The Middle-Level Teacher Technology Guidebook

This guidebook is designed to be the middle-level teachers friend in addressing a wide variety of questions regarding the use of educational and instructional technologies. It can serve as a companion and guide through the myriad challenges and opportunities related to the effective use of technology in ones classroom and school. A sample of middle level U.S. teachers provided us with detailed answers about their experiences with using technology in their teaching. Specifically, they shared their challenges, barriers, ideas, and suggestions for working successfully with administrators, technology specialists, students, fellow teachers, and parents when teaching with technology. We have organized the teachers experiences and recommendations according to each stakeholder. Rather than recommending or reviewing specific educational technology companies, applications, or tools, we provide a large number of strategies that are built to last and should be applicable regardless of the specific tool under consideration. We assume that it doesnt ultimately matter what the tool or technology is that youre usingits how and why youre using it for teaching and learning that will determine whether it is successful or not. The how and why aspects encompass the built-to- last strategies included in this guidebook.