From lesson planning to differentiation, AI tools are changing how we work, teach, and create. These are the ones worth exploring - tools that help with ideas, organization, and saving time (without losing the teacher touch).

• AI for Education – Free 1–2 hr course - introducing AI fundamentals for teachers. Resource Link 

• GenAI Chatbot Prompt Library for Educators – Prompt Library Resource Link 

• TedTalk: Can AI Make Us More Human? – Watch here Resource Link 

• NotebookLM – Upload your own content and generate lessons or summaries from only your sources.

• ChatGPT – Study Mode: adaptive learning through explanations, examples, and questions. Resource Link 

• Gemini – Study Mode: step-by-step AI study guidance.

• MagicSchool.ai – Lesson & resource generator including a student-safe mode. Resource Link 

• Diffit – Differentiate reading passages instantly by grade level and language. Resource Link 

• Curipod – AI lesson builder for interactive polls and discussions. Resource Link 

• SchoolAI – Teacher dashboard with AI chats, lesson builders, and virtual student spaces. Resource Link 

• TeachMateAI – Educator-specific AI tools for lesson plans, rubrics, and parent emails. Resource Link 

• Perplexity Edu – AI search with citations – great for student research. Resource Link 

• Microsoft Copilot – Integrated throughout Microsoft 365, automating lesson planning, parent communication, rubric generation, and personalized learning paths.

• Specialized AI Tools – Such as Snorkl for formative assessments and Brisk for workflow automation.

• Playlab AI – Build interactive AI-powered mini apps and learning tools. Great for students experimenting with AI logic and design thinking. Resource Link 

• Collegiate AI – AI-powered academic writing and feedback support focused on higher-level analysis and structure. Resource Link 

• EduGems.ai – Custom “Gems” (AI assistants) created by educators for educators — curated, classroom-tested AI tools. Resource Link

• Google AI Studio – Experiment with Gemini models, prompt engineering, and AI prototyping in a developer-style environment. Resource Link

Keep your planning process smart, structured, and flexible. These tools make it easier to design lessons, track progress, and collaborate — so you can spend less time managing and more time teaching.

• Common Curriculum (CC) – Lesson planning tool with a timeline feature (Pro version recommended). Resource Link

• Notion – All-in-one workspace for planning, notes, and databases. Resource Link 

• Google Classroom – Official Classroom platform

• Trello – Project boards for curriculum mapping and task tracking. Resource Link 

• Schoology – LMS option for curriculum management.

• Gemini / ChatGPT – for co-planning and brainstorming lesson design.

• SkillStruck – Computer science curriculum platform offering interactive coding, digital citizenship, and assessment tools. Resource Link 

• Deck.Toys – Create interactive, game-like lesson pathways with activities and locks for HyperDoc-style learning. Resource Link 

• Common Sense Education – Digital citizenship and media literacy curriculum with lesson plans and resources for online safety and critical thinking. Resource Link 

Who says learning can’t be fun? These platforms turn quizzes, reviews, and lessons into games that keep students engaged while giving you instant feedback and data.

• Kahoot! – Quiz games for live, fun assessments. Resource Link 

• Quizizz – Gamified quizzes with real-time feedback. Resource Link 

• Quizlet – Flashcards & study sets for personalized learning. Resource Link 

• Nearpod – Interactive presentations with assessments. Resource Link 

• Socrative – Quizzes, polls, and exit tickets. Resource Link 

• Mentimeter – Live polling and word clouds. Resource Link 

• Edpuzzle – Interactive video lessons. Resource Link 

• Padlet – Online bulletin board for collaboration. Resource Link 

• Flipgrid (Flip) – Video discussions for student voice and reflection. Resource Link 

• Pear Deck – Interactive Google Slides integration. Resource Link 

• Gimkit – Live quiz games with competitive rewards. Resource Link 

• Blooket – Game-based review platform. Resource Link 

• Wordwall – Quick game templates for vocab and review. Resource Link 

• Quizalize – Adaptive quiz system with data tracking. Resource Link 

• Formative (GoFormative) – Flexible online quiz and assessment builder that integrates with Google Classroom and supports diverse question types. Resource Link 

• Classcraft – Gamified classroom management tool. Resource Link 

• ClassDojo – Behavior tracking and communication platform gamified for younger learners. Resource Link

• Kialo Edu – Debate platform promoting structured critical thinking and argumentation. Resource Link 

From digital storytelling to 3D modeling, these tools help students (and teachers!) design, create, and express ideas in powerful ways. Think of this section as your creative playground.

