Edtech Throwdown

The Edtech Throwdown podcast (originally GotTechED the Podcast) was created in 2018 by Nick Johnson and Eric Guise with one, singular goal: to provide quality, tech-centric professional development (PD) to busy teachers on the move. As educators who have always been passionate about PD, Nick and Guise have attended and created hundreds of hours of professional learning experiences for teachers, but there has always been one problem ... time! Attending full-day workshops and conferences is difficult and stressful due to missed class time and added prep. With the Edtech Thowdown, Nick and Guise hope to provide busy teachers a way to access educational PD at their convenience.

Edtech Throwdown is a education podcast hosted by Eric Guise/Nick Johnson, with 220 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 84. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

Eric Guise/Nick Johnson hosts Edtech Throwdown, a education show with 220 episodes published.

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  Edtech Throwdown

  10 Tools for Specialized AI and Productivity

  Aug 10, 202636 min

  Edtech Throwdown Episode 221: 10 Tools for Specialized AI and Productivity Welcome to the EdTech Throwdown.  This is Episode 221 called 10 Tools for Specialized AI and Productivity.   In this episode we’ll be talking edtech tools as we bring you a list of some atypical AI platforms that might not otherwise come up for educators.  This is another episode you don’t want to miss.  Check it out. Segment 1: Happy August, happy end of summer break We’re almost fully re-charged and starting to think about things like productivity again Segment 2: Nick:  abacus.ai :  Abacus.AI is the world's first AI super-assistant tailored for enterprises and professionals. We offer two products: ChatLLM for professionals and small teams and Abacus.AI Enterprise for enterprises and companies.  ChatLLM is a multi-modal, multi-device super-assistant that can handle many tasks and completely transform your life. You can access all of the SOTA LLMs, analyze documents, do data analysis, generate code, search the web, create images, and much more. It's your all-in-one AI assistant and increases individual productivity by 15% to 75%.  Abacus.AI Enterprise is a state-of-the-art generative AI platform that combines the AI super assistant available to all your employees with an AI brain that can connect to your enterprise software systems, automate business processes, increase revenue, and be a powerful force multiplier. Our AI engineer can build AI Workflows and chatbots to automate critical processes. Our Enterprise product comes with single sign-on, multiple deployment options and checks all the security and compliance boxes. Guise: studley.ai Why: Specialized AI platforms designed for more complex, data-heavy, or professional-grade automation and modeling. Nick:  openalternative.co :  What is the difference between open source and proprietary?  Proprietary AI Tools: These are "closed-source" models developed and owned by specific companies (e.g., OpenAI’s GPT-4/5, Google’s Gemini, Anthropic’s Claude). You typically access them via an API or a web interface. The underlying code, training data, and exact model weights are a "black box" hidden from the public.  Open-Source (Open-Weight) AI Tools: These are models whose code and weights are publicly shared (e.g., Meta’s Llama series, Mistral, Qwen, and DeepSeek). Anyone can download them, look under the hood, modify them, and run them on their own hardware or private cloud.  Guise:  The Most Comprehensive List of FREE Online Tools for Teachers   Why: Both promote open-source ethics, whether finding alternatives to paid software or using privacy-focused media downloaders. Nick:  smart.servier.com Guise:  runable.com Why: High-level technical resources; one offers medical illustrations, while the other focuses on executable code environments. Nick: Workout.cool Guise:  Koupon Why: Personal optimization tools—one for physical fitness routines and the other for optimizing shopping/savings. Nick:  Internet Archive: https://web.archive.org/ Guise:  Same.new Why: Part of the ".new" domain movement, providing instant, one-click access to start a new coding or collaborative project. Edtech Throwdown:  Vote on twitter @edtechthrowdown and under the pinned post on the profile. Segment 3: Where to Find EdTech Throwdown Do us a few favors: Subscribe to the Edtech Throwdown Podcast Apple Podcasts Spotify Amazon Podcasts Stitcher    YouTube    Twitter     Facebook Write us an Apple Podcast Review ! Tell your friends about www.edtechthrowdown.com Tell your friends about the Teach Better Podcast Network Subscribe to our Podcast Channels and Socials Apple Podcasts Spotify    YouTube    Twitter   (@edtechthrowdown) Facebook Instagram Connect with us on Social Media Guise’s Social Media Twitter (@guisegotteched) LinkedIn Nick’s Social...

