Teaching With the Tools Kids Really Use: Learning With Web and Mobile Technologies

"The author empowers teachers to engage IT specialists or administrators in a discussion about the use of mobile technologies or Web 2.0 tools and to change the way we think about using technology with kids. This book gives readers lots of information (ammunition) to go out and make things happen with their cell phone, laptop, MP3 player, or digital camera!" -April DeGennaro, Gifted Education Teacher Fayette County Board of Education, Fayetteville, GA A foundational guide for integrating mobile technologies into your classroom! Writing for educators who want to use 21st-century technologies to help deliver relevant classroom instruction, Susan Brooks-Young examines inexpensive hardware already used by many students, explores free Web 2.0 tools such as social networking sites and virtual worlds, and sheds light on both common objections and changing points of view about using mobile technologies for instructional support. Emphasizing digital citizenship-the ethical use of technology-this invaluable resource identifies: Specific Web 2.0 tools for supporting collaboration and communication in K-12 settings Strategies for practical applications A decision-making model for selecting appropriate mobile technologies and Web 2.0 tools for classroom use Recommended books, Web sites, and online reports and articles for reference Teaching With the Tools Kids Really Use gives educators a solid approach for capitalizing on readily available technologies and opens up rich teaching and learning opportunities for today's classrooms!

Table of Contents:
Acknowledgments About the Author Introduction 1. 21st-Century Skills What Are 21st Century Skills? Common Objections to Teaching 21st Century Skills Changing Points of View Strategies for Classroom Use Practical Suggestions Discussion Points References Part I. Mobile Technologies 2. Cell Phones The Scoop on Cell Phones Common Objections to Cell Phone Use on Campus Changing Points of View Strategies for Classroom Use Practical Suggestions Discussion Points References 3. MP3 Players MP3 Player Basics Common Objections to Use of MP3 Players on Campus Changing Points of View Strategies for Classroom Use Practical Suggestions—Using Existing Files Practical Suggestions—Podcasting Basics Discussion Points References 4. Netbooks Netbooks 101 Common Objections to Use of Netbooks on Campus Changing Points of View Strategies for Classroom Use Practical Suggestions Discussion Points References Part II. Web 2.0 Tools 5. Social Networking Introduction to Social Networks Common Objections to Use of Social Network Services on Campus Changing Points of View Strategies for Classroom Use Practical Suggestions Discussion Points References 6. Virtual Worlds Virtual World Basics Common Objections to Use of Virtual Worlds on Campus Changing Points of View Strategies for Classroom Use Practical Suggestions Discussion Points References 7. Creating Content—Writing Writing Online Common Objections to Classroom Use of Online Writing Tools Changing Points of View Strategies for Classroom Use Practical Suggestions Discussion Points References 8. Creating Content—Images Online Photos and Video Common Objections to Classroom Use of Online Photo and Video Sites Changing Points of View Strategies for Classroom Use Practical Suggestions Discussion Points References 9. Gaming The Basics About Games and Gaming Common Objections to Classroom Use of Online and Video Games Changing Points of View Strategies for Classroom Use Practical Suggestions Discussion Points References 10. Digital Citizenship Ethical Use of Technology Discussion Points References 11. Decision Making and Implementation Model Who’s Calling the Shots? Thinking Ahead Decision Making Model Glossary Web Sites by Topic Index

About the Author :
Susan Brooks-Young has been involved in the field of instructional technology since 1979. She was one of the original technology users in the district where she taught and has continued to explore ways in which technology can be used to facilitate student learning. She has worked as computer mentor, technology trainer, and technology curriculum specialist.  Prior to establishing her own consulting firm, Susan was a teacher, site administrator, and technology specialist in a county office of education in a career that spanned more than 23 years. Since 1986, she has published articles and software reviews in a variety of education journals. She is also author of a number of books which focus on effective use of technology in schools. Susan works with educators internationally, focusing on practical technology-based strategies for personal productivity and effective technology implementation in classrooms. Two current areas of particular interest for Susan are mobile technology and BYOT programs.

Review :
“I want to give this book to my principal and every person I talk to so we begin to change the way we think about using technology with kids. This book empowers teachers to engage IT specialists or administrators in a discussion about the use of mobile technologies or Web 2.0. The book gives the reader lots of information (ammunition) to go out and make things happen with their cell phone, laptop, MP3 player, or digital camera!” "Susan Brooks-Young sets out to prove that rather than being banished, technology should be fully embraced and placed at the heart of education." "The book is written in very accessible language, clear and easy to read. This timely book presents readers with a plethora of ideas and strategies for implementing technology-based activities that will help students meet the standards and increase their awareness of technology tools currently available.” “This is a very well-written text with an abundance of terrific Web-based resources that educators can use to hunt for more information.” "Susan Brooks-Young has once again provided a must-read book for educators. Each chapter is masterfully framed to provide practitioners, policy makers, thought-leaders, and anyone involved in 21st-century education with solid arguments, practical applications, and helpful resources. The decision-making and implementation model provided will assist anyone who is incorporating new technology into instruction.” "Brooks-Young takes the flat world right into the classroom. She gives real-world examples of how any educator can help bring their classroom, school, or district to the forefront of emerging technologies. An extraordinary read for any educator." "Use of this books ideas and investigation of their impact on student learning has the potential to broaden the knowledge base concerning the implications for technology use on teaching and learning. Highly recommended."