Teaching Tech-Savvy Kids

"Until we understand the powerful learning, collaborating, and producing that teenagers do with their cell phones, mp3 players, laptops, and the Internet, we won′t understand how we can best utilize those technologies in our classrooms. Whether you′re a digital native new to the classroom or a veteran teacher struggling to learn your students′ Internet lingo, this book is your guide to 21st-century teenagers, literacy, and learning. After 17 years teaching middle school English, I know that I can′t teach literacy today without this book." —Laura Maslin Bradley, English Teacher Kenilworth Junior High School, Petaluma, CA Students are plugged in, powered up, and connected. Are you? Digital media presents powerful tools for engaging students in developing critical thinking, collaboration, and other 21st-century skills. Written for middle and high school teachers, this resource explores the relationship between students and digital media and shows how to design learning opportunities that harness today′s technology. Jessica K. Parker gives teachers a deeper understanding of the dynamic potential for increasing student learning through new technologies. Based on a three-year study of youth and their use of digital media, this teacher-friendly book includes: Descriptions of digital tools such as social networking platforms, YouTube, Wikipedia, virtual worlds, digital music, and more Vignettes about how young people use digital media Sidebars debunking common myths about technology Advice for both novice and expert teachers Pedagogical implications and practices, including sample activities Teaching Tech-Savvy Kids shows how to integrate digital media into your classroom and create more engaged, student-centered learning opportunities.