AI is everywhere in education—but clarity isn’t.

I’m joined by Derek Tranchina, creator of TrafficLiteEdu, to unpack one of the biggest challenges schools are facing right now: not whether to use AI, but how to use it well. The real issue isn’t the tools—it’s the confusion around expectations, boundaries, and purpose.

Derek shares how the TrafficLiteEdu framework helps schools bring clarity to AI use through a simple, practical approach—giving educators and students a shared language for what’s acceptable, what’s not, and what falls somewhere in between.

If your school is struggling with mixed messages, inconsistent policies, or hesitation around AI, this conversation will help you cut through the noise and focus on what actually matters.

Because in the end, it’s not about banning or embracing AI—it’s about being clear.

In this episode of House of #EdTech, Chris Nesi explores a powerful idea that could shape the next era of education technology: connectedness. While many conversations about innovation focus on tools, platforms, and artificial intelligence, Chris zooms out to examine the deeper force that has always driven meaningful change in education.

From the early days of a single classroom computer to today's globally connected learning environments, technology has steadily expanded our ability to connect students, educators, ideas, and opportunities. Chris challenges listeners to think critically about how connection—not just devices—will influence the next generation of learning experiences. The episode invites educators to reflect on how they can intentionally design more connected classrooms, communities, and learning networks in 2026 and beyond.

Education technology has changed dramatically over the years.

Connectedness in education goes beyond Wi-Fi and devices.

Rather than replacing traditional learning experiences, technology can serve as a bridge, connecting learners to knowledge, people, and perspectives that were previously out of reach.

As technology continues to evolve, educators face an important challenge:

Are we using technology simply because it exists, or are we using it to create meaningful connections?

Chris encourages listeners to reflect on their own classrooms and ask:

1. How connected are my students to the world around them?
2. How connected am I to other educators?
3. How can technology strengthen learning relationships?

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.

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:

1. For every 80% of the time students spend consuming information
2. 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.

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:

1. Faster than typing
2. More personal and human
3. Accessible through audio + transcription

Level-Up Question:

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

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

Use it to:

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

Level-Up Question:

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

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

Classroom possibilities include:

1. Infographics and explainer visuals
2. Digital portfolios
3. Ethical media creation and storytelling

Level-Up Question:

Are students creating content — or just consuming it?

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

Why they work:

1. Immediate insight into student understanding
2. No extra grading
3. Increased accountability without pressure

Level-Up Question:

How often do you