Discovering Open Access WWW Educational Technology Tools:

(and) Barely Keeping Up

Joshua Johnson – Spring 2014

Why do I use Technology to Teach First Year Composition?Ehrmann and Chickering (1996) “Implementing the Seven Principles:

Technology as Lever”

1. Encourage contact between students and faculty2. Develop reciprocity and cooperation among students3. Use active learning4. Give prompt feedback5. Emphasize time on task6. Communicate high expectations7. Respect diverse talents and ways of learning

From enGauge 21st Century Literacy Skills: Literacy in the Digital Age “Extra! Extra! The World Is Different!”

(North Central Regional Educational Laboratory & the Metiri Group, 2003)

What are Open Access WWW Tech Tools?

• Free to use• Browser Based

Sophisticated Model of Browser Based Tech Tools

Example Open Access WWW Tool: Google Docs

Why Open Access WWW Tech Tools?

I wanted to find technologies that are:• Real-world tools (relevant)• Available to everyone• Engaging

How did I Find the Tech Tools?

Method # 1: Collaborating with Colleagues

Finding Tech Tools (cont.)

Method #2: Google Search with Keywords• Teaching with technology• Teaching writing with technology• Resources for teaching with technology• Free technology for teachers• New media writing tools• Teaching writing with technology resources• Writing for the web tools• Resources for teaching digital writing• Digital writing tools

Finding Tech Tools (cont.)

Method #3: Using the Site Filter

• site:edu• site:org• site:gov

Face my students make when I show them this function of Google

Finding Tech Tools (cont.)

Method #4: scholar.google.com

For example, searching for “Prezi Diigo Wikispaces” in Google Scholar displays “Technology Makes Learning Fun: Top 10 Technologies to Try in Your School Library” (Garay, Hunsaker, Lana, & Schneider, 2012)

Other Academic Articles about Tech Tools

• Frantz (2012)• Marygrove College (2013)• Michigan State University IT Services

Learning Design and Technology (2012)• Siricharoen (2013)• Son (2011)• Warner (2012)

The List in My Thesis

Comprehensive List

I have a more comprehensive list available online

Contact info: jrjohnson2@ualr.edu

References• Ehrmann, S. C. & Chickering, A. W. (1996). Implementing the seven principles:

Technology as lever. AAHE Bulletin, October, 3-6.• Frantz, S. (2012) Technology for educators: Tools for teaching. Retrieved from

SueFrantz.com• Marygrove College (2013). Surfing for substance: 50 no-nonsense, no-fluff websites and

apps for educators.• Michigan State University IT Services Learning Design and Technology (2012). Flipped

classroom technology tools.• North Central Regional Educational Laboratory & the Metiri Group (2003). enGauge 21st

century skills: Literacy in the digital age.• Siricharoen, W. V. (2013). Infographics: the new communication tools in digital age.

Bangkok, Thailand: University of Thai Chamber of Commerce.• Son, J. B. (2011). Online tools for language teaching. Teaching English as a Second or

Foreign Language, 15(1), 1-12.• Warner, J. (2012). Seeing again with new media: using free www tools to teach students

revision. South Carolina English Teacher, Fall 2012, 34-39.