New Technology Concepts

In another class I'm taking, I was recently required to read a book called "Teaching the iStudent" by Mark Barnes. In this book, Barnes introduced me to the concept of utilizing mobile devices and social media as educational resources. I was blown away after reading this book, because I have never considered such a thing. Halfway through the book, I figured that the suggestions just might be crazy enough to work! Aside from all the new ideas and insights, what I really absorbed from this book is the fact that using mobile devices in the classrooms can open student's eyes to more of the world. It is a good form of differentiation and would provide a boost in classroom participation.

Yesterday, I was having a conversation with a fellow educator friend who lives in Washington, D.C. He just got back in town from a trip and was telling me that his students need to be working on a project, but he didn't get the supplies yet. I asked him what the project was about, and he said they are working on documenting the engineering design. He said he's giving them a simple design to a race car that they have to assemble and document the steps taken. The students must present the documentation using a Weeby or some other online presentation method. The purpose is to show them the importance of documenting their work and getting patents for their inventions. I asked if his students are free to use apps and mobile devices in class. He told me that they are very free with their phones. Each student has their very own Chrome Book. I thought about the book I had just read and became excited that I know someone who actually has experience with the new form of classroom technology that I just discovered. The sad thing is that many districts can't take advantage of this...YET.