The 2015 Honor Roll: EdTech’s Must-Read K–12 IT Blogs
The world of educational technology can be intimidating. Bloggers help make sense of this ever-changing industry with wit, insight and tactical advice. EdTech is proud to recognize this latest crop of the top K–12 IT bloggers.
This year's 50 entries are a mix of veterans from years past, fresh picks by our editorial staff and nominations from readers.
One of our goals for this year's list was to highlight blogs from a wide range of educators and experts. From innovative teachers to statewide school tech directors and technology departments at individual schools, this year's list is EdTech's most diverse ever.
If you'd like to check out the Must-Read IT Blogs from previous years, view our lists from 2014, 2013 and 2012.
Did your blog make our list? Be sure to grab a Must-Read IT Blog badge and give your site an award for this momentous achievement! You can also bookmark this list as a launch pad for exploring new content on these blogs as they amass even more great posts throughout the year.
21st Century EdTech
This year, educational technology guru and speaker Michael Gorman led a prolific eight-part series covering more than 70 STEM classroom resources. Along with his STEM tips, Gorman also highlights the effectiveness of project-based learning. All of his posts focus on methods to bring education into the 21st century.
Follow: @mjgormans | Read the blog: https://21centuryedtech.wordpress.com/
A Principal's Reflections
Thousands of educators look to Eric Sheninger and his blog for leadership in technology. Eric, an author and a senior fellow at the International Center for Leadership in Education, writes about how digital leadership can engage students, faculty and parents using new channels of communication.
Follow: @e_sheninger | Read the blog: http://esheninger.blogspot.com/
Adjusting Course
Here's a blog from a principal leading change in his school. Brad Gustafson's face can be seen at the start of all of Greenwood Elementary School's student-led videos. These videos are incorporated into Gustafson's blog, which also features many of his appearances on educational technology-focused podcasts.
Follow: @gustafsonbrad | Read the blog: https://adjustingcourse.wordpress.com/
ADM Technology Blog
Take a look behind the scenes of a K–12 school district's technology team. Faculty of Iowa’s Adel DeSoto Minburn School District regularly update their corner of the Web with their take on devices in schools and the potential for technology in education.
Follow: @ADMNewsNEvents | Read the blog: https://admtechnology.wordpress.com/
Alice Keeler
Google's education solutions just keep expanding. Thankfully, there's Alice Keeler, a Google Certified Teacher and self-described super-nerd. Keeler's Teacher Tech blog helps make sense of the maze of updates the search-engine giant pumps out every few months. Keeler has more than 50 tips for Google Classroom under her belt, with an e-book on that series in progress.
Follow: @AliceKeeler | Read the blog: http://www.alicekeeler.com
BHS Technology Blog
Go behind-the-scenes of a digital learning environment in action. The Barbers Hill Independent School District's Technology blog features posts on how devices are affecting schools, from Google Hangouts in class to the power of tablets in lessons. Also, students lend their perspectives on technology through these posts. Don't miss this ground-level view of technology integration in elementary schools.
Follow: @BHISDtechnology | Read the blog: http://bhtechnology.blogspot.com/
BYOT Network
This is a blog from the mind of Dr. Tim Clark, director of learning innovation of the K–12 digital learning platform SAFARI Montage. BYOT Network is all about empowering teachers to transform classrooms into learning communities with technology.
Follow: @BYOTnetwork | Read the blog: http://byotnetwork.com/
Catlin Tucker
Catlin Tucker is a Google-certified high-school teacher who is fascinated with how technology can complement traditional classroom instruction. Through her blog, Tucker reviews the latest developments in blended learning along with reflections on what's working, or not working, when it comes to teaching strategies in high school.
Follow: @Catlin_Tucker | Read the blog: http://catlintucker.com/
Class Tech Integrate
A relative newcomer to the educational technology social scene, elementary school educator Mickey McFetridge has made waves with his platform how-tos. McFetridge's blog posts gravitate to topics that help orient educators to new technologies. Look to his blog to cut to the chase on what's new and what's proved useful in the classroom.
Follow: +MickeyMcFetridge | Read the blog: http://classtechintegrate.blogspot.com/
Class Tech Tips
Former educator Monica Burns took her experience integrating technology for Common Core State Standards and became a professional consultant. Her blog features lessons from her experiences, along with the apps, tools and advice that teachers can arm themselves with to help grapple with the changing landscape of classroom technology.
