Now that summer has arrived, it’ll come as no surprise that (like you) I’ve had some headspace. It has reminded me, amongst other things, that I intended to write an AI mini series which features some of the tools from my workshop titled “My AI Leadership Toolkit” from the BSME Teaching and Learning Conference last term. With that in mind, here’s the first post in the series!
Goblin Tools: A Quiet Revolution in Neuroinclusive Productivity
In the ever-expanding landscape of edtech, it’s often the simple, quietly powerful tools that have the most meaningful impact. Goblin Tools is exactly that, a digital Swiss Army knife designed with neurodivergent users in mind, yet universally useful for anyone seeking clarity, structure, or a moment of calm in the chaos of daily tasks.
At its heart, Goblin Tools is a collection of AI-driven microtools, each aimed at making executive functioning that little bit easier. Think task breakdowns, tone checks, decision support, and time estimations, all distilled into accessible, no-fuss functionality. It’s designed with autistic and ADHD brains in mind, but the reality is, we all benefit from better scaffolding when it comes to organisation and self-management.
For educators, this opens up fresh conversations. What if we stopped trying to retrofit learners into rigid systems and instead brought tools like this into the learning space to adapt with them? Magic To Do, for example, helps break down complex tasks into actionable steps, something many of our students (and colleagues) wrestle with daily. Meanwhile, the Formalizer reworks tone in writing, making it perfect for modelling email etiquette or reflective writing in a safe, low-stakes way. Judge helps to ensure a balance tone and decision-making, Consultant offers advice and planning. There’s lots you could use this handy tool for!
There’s no bloat, no sign-up wall, and no overengineering, just thoughtful design, rooted in empathy. It’s the kind of tool that fits seamlessly into your digital strategy: no training required, just try it.
Goblin Tools reminds us that digital tools don’t need to be complex to be effective. Sometimes, the best innovation is the one that simply meets people where they are.
Give it a look. You might just find yourself wondering how you ever got by without it!
Why not challenge yourself, or even your colleagues in your next CPD session, to complete one of the tasks in my Goblin Tools Challenge Grid below. I shared this with delegates in my session after a live demo of the platform!
Challenge Grid Key:
Blue = learner-focused tasks
Purple = inclusion, ALN, SEND
Grey = strategic implementation
Green = staff-focused tasks
Orange = professional development
Interested to know more?
Why not delve into the #EdTech Playbook! It’s a definitive, practical, evidence-informed guide for educators, school leaders and digital leads looking to embed impactful and sustainable use of technology in their schools.
Grab your copy of the #EdTechPlaybook via the links below:
You can also keep up to date with all the latest from the #EdTechPlaybook by giving our page on LinkedIn a follow: EdTech Playbook