/This 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.comMentioned in this episode:Education Podcast NetworkTech Tools for Teachers is part of the Education Podcast Network. https://www.edupodcastnetwork.com/This 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.Mentioned in this episode:Education Podcast NetworkTech Tools for Teachers is part of the Education Podcast Network. https://www.edupodcastnetwork.com/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.Mentioned in this episode:Education Podcast NetworkTech Tools for Teachers is part of the Education Podcast Network. https://www.edupodcastnetwork.com/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/@ArtforKidsHubMentioned in this episode:Education Podcast NetworkTech Tools for Teachers is part of the Education Podcast Network. https://www.edupodcastnetwork.com/This 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.DuckstersMentioned in this episode:Education Podcast NetworkTech Tools for Teachers is part of the Education Podcast Network. https://www.edupodcastnetwork.com/This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacyPodtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp

In Episode 221, Shanna spotlights two free science gems you can use across grade levels. Science News Explores offers up-to-date articles with audio, Power Words vocabulary, explainers, experiments, comics, and STEM career spotlights. Exploratorium brings museum-quality activities to your classroom with “Science Snacks,” NGSS-tagged projects, and print-ready instructions for low-cost, hands-on learning.Science News ExploresExploratoriumRelated episodes: 31, 90, 105Mentioned in this episode:Education Podcast NetworkTech Tools for Teachers is part of the Education Podcast Network. https://www.edupodcastnetwork.com/This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacyPodtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp

In Episode 220, Shanna shares two of her favorite civics education resources: iCivics.org, which offers free lessons, games, and simulations about government, and the Center for Civic Education, which provides state-specific and national resources for teachers and communities.iCivics.orgCenter for Civic Education Mentioned in this episode:Education Podcast NetworkTech Tools for Teachers is part of the Education Podcast Network. https://www.edupodcastnetwork.com/This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacyPodtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp

In Episode 219, we explore fun and free tools to help students practice and understand measurement. Try RulerGame.netfor ruler and temperature games, Mr. Nussbaum Measurement Games for hands-on math challenges, and Marble Runfor creative problem-solving with shapes and space.RulerGame.netMr. Nussbaum Measurement GamesMarble RunRelated Episode: Episode 42 – Marble RunMentioned in this episode:Education Podcast NetworkTech Tools for Teachers is part of the Education Podcast Network. https://www.edupodcastnetwork.com/This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacyPodtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp

In Episode 218, we highlight two great poetry resources for teachers. Explore ShelSilverstein.com for videos, activities, and lesson ideas tied to Silverstein’s classic books, and Poetry4Kids.com for funny poems, a rhyming dictionary, writing lessons, and audio recordings. Both sites are fantastic for making poetry engaging and accessible for students.Shel Silverstein Official SitePoetry4KidsRelated Episodes: Episode 78 | Episode 114Mentioned in this episode:Education Podcast NetworkTech Tools for Teachers is part of the Education Podcast Network. https://www.edupodcastnetwork.com/This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacyPodtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp

In Episode 217, we dive into Pixar in a Box, a free collaboration between Pixar and Khan Academy that blends storytelling, math, computer science, and design. Explore educator guides, standards-aligned lessons, and interactive activities that help students understand how real animation pipelines work—from virtual cameras and rigging to lighting and rendering.Pixar in a Box (Pixar overview)Pixar in a Box (Khan Academy course)Throwback: Episode 32 Mentioned in this episode:Education Podcast NetworkTech Tools for Teachers is part of the Education Podcast Network. https://www.edupodcastnetwork.com/This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacyPodtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp

In Episode 216, we highlight two fun content review sites that also support charitable causes. Students can practice math, vocabulary, science, and more with BeanBeanBean while donating to U.S. food banks, or try Free Rice, which donates through the UN World Food Programme. Great for choice boards, stations, or quick classroom competitions!BeanBeanBeanFree RiceMentioned in this episode:Education Podcast NetworkTech Tools for Teachers is part of the Education Podcast Network. https://www.edupodcastnetwork.com/This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacyPodtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp

In Episode 215, we dig into Khanmigo, Khan Academy’s free AI toolkit for teachers. Generate lesson hooks, chunk texts, build quizzes, write newsletters (with translation), create Blooket sets, review class snapshots, and adapt materials for UDL—all in one place and connected to your Khan Academy classes.KhanmigoKhan Academy Teacher ToolsMentioned in this episode:Education Podcast NetworkTech Tools for Teachers is part of the Education Podcast Network. https://www.edupodcastnetwork.com/This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacyPodtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp

In Episode 214, we explore Hide & Seek World, a fun, interactive geography tool. Students use context clues and detailed visuals to identify global locations, boosting their observation skills, map knowledge, and problem-solving abilities.Hide & Seek WorldMentioned in this episode:Education Podcast NetworkTech Tools for Teachers is part of the Education Podcast Network. https://www.edupodcastnetwork.com/This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacyPodtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp

Episode 213 introduces fun and mindful brain break tools perfect for end-of-year restlessness. Discover Pixel Thoughts for quick mindfulness, Patatap for interactive creativity, and Thisissand for calming digital sand art.Pixel ThoughtsPatatapThis is sandMentioned in this episode:Education Podcast NetworkTech Tools for Teachers is part of the Education Podcast Network. https://www.edupodcastnetwork.com/This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacyPodtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp

In Episode 212, we're diving into Digipuzzle.net, a fantastic platform featuring educational games and puzzles for elementary and middle school students. Discover the huge variety of engaging activities perfect for learning reinforcement, summer practice, or fun brain breaks.DigipuzzleMentioned in this episode:Education Podcast NetworkTech Tools for Teachers is part of the Education Podcast Network. https://www.edupodcastnetwork.com/This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacyPodtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp

In Episode 211, we dive into Science News Explores, a comprehensive resource packed with student-friendly science articles, engaging experiments, and STEM career connections. We also briefly touch on Technovation, a fantastic tool to inspire innovation and technology exploration in your classroom.Science News ExploresTechnovationMentioned in this episode:Education Podcast NetworkTech Tools for Teachers is part of the Education Podcast Network. https://www.edupodcastnetwork.com/This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacyPodtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp