As I started to look at the topics I brainstormed last week, I found some interesting articles and websites that have helped me narrow my focus somewhat.

I found a few articles which touched on both the practical (for example, the cost) and the philosophical issues (so-called “acceptable use) of introducing more technology into schools. The Cramer and Hayes article “Acceptable Use of Technology in Schools” (2010), looks at some of the issues raised around how students can utilize technology safely and what role teachers play in introducing it. The Jouneau-Sion and Sanchez article “Preparing schools to accommodate the challenges of Web 2.0 technologies” (2013), also discusses the role of teachers as guides and facilitators, rather than talking heads. Helen Adams also has an article titled “Bring your own device (BYOD) and equitable access to technology” (2012), in which poverty as a barrier to accessing technology is discussed.

My second area of interest is in personal learning networks (PLNs). There are many different blogs and websites offering suggestions, support, and resources on creating PLNs for both teachers and students. The site Getting Smart  has many resources, especially in the Ed Tech section. Lisa Nielsen’s blog The Innovative Educator also covers many aspects of PLNs and also has many resources to help a person navigate to meaningful, relevant information for modern educators.

Last year, I spent time considering inclusive education in a graduate program at the University of Calgary. As I was also working as a teacher-librarian, I was able to start to frame what happens in the library through an inclusive lens. iPads, tablets, and some Web 2.0 applications have great potential to promote inclusion of all students in the classroom regardless of any behavioral, physical, or mental disability. The Biancarosa and Griffiths article “Technology tools to support reading in the digital age” (2012) and the MSU lecture by Melissa Fortson on iPads and accessibility, both highlight uses for the technology in the library and classrooms. (The quality of the Fortson lecture isn’t great but content-wise it is a good introduction to the iPad as a tool of inclusion.)