Blog Post 4: In Defense of Gadgets

Ten gadgets are currently operating on this blog, each of which was chosen to enhance a visitor's experience. At first, a ten gadget requirement seemed excessive, but after exploration, I realized many can be very helpful. The gadgets found to the right of this post and below are:
1. Profile (About Me) 
2. Pages
3. Blog Archive 
4. Poll - this poll allows readers to participate and share their feelings on technological tools within the classroom. From the data, I can recognize themes that my readers would like to see more posts about. I could post research and articles backing up or contradicting the majority.
5. Technology News - this gadget posts up-to-date titles and descriptions from Cnet news articles about technology.
6. Education News - this gadget posts up-to-date titles and descriptions from Education Week news articles.
7. Visitor Worldmap - many of Plugged In's blog posts explore issues regarding access to technology. This gadget displays the location of all site visitors across the globe. 
8. Google Translate - this gadget allows visitors to view all blog content in the language that is most comfortable to them, making the information accessible and relevant to more people.
9. Tech Dictionary - many terms used in blog posts and news articles may not be part of the everyday language of visitors. This tool allows them to search the internet for technological terms they are unfamiliar with.
10. Search this Blog

Sustainability

Today, our class discussion revolved around sustainable technology and the disparities in funding that exist. Mrs. Langston put together a slide show of thought-provoking images about the topic. Each student then added their own comments to the slides.

Technology: Yay or Nay?

Accountability: Does technology in education HELP, HURT, or BOTH?

click image to enlarge