Take a moment to consider your current practices related to using Web 2.0 technologies as an instructional and learning tool in your classroom. Are you prepared to take Hayes Jacobs’ (2010) “A 21st-Century Pledge: A Curricular Commitment from Each Teacher” to incorporate 21st-Century tools in your classroom? The commitment is

• An integrated use of technology that enhances content
• An applied to a specific unit of study
• Evidenced directly in student products and performances?” (p. 22)

Review the list of teacher commitments suggested by Hayes Jacobs in Figure 2.1 (p. 22) and note ideas that you are passionate about or that are hot button issues for you. Consider Thornburg’s (2004) statement that “Technology has turned our students into constructivists, even if our schools have yet to make the change” (p. 11). How might you defend this assertion to a group of your colleagues?

Make a commitment to upgrade your curriculum with 21st-Century tools and technologies and consider how you would convince your colleagues to make a similar commitment. What hot button issues might you discuss, what passions would you share, and how would you argue for these tools as “expectations, not options” for today’s students?

After considering your commitment to upgrade your curriculum with 21st-Century tools and technologies, consider how you will use these ideas as a resource in your classroom or school. Reflect on how this experience will help you be a better collaborator with those with whom you work in educational settings. Think about the following as you craft your Discussion post this week:

• Technology Resources
  • What are they and how do I use them?
  • Provide a description of a specific technology that supports 21st-Century skills and helps build college and career readiness. Include the basic knowledge and steps necessary to begin using this technology.
• Replacement Ideas
  • How might this technology replace outdated elements and/or provide a more engaging and motivating learning experience?
  • Provide an explanation of the kinds of outmoded practices this technology might replace.
• Research
  • What are the documented uses and benefits of this technology?
  • Post a link to at least one article, essay, or web-based paper that provides classroom examples, best practices, or research about the use of this technology. Include a brief one-paragraph summary of the information contained in the article, essay, or web-based paper.

Post a brief summary of the points you would highlight to your colleagues to encourage them to make a “21st-Century Pledge” and to impress upon them the importance of using your selected technology as an instructional and learning tool appropriate for All students. Explain how you will use this technology in your classroom or school and reflect on how this experience will help you be a better collaborator with those with whom you work in educational settings.

Then, seek advice and input from your colleagues to help you with any questions or areas of concern you have related to implementing your Instructional Plan and collecting pre-assessment, formative assessment, and summative assessment as data for determining the level of student learning.

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