• Canva for Education – Design platform education with templates and collaboration. Resource Link 

• Book Creator – Digital books for storytelling or portfolios. Resource Link 

• Adobe Express for Education – Creative media tool. Resource Link 

• TinkerCAD – 3D design & circuits for STEM classes. Resource Link  

• Loom for Education – Video tutorials education for flipped lessons. Resource Link 

• Wakelet – Resource curation tool for organizing lessons or student showcases. Resource Link 

• WeVideo – Collaborative video editor supporting multimedia projects and assignments. Resource Link 

Hands-on, minds-on learning. Whether it’s robotics, coding, or virtual worlds, these tools bring science, engineering, and technology to life — helping students think like creators, not just consumers.

• Sphero Edu – Robotics and block coding for hands-on exploration. Resource Link 

• Blockly – Visual coding language compatible with Sphero and other robotics tools.

• Code.org – Free CS curriculum for computer science fundamentals. Resource Link 

• Replit Teams for Education – Collaborative coding IDE. Resource Link 

• Tynker – Coding courses for K–8 learners. Resource Link 

• Unity Learn – Game and VR development platform for interactive 3D environments. Resource Link 

• CoSpaces EDU – AR/VR creation platform for students. Resource Link 

• Merge Cube / Merge EDU – AR learning platform for science and 3D exploration. Resource Link 

• RoboLink Aerial Drone Competition - One of the only structured drone competitions focused on real-world piloting and engineering. Resource Link

• Micro:bit + MakeCode - Physical computing platform perfect for introducing hardware + coding connections. Resource Link 

• Code Club - Free global coding clubs and project-based resources. Resource Link 

• CSforAll - National initiative promoting equitable computer science access. Resource Link

• Adam Pruitt – Drone Flying App - Former CS teacher, now at Skill Struck, building tools that support real drone piloting skills. Resource Link 

Great classrooms run on great communication. These tools make it easier to connect with students, parents, and colleagues — and to give feedback that actually sticks.

🗣 Feedback & Student Communication

• Mote – Voice feedback tool for Docs and Slides. Resource Link 

• Kami – PDF annotation tool for interactive learning. Resource Link 

• Snorkl - Write on iPad cast to projector, and save notes for later. Resource Link

🤝 Collaboration Platforms

• Google Workspace for Education – Docs, Slides, Sheets, Meet, and Drive for collaboration.

• Google Sites – Website builder for teachers to create class hubs with resources, schedules, and assignments.

• BlueSky – Professional educator network emerging as an alternative to Twitter for collaboration and PD. Resource Link 

♿ Accessibility & Inclusion

• Read&Write – Accessibility toolbar providing text-to-speech, speech-to-text, and vocabulary support for inclusive learning. Resource Link 

🌎 Professional & State Community

• Ed Tech 411 (Idaho) – State-level updates on technology adoption and trends. Resource Link 

• Idaho Stem Community - Statewide collaboration network connecting educators and industry. Resource Link 

• Control Alt Achieve (Eric Curts) - Practical Google tools strategies with classroom-ready walkthroughs. Resource Link 

Ed Tech moves fast. This section highlights what’s shifting, what’s gaining momentum, and what’s worth watching — without chasing every shiny object.

🔄 What’s Evolving

• AI is moving from content generation to guided learning.

  • Tools like Study Mode and SchoolAI Spaces focus more on scaffolding thinking rather than just giving answers.

• Cybersecurity & digital literacy are expanding in K–12.

  • More programs (including Skill Struck’s new pathway) are pushing beyond coding into security, ethics, and digital defense.

• Physical computing is expanding beyond CTE.

  • Drones, micro:bits, robotics, and hands-on engineering are increasingly integrated into core classrooms — not just electives.

• Teacher-built AI tools are gaining trust.

  • Platforms like EduGems show a shift toward educator-created AI systems rather than generic public prompts.

👀 What I’m Watching

• Increased emphasis on student privacy and teacher-managed AI environments

• Stronger integration between AI tools and LMS platforms

• Evolving free-tier limitations in popular engagement platforms

• More conference conversations centered on accessibility + AI

• IETA – Presented two sessions on Accessibility in the Classroom
  Idaho GEG – Google tools + classroom innovation
  Invited to present at:

• CSTA (July)

• Iowa Conference (August – tentative)

Because innovation grows when teachers share what works.