Dabbling in the World of Web 2.0

Seven brilliant things teachers do with technology

By Doug Johnson, Blue Skunk Blog

1. Empower kids with technology.
2. Creatively find and use resources.
3. Make conferencing real-time.
4. Put kids in touch with the world.
5. Accept the role of co-leaner.
6. Use the kids own devices to teach them.
7. Delight in the discovery, the newness, the fun technology holds.

This mirrors exactly what our system is doing with its Teach21 program. Our philosophy is to engage students with the technology available in a 21^st century classroom. We use the Levels of Technology Integration (LoTI) scale to measure this integration, which includes critical items on the list such as learning globally and switching roles away from the traditional teacher. We have migrated to a SharePoint web presence that fits in perfectly with #3: posting of newsletters, assignments, study notes, links, and reminders that allow parents to be a part of the classroom world. I am proud to be a part of Cherokee County Schools, preparing our students for life in the 21^st Century.

By the way, I’d also like to recommend Seven stupid mistakes teachers make with technology!