Journal 4: It's in the bag.

NETS-T 2


Basham, J. D., Perry, E., & Meyer, H. (2011). It's in the bag. (2 ed., Vol. 39, pp. 24-26). ISTE.Retrieved
from http://books.google.com/books/feeds/volumes?q=http://www.iste.org/learn/publications/learning-and-leading/digital-edition-september-october-2011.aspx

The authors of this article inform us about the most innovative way of teaching, digital backpacks.  A digital backpack contains digital and hardware tools, resources, and instructional materials handpicked to engage learners.  The three core components a digital backpack is composed of are foundational technology, modular technology, and instructional support materials.  What is interesting about this project is that it seems the child is able to learn a specific lesson at his/her pace through his own way of learning.  There are various tools available for the students to use to learn the same objective through their own learning style.

Q1: How to build your own backpack?

Make sure that digital backpack designs meet diverse learning needs by including multiple ways for learners to acquire content.  Consider which foundational technology and modular technologies will provide most flexibility.   Give appropriate instructional management and instructional design; include project goals, timelines, and planning templates.  A digital backpack should provide for targeted learning but should maintain sufficient flexibility and scalability to be useful for multiple teacher and students.

Q2:  What are the benefits of using digital backpacks when teaching?

Some of the benefits of using digital backpacks when teaching is that the child will learn the objective at his/her speed through his/her own learning style by choosing form the various tools provided that would appeal to his learning.  Students will also be learning about technology through hands on experiences.