Same Tools… New Tricks?

I’ve been at this for a while now—23 years in the edtech world, 16 of them in my current role—and I’ve noticed something that makes me chuckle (and maybe makes me feel just a little old). When I first started as an instructional technology advocate, it felt like every week there was some shiny new tool to try. Everything was fresh, different, exciting. Fast forward two decades, and here I am…still talking about the same tools.

Now, don’t get me wrong—there’s a reason they’ve stuck around. Great tools stand the test of time. Padlet, for example, has been part of my toolkit forever. But the Padlet I was showing teachers back in the day is not the Padlet we have now. It’s evolved, borrowed from other platforms, absorbed the features of things like Flip and Jamboard, and is even dabbling in AI. It’s less a “new tool” at this point and more of a “Swiss Army knife that just keeps adding more gadgets.” (At this rate, I’m expecting Padlet to start brewing coffee.)

The funny part is that it leaves me in this strange spot. On one hand, it’s a win—teachers don’t have to feel like they’re on a hamster wheel of constant change. They can get good at a tool and keep using it for years, even as it adapts. That’s stability, and that’s rare in technology. On the other hand, I sometimes wonder: am I missing something? Are there truly no brand-new tools out there, or have we simply reached a point where the old guard is flexible enough to do everything we need?

Of course, AI is the one big exception. That’s the genuinely “new new” right now—different, disruptive, and not just another feature tacked on to an existing platform. But outside of AI, the pace of new tools has slowed, and that’s got me asking: are we in a golden age of mature, reliable edtech, or is there space waiting for the next big thing?

Either way, I guess the irony is that after 23 years of “keeping up,” I’m still standing in front of teachers, excitedly sharing…Padlet. Maybe the tools aren’t what’s new anymore—it’s the ways we keep using them. Or maybe I really am just getting old. (Let me know if you see Padlet adding a rocking chair feature.)

How I Became a CETL (With a Little Help From AI)

I did it—I became a Certified Education Technology Leader (CETL). For me, this wasn’t just another professional checkbox. After 15 years in the edtech world, it felt like the right moment to test myself, to prove that the vision, leadership, and strategy I’ve been pouring into schools really do align with the national standards for this work. What I didn’t realize at first was just how much of a journey the studying itself would become.

It started with a study group—an incredible group of colleagues who showed up week after week to learn together. We weren’t just running through the exam blueprint; we were sharing stories from the field, trading experiences, and laughing through the stress of it all. I can’t overstate how much I learned from those sessions, and how grateful I am for the people who were part of that community. It reminded me that leadership isn’t a solo sport—it’s about leaning on others, giving back, and growing together.

But eventually, it was time for me to sit down and face the exam prep solo. And here’s where things took a turn I honestly didn’t expect: I recruited ChatGPT as my study partner. Sounds funny, right? But here’s the thing—I didn’t just ask it to spit back definitions. I had it grill me with practice questions, reframe scenarios into “what would you do if you were the CTO” case studies, and even throw me curveballs just to see if I could think through them. I remember saying to myself, this is wild—an AI was helping me sharpen my leadership thinking for a certification exam that I absolutely did not want to fail (especially with the not-so-small financial cost attached).

In the end, signing into that exam room, I felt ready. Not because I had memorized a stack of flashcards, but because I had lived the content—through the wisdom of my study group and the relentless drills with my AI “coach.” Passing the CETL was an incredible relief, but more than that, it was a moment of affirmation. After 15 years in this field, I still love learning, I still love stretching myself, and I still believe this work matters deeply. And now, with the affirmation that I am recognized by COSN as ready to lead in the educational technology sphere, I feel more energized than ever to keep leading, keep innovating, and keep finding new ways—human and AI alike—to spark what’s next in education.

Catching Up: Sparks from the Year

After a long pause on this page, I’m excited to be back sharing some sparks of inspiration from my own journey in education and technology. The past year has been one of those rare seasons where you look up from the day-to-day and realize just how much ground has been covered. The pace has been fast, the projects ambitious, and the impact on students and teachers deeply rewarding. It feels like the right moment to pause, reflect, and let you in on the work that has been shaping my days.

A big focus of my energy has been in guiding our 1:1 learning program into its next chapter. Ten years into this journey, we’ve moved well beyond simply putting devices in students’ hands. Now, the conversation is about how those tools transform teaching, amplify student voice, and open new doors for creativity and access. From developing a strategic plan that honors the past while charting a bold future, to leading teams of educators in thinking about adoption, student experience, professional growth, and community connection—this work has been both humbling and energizing.

Alongside that, I’ve leaned into helping teachers navigate the new realities of AI in education. It’s a space that raises big questions but also opens big possibilities. I’ve found myself coaching teachers on balancing trusted practices with new tools, helping them see AI not as a threat but as a thought partner that can deepen student learning. Whether it’s designing professional learning sessions, testing strategies for meaningful assessment, or presenting at conferences, this has been one of the most exciting and forward-thinking parts of my work.

And perhaps most rewarding has been the chance to connect and reconnect with colleagues across the country. From building professional communities online, to collaborating with peers who are just as passionate about instructional technology as I am, these connections remind me that while the work can be challenging, it’s never done in isolation. There’s a growing sense in education that we’re on the edge of something transformative—and it’s a privilege to contribute to that momentum.

So, as I return to writing here, my hope is to share more of these sparks—small stories, big ideas, and lessons learned along the way. Education has always been about possibility, and right now, the possibilities feel wider than ever. Thanks for sticking with me on this journey.