Stop Collecting EdTech Tools - HOET271

What if becoming a better technology-using educator had less to do with learning new tools and more to do with knowing which ones to stop using?

There's always another app, another platform, and another AI tool competing for our attention. But is all that technology actually improving teaching and learning?

In Episode 271 of House of #EdTech, Chris Nesi challenges educators to rethink their relationship with educational technology. Being innovative doesn't mean adopting every new tool or constantly reinventing your classroom. It means making thoughtful decisions about the technology you use and the value it provides.

We'll explore how technology overload affects teachers and students, why starting with a tool instead of an instructional problem can lead to unnecessary complexity, and how to evaluate the technology already in your classroom.

You'll also get a practical challenge: Conduct an EdTech Audit and decide what to KEEP, RETHINK, or RETIRE.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD A 1-PAGE EDTECH TOOL AUDIT

You don't need to eliminate everything. You don't need to replace everything. You just need to make sure your technology has a purpose.

Your challenge: Eliminate one tool, simplify one workflow, or improve one thing about the technology you're already using.

Because the goal isn't to use the most technology. It's to use the right technology for the right reasons.

YOU'LL LEARN

By listening to this episode, you'll discover:

• Why educators feel pressure to keep up with every new technology tool.
• The difference between being aware of technology and using it effectively.
• How too many platforms can complicate teaching and learning.
• Why students shouldn't have to navigate unnecessary technology just to demonstrate what they've learned.
• How to approach technology decisions by identifying instructional problems first.
• Why adding technology to an inefficient workflow doesn't automatically improve it.
• How to conduct a practical EdTech Audit.
• Five questions to ask when evaluating your classroom technology.
• How to decide whether to KEEP, RETHINK, or RETIRE a tool.
• Three ways to make an immediate improvement to your technology use.

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2026 House of #EdTech Smackdown

The annual community opportunity to participate, contribute ideas, and celebrate the people and resources making a difference in education.

Submit your entry by email or audio (preferred) by December 12, 2026.