Follow: @ClassTechTips | Read the blog: http://classtechtips.com/
Cool Cat Teacher
Vicki Davis is, in her own words, one cool cat. She’s a teacher and the IT director at Westwood Schools in Camilla, Ga., and a co-author of Flattening Classrooms, Engaging Minds. Her blog spotlights cool tools and apps for teachers, but one of its best features is her daily curation of ed-tech news.
Follow: @CoolCatTeacher | Read the blog: http://www.coolcatteacher.com/
Dangerously Irrelevant
Led by Scott McLeod, director of innovation at Prairie Lakes Area Education Agency in Iowa, Dangerously Irrelevant guides readers through the power of leadership through technology. The blog's catchy title comes from the concept of institutions like schools being slower to adapt to the rapid pace of change that comes with technology.
Follow: @McLeod | Read the blog: http://dangerouslyirrelevant.org/
Dy/Dan
Former math teacher Dan Meyer uses his blog to share news, trends and insights in math education. This blog is a great resource for those looking to learn more about how technology is changing math education.
Follow: @ddmeyer | Read the blog: http://blog.mrmeyer.com/
EdTech Teacher
Led by a diverse team of 16 instructors from across the country, this blog condenses tools and advice that teachers can immediately take back to their classrooms to empower their lessons through technology.
Follow: @EdTechTeacher21 | Read the blog: http://edtechteacher.org/blog/
EdTech Team
EdTechTeam, a California Benefit Corporation, gathers input from a variety of experts who are dedicated to improving education systems using technology. Its blog allows the network’s members to speak out on themes in educational technology.
Follow: @EdTechTeam | Read the blog: http://blog.edtechteam.com/
EdTechnocation
Michael Fricano, an educational technology integration specialist in Hawaii, uses his blog to help orient teachers on the largest platforms of the day, including Google Classroom and YouTube. EdTechnocation features tutorials and workshops, both video and text, that can help any teacher get the hang of the latest technologies.
Follow: @EdTechnocation | Read the blog: http://technocation.blogspot.com/
Educational Technology and Mobile Learning
Author and Web 2.0 researcher Med Kharbach rounds up tools and interesting resources for educators in social media and mobile technology. If you’re looking for a good app, this is the place to start your search.
Follow: @MedKH9 | Read the blog: http://www.educatorstechnology.com/
Educator Innovator
This blog, powered by the National Writing Project, hosts an expanding community of educators, partners and supporters interested in fostering the growth of young innovators. Posts focus on great examples of connected learning and open education in the classroom.
Follow: @innovates_ed | Read the blog: http://educatorinnovator.org/blog/
EduTech 4 Teachers
Educational technology specialist Jamie Forshey brings some color to the world of classroom technology solutions. Her blog features innovative teaching methods powered by technology. Whether the news of the day is apps, pedagogy or digital media, Forshey has something to add to the conversation.
Follow: @edutech20 | Read the blog: http://edutech4teachers.edublogs.org/
eTools for Language Teachers
Educators today have to look beyond the material in their textbooks to teach students. Using videos and apps that facilitate French lessons, Canadian elementary school teacher Sylvia Duckworth makes learning fun and engaging. Her digital resource blog includes tutorials on how to create creative digital classroom materials.
Follow: @SylviaDuckworth | Read the blog: http://mmeduckworth.blogspot.com/
Free Technology 4 Teachers
Richard Bryne, a Google-certified teacher and ed tech consultant, offers educators a variety of resources and insights on technology tools. He also tends to be prolific, offering several updates a day, so check in regularly if you want to stay on top of his content!
Follow: @RMByrne | Read the blog: http://www.freetech4teachers.com/
Hack Education
Intrepid freelance writer Audrey Watters has set her sights on shining a light on the monsters of educational technology . She is working on a book about the history of educational technology, and every now and then, she gives readers a glimpse of her work in progress.
Follow: @audreywatters | Read the blog: http://hackeducation.com/
Ignition EDU
Look no further than Wanda Terral's blog if you need some quick tech tips on classroom software. Terral is an instructional technology specialist at Lakeland School System in Tennessee. Her blog is filled with brief guides and advice on using Google tools in the classroom.
Follow: @Wterral | Read the blog: http://ignitionedu.com/
iLearn Technology
Kelly Tenkely is a former teacher turned edtech entrepreneur, she's also the founder of a PreK-9th grade school, Anastasis Academy. iLearnTechnology is all about her experiences with technologies being integrated into the classroom. She also reviews technology and apps that can inspire students and make learning easier.
