Autumn is the perfect time to tidy up your digital life, organize what’s working, and bring some crisp fall energy to your classroom. The air is finally crisp, the pumpkin spice is flowing, and your classroom routines have likely found their rhythm. And, by October, you’ve survived the back-to-school whirlwind and settled into the semester. But that also means your tech tools, digital spaces, and teaching habits might be in need of a little ed tech refresh.
Here are a few ways to get started:
1. Clear the Clutter
You’ve probably told your students to clean up their desks—now it’s your turn. A cluttered Google Drive or a chaotic Canvas dashboard can zap your energy faster than an early autumn sun-down.
Take an hour this week to delete duplicate files, archive old lessons, and organize your digital folders. Think of it as part of your fall cleaning routine, just made digital.
Pro tip: If a resource hasn’t sparked learning joy this semester, it’s time to file it away or let it go (enter your own ice castle joke here.)
2. Refresh Your Routines
Sometimes a small shift in your tech use can make your classroom feel brand new. Try revisiting your LMS or favorite management tools to see what could use a seasonal tune-up.
Update your Google Classroom topics to better reflect current units or streamline your current systems to emphasize collaboration. You could even create a new fall check-in form for student feedback! It’s an easy way to take the temperature of your class and adjust before things get too hectic.
You might also consider adding a weekly reflection form or a mood meter check-in via Google Forms or Microsoft Forms profiles. You might be surprised what insights students share when they have a digital space to reflect.
Bonus: Make sure to add a cute fall banner courtesy of Canva or Adobe Express for extra fall vibes!
3. Warm Up to New Tools
Fall is also the perfect time to bring something new to the table. And no, I don’t mean another casserole… Now’s the time to try a new classroom tool or creative project!
Here are a few that pair perfectly with the season:
- Canva for Education: Have students design gratitude cards, digital posters, or cozy classroom décor.
- Book Creator: Encourage students to craft short digital stories inspired by autumn changes, family traditions, or classroom themes.
- Padlet or Wakelet: Build collaborative fall reflection walls or collect class resources in one warm, shared space.
Try adopting one new tool a week. The goal isn’t to overhaul your whole system—it’s just to sprinkle in a little digital spice to keep students engaged.
4. Reflect and Reset
After the first grading period, fall is a great moment to pause and reflect on what’s truly working. Dive into your tool analytics (like Edpuzzle or Nearpod) to see where students are most engaged.
Ask yourself:
- Which tools are genuinely enhancing learning?
- Which ones feel like more work than they’re worth?
- How can I simplify my workflow moving forward?
Make a quick Tech Gratitude List of three tools that make your life easier or your students’ learning richer. You’ll be surprised how focusing on what’s helpful, instead of what’s overwhelming, can reset your mindset for the rest of the semester.
Wrapping Up
You don’t need a total reboot this autumn, just a gentle refresh. By decluttering, fine-tuning, and experimenting with new ideas, you can make your digital classroom as cozy and efficient as your favorite fall sweater. So grab that spiced chai or PSL, take a deep breath, and give your ed tech a refresh. When your classroom feels organized and inspired, your students will too!