Teaching With the Tools Kids Really Use

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.

“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!”

• AcknowledgmentsAbout the AuthorIntroduction1. 21st-Century SkillsWhat Are 21st Century Skills?Common Objections to Teaching 21st Century SkillsChanging Points of ViewStrategies for Classroom UsePractical SuggestionsDiscussion PointsReferencesPart I. Mobile Technologies2. Cell PhonesThe Scoop on Cell PhonesCommon Objections to Cell Phone Use on CampusChanging Points of ViewStrategies for Classroom UsePractical SuggestionsDiscussion PointsReferences3. MP3 PlayersMP3 Player BasicsCommon Objections to Use of MP3 Players on CampusChanging Points of ViewStrategies for Classroom UsePractical Suggestions—Using Existing FilesPractical Suggestions—Podcasting BasicsDiscussion PointsReferences4. NetbooksNetbooks 101Common Objections to Use of Netbooks on CampusChanging Points of ViewStrategies for Classroom UsePractical SuggestionsDiscussion PointsReferencesPart II. Web 2.0 Tools5. Social NetworkingIntroduction to Social NetworksCommon Objections to Use of Social Network Services on CampusChanging Points of ViewStrategies for Classroom UsePractical SuggestionsDiscussion PointsReferences6. Virtual WorldsVirtual World BasicsCommon Objections to Use of Virtual Worlds on CampusChanging Points of ViewStrategies for Classroom UsePractical SuggestionsDiscussion PointsReferences7. Creating Content—WritingWriting OnlineCommon Objections to Classroom Use of Online Writing ToolsChanging Points of ViewStrategies for Classroom UsePractical SuggestionsDiscussion PointsReferences8. Creating Content—ImagesOnline Photos and VideoCommon Objections to Classroom Use of Online Photo and Video SitesChanging Points of ViewStrategies for Classroom UsePractical SuggestionsDiscussion PointsReferences9. GamingThe Basics About Games and GamingCommon Objections to Classroom Use of Online and Video GamesChanging Points of ViewStrategies for Classroom UsePractical SuggestionsDiscussion PointsReferences10. Digital CitizenshipEthical Use of TechnologyDiscussion PointsReferences11. Decision Making and Implementation ModelWho’s Calling the Shots?Thinking AheadDecision Making ModelGlossaryWeb Sites by TopicIndex