2 Communicating and Collaborating
Communicating More Dynamically
Collaborating Better Online
Conclusion
3 Conducting Research and Curating Information
Becoming Knowledge Constructors
Finding Credible Information
Becoming Lifelong Learners
Conclusion
4 Thinking Critically to Solve Problems
Planning It Out
Using Video to Hone Learning
Becoming Data Analysts
Conclusion
5 Being Responsible Digital Citizens
Understanding Internet Safety
Engaging in Legal and Ethical Behaviors Online
Creating a Positive Digital Footprint
Conclusion
6 Expanding Technology and Coding Concepts
Managing the Chaos of Technology
Coding With Confidence
Conclusion
Appendix:Glossary of Tools and Terms
About the Authors
Meg Ormiston, in her role as a consultant, partners with school systems that have committed to 21st century learning experiences for everyone. Meg creates a unique partnership in each district, reflecting the mission, vision, and direction that local leaders identify. Her districtwide projects include guiding teams through the visioning process, designing and delivering professional development, facilitating classroom modeling, developing student leaders in technology, and educating parents.
Meg is a teacher, a keynote speaker, and an author of seven books, including Creating a Digital-Rich Classroom, which received an honorable mention in the education category for the 2010 Foreword INDIES Book of the Year Awards. After twelve years teaching and coaching in the classroom, Meg volunteered on her local school board, facilitated grant projects, and continued researching and writing about best practices.
Meg has a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction from the National College of Education at National Louis University and travels globally, sharing her passion for real change in the classroom. She lives in the suburbs of Chicago with her husband, Brian; her sons, Danny and Patrick; and her golden retriever puppy, Sonoma.
To learn more about Meg’s work, follow @megormi on Twitter.
Lauren Slanker is an eighth-grade science teacher and team leader at a 1:1 middle school in Berwyn, Illinois. Lauren values the use of social media in the classroom and was one of the first teachers in her district to have students create Twitter accounts for school use in 2015.
In 2016, Lauren received a nomination for the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching. Lauren has spoken at district- and state-level conferences about technology integration in the classroom. She works toward effectively integrating the Next Generation Science Standards and technology into the classroom.
Lauren grew up in Chicago’s southwest suburbs, received her bachelor’s degree in K–9 education from Loyola University Chicago, and is currently working toward a master’s degree of specialized endorsements in English as a second language and reading from National Louis University. In her free time, Lauren enjoys traveling and spending time with her significant other, Tikhon, and their animals, Louie and Miles. As a computer programmer, Tikhon often helps Lauren with her technology lessons.
To learn more about Lauren’s work, follow @MsSlanker307 on Twitter.
Jennifer Lehotsky is an instructional coach in an urban district outside of Chicago. She works across eight K–8 buildings, incorporating innovative teaching practices using 1:1 technology. She has spent most of her career as a middle school teacher in science and reading, incorporating STEM and innovative practices. She feels passionate about empowering students, personalizing their learning experience to help them reach their full potential, and transforming education to create the citizens of the future.
In 2016, Jennifer became a TED-Ed Innovative Educator, and she became a Google-certified educator. She speaks at local, state, and national conferences; blogs at Teaching and Learning Redefined; and is an adjunct professor at University of Saint Francis Joliet.
Jennifer has a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Illinois State University and a master’s degree as a reading specialist from Dominican University. In her personal life, she loves spending time with her wonderful husband, Bill, and her two children, Gwen and Will.
To learn more about Jennifer’s work, follow @JennyLehotsky on Twitter.
Megan K. Flaherty is a library media specialist at Westview Hills Middle School in Willowbrook, Illinois. In addition to managing the school’s library, she coaches teachers and helps students use technology in a 1:1 Chromebook environment. Megan enjoys using technology to enhance lessons and loves seeing students engage their creativity using new technology platforms.
Megan has led numerous professional development classes for teachers in her district and has presented at the state and national levels.
She
