Professional Reading #1

Tools for the 21st Century Teacher by Michael Zimmer

This seventeen page handbook was written with the intent to provide information about internet and technology tools teachers can use in their classrooms. First, Zimmer dispels some general myths about technology in the classroom. The first myth is that new teachers are experienced and comfortable with technology. The second myth is that current teachers have no interest in technology. And the third misconception is that teachers have to pay for the technology they use in their classrooms. All of these myths are incorrect. What all teachers seem to need and desire is someone or something to explain and educate them in the available technologies. And many of these available technologies are free to use on the internet.

This handbook briefly describes fifteen different technology tools which are free to use and access online. These tools are twitter, blogs (blogger, wordpress, etc.), google reader, diigo, glogster, prezi, dropbox, evernote, quizlet, wallwisher, titanpad, skype, wordle, webpages (weebly, google sites, wix, etc.), and wikispaces.

Tools for the 21st Century Teacher is also found online. It is a great reference to bookmark because Zimmer has provided many links embedded within the handbook. There are links to each of the tools discussed as well as examples of the tools in use and videos giving more descriptions of each tool.

Although this handbook was targeted toward teachers, it is also useful for tween librarians. Many of these tools tweens will already know about. Yet tweens are often still gaining more freedom when online so some of these tools may still be unknown to them. Some of these tools like quizlet and glogster can be very helpful for tween students.

I am continually becoming more technologically minded and enjoy discovering new sites and tools online. However, from reading this handbook I have learned there are many new tools for me to explore. Technology is continually changing and expanding. As a librarian it is critical that I stay abreast of the available technology. Even though I cannot know every tool available, if I am unafraid of change and technology I can still be successful.