One phrase that possesses a unique ability to elicit multiple, strong, and varied emotions from all stakeholders in the world of education is Educational Technology. There are all sorts of theories, arguments both for and against, and mandates dealing with the use of technology in the classroom. Educational Technology: Big Pictures and Practical Applications for the Classroom is a first of its kind in that it is looking at the integration of technology into the classroom from the perspective of an educator. The goal of this book is to be more than just a textbook that you use once for class; it is designed to be a resource that you can use throughout your teaching career. This book is full of practical ideas, suggestions, big pictures, things to remember, and ancillary materials that are a great resource for any educator or teacher candidate.
The book dives into different models of tech integration, qualities to look for when choosing tech to integrate, building your own classroom technology plan, assistive technologies, data literacy through technology, and so much more! With the addition of Practical Applications for Your Classroom, Big Picture Discussions, and Bonus Content in every chapter, you are sure to find ideas and applications that go beyond a course you are taking and help you continue to make good decisions regarding the integration of technology throughout your career.
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Ronda
Blevins
A little bit about me: It seems like I probably always knew I wanted to be a teacher, it was just the discipline that has seen some change throughout my life. Regardless of the discipline, one thing I have always been interested in and passionate about is technology. My grandfather likes to take credit for that since he says he bought me my first computer when I was 2 (it was a Commodore 64 and yes, I still have it).
I am an Assistant Professor of Education and the Coordinator of the Job-Embedded Practitioner Program at Carson-Newman University in East Tennessee. I came into the teaching career later in life, but have had multiple different types of experiences as a teacher. I have taught classes in Criminal Justice, Adult Education, and Education, and I am constantly striving for more ways to positively influence the education system. The experiences I had working in retail, pharmacy, and administrative work have helped me narrow in to the point where I am able to do what I love and teach what I truly believe has the potential to continue to change the field of Education. I especially love to teach about Educational Technology, and I am a firm believer that a good educator is a relational educator. I am one of those people that believes that if you want to change the world, you change the educational system, including the opportunities afforded to all students and teachers to learn and the ways in which we relate to each other. I am a firm believer that the relationships we build with our students can make the difference in student success in the future. I am just here to make my mark and sign it.
My hobbies include doing CrossFit (so much so that my husband and I co-own a gym with great partners), Podcasting (www.Perfect-Chaos.org), being out on the lake, and navigating life with 1 husband, 2 kids, and a dog. I am constantly on the search for ways to help my students more effectively integrate technology into their current and future classrooms to enhance student learning and carve out some more time for themselves.