The Classroom Teacher's Technology Survival Guide

INTRODUCTION: WHY THIS BOOK? WHY IS AN ENGLISH TEACHER WRITING THIS BOOK INSTEAD OF STEVE JOBS? CREATING THE ESSENTIAL CONDITIONS NEEDED FOR SUCCESSFUL TECHNOLOGY USE Chapter One: Why Should Classroom Teachers Be Technologically Skillful? Revolution or Evolution in Educational Change? Developing a Framework for Thinking about Technology in Schools Chapter Two: Some Basics: Q&A What Type of Computer Should I Have? What Operating System (OS) Should I Choose: Windows, Macintosh, GNU/Linux or Chrome? How Much Memory Do I Need and How Fast Does the Computer Need to Run? Desktop, Laptop, Netbook or Tablet? What Other Equipment Should I Buy? What Basic Software Do I Need? What Are Freeware and Open Source Software? How Do I Manage Files on Multiple Computers? What Is Cloud Computing and What Are Its Advantages and Disadvantages? What Does a Technologically Well-Equipped Classroom Look Like? Seven Stupid Mistakes Teachers Make with Technology Seven Brilliant Things Teachers Do with Technology Chapter Three: Using Technology for Professional Productivity Professional Productivity: the Critical Start to Technology Use Keeping Professionally Organized: Managing the Business of Teaching Communicating Using Technology The Student Information System Parent and Student Portals Curriculum Management Systems Course Management Systems The School Website and Teacher Pages Basic Productivity Tools Basic Online Tools Chapter Four: The Technology Upgrade Getting Started with Technology in the Classroom Assessing Technology-Enhanced Student Work What IT Skills Should Teachers Expect of All Students? Survival Skills for the Information Jungle Chapter Five: Teaching 21st Century Skills The 4th R--Research Designing Technology-Enhanced Projects - the 4 A's Everyday Problem Solving Entertain or Engage: Why You Need to Know the Difference A Few Thoughts About Creativity Right-brain Skills and Technology: A Whole New Mind(set) Chapter Six: Managing "Disruptive" Technologies in the Classroom Some Approaches to Managing Technology in the Classroom Using Technology in the Classroom to Support Student Learning Computer Games in the Classroom Why You Should Let Your Students Use the Internet for Non-academic Purposes Chapter Seven: Common Sense Practices for Safe and Ethical Technology Use The Teacher's Day-to-Day Security Guide HELPING STUDENTS STAY ETHICAL AND SAFE ONLINE BASICS OF TECHNOLOGY ETHICS: PRIVACY, PROPERTY, APPROPRIATE USE Staying Safe on the Read-Write Web What Students Need to Understand About Technology Use A Dozen Ways to Teach Ethical and Safe Technology Use Guidelines for Educators Using Social and Educational Networking Sites Chapter Eight: Keeping Up: Developing a Long-Term Learning Strategy Your Personal Learning Network Keeping Your Sanity The Librarian: Your Technology Partner Bonus: Top Ten Secrets for Conducting a Successful Technology Workshop Chapter Nine: Looking into the Crystal Ball Three "High Tech" Schools of the Future How you can invent the future and take charge of your own technology environment Change from the Radical Center of Education The Giant and the Ants: How Problems Are Solved Readings and Resources Index