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  Edtech Throwdown

  8 Lesson Ideas Inspired by Video Games

  Jul 27, 202633 min

  Edtech Throwdown Episode 220: 8 Lesson Ideas Inspired by Video Games Welcome to the EdTech Throwdown.&nbsp; This is Episode 220 called 8 Lesson Ideas Inspired by Video Games. &nbsp; In this episode we’ll break down some ways that you can leverage video games for creative lesson ideas.&nbsp; This can be a fun way to make your class more engaging and encourage student buy-in.&nbsp; This is another episode you don’t want to miss,&nbsp; check it out. Segment 1: What might some of our listeners have more time for in the summer?&nbsp; Video games!&nbsp; I don’t play them.&nbsp; Does Guise? Segment 2: Video Game Map Choice Boards: &nbsp; Use video game maps as a choice board template.&nbsp; Here is a sample using FORTNITE as a Digital Menu.&nbsp; Set up the tech any way you like, I would probably do Google Slides transparent elements that link out to other places. The Battle Pass Grading Scheme: Change up the grading scheme.&nbsp; Instead of a traditional grading sheet, give students a "Battle Pass" tracker. Completing mandatory tasks earns them "XP" (points) to level up. Offer "Weekly Challenges" (optional bonus questions or creative projects) that unlock cosmetic rewards, like choosing the classroom music, getting a digital badge, or earning a "skip one homework assignment" voucher. Among Us : "Spot the Impostor" Source Analysis. &nbsp; This activity turns critical thinking, debate, and fact-checking into a high-stakes deduction game.&nbsp;&nbsp; How it Works:&nbsp; Divide students into small groups and hand them a packet of information—such as four short summaries of a historical event, four scientific claims, or four math equations worked out step-by-step.&nbsp; Among the real data, there is one Impostor (a text containing a historical fallacy, a grammatical error, misinformation, or a math mistake).&nbsp; Students must complete "tasks" (analyze the text) and call an Emergency Meeting to debate which source is "sus." To vote a source out, they must back up their claim with textual evidence or proof. Fortnite Inspired Room Escapes. &nbsp; The setting for this fun room escape is Fortnite.&nbsp; Create this using any video game and any digital template you prefer.&nbsp; Here is a one on Greek Mythology available for purchase that inspired this idea. Minecraft Education Edition for biome creation. &nbsp; In Minecraft, a biome is a distinct geographical region within a world that features its own unique terrain, climate, vegetation, and colors. Biomes determine what resources you can gather, which animals (mobs) will spawn naturally, and even whether it rains or snows. Animal Crossing inspired town building activity. &nbsp; Island Design: Students are given a blank grid sheet to map out their own "Island Community." They must decide where to put public spaces, businesses, and residential zones.&nbsp; The Bell Economy: Introduce a classroom currency ("Bells"). Students earn Bells for completing assignments or displaying good citizenship. They must budget their Bells to buy "furniture" or upgrades for their paper island (e.g., printable stickers of trees, bridges, or buildings).&nbsp; Town Ordinances: Introduce civics by letting the class vote on a weekly "Town Ordinance"—a classroom rule that everyone must follow (like "Friendly Friday" where every desk transition requires a high-five). Narrative writing with a video game twist. &nbsp; Students do a traditional paper and pencil narrative writing assignment, but about a video game of their choice.&nbsp; Then use Canva book cover templates and Magic Media AI to edit the template to match their video game inspired story.&nbsp; Here is a sample from the Merrils where Canva was used to create a video game cover after a narrative writing assignment. Pokémon: "Evolutionary" Adaptation Trading Cards: &nbsp; Two different content approaches here, one for science and one for ELA In Science: Students choose a real-life animal and design a three-stage "Evolutionary Line" card game deck based on its lineage (e.g., an ancient ancestor, a prehistoric link, and the modern animal). They list its "Type" (habitat), "HP" (population status), and "Attacks" (physical or behavioral adaptations).&nbsp;&nbsp; In ELA: Students create trading cards for characters in a novel. A character's "Stats" (such as Bravery, Empathy, or Wisdom) change as they grow. When a character hits a major turning point in the plot, they "evolve" into a new card stage with updated stats and an altered description. Edtech Throwdown:&nbsp; Vote on twitter @edtechthrowdown and under the pinned post on the profile. Segment 3: Where to Find EdTech Throwdown Do us a few favors: Subscribe to the Edtech Throwdown Podcast Apple Podcasts Spotify Amazon Podcasts Stitcher &nbsp;&nbsp; YouTube &nbsp;&nbsp; Twitter &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Facebook Write us an Apple Podcast Review ! Tell your friends about www.edtechthrowdown.com Tell your friends about the Teach Better Podcast Network <strong style="background-color:...

