About the Book
Don’t just know how to use mobile technology. Know how to use it to transform learning. This refreshingly easy-to-use workbook shows how to make mobile devices a natural part of lessons, no matter the content. Discover practical device management skills, fun strategies students will love, and helpful resources to extend professional learning.
Table of Contents:
Thanks to the Educators
About the Authors
Introduction
Welcome
How to Use This Workbook
Glossary of Terms
Current Research on Mobile Technology
Research Reports
1. The Basics of Teaching With Technology
Classroom Management Strategies
Choosing a Learning Management System (LMS)
Managing Multiple Devices in the Classroom
Professional Development Reminders
2. The Basics of Devices
Mobile Devices
The Device Settings: Get Started Here
Using the Accessibility Features of iOS
Using the Restrictions Features of iOS
Projecting Your Device
The Mobile Device as an Interactive Whiteboard
Student Response Systems and Backchannel Discussions
3. Strategies for the Classroom
Simple-to-Use Strategies Sheets
Strategy 1: How to Use Photos
Strategy 2: How to Use Texting
Strategy 3: How to Use Video
Strategy 4: How to Use QR, AR, and Other Scannable Technology
Strategy 5: How to Use Gaming
Strategy 6: How to Use Google
Strategy 7: How to Use Google Docs
Strategy 8: How to Use Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Google Earth
Strategy 9: How to Use the Cloud
Strategy 10: How to Use Digital Assistants (Such as Siri)
Strategy 11: How to Use Twitter
Strategy 12: Supporting Students With Special Needs
Strategy 13: Universal Design for Learning (UDL)
Strategy 14: Read-Aloud Testing
Strategy 15: Accessible Educational Materials (AEM)
Strategy 16: A Few Other Random Ideas
4. Lesson Planning
How to Use the Lesson Plan Templates
Lesson Plan Samples
Lesson Plan Templates
Week 1 Professional Development
Week 2 Professional Development
Week 3 Professional Development
Week 4 Professional Development
Week 5 Professional Development
Resources
App Warehouses
Technology/Integration Review Tools
Twitter Chats and People to Follow
Video Warehouses
Website Warehouses
Quotes to Keep in Mind
About the Author :
Dr. Zachary Walker is an Associate Professor with the University College London Institute of Education (IOE) and author of Teaching the Last Backpack Generation. Zachary serves as the Academic Head of Learning and Teaching for the Department of Psychology and Human Development and leads the Masters in Special Education and Inclusive Education (MASIE) and Masters in International Leadership in Inclusive Education (MAILIE) graduate programs at IOE. He was named an Emerging Scholar by Think College (2012), a Millennium Milestone Maker by the World Academy for the Future of Women (2015), was awarded the John Cheung Award for the Innovative use of Social Media in Teaching and Learning (2015) and nominated for the Wharton Reimagine Education Awards (2016). In the last three years, Dr. Walker has worked with educators and policymakers in more than 30 countries on instructional reform, neuroscience, and inclusive pedagogies.
Kara Rosenblatt is an Assistant Professor at the University of Texas of the Permian Basin. Dr. Rosenblatt obtained her master’s degree in Special Education, Learning Disabilities, and Behavior Disorders in 2001 from Florida State University and her doctoral degree in Exceptional Education in 2009 from the University of Central Florida. In her current role, Dr. Rosenblatt teaches undergraduate and graduate level special education courses.
In addition to her teaching experience in higher education, Dr. Rosenblatt has experience working within state agencies, collaborating with special education personnel and agencies to coordinate training and delivery of services focused on improving the use of assistive technology, accessible instructional materials, and virtual instruction and assessment. Dr. Rosenblatt’s research interests revolve around technology and learning, with a specific interest in the academic achievement and post high school outcomes of students with disabilities and the use of technology in teacher preparation and professional development. She has facilitated and evaluated professional development projects on the implementation of research-based strategies, parent school collaboration and the legal aspects of special education throughout Florida and Mississippi. She spent five years working with middle school students with behavioral and learning disabilities in Florida and Maryland.
