A Few of My Favorite Tech Tools
June 1, 2026
Shanna’s Go-To Classroom Tech Tools
After 234 episodes of the Tech Tools for Teachers Podcast, I’ve talked about a lot of websites.
A lot.
Over the years, I’ve shared hundreds of tools, and at some point, I’ve used every single one of them in some way with students, teachers, or in my own planning. But there are a handful of tools that I come back to again and again — the ones I use every day, every week, or anytime I need to create something quickly and clearly for my classroom.
For our second-to-last episode, I wanted to share a few of my absolute favorites.
Classroomscreen
Classroomscreen is one of my daily essentials.
It’s a simple classroom management tool that lives on my board almost every day. I use the free version and have never needed to upgrade.
My favorite features include:
- digital clock
- timer
- text box for directions
- randomizer
- group maker
- visual classroom management tools
- beautiful backgrounds from around the world
Since my classroom doesn’t have windows, I love using the backgrounds as a little “window” to the world. I teach social studies, so it’s also a fun way to introduce students to different places.
The timer and text box are the tools I use the most. Whether students are rotating through stations, working in groups, or following a daily to-do list, Classroomscreen keeps everything visible and organized.
Google Slides
I use Google Slides constantly — and not just for presentations.
One of my favorite tricks is changing the slide size. If you go to:
File → Page Setup → Custom
you can make your slide any size you need.
That means Google Slides can become:
- posters
- timelines
- infographics
- newsletters
- study guides
- modified assessments
- visual supports
I especially like using Slides when I need to create or modify materials for students. It’s easy to move text boxes, add images, create visuals, and adjust layouts. For students who need translated materials, visuals, or modified assessments, Google Slides gives me the flexibility I need.
It’s also collaborative, which makes it easy to share with support teachers or other staff who may need to adjust materials for specific students.
Google Vids
Google Vids has become one of my newer go-to tools this year.
I’ve been using it to create short video directions for students so I don’t have to repeat the same instructions over and over again. I can record my screen, walk students through an assignment, and add the video right into the materials they’re already using.
One of my favorite features is the automatic transcript. That makes directions more accessible for students who need to read along or revisit the instructions later.
Google Vids has quickly become a helpful tool for:
- assignment directions
- student support
- visual walkthroughs
- substitute plans
- review videos
Canva
Canva is another tool I use all the time.
Educators can get Canva for free, and it’s incredibly useful for both teachers and students.
I use Canva for:
- posters
- newsletters
- classroom visuals
- family communication
- student projects
- infographics
Students can use Canva to create polished, professional-looking work without spending forever choosing fonts, colors, and images. It also helps teach design skills, like using a color scheme, limiting fonts, and making information easy to read.
Recently, my students used Canva to create posters for a school food drive. They looked professional, the students were proud of their work, and the final products were easy to share and print.
Edutopia
Edutopia is one of my go-to resources for quick professional reading.
I use it when I want practical, teacher-friendly articles on classroom strategies, student engagement, instructional ideas, and education trends. The articles are usually short, helpful, and easy to share with staff.
It’s a great place to find ideas without needing to hand someone a six-page article after a full day of teaching.
Solution Tree
I also use Solution Tree resources often, especially books and teacher guides.
Many of their books include digital resources, reproducibles, and support materials online, which makes it easier to put ideas into practice. As an instructional coach, I’m often looking for resources that help teachers reflect, plan, and try something new without starting from scratch.
A Few Favorite Things
So, if you’ve ever wondered what tools I actually use the most, these are the big ones:
- Classroomscreen
- Google Slides
- Google Vids
- Canva
- Edutopia
- Solution Tree resources
And Fuzz’s favorite? Blob Opera, obviously.
Some tools are fun to try once. Others become part of your everyday teaching life. These are the tools that have stuck with me, saved me time, supported my students, and helped me stay organized.
Go educate and innovate.
Shanna
TECH MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE