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Adam Sparks

@adamsparks.bsky.social
573 followers 297 following 80 posts

Learner, teacher, traveler. Former 6-12 SS and ELA teacher. Co-founder of @scriblitapp.bsky.social. LDT @StanfordED. From Louisville, NE. Go Big Red 🌽

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Reposted by Adam Sparks
Scriblit (formerly Short Answer) @scriblitapp.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
Check out Skill Builders in Scriblit! Skill Builders make it easy to give students targeted writing practice on 150+ skills using the content you’re already teaching. Check out our quick tutorial 👇 app.arcade.software/share/smuGSw...
app.arcade.software
Create and Launch Skill Builders in Scriblit
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Adam Sparks @adamsparks.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
Really enjoyed talking about connection, collaboration, AI, and writing instruction with @catlintucker.com Check it out here: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/t...
podcasts.apple.com
Beyond the AI Debate: Designing for Connection, Collaboration, and Better Writing with Adam Sparks
Podcast Episode · The Balance, by Dr. Catlin Tucker · September 22 · 56m
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Scriblit (formerly Short Answer) @scriblitapp.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
Did you know you can share Scriblit activities with other teachers? 👀 If you create something that works well, send it to your grade-level team, department, or a colleague so they can use it too. Share what’s working. Save time. Write better, together. app.arcade.software/share/njSbow...
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Adam Sparks @adamsparks.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
I've been doing my best to push back against the wave of anti-edtech panic. A few weeks ago, I joined the One-to-One podcast to discuss what the research says and more: youtu.be/kIuGx4wlAGk?...
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Adam Sparks @adamsparks.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
Had a blast sharing @scriblitapp.bsky.social with the Arizona English Teachers Association fall conference this weekend!
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Adam Sparks @adamsparks.bsky.social · 04/09/2026
Been writing and rewriting this for about a month. Feels fitting to be sharing it the day after the two largest districts in America banned AI: substack.com/home/post/p-...
substack.com
No Country for Old Pedagogy
What responsibility do educators have to prepare students for a world they believe should be different?
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Scriblit (formerly Short Answer) @scriblitapp.bsky.social · 24/08/2026
Last week, we introduced the all-new Scriblit and took a deep dive into our newest features for helping students build stronger writing skills in any subject. Missed it? Watch the full recording 👇 www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wfgr...
youtube.com
Introducing the all new Scriblit!
YouTube video by Scriblit (formerly Short Answer)
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Reposted by Adam Sparks
Scriblit (formerly Short Answer) @scriblitapp.bsky.social · 13/08/2026
Want to learn more about our new name—and what’s new with Scriblit? Join Scriblit cofounder Adam Sparks next Thursday at 8 PM ET for a deep dive into all our new features! Register ➡️ us06web.zoom.us/webinar/regi...
Introducing the all-new Scriblit! Thursday, August 20th at 8 PM ET.
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Scriblit (formerly Short Answer) @scriblitapp.bsky.social · 03/08/2026
Big news: Short Answer is now Scriblit! 🎉 We couldn't be more excited to continue working alongside educators to help students scribble their way to literacy, one writing activity at a time. Full announcement: scriblit.com/from-short-a...
Scriblit (formerly Short Answer)
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Adam Sparks @adamsparks.bsky.social · 01/07/2026
Had a blast presenting with @hollyclarkedu.bsky.social, connecting with @myshortanswer.bsky.social teachers and friends, and getting to know the amazing @edutopia.org community @isteofficial.bsky.social this week #ISTE2026
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Edutopia @edutopia.org · 01/07/2026
We gathered a wonderful group of educators for an evening of good food, thoughtful conversation, and connection at #ISTELive. We left reminded of something we believe deeply: Teaching is collective work, and we all get better when we share what works! Thank you to everyone who joined us. 🧡
This is a picture of Edutopia's ISTE dinner. It shows a room full of passionate educators in front of a screen that says Thank You and a sign that says Write For Us!
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John Warner @biblioracle.bsky.social · 17/06/2026
Once I made this point explicit to students they brought a fundamentally different orientation to the work of peer response. I reminded them how useful it was to see the work in progress of another human trying to solve a similar problem as you. They get it.
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Adam Sparks @adamsparks.bsky.social · 12/06/2026
There seems to be a growing pushback against the anti-edtech movement. Can evidence compete with a story people want to believe? adamsparks.substack.com/p/can-eviden...
adamsparks.substack.com
Can evidence compete with a story people want to believe?
Folks are beginning to pushback on the anti-edtech narrative. Will anyone care?
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Adam Sparks @adamsparks.bsky.social · 09/06/2026
This critique of the anti-edtech movement from Dr. Christopher Ferguson is worth your time. This movement is not grounded in evidence: grimoiremanor.substack.com/p/has-the-ad...
grimoiremanor.substack.com
Has the Adoption of EdTech in Schools Caused a Learning Crisis?
This past year has seen increasing angst over the issue of EdTech, or the use of education technology in schools.
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Adam Sparks @adamsparks.bsky.social · 03/06/2026
Really excited about these results as we continue to build out more rigorous evidence over time. You can find our entire portfolio of efficacy here: myshortanswer.com/our-approach/
myshortanswer.com
Our pedagogy – Short Answer
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Adam Sparks @adamsparks.bsky.social · 27/05/2026
Had a blast joining @lindyhoc.bsky.social to discuss the current edtech backlash, the research supporting technology use in K12 classrooms, and the work we do at @myshortanswer.bsky.social. You can listen here: open.spotify.com/episode/7gwM...
open.spotify.com
What the Research Actually Says About EdTech with Adam Sparks
Spotify video
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Reposted by Adam Sparks
Heather Perkinson @hkperkinson.bsky.social · 20/05/2026
Here's a clear-eyed and comprehensive look at the controversy over use of laptop devices in classrooms K12. I really appreciated the fact that the author tried hard to capture teachers' perspectives: www.edutopia.org/article/shou... #EduSky #TLSky @edutopia.org
edutopia.org
Should Laptops Really Go the Way of Cell Phones?
Having won the battle on phones, some public intellectuals are calling for laptops to disappear from classrooms, too. Many teachers say that would be a mistake.
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Adam Sparks @adamsparks.bsky.social · 19/05/2026
This week, I wrote about the central flaw of many anti-edtech laws: They deem the medium of instruction more important than the quality. More on efficacy certifications, an "FDA for Edtech," and outcomes-based contracting here: substack.com/home/post/p-...
substack.com
An FDA for EdTech and Other Policy Reforms
Why we should focus on instructional quality rather than the medium
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Reposted by Adam Sparks
Chanea Bond @heymrsbond.com · 28/01/2026
You’re absolutely right! We need more discussions about how to encourage critical thinking without stigmatizing vulnerable learners. The pendulum can’t swing back so far that we forget what the tech was for in the first place! Thank you for your voice.
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Adam Sparks @adamsparks.bsky.social · 24/02/2026
I read Horvath's book. It's full of correlational data, cherry-picked evidence, logical fallacies, & straw men. It's incredibly disappointing to see so many fantastic, evidence-focused researchers praising this work. I wrote more here: adamsparks.substack.com/p/edtech-is-...
adamsparks.substack.com
Edtech is worth fighting for (2 of 2)
The case against blanket "Edtech" bans and a discussion of the evidence that's being manipulated and ignored in "The Digital Delusion."
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Adam Sparks @adamsparks.bsky.social · 08/02/2026
Great to see you, Georgia friends!! The @myshortanswer.bsky.social spring tour heads to Oklahoma next. See you there, Oklahoma friends!
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Scriblit (formerly Short Answer) @scriblitapp.bsky.social · 06/02/2026
Texas! So great to see you at #TCEA and #TCTELA last week! #writebettertogether
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Scriblit (formerly Short Answer) @scriblitapp.bsky.social · 26/01/2026
Short Answer is heading to Texas this weekend for @tcea.org! Check out all our happenings below and stop by to chat at booth 1321 in the exhibit hall! See you soon, Texas! #TCEA26 #TCEA
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Jennifer Gonzalez @cultofpedagogy.bsky.social · 04/01/2026
We're kicking off the year like we always do, with a round-up of six educational tech tools we think are worth a look. My lead tech specialist, @getteachingtech.bsky.social, joins me to talk about them. www.cultofpedagogy.com/6-ed-tech-to...
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Scriblit (formerly Short Answer) @scriblitapp.bsky.social · 05/01/2026
Short Answer is incredibly proud to be included in this list of six amazing educational technology tools to try in 2026!
