Blogs on Technology Integration

A few weeks ago, I spent the day in residency in a small school doing purposeful podcasting with seventh-grade teachers and kids. We were using a model I call professional development for kids, where we cut out the middleman (or -woman) and deliver the tools right to the kids and teachers at the same time.

We've talked about Web 2.0 tools here a couple times before. Here's a tool every one of you should use -- just trust me on this one -- called Delicious. I've been using it for about a year and a half or so, and it just keeps getting better.

Thanks to simulations expert Christopher Walters for providing the following thoughts on virtual simulations for classroom use.

For years, corporations have used computer-based simulations with employee-training programs, augmenting traditional on-the-job training with virtual reinforcement, regular updates on company issues, and so on. Classroom use of simulations, however, has been sporadic, even though many teachers report that children of the MySpace generation thoroughly enjoy online work and simulated activities.

"Saying No to School Laptops: Programs to Give All Students Computers Come Under Fire Over Costs, Inappropriate Use by Kids," published on August 31, 2006, in the Wall Street Journal and written by Jessica E. Vascellaro, has been widely distributed and responded to by folks who advocate for and those who argue against one-to-one computing as a way to improve learning opportunities for all students.