Follow: @KTenkely | Read the blog: http://ilearntechnology.com/
Indiana Jen
Staying on top of the latest trends in educational technology can be a headache. That’s why it’s reassuring that there are bloggers like Jennifer Carey, the director of education technology at Ransom Everglades School, keeping readers up-to-date with tips, tricks and news on the ever-evolving educational technology landscape.
Follow: @TeacherJenCarey | Read the blog: http://indianajen.com/
Innovative Educator
Lisa Nielsen, a longtime public school educator and author, uses her blog to explore new learning methods and to shine a light on educational inefficiencies and deficiencies. Nielsen also leads Google Hangouts sessions with fellow educators and information technologists on their experiences with innovative classroom tech tools.
Follow: @InnovativeEDU | Read the blog: http://theinnovativeeducator.blogspot.com
Innovative Learning in the PYP
A blog from overseas, Jocelyn Sutherland's corner of the Internet covers her experiences teaching primary year students through tablets and other pieces of classroom technology. She also has an active YouTube channel featuring videos shot and edited by her students.
Follow: @JKSuth | Read the blog: http://jocelynsutherland.com/
Instructional Tech Talk
When you're on the go, but still want to keep in touch with education technology, Jeff Herb has you covered. An high school associate principal, Herb has a blog and podcast that cover the latest in industry news. They also feature tips and tricks with apps and technology It’s perfect material to learn, try and then incorporate into a classroom environment.
Follow: @JeffHerb | Read the blog: http://instructionaltechtalk.com/
Kleinspiration
Erin Klein knows how to create 21st century learning environments. As a K–12 teacher with a background in business, she knows the value that comes from infusing technology with education. Kleinspiration is her way of giving back to those who taught her — connecting traditions and technologies for the next generation of thinkers.
Follow: @KleinErin | Read the blog: http://www.kleinspiration.com/
Learning is Leading
Kyle Pace is a popular force on Twitter, known for leading conversations on digital literacy among educators. Pace is an instructional technology specialist and Google Certified teacher, whose blog, Learning is Leading, has quickly become one of the most influential in the educational blogosphere.
Follow: @kylepace | Read the blog: http://kylepace.com/
Mr. Library Dude
Get a peek at the life of a modern librarian. Reference and instruction librarian Joe Hardenbrook's blog covers his experiences in a library evolving to suit new needs, like 3D printers, modern research methods and information literacy.
Follow: @MrLibraryDude | Read the blog: https://mrlibrarydude.wordpress.com/
My Paperless Classroom
Sam Patterson EDD works in Palo Alto at the Gideon Hausner Jewish Day School as a K-5 technology integration specialist and chief robot wrangler.
Follow: @SamPatue | Read the blog: http://www.mypaperlessclassroom.com/
Rapid e-Learning
Tom Kuhlmann leads the community end of Articulate, a software development company that helps teachers build e-learning courses. His blog facilitiates this by sharing the secret formulas to becoming an e-learning pro.
Follow: @TomKuhlmann | Read the blog: http://www.articulate.com/rapid-elearning/
Reading By Example
Matt Renwick, an elementary school principal in Wisconsin, is a passionate voice for innovation and leadership in education, particularly in the area of digital literacy. He’s also an EdTech: Focus on K–12 contributor.
Follow: @ReadByExample | Read the blog: http://readingbyexample.com/
Shake Up Learning
In a very short span of time, Kasey Bell's adorable education blog has seized the attention of thousands. Bell, a Google-certified instructional technology consultant with a ton of personality, often leads the charge to help educators understand Google-based tools. Her blog also features fun ways to incorporate technology into the classroom without it getting in the way of the learning process.
Follow: @ShakeUPLearning | Read the blog: http://www.shakeuplearning.com/blog
SmartBlog on Education
When it comes to staying on top of all things education technology, there's one site that has its hand in a bit of everything. SmartBrief's education blog features posts from its readers, and senior editor Melissa Greenwood manages its content.
Follow: @SBEducation | Read the blog: http://smartblogs.com/education
Smarter School Project
The Smarter Schools Project's blog shines a light on fresh ways today's educators are using technology to advance learning. Feast on a series of teacher success stories, tutorials and case studies on classroom technology that works.
Follow: @SmarterSchls | Read the blog: http://smarterschoolsproject.com/blog
Steve Hargadon
If you’re looking for an ed-tech leader with street cred, Steve Hargadon is your man. He’s the “director of the Web 2.0 Labs, host of the Future of Education interview series, chair of the Social Learning Summit and the Learning 2.0 Conference, and co-chair of the annual Global Education and Library 2.0 worldwide conferences.” Oh, and he blogs, too.