Don McMahon is an Assistant Professor of Special Education Technology at Washington State University in Pullman, WA. Don received his Doctorate in Education from the Special Education Ph.D. program at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. In addition to his doctoral work, Don attended the Harvard Graduate School of Education’s Universal Design for Learning Summer Institute. His research involves increasing the use of Universal Design for Leaning principles in education, using mobile devices to increase achievement for students with disabilities, and exploring the impact of augmented reality as an assistive technology for students with disabilities. Don was a special education teacher for 7 years and then became an instructional coach for general education and special education teachers. Don is a national presenter providing professional development sessions for both general educators and special educators on using mobile devices in education. He has worked with diverse groups of children as the director of an adventure based summer camp, outdoor educator and sailing instructor, volunteer in Haiti, technology instructor, and teacher at an alternative school.
Review :
"In the 21st Century world of education, technology continues to evolve, creating and changing not only the tools for learning, but also the methodology and pedagogy that must accompany that change. The authors of Teaching the Last Backpack Generation have presented a common sense, practical and easy to follow, hands-on approach providing educators the necessary means to stay relevant in a developing mobile environment for learning."
"As students and learning continue to go mobile, it is important for educators to be equipped with the best resources and information to engage this new generation of learners. This text offers practical ideas, lessons, and more that will help educators anywhere prepare their classrooms to be mobile ready."
"This is a well thought out, practical guide on tech integration for teachers at all levels of the spectrum. It gives flexible considerations and planning points for individuals on solo dives or for small/large groups redesigning their learning spaces and approaches to teaching."
"It is difficult to keep up with the ever-growing list of available technology tools. The authors present a comprehensive guide that will help any educator find the best tools to ensure the purposeful integration of technology in the classroom."
"Teaching the Last Backpack Generation provides a framework of implementation for current technologies and tools. This practical workbook is easy to digest, and more importantly, easy to put into action as teachers upgrade their teaching and learning practices."
"This is an extraordinary example of how "one book fits all." Here is one of the richest, most comprehensive and user-friendly collections of practical ideas, strategies and tips for using technology to reach and teach today’s students. It is fully packed with timesaving tools for all secondary teachers and a wealth of ways to use technology to motivate students and ensure their active involvement in learning. Whether you are a beginning or accomplished tech user, and regardless of the subject you teach, this valuable resource will open up multiple, innovative ways to give your students voice and choice in their learning. While technology will continue to change, this book – with its emphasis on ways to use technology to maximize student involvement and learning – will be invaluable for many, many years to come."
"This is a practical workbook for teachers integrating mobile technology in classrooms. This book should be within reach of every teacher as they plan to make lessons more engaging for today′s students."
"Technological tools are rapidly changing. Newer, better, and faster are all the new norms. This book provides links, URLs and QR codes to support pages with updates and ideas for evaluating and using new tech releases. With a focus on teaching 21st century skills, the strategies presented in this workbook not only strengthen a student’s ability to engage technology, but also to problem solve through creativity, collaboration, communication, and critical thinking. This book is an essential item for the successful integration of technology, PBL, and soft skill acquisition. Teaching the Last Backpack Generation is a catalyst for good teaching and learning!"
"This is an essential, easy-to-use resource for all secondary teachers who are ready to embrace using mobile technology in their classroom instruction. From marvelous management tips, to super strategies for using the most common classroom technology tools, to simple lesson planning guides, and more, this book has everything you need to get started and keep growing. I love the pep talks, advice, and tips scattered throughout book, as well as the companion website that I can use to keep me updated on the latest technology tools."
"This workbook is a practical, easy-to-use resource and is perfect for mobile technology integration strategies across all content areas. With schools now focused on BYOD policies, every teacher should have a copy of this workbook sitting on their desk."
"Every teacher preparation course- regardless of content- should adopt this workbook. It is perfect for understanding why technology in the classroom is important, how to do it effectively, and what to do. So many ideas structured in simple, practical ways."
"I wish I had a guide like this when I got started with technology but now I am pleased to know that this great workbook is available to teachers in my district. This workbook is a fantastic resource for teachers with any level of technology experience. It has templates for lesson planning that make it easy for new teachers to start small while building their knowledge and comfort level. It also provides some really innovative ideas for experienced teachers using technology in the classroom."
"As a principal of a K-12 school, I know first-hand that we are teaching the last backpack generation. This workbook is a great resource- it is equally valuable for getting teachers started with technology as a resource or for teachers already using technology in their classrooms - all while emphasizing that technology is a tool to enhance effective teaching, not a replacement."
"This workbook provides nuggets of information that will serve as user-friendly, just-in-time resources to teachers at any level. The practical approach used to present highly-useful content is evident on every page. Even the beginner technology teacher will be able to pick up the book and immediately begin to implement strategies to impact and change their classroom pedagogy."
