Technology+Leadership+Book+Summary

In the book //Teaching with the Tools Kids Really Use: Learning with Web and Mobile Technologies// Dr. Brooks-Young outlines some of the steps that educators should take to integrate everyday 21st century technology into their classroom instruction. The position of the book is that using technology yin today’s classroom does not have to be an arduous or burdensome task. Rather, Brooks-Young highlights the simplicity and ease of adding mobile digital tools like cellphones and digital cameras into instructional lessons that will engage and encourage active participation and learning among students. The prevalence of these devices and Web 2.0 technologies have not been fully implemented into the sphere of academia but their utility has been realized by an ever increasing number of students who regularly use these mediums and devices. From blogs to wikis and social networks there are instruments available that can truly enhance the classroom in much the same manner that they have enriched the social lives of students, but there is a rigid set of individuals and regulations that include seasoned veteran teachers, antiquated technology policy, and administrators who do not fully embrace nor understand the full potential of these technologies. Brooks-Young points out that the majority of school networks have Internet filters, both software and hardware based, in place that filter social websites like Facebook and MySpace because of the potentially negative uses of these technologies. However, without assessing the potential that these instruments have for the support of “collaboration and communication in virtually any instructional environment” school districts may be doing more harm than good to their students and faculties by denying them the opportunity to add another layer of interactivity and innovation to the classroom learning environment. (2010) Brooks-Young also gives individuals who may favor a more Socratic method of teaching the opportunity to do so, by including discussion questions that are meant to be used as conversation starters for those who are opposed to the integration and utilization of technology, on campuses and for adopters of these new and refreshing tools to use to focus their thoughts on lesson design and execution. An interesting question presented within the text centers on the role of educators in preparing students for a new world that is technology resource rich and overrun by mobile devices that are acquired very inexpensively. How do educators properly equip today’s students? I believe that the answer to this question resides in the acceptance and incorporation of the 21st century tools that will lead to the acquisition of 21st century skills. From word processing to texting today’s generation of students are far more tech savvy than previous generations, but they are probably more bored in the classroom environment than any other group of students whom proceeded them. The failure of the educational system to speak the language of these digital natives threatens to strand and exile these out-of-the-box thinkers and doers to a powered down school environment that never truly stimulates the full potential of students.