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  Edtech Throwdown

  10 Edtech Tools for Study Skills and Problem Solving

  Jul 14, 202631 min

  Edtech Throwdown Episode 219: 10 Edtech Tools for Study Skills and Problem Solving Welcome to the EdTech Throwdown.&nbsp; This is Episode 219 called 10 Edtech Tools for Study Skills and Problem Solving. &nbsp; In this episode we’ll be talking about a list of edtech tools that is all about the elusive beast called increasing student study skills.&nbsp; Check out this unique list and see if something jumps out to you.&nbsp; This is another episode you don’t want to miss.&nbsp; Check it out. Segment 1: Happy summer break Segment 2:&nbsp;&nbsp; Academic Assistance Nick: Mathgpt Guise: &nbsp;getsolved.ai &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Why: AI tutors specifically designed to help students break down complex problems and find step-by-step solutions. Course Aggregators Nick: &nbsp;classcentral.com Guise:&nbsp; alison.com Why: Platforms dedicated to free online learning, certificates, and tracking MOOCs (Massive Open Online Courses). Research & Literature & Grading Nick: Paper2gal.top :&nbsp; Paper2Gal.top (commonly known as Paper2Gal) is an AI-powered educational tool that converts dense academic papers, essays, and study materials into interactive visual novels, or "galgames".Instead of reading dry PDFs or textbooks, users can upload documents to the platform, select an animated anime-style partner, and learn the material through dialogue, character interactions, and quizzes. Guise:&nbsp; NotieAI Why: Snap a photo of any handwritten assignment. Notie AI grades it automatically, with expert comments, a score, and personalized feedback, in under 30 seconds. Skill Mapping Nick: &nbsp;learn-anything.xyz Guise:&nbsp; instructables.com Why: Educational guides; one provides a visual roadmap for learning any subject, the other provides DIY project instructions. Repair & DIY & Automation Nick: ifixit.com Guise:&nbsp; activepieces.com Why: automation saves time!&nbsp;&nbsp;

