Teaching the Last Backpack Generation
A Mobile Technology Handbook for Secondary Educators
- Zachary Walker - Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
- Kara Rosenblatt - University of Texas of the Permian Basin
- Donald McMahon - Washington State University, USA
Classroom Applications of Technology | Teaching Methods & Learning Styles | Technology
Let mobile devices transform teaching and learning
Don’t just know how to use mobile technology. Know how to use it to transform learning. This refreshingly easy-to-use workbook shows educators how to make mobile devices a natural part of their classrooms by optimizing technology, no matter what the content. Discover:
- Practical mobile device management skills such as how to project and use devices as a whiteboard and tools to capture student responses
- Fun strategies students will love such as teaching vocabulary using text speak and slang or using a digital assistant (like Siri) instead of writing
- Helpful resources to enhance professional learning
"It is difficult to keep up with the ever-growing list of available technology tools. The authors present a comprehensive guide that will help any educator find the best tools to ensure the purposeful integration of technology in the classroom."
Eric Sheninger, Author of Digital Leadership and International Speaker
Senior Fellow, International Center for Leadership in Education
"This is a well thought out, practical guide on tech integration for teachers at all levels of the spectrum. It gives flexible considerations and planning points for individuals on solo dives or for small/large groups redesigning their learning spaces and approaches to teaching."
Derek L. McCoy, Principal
Spring Lake Middle School, 2014 NASSP Digital Principal of the Year
"This is an extraordinary example of how “one book fits all.” Here is one of the richest, most comprehensive and user-friendly collections of practical ideas, strategies and tips for using technology to reach and teach today’s students. While technology will continue to change, this book – with its emphasis on ways to use technology to maximize student involvement and learning – will be invaluable for many, many years to come."
Dr. Boyce Heidenreich, Former Principal and Administrator
"With a focus on teaching 21st century skills, the strategies presented in this workbook not only strengthen a student’s ability to engage technology, but also to problem solve through creativity, collaboration, communication, and critical thinking. This book is an essential item for the successful integration of technology, PBL, and soft skill acquisition. Teaching the Last Backpack Generation is a catalyst for good teaching and learning!"
Terry L. Roller, Director of High School Education
Tuscaloosa City Schools
Free resources
Instructional App Evaluation Sheet
Use this handy App Evaluation Sheet from Teaching the Last Backpack Generation to evaluate, choose, plan, and teach from the best apps to supplement instruction.
"In the 21st Century world of education, technology continues to evolve, creating and changing not only the tools for learning, but also the methodology and pedagogy that must accompany that change. The authors of Teaching the Last Backpack Generation have presented a common sense, practical and easy to follow, hands-on approach providing educators the necessary means to stay relevant in a developing mobile environment for learning."
"As students and learning continue to go mobile, it is important for educators to be equipped with the best resources and information to engage this new generation of learners. This text offers practical ideas, lessons, and more that will help educators anywhere prepare their classrooms to be mobile ready."
"This is a well thought out, practical guide on tech integration for teachers at all levels of the spectrum. It gives flexible considerations and planning points for individuals on solo dives or for small/large groups redesigning their learning spaces and approaches to teaching."
"It is difficult to keep up with the ever-growing list of available technology tools. The authors present a comprehensive guide that will help any educator find the best tools to ensure the purposeful integration of technology in the classroom."
"Teaching the Last Backpack Generation provides a framework of implementation for current technologies and tools. This practical workbook is easy to digest, and more importantly, easy to put into action as teachers upgrade their teaching and learning practices."
"This is an extraordinary example of how “one book fits all.” Here is one of the richest, most comprehensive and user-friendly collections of practical ideas, strategies and tips for using technology to reach and teach today’s students. It is fully packed with timesaving tools for all secondary teachers and a wealth of ways to use technology to motivate students and ensure their active involvement in learning. Whether you are a beginning or accomplished tech user, and regardless of the subject you teach, this valuable resource will open up multiple, innovative ways to give your students voice and choice in their learning. While technology will continue to change, this book – with its emphasis on ways to use technology to maximize student involvement and learning – will be invaluable for many, many years to come."
"This is a practical workbook for teachers integrating mobile technology in classrooms. This book should be within reach of every teacher as they plan to make lessons more engaging for today's students."
"Technological tools are rapidly changing. Newer, better, and faster are all the new norms. This book provides links, URLs and QR codes to support pages with updates and ideas for evaluating and using new tech releases. With a focus on teaching 21st century skills, the strategies presented in this workbook not only strengthen a student’s ability to engage technology, but also to problem solve through creativity, collaboration, communication, and critical thinking. This book is an essential item for the successful integration of technology, PBL, and soft skill acquisition. Teaching the Last Backpack Generation is a catalyst for good teaching and learning!"
"This is an essential, easy-to-use resource for all secondary teachers who are ready to embrace using mobile technology in their classroom instruction. From marvelous management tips, to super strategies for using the most common classroom technology tools, to simple lesson planning guides, and more, this book has everything you need to get started and keep growing. I love the pep talks, advice, and tips scattered throughout book, as well as the companion website that I can use to keep me updated on the latest technology tools."
"This workbook is a practical, easy-to-use resource and is perfect for mobile technology integration strategies across all content areas. With schools now focused on BYOD policies, every teacher should have a copy of this workbook sitting on their desk."