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Adam Sparks @adamsparks.bsky.social · 01/12/2025
🚨 We're leading a condensed version of our half-day Writing Instruction in the Age of AI workshop this Thursday, December 4th, at 8 PM ET. You can learn more and register here: us06web.zoom.us/webinar/regi...
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Adam Sparks @adamsparks.bsky.social · 03/11/2025
Excited to head down to Atlanta! If you're attending, come say hello!! #GaETC
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Scriblit (formerly Short Answer) @scriblitapp.bsky.social · 08/10/2025
🚨Short Answer Update Alert! During response rounds, you can now: ✅ View student writing in real time ✅ Track word count ✅ Pause students ✅ Send writing back for revision These updates grow directly from your feedback! You can preview them here: app.arcade.software/share/uwBurV...
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Scriblit (formerly Short Answer) @scriblitapp.bsky.social · 23/09/2025
🥳 The updated Pen Pals is LIVE in Short Answer! AI "Pen Pals" argue about student responses. Students vote for the Pen Pal they agree with, then receive personalized AI feedback. Spark discussion, improve writing skills, & build AI literacy: www.youtube.com/watch?v=eBLe...
youtube.com
Pen Pals Tutorial
YouTube video by Short Answer
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Scriblit (formerly Short Answer) @scriblitapp.bsky.social · 25/08/2025
📣 Teachers, did you know you can turn students' ability to copy/paste into Short Answer on or off? Keep writing practice authentic, or give flexibility when it matters. Link to walkthrough: app.arcade.software/share/B36qow...
app.arcade.software
Copy/Pasting Settings
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Scriblit (formerly Short Answer) @scriblitapp.bsky.social · 12/08/2025
🎉Updates to Short Answer this month: ✨ Streamlined launch modal ⏱️ Timed writing (with research in mind) 📝 Auto-submission 🎲 Random Emoji Power Paragraph w/@eduprotocols 🎯 Quick Write difficulty levels Learn more and preview the updates here: myshortanswer.com/5-back-to-sc...
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Under the Hat Podcast @underthehatpod.bsky.social · 04/08/2025
A must watch episode is coming your way! We will be hear from @adamsparks.bsky.social of Short Answer to chat about his journey in education, the story of Short Answer, and what's next 🎙️ Tune in live on Saturday, or catch it after wherever you get your podcasts 💻 www.youtube.com/live/xq06mMw...
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Scriblit (formerly Short Answer) @scriblitapp.bsky.social · 01/08/2025
🎉 Team Short Answer is excited to share that we have officially partnered with @eduprotocols.bsky.social! To kick things off, we've built one of our favorite EduProtocols right into Short Answer: Random Emoji Power Paragraph! Learn more and demo it today at: myshortanswer.com/short-answer...
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Adam Sparks @adamsparks.bsky.social · 26/07/2025
Epic run through Texas this week with @myshortanswer.bsky.social Had a blast presenting with @humbleisd-ddi.bsky.social, keynoting and workshopping at Region 3, and webinar-ing with Region 9/10/11 on Friday! Back to school season madness 🤪!!
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Adam Sparks @adamsparks.bsky.social · 17/07/2025
Team @myshortanswer.bsky.social had a blast leading a student-facing version of our AI Workshop in TAIWAN (!!) last week! The biggest surprise of being an entrepreneur is all the unexpected places it has taken us! You can learn more about our workshops here: myshortanswer.com/professional...
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Scriblit (formerly Short Answer) @scriblitapp.bsky.social · 03/07/2025
Team Short Answer had an INCREDIBLE first-ever (!!) #ISTELive25! We’re leaving feeling energized and inspired. Huge thanks to everyone who joined our session, stopped by the booth, or came to our happy hour! #WriteBetterTogether
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Adam Sparks @adamsparks.bsky.social · 27/06/2025
We're headed to #ISTELive25 this weekend. It's got me thinking about edtech, edtech conferences, and the growing anti-edtech movement. I wrote about it this week, and why I think we need to start engaging more with those who disagree with us: adamsparks.substack.com/p/edtech-nee...
adamsparks.substack.com
Edtech needs more dialectical thinking
As the anti-edtech movement grows, our community needs to start deliberately engaging with ideas and beliefs that are contrary to our own.
