Praise for the Book
“Teaching the Last Backpack Generation provides a framework of implementation for current technologies and tools. This practical workbook is easy to digest, and, more important, easy to put into action as teachers upgrade their teaching and learning practices.”
—Adam Bellow, Founder and CEO
eduTecher/eduClipper
“It is difficult to keep up with the ever-growing list of available technology tools. These 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
“After using some of the strategies in this workbook, I was able to create a much more authentic and technology-infused lesson plan for my classes the very next day. This book does a wonderful job of making technology useful for teachers of all different comfort levels. I am ecstatic that this workbook is available for teachers to start creating lessons and ideas for their own Last Backpack Generation learners.”
—Kyle Kline, Secondary Math Teacher
Twin Lakes High School
“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.”
—Tom Whitby, Consultant and Author of The Relevant Educator
“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.”
—Steven W. Anderson, Author of The Relevant Educator and Content Curation
@web20classroom
“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. 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.”
—Dr. Boyce Heidenreich, Former Principal and Administrator
“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.”
—Andy L. Carpenter, Assistant Principal, Curriculum and Instruction
Louis Pizitz Middle School
“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!”
—Terry L. Roller, Director of High School Education
Tuscaloosa City Schools
“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.”
—Kathleen Kryza, Author and International Educational Consultant
“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.”
—Susan Fitzell, Speaker, Writer, and Educational Consultant
“Every teacher preparation course—regardless of content—should adopt this workbook. It is perfect for understanding why technology in the classroom is important, how to do it effectively, and what to do. So many ideas structured in simple, practical ways.”
—Dr. David F. Cihak, Special Education Program Director
University of Tennessee
“I wish I had a guide like this when I got started with technology but now I am pleased to know that this great workbook is available to teachers in my district. This workbook is a fantastic resource for teachers with any level of technology experience. It has templates for lesson planning that make it easy for new teachers to start small while building their knowledge and comfort level. It also provides some really innovative ideas for experienced teachers using technology in the classroom.”
—Tracy Arner, Coordinator of Innovation and Learner Engagement
Riverside Unified School District
“As a principal of a K–12 school, I know first-hand that we are teaching the last backpack generation. This workbook is a great resource—it is equally valuable for getting teachers started with technology as a resource or for teachers already using technology in their classrooms—all while emphasizing that technology is a tool to enhance effective teaching, not a replacement.”
—Christine Ortiz, Founder
Ampersand School
“This workbook provides nuggets of information that will serve as user-friendly, just-in-time resources to teachers at any level. The practical approach used to present highly-useful content is evident on every page. Even
