To celebrate the start of the new academic year, Evolve EdTech launched its first live workshop of 2025, Smart Start 2025: 25 EdTech Tips for Teachers. Presented by Tristan Heron, this engaging session provided educators with a practical and inspiring overview of how to integrate educational technology with purpose, confidence and creativity throughout the school year.

Whether you're an experienced tech user or just starting your digital journey, this workshop was designed to offer something for everyone — from classroom teachers and school leaders to support staff and tech coaches.

What Was Covered?

Across 26 (yes, 26!) practical tips, Tristan explored how educators can maximise impact and efficiency with tools they already have, while also showcasing innovative platforms and strategies to explore in 2025. Each tip was accompanied by practical examples, tool suggestions, and implementation advice tailored to classroom and school-wide contexts.

Here’s a brief snapshot of what was shared:

🔑 Key Workshop Highlights

1. Set up a Digital Classroom Hub
Using platforms like Google Classroom or Microsoft Teams to centralise communication, streamline workflow and improve transparency with students, parents and colleagues.

2. Develop a Class Website
Design an open-access site using Google Sites or similar platforms to host announcements, learning materials and resources that can be accessed any time, anywhere.

3. Create Reusable Templates
Use tools like Canva and Google Slides to build professional templates for newsletters, lesson plans, and worksheets that save time and standardise communication.

4. Organise Digital Resources
Streamline your resource library with tools like Wakelet or Google Drive, supported by clear naming conventions and folder systems.

5. Incorporate Gamification
Boost engagement with platforms such as Kahoot!, Quizizz, Blooket or Gimkit to transform lessons into interactive learning experiences.

6. Explore AI Tools for Planning
Automate repetitive tasks and support differentiated learning with tools like MagicSchool AI, ChatGPT, SchoolAI and TeachMateAI.

7. Implement Multimedia Content
Enhance comprehension and cater to varied learning styles by embedding images, videos, GIFs and audio using Canva, Book Creator and YouTube.

8. Use Screen Recording Tools
Create bite-sized lesson tutorials with Loom or Screencastify to support absent students or reinforce learning.

9. Use Timers for Productivity
Keep lessons on track with tools like Online Stopwatch, Google Timer or Evolve EdTech’s custom YouTube timers.

10. Explore Interactive Whiteboards
Use platforms like Microsoft Whiteboard, FigJam or Canva’s whiteboard feature to replace traditional boards with dynamic collaborative spaces.

11. Use Digital Portfolios
Platforms like Seesaw, Google Sites and Wakelet empower students to reflect on and track their learning over time.

12. Leverage Content Creation Tools
Create engaging visuals and interactive media using Canva, Animoto, Pixton and Powtoon.

13. Launch a Class Podcast
Foster student voice and creativity with podcast tools like Podbean, Audacity or GarageBand.

14. Integrate Formative Assessment Tools
Use tools like Google Forms, Socrative and Plickers to collect and act on real-time learning data.

15. Use Interactive Storytelling Apps
Explore student creativity and comprehension with apps such as Book Creator, Pixton and Storyboard That.

16. Try Live Polling
Gauge student opinion or understanding with Mentimeter, Poll Everywhere or embedded Canva polls.

17. Create Flipped Classroom Materials
Use Edpuzzle or Loom to deliver content before lessons, freeing up class time for active learning.

18. Build Custom Rubrics
Design and digitise rubrics using Google Docs, Rubistar or AI-generated templates with ChatGPT.

19. Develop Interactive eBooks
Use Book Creator, Google Slides or Canva to design eBooks embedded with media and quizzes.

20. Create Vocabulary Games
Gamify literacy learning with Quizlet, Wordwall and Blooket for deeper vocabulary retention.

21. Adopt a Digital Planner
Go paperless with planning tools like Planboard, Google Sheets or Microsoft OneNote.

22. Use a Password Manager
Stay secure and organised with LastPass, 1Password or Google Password Manager.

23. Set Up a Digital Assessment System
Streamline your quiz and test workflow with Google Forms, Microsoft Forms or Quizziz.

24. Commit to Professional Development
Stay current through the Innovative EdTech workshop series or Evolve EdTech’s YouTube tutorials and blog.

25. Use Virtual Bulletin Boards
Encourage collaboration with tools like Padlet, FigJam and Wakelet.

Bonus Tip: Leverage Video Editing Tools
Empower students to create digital artefacts of learning using Canva Video, Animoto or Google Vids.

🧭 Key Takeaways for 2025

To wrap up, the session closed with three important reminders for educators looking to thrive in an edtech-rich classroom:

1. Plan with Purpose – Use tools that align with learning goals.

2. Foster Engagement – Create inclusive, collaborative and meaningful experiences.

3. Encourage Growth – Equip students with the digital literacy and lifelong learning skills they need for the future.

If you would like to learn more and check out the Smart Start 2025: 25 EdTech Tips for Teachers presentation recording, click on the video below:

Stay Connected with Evolve EdTech

If you're feeling inspired and ready to take on 2025 with new digital confidence, be sure to stay connected with Evolve EdTech:

• Visit: www.evolveedtech.com

• Subscribe to our YouTube channel

• Follow along on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and TikTok

For even more professional learning, don’t forget to check out our free digital conference over at TheTechReadyTeacher.com, where you can access 10 on-demand sessions focused on AI, Google Workspace, classroom tools and more.