The Tech Tools for Teachers Podcast is hosted by Shanna Martin, an instructional and technology coach focused on helping you find and understand free educational technology tools that you can use in your classroom. Free resources are available at https://smartinwi.com (smartinwi.com). This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy Podtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp
In the final episode of the Tech Tools for Teachers Podcast , Shanna and Fuzz reflect on eight seasons, 235 episodes, and how educational technology has changed since the show began in 2019. They discuss the shift from fun classroom websites to online learning, video tools, AI supports, and now a growing need to balance technology with unplugged time, outdoor learning, and hands-on experiences.…
In Episode 234 of the Tech Tools for Teachers Podcast , Shanna shares the tools she uses the most in her own classroom and coaching work. After covering hundreds of websites over the years, these are the go-to resources that have become part of her regular teaching routine: Classroomscreen for classroom management, Google Slides for flexible design and student supports, Google Vids for directions…
In Episode 233 of the Tech Tools for Teachers Podcast , Shanna shares two free science resources for the classroom. LabXchange offers standards-aligned science simulations, case studies, teaching guides, videos, and virtual labs for high school and upper middle school students. Little Alchemy 2 gives younger students a fun way to explore combinations, elements, vocabulary, and problem-solving…
In Episode 232 of the Tech Tools for Teachers Podcast , Shanna shares Boddle Learning , a game-based practice platform for K–6 students. Boddle supports math, ELA, and science practice with engaging characters, learning adventures, rewards, and teacher dashboards. Teachers can assign skills, track student progress, identify learning gaps, and use it for classroom practice or summer learning…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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 Featured BoMoMo – Abstract art through motion and color Sketchpad (Sketch.io) – Simple digital drawing and design space Why We Love Them No logins or setup Works on Chromebooks, iPads, and laptops Great for brain breaks and creative resets Flexible for…
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 research Quizzes, games, puzzles, and “Weird But True” facts Easy-to-read articles with strong visuals Connections to science, social studies, geography, and current…