Vinton Cerf, one of the founding fathers of the Internet, offers a fascinating perspective on how modern technologies are revolutionizing communication and writing. As a visionary thinker, Cerf’s insights shed light on the transformative power of digital tools in shaping how we share ideas and create content in the 21st century. Embracing New Frontiers in Writing The act of writing […]

Motivating students by demonstrating the relevance of what they learn is a cornerstone of great teaching. While legendary mathematician and satirist Tom Lehrer used his musical talent to highlight the importance of mathematics, most educators must rely on a broader array of strategies to capture students’ interest. With the rise of participatory tools like Web 2.0 applications, teachers have new […]

Plano ISD has long been a leader in educational technology, both within Texas and nationwide. Known for its forward-thinking approach, Plano ISD’s technology initiatives serve as a model for school districts looking to integrate cutting-edge solutions into their classrooms. One of the most notable aspects of Plano ISD’s vision is its commitment to moving away from traditional proprietary software. According […]

Mark Prensky’s 2001 article, “Digital Natives, Digital Immigrants,” introduced a valuable framework for understanding the generational divide in how people interact with technology. Prensky coined the terms digital natives—those who have grown up with technology—and digital immigrants—the adults who didn’t, but are now learning to adapt. These terms have helped us understand how different generations approach the digital world. However, […]

The Infinite Thinking Machine (ITM) is a dynamic and engaging video podcast designed to inspire creativity and innovation in education. Hosted and produced by Chris Walsh from WestEd, the show brings a fresh perspective to teaching with technology, blending entertainment with valuable classroom insights. Each episode delivers a fast-paced, fun exploration of topics relevant to educators, parents, and students. From […]

The International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) is about to celebrate its 30th anniversary by hosting the 2009 National Educational Computing Conference (NECC) in Washington, D.C. This milestone conference comes at an exciting time, with a national focus on improving education and leveraging technology to inspire creativity and innovation in learning. NECC 2009 is set to be a transformative […]

Engaging students with primary source materials has never been more exciting, thanks to the wealth of online resources and tools available today. These platforms empower students to create multimedia projects that go beyond classroom walls, fostering creativity, critical thinking, and global communication. In an era where young people are highly motivated to express themselves to authentic audiences, platforms like YouTube […]

When educators ask for a starting point to integrate Web 2.0 tools into their classrooms, my first recommendation is almost always wikis. Simple, efficient, and collaborative, wikis are aptly named after the Hawaiian term “wikiwiki,” meaning “quick.” They offer educators an excellent way to publish content to the web with minimal effort. However, wikis are not for those who prioritize […]

As 2006 drew to a close, educators worldwide reflected on the technological advancements that shaped teaching and learning. For many in North America, the winter break provided a much-needed pause for rejuvenation and a chance to look back on the year’s progress in education. Among the most notable trends was the increasing impact of the read/write web—a collection of tools […]

The journey to a paperless classroom is more than just ditching paper—it’s about embracing tools and techniques that enhance teaching and learning. If you’re ready to make your digital classroom more efficient and engaging, these hacks will help you optimize your workflow while keeping students motivated. This guide explores a variety of tools and methods that educators can use to […]