Children & Technology

Read "Children and Computers: New Technology--Old Concerns." Next, respond to the class blog by reflecting upon the dangers and hazards of digital technologies vis. a vis. television/movie/radio technology. Is there a "darker side" to the digital internet-based technologies than the media of television? Explain.

Nicholas Negroponte and the OLPC Initiative

• Formidable adversaries oppose the OLPC. Does it really stand a chance to breach the "digital divide," and can it really help solve the deep educational inequities that confront developing nations?

A World Without Walls

Respond to Will Richardson's "World Without Walls: Learning Well with Others." React to Richardson's vision of education in a "collaborative age." What are some of the challenges that students and teachers are facing given the transformative agency of learning networks and technology?

Historical Thinking Matters

Respond to the class Blog by addressing how the web site, "Historical Thinking Matters," facilitates and inspires student learning and creativity (The first National Educational Technology Standard).

Two Cautionary Readings

From the two readings listed below, comment upon one or two of suggested challenges we face as teachers. How might you deal with these in your classroom?

• Teaching Civil War History 2.0

• Is the Google Making Us Stupid