Word processing doesn’t have to be the vegetable of the tech world.

In this episode of Ctrl + Alt + Create, Matt cracks open the humble Word Processing program and proves it’s not just a digital typewriter — it’s a multiplayer game board, a creative studio, and a powerful thinking tool when used well.

You’ll learn how to escape the Consumption Trap and flip the Creator Switch with three classroom-ready ideas:

• Collaborative Chaos Stories that turn writing into a hilarious, collaborative experiment

• The Emoji Translator, where students decode meaning, tone, and summary through visuals

• The HyperDoc Museum, transforming flat reports into interactive learning dashboards

Matt also dives into the different HyperDoc models, breaking down when and why to use each one across subjects and timeframes. Click here for the How to Create a Hyperdoc document.

Plus, this week’s 404 Error exposes the magic (and truth) of Version History — the ultimate plagiarism lie detector — and you’ll leave with a Monday Morning Challenge that gives quiet students a powerful voice through a real-time silent debate.

If you’ve ever thought, “Docs are boring,” this episode will change your mind.

Don’t just click. Create.

Hyperdoc Templates

This week on Ctrl + Alt + Create, Matt dives into the surprisingly powerful (and often hilarious) world of student-made videos.

Learn how to turn your class from passive watchers into active creators using simple tools like Flip, Google Vids, and the underrated Camera App — no fancy gear, no drama, no “why are there 17 tabs open?” moments.

• The big 3 video tools every teacher needs

• Escaping the “YouTube rabbit hole” consumption trap

• Easy video tasks your students will actually enjoy

• Why 404-error moments (“Uh… can I start again?”) are signs of real learning

• How short videos boost thinking, storytelling, and confidence

Teach Me Something in 20 Seconds.
One quick video. Any topic. Maximum chaos, maximum learning.

Plus, Matt tries (and fails) to learn how to whistle with a leaf.

Grab your free templates for:

• The News Anchor

• The Math Tutorial
  (They're sitting in the notes like well-behaved students on assembly carpet right here)

  
  

  You can email me at: ctrlaltcreatepod@gmail.com

The Tool: Google Slides / PowerPoint

The Consumption Trap: Students reading bullet points off a slide while the class falls asleep.

Monday Morning Challenge:

• 1. Stop Motion Animation: Students duplicate slides to move a shape slightly each time to explain a science concept.

  2. Choose Your Own Adventure: Using internal linking to build interactive stories or history quizzes for classmates.

App Prototyping: Designing a mock "app interface" using shapes and links.Reach out to us at CTRL + ALT + Create on ctrlaltcreatepod@gmail.com

If you found this useful, or have any suggestions, tips or want to reach out drop a comment here or shoot us an email!

I will aim to release episodes on a Friday, but have dropped this one early as it is the pilot!

Remember don't just click, create!