AI is everywhere in education—but clarity isn’t.

I’m joined by Derek Tranchina, creator of TrafficLiteEdu, to unpack one of the biggest challenges schools are facing right now: not whether to use AI, but how to use it well. The real issue isn’t the tools—it’s the confusion around expectations, boundaries, and purpose.

Derek shares how the TrafficLiteEdu framework helps schools bring clarity to AI use through a simple, practical approach—giving educators and students a shared language for what’s acceptable, what’s not, and what falls somewhere in between.

If your school is struggling with mixed messages, inconsistent policies, or hesitation around AI, this conversation will help you cut through the noise and focus on what actually matters.

Because in the end, it’s not about banning or embracing AI—it’s about being clear.

In this episode of House of #EdTech, Chris Nesi explores a powerful idea that could shape the next era of education technology: connectedness. While many conversations about innovation focus on tools, platforms, and artificial intelligence, Chris zooms out to examine the deeper force that has always driven meaningful change in education.

From the early days of a single classroom computer to today's globally connected learning environments, technology has steadily expanded our ability to connect students, educators, ideas, and opportunities. Chris challenges listeners to think critically about how connection—not just devices—will influence the next generation of learning experiences. The episode invites educators to reflect on how they can intentionally design more connected classrooms, communities, and learning networks in 2026 and beyond.

Education technology has changed dramatically over the years.

Connectedness in education goes beyond Wi-Fi and devices.

Rather than replacing traditional learning experiences, technology can serve as a bridge, connecting learners to knowledge, people, and perspectives that were previously out of reach.

As technology continues to evolve, educators face an important challenge:

Are we using technology simply because it exists, or are we using it to create meaningful connections?

Chris encourages listeners to reflect on their own classrooms and ask:

1. How connected are my students to the world around them?
2. How connected am I to other educators?
3. How can technology strengthen learning relationships?

Kicking off 2026, let's cut through the noise and focus on what actually matters: edtech tools that can genuinely move the needle for educators. Rather than chasing trends or shiny new platforms, this episode is about intentional, practical technology use that supports feedback, collaboration, creativity, engagement, organization, and student voice.

The episode tackles the growing disconnect between students’ highly interactive digital lives outside of school and the passive digital experiences they often encounter in classrooms.

Chris challenges the idea that more screen time equals more engagement and introduces the 80/20 Producer Strategy:

1. For every 80% of the time students spend consuming information
2. Ensure at least 20% is spent creating something with value beyond the gradebook

The core message:

Engagement in 2026 isn’t about flashy tools. It’s about student agency. When students create, design, build, and solve real problems, the engagement gap begins to close.

Feedback is essential but time-consuming. Mote allows educators to leave quick voice comments directly inside Google Docs, Slides, and LMS platforms.

Why it matters:

1. Faster than typing
2. More personal and human
3. Accessible through audio + transcription

Level-Up Question:

Where in your workflow could your voice be more effective than your keyboard?

FigJam is a collaborative digital whiteboard that turns learning into an active, visible process.

Use it to:

1. Brainstorm and organize ideas
2. Capture student thinking in real time
3. Support collaboration for both synchronous and asynchronous work

Level-Up Question:

How often do students visually share their thinking before submitting a final product?

Canva has evolved into a full creation and communication platform, allowing students to demonstrate learning visually and professionally.

Classroom possibilities include:

1. Infographics and explainer visuals
2. Digital portfolios
3. Ethical media creation and storytelling

Level-Up Question:

Are students creating content — or just consuming it?

These tools transform traditional presentations into interactive learning experiences through polls, questions, and formative checks.

Why they work:

1. Immediate insight into student understanding
2. No extra grading
3. Increased accountability without pressure

Level-Up Question:

How often do you

From lesson planning and assessment design to AI-assisted tutoring and district-wide policy development, Chris explores how artificial intelligence is reshaping teaching and learning, not as a replacement for educators, but as a partner in creativity and efficiency.

You will gain insights into the AI tipping point, practical classroom applications, real risks (including equity, bias, privacy, and the loss of human connection), and how teachers can lead responsibly through this transformation. The episode also includes a timely #EdTech Recommendation highlighting Google Chrome's live caption and translation features, and an invitation to participate in the 2025 EdTech SmackDown, the annual listener-powered finale of the show.

• #EdTech Thought: The AI tipping point: Why AI in education is no longer "next" but "now."

• How educators are using generative AI for planning, differentiation, and feedback.

• Examples of AI tools supporting English language learners and accessibility.

• Major risks of AI in schools — equity, bias, privacy, and the human factor.

• How to lead responsibly with AI in your classroom or district:

  • Build your AI literacy

  • Put pedagogy before technology

  • Model ethical transparency

  • Advocate for clear district policies

  • Share both wins and failures

  
  

• #EdTech Recommendation: Google Chrome's Live Caption & Translate feature.