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  Edtech Throwdown

  (More) Awesome Edtech for the Summer

  Jun 1, 202639 min

  Edtech Throwdown Episode 216: (More) Awesome Edtech for the Summer Welcome to the EdTech Throwdown.&nbsp; This is Episode 216 called (More) Awesome Edtech for the Summer.&nbsp; Every year when school ends we publish an episode where Guise and I share what we’ll be reading, listening to, and exploring over the summer break. 216 is that episode and this is another you don’t want to miss, check it out. Segment 1: Summer Plans Summer plans Segment 2: Resources for the Summer Nick Podcasts Sweat the Technique - How do we get better, faster? A group of pathbreaking educators come together weekly to answer that question, applying lessons from the classroom to all areas of life - from parenting, to relationships, to sports, to hobbies and more.&nbsp; Sweat the Technique is hosted by four former principals and superintendents who've led gap-closing schools.&nbsp; That includes: Doug Lemov, author of the international bestseller Teach Like a Champion and trainer to many successful educators and professional sports coaches, Ryan Hill, founder and CEO of a network of 23 KIPP public charter schools in New Jersey and Miami, Stacey Shells Harvey, founder and CEO of ReGeneration Schools, and Ravi Gupta, former leader of Tennessee's highest performing network of charter schools and founder of the largest-ever training organization for Democratic candidates and staffers.&nbsp; In particular I’ve heard the episode called “ Lessons on Excellent Teaching (with Pritesh Raichura) ” is quite good. Schooled - This podcast from National Public Radio can help answer the question, “Is this happening to anyone else?”&nbsp; Schooled provides boots-on-the-ground dispatches from Pennsylvania’s public school system, where more government dollars are spent per student than in any other U.S. state. The podcast aims to get to the bottom of why those funds aren’t working, and what needs to happen to make lasting positive change. Books Teach Like a Champion by Doug Lamov - Teach Like a Champion 3.0 is the long-awaited update to Doug Lemov’s highly regarded guide to the craft of teaching. This book teaches you how to create a positive and productive classroom that encourages student engagement, trust, respect, accountability, and excellence. In this edition, you’ll find new and updated teaching techniques, the latest evidence from cognitive science and culturally responsive teaching practices, and an expanded companion video collection. Learn how to build students’ background knowledge, move learning into long-term memory, and connect your teaching with the curriculum content for tangible improvement in learning outcomes.&nbsp; Seven Myths About Education - In this controversial new book, Daisy Christodoulou offers a thought-provoking critique of educational orthodoxy. Drawing on her recent experience of teaching in challenging schools, she shows through a wide range of examples and case studies just how much classroom practice contradicts basic scientific principles. She examines seven widely-held beliefs which are holding back pupils and teachers BONUS BOOK (CAN I DO IT?!?!)&nbsp; Non-education one - The Power Broker -&nbsp; 1,344 pages, the audio book is 66 hours long.&nbsp; (the average audio book is about 12 hours long) Grab Bag Return to good teaching practice:&nbsp; Focus on study strategies with this excellent one-pager Phet Studio ’s customizable simulations and the Wayground Integration - must pay for this but it might be worth it! Guise Podcasts The Big Dig Catching the Codfather&nbsp; Ian Coss &nbsp; ADDitude’s ADHD Experts Podcast The Episode: "What Neuroscience Reveals About the ADHD Brain" (with Dr. Joel Nigg) Why it’s great: Dr. Nigg is a leading researcher who does a brilliant job of breaking down complex neuroimaging and brain chemistry into layman's terms. He explains exactly how the ADHD brain processes dopamine, handles attention, and experiences heightened emotions. Bonus Episode: "Neurofeedback and Cognitive Training for ADHD Kids" (explores how computer-based brain training interacts with neuroplasticity) Books The AI-Driven Leader: Harnessing AI to Make Faster, Smarter Decisions by Geoff Woods (released in late 2024) is a highly practical business playbook. While many tech books focus on how to code or automate basic tasks, Woods focuses on the executive mindset. His core argument is that most people misuse AI by treating it like a faster assistant, when they should be treating it as a strategic thought partner. If you are a creator or leader looking to use this book to scale your work, here is a deep dive into its core philosophy and the frameworks it provides. <a...

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  Edtech Throwdown

  Streamlining the Classroom - Top Content Creation and Search Tools for Educators

  May 18, 202633 min

  Edtech Throwdown Episode 215: Streamlining the Classroom - Top Content Creation and Search Tools for Educators Welcome to the EdTech Throwdown.&nbsp; This is Episode 215 called Streamlining the Classroom - Top Content Creation and Search Tools for Educators. &nbsp; 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.&nbsp; This is another episode you don’t want to miss.&nbsp; Check it out. Segment 1: We haven’t made one of these in a while Segment 2: Episode 215: Content Creation & Search Consumer Insight & Ideation answerthepublic.com Tool Breakdown: Research & AI Insights Name of the Tool: AnswerThePublic URL: https://answerthepublic.com Description: 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 &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 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 AI elevenlabs.io Name of the Tool: ElevenLabs URL: https://elevenlabs.io Description: 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: A invideo.io &nbsp;&nbsp; Name of the Tool: InVideo URL: https://invideo.io &nbsp; 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: A Why: High-end generative media tools; one specializes in realistic voice synthesis, the other in AI-driven video production. Niche Media Search playphrase.me Description: 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 &nbsp;&nbsp; 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 Brainstorming napkin.ai Name of the Tool: Napkin AI URL: https://napkin.ai Description: 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: A imagineexplainers.com Name of the Tool: Imagine Explainers URL: https://imagineexplainers.com Description: 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 Directories commontools.org Name of the Tool: Common Tools URL: commontools.org Description: 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 <a href="http://onlinetools.com" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85,...

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