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K–12 IT Influencers Share Tech They’re Thankful For

Eight ed tech leaders share gratitude for their favorite hardware and software products in the classroom.

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Rebecca Torchia is a web editor for EdTech: Focus on K–12. Previously, she has produced podcasts and written for several publications in Maryland, Washington, D.C., and her hometown of Pittsburgh.

Educational technologies have gone from fun additions to essential tools. Students, teachers, administrators and entire communities rely on school tech for everything from powering learning to enhancing safety. As the holidays approach, these K–12 IT influencers reflected on some of the key technologies they couldn’t live without.

They share thanks for personal and classroom devices, software tools with myriad learning benefits, and organizations across the country that support ed tech and its users.

Click the banner to explore this year’s list of K–12 IT influencers to follow.

Here’s what they had to say:

K–12 Ed Tech Leaders Appreciate Hardworking Hardware

These IT influencers sang the praises of devices large and small that keep students engaged and teachers on track.

Dee Lanier, lead learning experience designer for Lanier Learning, demonstrates why he loves the Samsung interactive display. Watch his video here.
As director of school pathways in computer science for the New York City Department of Education, Sean Arnold relies on wearable tech to keep up in today’s teaching and learning environment. Watch his video here.
Her cellphone helps keep Zionsville Community Schools tech integration specialist Stevie Frank connected in this highly digital world. Watch her video here.
Suzan Brandt, technology director at Mountain Brook Schools, is thankful for emerging technologies, such as virtual and augmented reality, because they transform abstract ideas and keep students engaged. Watch her video here.

LEARN MORE: Improve your K–12 device ecosystem with these optimization tips.

K–12 IT Experts Value Educational Software Solutions

Other ed tech influencers shared their gratitude for software solutions that promote connection, collaboration, reflection and more.

Nadine Ebri, global education community manager for Minecraft Education, shares her appreciation for Minecraft Education’s ability to transform teaching and learning. Watch her video here.
Software apps that allow teachers and students to be creative are top of mind for Tricia Fuglestad, educator at Arlington Heights School District 25. Watch her video here.
Stormy Daniels, who teaches at El Paso Independent School District, shares gratitude for tools that connect students to the world and to their own learning. Watch her video here.
Kathi Kersznowski spreads the love for many ed tech tools and organizations, including a shout out to her own personal learning network. Watch her video here.