Blog, Blog, Blog

Through edublogs you can implement technology to enhance student learning within a classroom. There is a huge push for writing within the classrooms and digital tools can help motivate your students to write. Blogs can be used at any age and double as a great tool to show parents what is happening in your classroom. Give it a try!

How do we teach our 21st Century Learners? 20 things you should know how to do

Tech and Learning reports 20 technology skills that every educator should have...

1.    Google Tools Knowledge
2.    Google Earth Knowledge
3.    Wiki Knowledge
4.    Blogging Knowledge
5.    Spreadsheets Skills
6.    Database Skills
7.    Social Bookmarking Knowledge
8.    Social Networking Knowledge
9.    Web Resources in content area 
10.    Web Searching skills
11.    Web2.0 Tools 
12.    Interactive White Board skills (SmartBoard and Promethean)
13.    Website design and management skills
14.    Presentation Tools 
15.    IM knowledge
16.    Video and Podcasting 
17.    RSS feeds
18.     Mobile and Handheld Computing
19.    Virtual Worlds
20.    Collaboration & Communication Tools
(Written By Digital Learning Environments, 2012)

As a future educator with a technology learning minor, I believe in the importance of continual professional development. The site above provides helpful sources if you need extra guidance in one certain area from the list. 

It is important for educators to know how to use technology to enhance student learning. You must become an expert with the tools that you implement in the classroom. However, do not forget that the students know technology like the back of their hand! If you need help, then ask them to help you! It will not only solve your problem, but also gives students a sense of responsibility and time to practice critical thinking. It is a great way to implement problem solving and learn together.