EdTech Essentials: 12 Strategies for Every Classroom in the Age of AI

by Monica Burns

Overview

An accessible, practical guide to incorporating 12 essential EdTech skills and strategies in every learning setting—expanded and updated for the AI era.

In a world awash in technology, what EdTech skills and strategies should educators focus on to ensure they are making the best use of online spaces for classroom learning? How can they sift through the overwhelming number of options in digital tools and platforms? How can they guide students in learning best practices—especially now that generative artificial intelligence (AI) has transformed the landscape?

EdTech consultant Monica Burns answers these and other questions in this powerful and reader-friendly guide to incorporating EdTech across all grade levels and subject areas. This second edition is updated and expanded to help educators meet the needs of students amid the proliferation of apps that leverage AI, the easy access we all have to chatbots, and the clear need for educators and students to understand the implications of AI. Readers will gain practical advice on

* Navigating online spaces effectively
* Curating resources to support every student
* Generating ideas and resources with AI
* Evaluating digital content with an AI mindset
* Exploring the world with students
* Collaborating across digital spaces
* Creating multimodal artifacts of learning
* Assessing to check for understanding and pivot instruction
* Sharing student creations in big and small ways
* Connecting students to authentic audiences
* Transferring skills across digital spaces
* Planning for tech-rich learning experiences

Each chapter explains why the skill or strategy is essential, including supporting research, classroom examples, guiding questions for planning and reflection, and suggested websites and digital tools for classroom use. The book also includes access to downloadable forms to help you set goals, assess your progress, and equip your EdTech tool belt.

Timely, accessible, and informed by the author's experience and expertise, EdTech Essentials, 2nd Edition, is a must-read for educators who want proven ways to prepare their students to be productive, responsible users of technology both within and outside the classroom.

This second edition is a copublication of ASCD and ISTE.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781416632979
Publisher:	ASCD
Publication date:	06/03/2024
Edition description:	2nd ed.
Pages:	185
Product dimensions:	7.00(w) x 10.00(h) x (d)

About the Author

Dr. Monica Burns is a curriculum and EdTech consultant, Apple Distinguished Educator, and founder of ClassTechTips.com. As a classroom teacher, Monica used digital tools to create an engaging, differentiated learning experience to meet the needs of her students. Monica started her blog, ClassTechTips.com, in 2012 and launched the Easy EdTech Podcast and her membership site, the Easy EdTech Club, to support educators who want to streamline technology integration. She leads workshops and provides keynote presentations to teachers, instructional coaches, administrators, and tech enthusiasts at numerous national and international conferences, including SXSW EDU, ISTE, FETC, and EduTECH. Monica is the author of Tasks Before Apps and four ASCD quick reference guides, among other publications.

What People are Saying About This

From the Publisher

As a trusted education leader, Monica Burns continually publishes inspiring yet practical guides to help teachers of every level. This fresh update of EdTech Essentials adds sections on artificial intelligence, media literacy, and a host of new resources that educators can use to guide their practice. Monica brings clarity to complex topics, providing easy-to-understand definitions, workflows, and ideas for those of us too busy to keep up with the rapid changes in tech. The title is spot-on: whether you're a novice or a technology power user, this is an essential book for every educator, learning coach, and education leader.
—Michael Hernandez, award-winning teacher and author of Storytelling with Purpose

In this updated edition of EdTech Essentials, Dr. Monica Burns not only revisits the core themes that made the original a must-read but also weaves in fresh perspectives that highlight the emerging role of AI in education. This book is an excellent starting point for those seeking direction while trying to keep up with the rapid pace of today's EdTech world.
—Dr. Marquita S. Blades, educational consultant, POWARRful Teaching Strategies

Through her extensive experience and vast knowledge of educational technology, Monica Burns has created a resource that every educator will benefit from. Her book focuses squarely on what the learner can and should be doing with digital tools to develop needed competencies in a rapidly changing world. Although technology continues to change at a rapid pace, Monica reminds us that it is effective pedagogy that matters above all else. This easy read is packed with practical strategies that can be used immediately.
—Eric Sheninger, associate partner, International Center for Leadership in Education and bestselling author

EdTech Essentials removes all the clutter from what's out there and available for teachers and students. Monica shares tons of ideas that put students first in both face-to-face and online learning spaces. This book is filled with practical ideas, resources, classroom examples, and opportunities for reflection. Readers are sure to walk away with amazing ideas to help students become more productive, collaborative, and innovative. A must-read for every educator's professional toolbox!
—Dr. Natasha Rachell, director of instructional technology, Atlanta Public Schools

Monica Burns, EdTech leader extraordinaire, is a teacher's best friend, an administrator's ally, and a student's greatest advocate in the world of EdTech and learning. This book is her greatest yet: a brilliant and thoughtful guide for how to make the EdTech experience matter, deepen our work with students, and invigorate teaching and learning on every level. She is a caring, humanizing voice for excellence in teaching and learning with EdTech warming our journey and giving us and our students tools for success. Don't miss EdTech Essentials!
—Pam Allyn, literacy expert, author, and activist

Monica Burns has done it again. Filled with practical information, EdTech Essentials narrows down the most vital areas for classroom technology use to make sure students are being supported in every way they interact in digital spaces. Whether you are an administrator supporting teachers and making plans for your school year or a teacher looking to infuse high-quality digital learning experiences into your lessons, this book will help you prioritize the skills that matter most and give you the tools you need to guide your students' growth as creators, consumers, and collaborators. Filled with today's most robust tools and resources that you can use tomorrow, EdTech Essentials should be the next book on your professional reading list!
—Thomas C. Murray, director of innovation, Future Ready Schools, Washington, D.C.

EdTech Essentials is a celebration of the effective infusion of EdTech strategies into the classroom. Monica's love for sharing the best tools and the skills and protocols to ensure all students are successful is on full display in this new go-to resource for educators.
—Al Thomas, global educational speaker and consultant