A new guide for educators highlights six ed tech tools expected to shape teaching in 2026. The Teacher’s Guide to Tech, updated yearly, curates hundreds of tools and organizes them by use case. This year’s version, now fully web-based, offers real-time updates and removes outdated options to save time for teachers. The guide includes a glossary, tips section, and video demonstrations, making it a go-to resource for classrooms.
Marnie Diem, lead technology specialist for Cult of Pedagogy, helped update the list. She notes the guide’s shift to a subscription model allows for ongoing improvements. “We removed 21 tools last year,” she said. “It’s just as important as adding new ones. A guide full of broken links isn’t helpful.” Subscriptions are available for individuals and schools, with discounts for students and groups.
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One standout tool is Makers Making Change, which lets students build assistive devices for people with disabilities using 3D printing. The platform ties STEM learning to real-world impact, offering programs like “Clubs that Care.” Teachers can integrate projects that foster empathy and problem-solving. “It’s a way to connect lessons to community needs,” Diem explained.
BandLab, a free music creation tool for Chromebooks and computers, mirrors Apple’s GarageBand. It allows teachers to set up virtual classrooms where students collaborate on tracks. The platform supports external instruments and offers tutorials. For music teachers or those exploring creative projects, it’s a low-cost solution.
Brilliant provides free access to teachers through its educator program. It offers problem-solving courses in math, science, and computer science. Teachers can track progress and use the tool for warm-ups or enrichment. The platform simplifies complex concepts, making them engaging for students.
Napkin AI turns text into visuals instantly. Teachers can paste notes or lesson plans, and the tool generates diagrams or charts. Customization and real-time collaboration features make it useful for lessons involving English learners or students with IEPs. “It’s a way to add visuals without extra work,” one educator noted.
An anonymous writing platform lets teachers embed prompts and peer feedback into lessons. Students receive anonymous input, fostering collaboration and critical thinking. The tool also saves grading time by providing instant examples. It’s designed to build confidence in writing across all subjects.
Retro Report, a nonprofit, offers free videos and lesson plans that link historical events to modern issues. Educators can use documentaries on U.S. history, science, or media literacy. The site emphasizes connecting past events to current debates, helping students see relevance in their learning.
User feedback highlights Napkin AI’s value for younger learners. One teacher in Acklins, teaching grades 1–3, called it a “powerful tool for augmentation” within the SAMR model. She plans to test it with students still building literacy skills. Other educators are exploring similar AI tools for visual learning.
The guide’s web-based format ensures it stays current. With 40 new tools added in 2025 and ongoing updates, it’s designed to cut through the noise of ed tech choices. For teachers seeking practical, tested solutions, the list offers a starting point. “It’s exactly what you need,” one educator said, “to get back to teaching.”