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Adam Sparks @adamsparks.bsky.social · 24/06/2025
Had a blast talking all things writing in the age of AI and @myshortanswer.bsky.social at the Region 10 Metroplex Social Studies Conference in Dallas today! Attended a great @eduprotocols.bsky.social session with Stephanie Conklin!! See you all in San Antonio at #ISTELive25 next week!!
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Adam Sparks @adamsparks.bsky.social · 07/06/2025
Had a blast presenting @myshortanswer.bsky.social at the #SparkSummit2025 this week with the amazing Dianna Gaines! Dianna was one of the first teachers to EVER use Short Answer, it was an honor to be represented by such an amazing educator. Such an awesome event!
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explAInED Podcast @explained-podcast.bsky.social · 19/05/2025
This time on explAInED, we are thrilled to welcome back @adamsparks.bsky.social, co-founder and CEO of @myshortanswer.bsky.social to discuss how we can leverage AI to enhance student learning while preserving the unique voices that make writing so impactful. open.spotify.com/episode/4ZFI...
open.spotify.com
explAInED: Episode 010: Writing, AI, and the Future of Student Voice: Adam Sparks Returns
explAInED · Episode
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Scriblit (formerly Short Answer) @scriblitapp.bsky.social · 19/05/2025
📚 Planning summer PD on Short Answer? Check out the updated Short Answer YouTube channel — full of quick tutorials, classroom demos, and expert-led webinars on writing instruction, assessment, and AI: www.youtube.com/@myshortansw... #edchat #ela #teacherPD
youtube.com
Short Answer
Short Answer helps K12 teachers build better writers through more gamified, social writing activities for any subject. On this channel, you’ll find quick tutorials, activity explainers, webinars reco...
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Joe & Kristin Merrill @themerrillsedu.com · 14/05/2025
Classroom safe AI tools that are both COPPA and FERPA compliant? 👀 Here's part ✌️ our 💥FAVORITES!💥 📚 @bookcreator.com 📖 @bookji.bsky.social 🌊 @wakelet.bsky.social 💭 @quizizz.bsky.social 🎮 @gimkit.com ✏️ @myshortanswer.bsky.social 💜 Seesaw Learn more ⤵️ buff.ly/XGAG9yb #EDUsky #AIinEDU
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Adam Sparks @adamsparks.bsky.social · 10/05/2025
Had a blast sponsoring the Central California @cueinc.bsky.social end of the year social last night! Thanks to everyone at CCCUE who came out! @myshortanswer.bsky.social is honored to support California educators!
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Adam Sparks @adamsparks.bsky.social · 06/05/2025
So excited to be presenting at the SPARK Summit in Indianapolis next month! Come check out my sessions on all things AI and K12 writing instruction! If you're in the area, you can register FOR FREE at: www.eventbrite.com/e/spark-summ... @nadinegilkison.bsky.social
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Adam Sparks @adamsparks.bsky.social · 05/05/2025
Very excited to be keynoting @R3ESC's literacy conference this summer in Victoria! Texas educators, we'd love to have you join us for an interactive discussion about AI and its implications for K12 literacy. You can learn more and register here: www.escweb.net/tx_r3/catalo...
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Adam Sparks @adamsparks.bsky.social · 02/05/2025
Had a blast presenting on all things writing across the curriculum with the amazing Melissa Legate at #NETA yesterday!
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Scriblit (formerly Short Answer) @scriblitapp.bsky.social · 16/04/2025
🚨 New feature alert! Students can now export their writing and feedback from Short Answer to .Docx files for further refinement in Word, Google Docs, or other tools. Explore a quick walkthrough here: app.arcade.software/share/GJQO2W...
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Scriblit (formerly Short Answer) @scriblitapp.bsky.social · 01/04/2025
🚀 The Quick Write public beta is LIVE in Short Answer until April 14th! Quick Write is our first AI-powered activity. Students collaborate to hit a class goal score, then reflect on AI feedback together. Preview it below and try it for free at: myshortanswer.com
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Adam Sparks @adamsparks.bsky.social · 23/03/2025
Had an absolute blast at #SpringCUE this week presenting and meeting so many incredible CA educators. Leaving completely exhausted and completely reenergized!! #CUEHike
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Adam Sparks @adamsparks.bsky.social · 11/03/2025
Had a blast leading our Writing Instruction for the Age of AI workshop with elementary staff at Hays USD yesterday!!
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