• House of #EdTech Episode 246 – The Harms of Generative AI featuring Tom Mullaney

In Episode 263 of the House of #EdTech podcast, Chris Nesi steps back from the gadgets, apps, and AI tools to remind educators what truly powers learning — education itself. While technology continues to reshape classrooms, Chris explores why human connection, curiosity, and lifelong learning remain at the heart of every meaningful educational experience.

This reflective episode offers both inspiration and practical strategies for making learning more personal, purposeful, and people-centered — with technology as the support, not the driver.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Why education matters beyond technology

• "Education is the great equalizer" — unpacking what that really means

• Educated by Tara Westover: A must-read memoir about resilience and learning

• The real power of learning: curiosity, connection, and contribution

• Historical examples of education changing lives (Malala, GI Bill)

• Practical tips for meaningful teaching in a tech-driven world

5 Practical Takeaways:

1. Focus on relationships first — learning starts with connection.

2. Make reflection part of the learning process.

3. Model lifelong learning for your students and peers.

4. Use technology with intention, not obligation.

5. Connect learning to the real world.

#EdTech Recommendation: Educated: A Memoir by Tara Westover — a powerful reminder of education's transformative potential.

In Episode 262 of the House of #EdTech, Chris Nesi explores the timely and necessary topic of creating a responsible AI policy for your classroom. With artificial intelligence tools becoming more integrated into educational spaces, the episode breaks down why teachers need to set clear expectations and how they can do it with transparency, collaboration, and flexibility. Chris offers a five-part framework that educators can use to guide students toward ethical and effective AI use.

Before the featured content, Chris reflects on a growing internal debate: is it time to step back from tech-heavy classrooms and return to more analog methods? He also shares three edtech recommendations, including tools for generating copyright-free images, discovering daily AI tool capabilities, and randomizing seating charts for better classroom dynamics.

Topics Discussed:

• EdTech Thought: Chris debates the "Tech or No Tech" question in modern classrooms

• EdTech Recommendations:

  • https://nomorecopyright.com/ - Upload an image to transform it into a unique, distinct version designed solely for inspiration and creative exploration.

  • https://www.shufflebuddy.com/ - Never worry about seating charts again Foster a strong classroom community by frequently shuffling your seating charts while respecting your students' individual needs.

  • https://whataicandotoday.com/ - We've analysed 16362 AI Tools and identified their capabilities with OpenAI GPT-4.1, to bring you a free list of 83054 tasks of what AI can do today.

  
  

• Why classrooms need a responsible AI policy

• A five-part framework to build your AI classroom policy

  • Define What AI Is (and Isn't)
  • Clarify When and How AI Can Be Used
  • Promote Transparency and Attribution
  • Include Privacy and Tool Approval Guidelines
  • Make It Collaborative and Flexible
  
  

• The importance of modeling digital citizenship and AI literacy

• Free editable AI policy template by Chris for grades K–12

Mentions:

• Mike Brilla – The Inspired Teacher podcast

In this exciting crossover episode, Chris Nesi teams up with Leena Marie Saleh (The EdTech Guru) for a detailed look into Canva's latest educational innovations unveiled during Canva Create 2025. Whether you're a teacher, instructional coach, or tech integrator, this episode is packed with transformative features and real classroom applications.

Key Themes and Highlights:

• A powerful new addition to the Canva suite—Canva Sheets brings AI-infused, visually pleasing spreadsheets to the classroom.

• Bulk Background Remover: Easily remove backgrounds from dozens of student photos at once.

• Bulk Create with Images: Mass-produce certificates, report cards, or newsletters by integrating images directly into your sheet.

• Magic AI Prompts: Skip the formulas—just describe your needs and let AI do the rest (e.g., calculating budgets, charting grades).

• Magic Insights: Auto-generate graphs, summaries, or positive student comments—great for data storytelling or end-of-year celebrations.

• Student Access: Available to students in districts where Canva's Magic tools are enabled.

• Create multi-modal projects within a single file: combine slides, spreadsheets, videos, documents, and websites.

• Use Case: Teachers can build unit plans with rubrics, grading sheets, lesson videos, and linked resources—all in one shareable design.

• Student Application: Portfolios that blend writing, multimedia, assessments, and visual elements in a single file.

• No coding experience needed! Generate interactive HTML-based tools like:

  • Flashcard games

  • Vocabulary matching activities

  • Countdown timers

  
  

• Use Cases:

  • Do-Nows & Exit Tickets

  • Interactive experiences (e.g., virtual art exhibits)

  
  

• Includes real-time code editing via voice or chat and seamless integration into other Canva designs.

• ...