Follow: @SteveHargadon | Read the blog: http://www.stevehargadon.com/
Super Coding Power
Here's a blog from an educator experimenting with modern classroom technologies like 3D printing and robotics. Posts often feature day-in-the-life details about guiding students on using these tools and lessons learned from these experiences. This blog is not to be missed by educators looking for fresh ideas on integrating STEM concepts in the classroom.
Follow: @JMakaz | Read the blog: http://supercodingpower.blogspot.com/
te@chThought
An aggregated-content blog with a number of specialties, including tablets in the classroom, Common Core standards, and helpful tips for teachers of all grades. Te@chThought also serves as a spotlight for trends and broad issues facing teachers today, such as MOOCs.
Follow: @TeachThought | Read the blog: http://www.teachthought.com/
Teacher Cast
Teacher Cast is part blog, part podcast and all educational technology. Jeff Bradbury, an educational consultant and music teacher, hosts discussions on the latest in the industry and technology shortcuts with guest experts. His blog is a landing page for his podcast and a place to drop his thoughts and tips on navigating the waters of educational technology.
Follow: @TeacherCast | Read the blog: http://www.teachercast.net/education/teachercast-educational-blog/
Teacher Reboot Camp
Shelly Terrell is an inspirational teacher trainer and international speaker who educates readers of her blog on the latest classroom technologies that enhance learning. She is also the founder of the 30 Goals Challenge, a site that helps educators achieve success with 1-3 short-term goals, and the co-founder of the #EdChat Twitter hashtag.
Follow: @ShellTerrell | Read the blog: http://shellyterrell.com/
Teaching Techie Teens
Cruise on over to Rebecca Davies' blog for a peek at modern education on the Sunshine Coast of Australia. Davies reviews apps and digital platforms and chimes in on technologies that work in her classroom.
Follow: @BecDavies00 | Read the blog: http://rebecca-davies.net/
The Daring Librarian
Who says librarians can’t have fun? Gwyneth Jones is a middle school teacher and librarian who describes herself as the “Lady Gaga of EdTech” on Twitter. Jones’ blog, which she decorates with cartoon versions of herself, is a delight both for the eyes and for the mind.
Follow: @GwynethJones | Read the blog: http://www.thedaringlibrarian.com/
The Mobile Native
Scott Newcomb, a fourth-grade teacher at St. Marys Intermediate School in Ohio, welcomed students’ smartphones and other mobile computing devices into his classroom several years ago. He speaks frequently about the benefits of mobile learning at industry conferences and in webinars and uses his blog to share mobile learning resources that he has found helpful or that he has created.
Follow: @SNewco | Read the blog: http://www.themobilenative.org/
The True Adventures of an Instructional Technology Facilitator
Armed with years of observing the evolving landscape of libraries, Nikki D. Robertson is the co-founder of EdCampATL and a school librarian turned instructional technology facilitator. Her blog focuses on the power of technology in local libraries and the new ways students are engaging with it.
Follow: @NikkiDRobertson | Read the blog: http://www.nikkidrobertson.com/
There Is No Box
The boundaries of instruction and education exist only in our heads. On his blog, Andrew Schwab, an educator and a self-described “IT guy,” is busy “thinking out loud” about all things ed-tech
Follow: @AnotherSchwab | Read the blog: http://anotherschwab.com/
Thoughts On All Things EduTechie
What's the intersection of today's technologies and today's classrooms? That's the focus of many posts on Julie Davis' blog. A technology coach, Davis can also often be found on Twitter engaging in one of the site's many active educational technology-focused chats, sharing her experiences.
Follow: @Chargerrific | Read the blog: http://techhelpful.blogspot.com
Tom Murray
A major influencer through his leadership at the Alliance for Excellent Education in Washington, D.C., Murray helps lead the charge on digital learning initiatives across the country.
Follow: @ThomasCMurray | Read the blog: http://www.thomascmurray.com/#!blog/ck0u
Web 2.0 Classroom
You're probably already following Steven W. Anderson on Twitter. If not, his blog is a great peek inside the brain of the man who has become the last word in educational technology on social media. Anderson left his full-time job as director of instructional technology to fully embrace speaking to educators about the power of technology in the classroom. His tweets — and retweets — are not to be missed!
Follow: @Web20Classroom | Read the blog: http://blog.web20classroom.org
