As I forced myself to learn more and more about technology, I found out how using digital technologies allowed me to better engage with my students and increased their motivation to learn. I discovered so many tools that helped me reach my struggling learners in new and exciting ways. However, I also found my biggest challenge was organizing all the exciting things I was learning and the tools I was finding!
So now, Kara, Don, and I humbly offer you some of the newest technology strategies and simple ways to keep them organized for best practice in your own classroom. We are pleased to be able to share with you what we have learned about managing educational technology for all students in all content areas. We will share realistic tips, useful suggestions, creative tools, and easy-to-use techniques that will help you develop and strengthen your own technology work on behalf of your students.
This handbook is organized so that each of you can take specific ideas to use in your own classroom regardless of your content area or level of learner. The handbook combines large-scale, general strategies and step-by-step examples to make sure no one is left feeling confused. The focus is on practical strategies for discovering, introducing, and integrating devices, apps, and web tools into your classroom. If you follow the steps in the handbook, by the end of the year you will be amazed at how far you have come in regard to integrating technology into your instruction. I know you will find the handbook useful, enjoyable, and fun!
Keep Allowing Genius in Your Classroom!
Zachary
How to Use This Workbook
Definition
For the purposes of this book, mobile technology is defined as any device that can be transported by a student for learning inside and outside the classroom. We will primarily focus on strategies that can be implemented with phones and tablets.
Purpose
The purpose of this teacher workbook is to simplify the process of integrating mobile technology (smartphones, Android devices, iOS devices, etc.) into teaching and learning. This is the “Last Backpack Generation”—the last generation of students who will need to carry backpacks to school. In the future, much of the information students interact with will be via a mobile device (primarily their phone) as opposed to a physical textbook, worksheet, or library research article. This workbook is intended to help with the process of implementing these resources in a strategic way so that teaching remains about pedagogy, not about technology. Therefore, the workbook is divided into four unique, practical sections.
The Basics of Teaching With Technology section will arm you with the practical know-how for managing multiple mobile devices in your classroom. The Basics of Devices digs into what you need to know about mobile technology in order to maximize it for student learning.
The Strategies section will focus on strategies for implementation with dozens of practical examples. While we do share many specific tools, our aim is to provide proven strategies for learning. This is done by focusing on the categories of simple tools first—for example, video and pictures—that can have a major impact on learning.
The Lesson Planning section will focus on schedules, lesson plans, and ideas for seamlessly implementing technology into your classroom. There are lesson-planning worksheets available for you to use as you integrate the proven strategies. This section is intended to make implementation easy and less overwhelming.
Finally, the Resources section provides information for further exploration and continued learning about mobile technology.
This workbook can be used individually, in a group, or as a resource during a facilitated workshop. It is set up in a “choose-your-own-adventure” format in which you have the ability to decide what strategies will work best for you. If using it with a group, the facilitator can help you with the process of using a tool while you focus on the application in class. Further, we know that many of the tools we use are updated frequently. Keep an eye on our companion website (www.resources.corwin.com/lastbackpack) for updates. One thing that will not change is the strategies used. They will still be valuable even if the technology changes—it will be about adapting and tweaking, which is what we teachers do every day anyway!
Educators, administrators, and tech supporters will appreciate many of the features in this book, including the following list:
And please remember that the tools and strategies we recommend are simple ideas that are used in classrooms. Be creative and modify the ideas as needed for your situation. After all, you know your classroom, your school, and your students best!
Unique Features
Classroom management strategies and tools that help students stay on task and focus on learning
Semester-planning and accountability worksheets that effectively align your learning goals for your students with specific strategies for them
Detailed lesson-planning worksheets that allow teachers to plan, try, evaluate, revise, and try again
General Features
Practical examples of proven strategies for integrating simple technology into instruction
An easy-to-use format for educators to use to quickly access the resources they want to implement into the classroom tomorrow
Dozens of ideas on how to manage your own learning as well as facilitating your students’ learning
Benefits
Methods to teach the key components for effectively using mobile technology at all levels of learning
Step-by-step techniques for creating engaging lessons that fully involve your students and significantly enhance their learning
Powerful websites, apps, and interactive tools to give your students choice and voice
Dozens of proven strategies, tips, and tools to ensure that mobile learning helps students meet or exceed content standards
Opportunities to engage and assess the diverse learners in your classroom
Here Is What You’ll Learn
Strategies, tips, and techniques to give students the voice and choice they need to succeed with their projects
The keys to ensure that technology is naturally integrated and facilitated
Simple ways to infuse technology for nontraditional learners
The newest, most innovative ways to use social networks in class
Multiple techniques to give and receive real-time formative feedback to keep students on track with their projects
Innovative ways to implement mobile learning in your classroom
Creative, new ways for your students to share their projects
Glossary of Terms
Backchannel—
This is a real-time online conversation that occurs while a lesson is being taught. For example, a teacher can set up a forum where students can take notes, ask questions, and discuss the topic being presented while it is happening.