Integrating Technology in the Classroom: Insights from EdTech Expert Sam Kary

At Teacher Training UK, we are committed to ensuring that our trainees are equipped with the skills, knowledge, and confidence needed to thrive in modern educational settings. As part of our Level 5 Diploma in Teaching (FE & Skills), trainees regularly learn from leading educational practitioners and specialists.

One such expert is Sam Kary, an ISTE Certified Educator, Google for Education Certified Trainer, and Founder and CEO of New EdTech Classroom. Sam previously delivered an engaging seminar on Integrating Technology in the Classroom, exploring how educators can use technology effectively to enhance teaching, improve engagement, and support learning.

Technology Should Support Teaching, Not Replace It

For many teachers, the thought of introducing new technology into the classroom can feel overwhelming. With so many digital tools available, it can be difficult to know where to begin.

Sam’s message was simple: technology should enable great teaching, not complicate it. The key is to select tools that solve genuine classroom challenges, increase learner engagement, and save valuable time.

Bringing Lessons to Life with Padlet

The session began with an interactive activity using Padlet, a dynamic online bulletin board that allows learners to collaborate and share ideas in real time.

Participants were challenged to find a GIF that represented common classroom engagement challenges, such as boredom, distraction, or lack of participation, and upload it to the shared board. Other participants then had to interpret the meaning behind each image and respond.

The activity demonstrated how a simple digital tool can transform a traditional starter task into an engaging and collaborative learning experience. Rather than passively responding to questions, participants actively interacted with each other's contributions and generated discussion from the outset.

Exploring Digital Tools for Learning

Throughout the seminar, Sam introduced a range of educational technologies designed to address different teaching and learning needs.

Pear Deck

Sam demonstrated how Pear Deck can be used to transform traditional presentation slides into interactive learning experiences. Learners can respond to questions, share ideas, and complete activities directly within the presentation, providing teachers with immediate feedback and insight into student understanding.

This allows teachers to quickly identify learners who may need additional support while ensuring that more confident learners continue to be challenged.

Screencastify

Another tool highlighted was Screencastify, which enables teachers to create video tutorials and demonstrations that students can access at their own pace.

This approach supports independent learning and allows learners to revisit content whenever they need additional guidance, making it particularly valuable for revision, homework, and differentiated learning.

Questions from Participants

What is the best way to get started with educational technology?

Sam recommended beginning with collaborative tools such as Padlet or Nearpod, which provide ready-made templates and simple ways to encourage whole-class participation.

For teachers looking to be more adventurous, he suggested exploring creative projects such as podcasting, which can help learners develop communication, planning, and digital literacy skills.

What tools work well for SEND learners?

Sam highlighted Nearpod as an excellent option for supporting diverse learning needs. Its interactive activities allow learners to respond through visual methods such as dragging and dropping images, reducing barriers to participation and helping make learning more accessible.

What happens when technology goes wrong?

Perhaps one of the most reassuring messages from the session was Sam’s advice to embrace mistakes.

Technology does not always work perfectly, and neither do lessons. Sam encouraged teachers to view challenges as learning opportunities, maintain a sense of humour, and model resilience for their learners.

Learning Through Innovation

The seminar provided an excellent reminder that educational technology is most effective when it is driven by sound pedagogy. The goal is not to use technology for its own sake, but to create richer, more engaging, and more accessible learning experiences.

At Teacher Training UK, trainees regularly explore how digital tools can support planning, assessment, collaboration, feedback, and learner engagement. These practical experiences help develop the confidence needed to integrate technology meaningfully into professional practice.

If you would like to learn more about Sam Kary's work, we encourage you to explore the resources available through New EdTech Classroom and its YouTube channel.

And if you are considering a career in teaching, our Level 5 Diploma in Teaching (FE & Skills) provides extensive opportunities to explore innovative teaching approaches, educational technology, and evidence-informed practice, helping you become the kind of teacher who inspires, motivates, and empowers learners.