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.

#EdTech Thought: Shrinking the Engagement Gap

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:

For every 80% of the time students spend consuming information
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.

Six Tools to Level Up in 2026

#1 Mote — Rethinking Feedback

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:

Faster than typing
More personal and human
Accessible through audio + transcription

Level-Up Question:

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

#2 FigJam — Making Thinking Visible

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

Use it to:

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

Level-Up Question:

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

#3 Canva — Creativity That Communicates

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

Classroom possibilities include:

Infographics and explainer visuals
Digital portfolios
Ethical media creation and storytelling

Level-Up Question:

Are students creating content — or just consuming it?

#4 Curipod, Pear Deck & Nearpod — Real-Time Engagement

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

Why they work:

Immediate insight into student understanding
No extra grading
Increased accountability without pressure

Level-Up Question:

How often do you pause mid-lesson to see what students understand right now?

#5 Google Keep — Simple Organization That Works

Google Keep acts as a lightweight, flexible system for managing ideas, tasks, and reminders across devices.

Great for:

Capturing lesson ideas on the go
Creating to-do lists
Sharing notes with colleagues

Level-Up Question:

Where could a simple system reduce mental clutter and free up focus for teaching?

#6 Padlet — Amplifying Every Student Voice

Padlet creates flexible digital spaces where all students can contribute ideas, questions, and reflections.

Use Padlet for:

Brainstorming and exit tickets
Backchannel discussions
Collaborative research and planning

Level-Up Question:

How often do all students get to contribute at the same time in a visible way?

What’s Next

Chris also shares updates on:

A 30-Days to Launch a Podcast short-form video series
The launch of SatCast, a new community-focused podcast project