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=Questions for Will re: book=

Getting Started
Shannon R- In your opinion what are the top 2 web tools for integrating technolgy? Erin M. - What is the best way to connect with another teacher in a different geographic location for classroom collaboration such as Vicki Westwood did with Julie Lidnsay with her "Flat Classroom" Project?, Thanks.
 * Cherie D** - Is your impression of the use of technology in the classroom the same as when you originally wrote this book considering there are many findings that use of technology is the classroom have had negative impact on students ability to focus and effectively multi-task? Personally, I feel that there is a need for a **balance** between traditional teaching methods and integration of technology in to the curriculum and lesson plans.

allyc- Hello. I was just wondering which web tool you would find to be the most beneficial for an elementary level classroom. (specifically grades 2-5). Thank you!
Josh O- Hello. I hope all is well. Eventually I want to teach Secondary Vocational Culinary Arts. I think incorporating more web tools would be a great idea to get more student involvement and get parents involved. Do you have any suggestions? Wiki, skype, and blogs are a few that we've learned already. Melynda S. -Hello. Studies show that the "hypertext" mind and constant multi-tasking done by students is not as effective/efficient as the students believe. How can teachers ensure that they are getting the best quality of work when using technology in the classroom? Sam A. – As evidenced in your book, there is tremendous potential for improving student learning through technology. But I wonder, what are //your// concerns and fears about the impact of technology on students? Jane L. - Thanks for taking the time to share with us. Your book and our course opened up so many opportunities to enhance our teaching and how we can reach our students. Just as Melynda and Sam wrote above, I am concerned how technology may be negatively impacting our students and how we can ensure the best possible learning experiences. I was also curious about what type of devices (other than a computer) do you use or recommend? Jen C. Hi, I was just wondering if it is more frustrating than accepting for you considering that technology is constantly changing? How do you keep up with all the new technologies coming out and how do you know if they are safe and effective to use in a classroom? It seems that when something new comes around it seems great and exciting but then someone somehow finds a way to misuse it. Jamie M.-What is your favorite way to integrate technology in the classroom? Do you see anything in particular that students really respond to? Morgan S.-Hello and thank you for taking the time to answer the many questions we have as inspiring educators. My question is, how do you suggest a teacher integrates technology into her classroom when she has a class of 20 students and maybe four computers to share? What is the most efficient way to utilize those computers so that all students are getting hands-on exposure to technology? Gina B - Hi, my question for you is: what do you think is the most important reason for integrating technology in the classroom, especially at the elementary level where students may not have much experience with it? Cara G- Hi Will. Thanks for taking the time to respond to our questions. I am hoping to teach in the lower elementary grades (K-2) after my completion at JWU. While I love the idea of many of your technologies, do you think they could be appropriate for students that young? Also, are there any new technology components you've run into recently you could recommend for any grade level? Kristen L-Do you have any advice about how to encourage parents to get involved with technology used in the classroom? Student safety is paramount and I wonder how to ensure students are protected while using techology in school? Emily D. Hi Will. Thanks again for taking the time to answer our questions. Can you speak to what the "new literacies and competencies are that students will encounter in their post-education lives" are that you discuss in your text? This is referred to on page 6 of your book. Thanks Angela G- Hi Will. I was just wondering if you used podcasting or any other form of audio broadcasting on a regular basis. How do you think that would be beneficial to students. Thanks! :)