Edtech Throwdown
Episode 215: Streamlining the Classroom – Top Content Creation and Search Tools for Educators
Welcome to the EdTech Throwdown. This is Episode 215 called Streamlining the Classroom – Top Content Creation and Search Tools for Educators. It’s been a while so in this episode we’ll be talking edtech tools as we bring you a list of some of our favorites for content creation and online searching. This is another episode you don’t want to miss. Check it out.
Segment 1:
We haven’t made one of these in a while
Segment 2:
Episode 215: Content Creation & Search
Consumer Insight & Ideation
- answerthepublic.com
- Tool Breakdown: Research & AI Insights Name of the Tool: AnswerThePublic URL: https://answerthepublic.com Description: A search listening tool that visualizes search questions and suggested autocomplete searches in an image called a search cloud. It helps users understand what people are asking about any specific topic. Main Purpose: For teachers to discover student inquiry trends or for admins to research community concerns. Cost: Freemium Discount Codes: None currently available Login Required: Optional (Limited searches without login) Throwdown Grade: A-
- googpt.ai
- Description: A hybrid search engine that combines Google Search results with ChatGPT’s conversational AI answers. It provides a side-by-side view of web links and AI summaries. Main Purpose: Efficient research for teachers and students. Cost: Free Discount Codes: None currently available Login Required: No Throwdown Grade: A-
- Why: Both tools focus on understanding search intent and generating ideas based on what people are asking online.
Audio & Video AI
- elevenlabs.io
- Name of the Tool: ElevenLabs URL: https://elevenlabs.io Description: An advanced AI audio platform that offers lifelike text-to-speech and voice cloning in dozens of languages. It is widely considered the industry leader for natural-sounding AI voices. Main Purpose: Creating accessible audio versions of lessons or narrating classroom presentations. Cost: Freemium Discount Codes: None currently available Login Required: Yes Throwdown Grade: A
- invideo.io
- Name of the Tool: InVideo URL: https://invideo.io Description: A powerful AI-driven video creation platform that can turn a script or an idea into a fully edited video with stock footage, voiceovers, and music. Main Purpose: School marketing, news shows, or student presentations. Cost: Freemium Discount Codes: None currently available Login Required: Yes Throwdown Grade: A
- Why: High-end generative media tools; one specializes in realistic voice synthesis, the other in AI-driven video production.
Niche Media Search
- playphrase.me
- Description: A search engine for movie clips. Type in any common phrase, and the site will instantly play a sequence of movie scenes where that exact phrase is spoken. Main Purpose: Language arts teachers or anyone looking for the perfect movie clip for a lesson. Cost: Freemium Discount Codes: None currently available Login Required: Optional Throwdown Grade: A-
- eaglercraft.com
- Description: A web-based version of Minecraft that can be played directly in a browser. It is often used by students to bypass local installation restrictions. Main Purpose: Creative building and logic puzzles (use with discretion!). Cost: Free Discount Codes: None currently available Login Required: No Throwdown Grade: B- (High distraction risk)
- Why: Media-centric entertainment tools—one searches for movie dialogue, the other provides a browser-based gaming experience.
Visual Brainstorming
- napkin.ai
- Name of the Tool: Napkin AI URL: https://napkin.ai Description: An AI-powered design tool that turns text descriptions into professional-looking diagrams and visuals instantly. It is designed to help “visualize” thoughts during the writing process. Main Purpose: Teachers creating visual aids and flowcharts for complex concepts. Cost: Freemium Discount Codes: None currently available Login Required: Yes Throwdown Grade: A
- imagineexplainers.com
- Name of the Tool: Imagine Explainers URL: https://imagineexplainers.com Description: A tool that creates visual explainer videos and animations from text. It is designed to simplify complex topics through storytelling and movement. Main Purpose: Teachers creating flipped classroom content. Cost: Paid Discount Codes: None currently available Login Required: Yes Throwdown Grade: B+
- Why: These tools focus on turning abstract ideas or text into visual diagrams and explanations.
Tool Directories
- commontools.org
- Name of the Tool: Common Tools URL: commontools.org Description: A portal providing various online utility tools like calculators, unit converters, and text manipulators. It is a simple, no-frills site for daily digital tasks. Main Purpose: General classroom utility for quick math or text conversions. Cost: Free Discount Codes: None currently available Login Required: No Throwdown Grade: B
- onlinetools.com
- Name of the Tool: Online Tools URL: https://onlinetools.com Description: A massive hub of simple, browser-based utilities for developers and casual users, ranging from text formatting to image manipulation. Main Purpose: General digital organization and quick file fixes. Cost: Free Discount Codes: None currently available Login Required: No Throwdown Grade: B+
- Why: Resource hubs that provide a massive collection of small, utility-based web apps for daily tasks.
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Music Credits:
- Intro and Outro Music- American Idle – RKVC
- Segment Identifiers- Duck in the Alley – TrackTribe
- Edtech Throwdown- Born a Rockstar (Instrumental) – NEFEX
Need a Presenter?
As experienced presenters and content creators, you can contact Nick and Guise to speak at your school, event, or conference. They can customize a workshop that meets your organization’s unique time and content needs. While no topic is out of bounds, we are best known for sessions on:
- AI For Teachers, Admin, and Parents
- 1:1 Chromebook Integration
- EdTech Throwdown
- TargetED Learning
- Gamification (Badge Systems)
- Game-Based Learning (Escape Rooms, Amazing Race, and more)
- Google apps and extensions
- Personalized learning and Choice Boards
- Teacher productivity (Lesson Planning, Online Grading. and Feedback)
- Digital content creation
- Student Podcasting
- Screencasting
- Flipped Classroom
- Student-Centered Learning