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Amplify: Digital Teaching and Learning in the K-6 Classroom
"Using technology doesn't mean that we throw out those strategies that we've found to be successful with students," write Katie Muhtaris and Kristin Ziemke. "It's not the tools-it's what we do with them that counts.
Katie and Kristin start with our most important educational goals-literacy, independence, and critical thinking-and helps you connect them to the technology available in your classroom or school. You'll help students dig into texts, research their questions, and create powerful learning communities by using digital tools effectively, responsibly, and in combination with trusted artifacts and print resources.
Amplify does exactly what the title implies. "When introducing technological tools, we often apply the same practices and strategies we use in our daily teaching, but amplify their power with technology," write Katie and Kristin. "We model what we want students to do with the technology, guide them to try it out with us, provide time for practice, then share as a class." They help amplify your literacy curriculum with lessons and guidance for:
explicitly teaching kids how to be effective digital readers and thinkers giving students practice with closely reading images, infographics, and video emphasizing student ownership and creativity Whether you are in a 1:1 school, want to squeeze everything you can out of the one device in your classroom, or your school is encouraging you to use more digital tools, read Amplify. You'll discover how to gradually release responsibility to empower students as you-and your students-make the most of any technology.
Katie and Kristin start with our most important educational goals-literacy, independence, and critical thinking-and helps you connect them to the technology available in your classroom or school. You'll help students dig into texts, research their questions, and create powerful learning communities by using digital tools effectively, responsibly, and in combination with trusted artifacts and print resources.
Amplify does exactly what the title implies. "When introducing technological tools, we often apply the same practices and strategies we use in our daily teaching, but amplify their power with technology," write Katie and Kristin. "We model what we want students to do with the technology, guide them to try it out with us, provide time for practice, then share as a class." They help amplify your literacy curriculum with lessons and guidance for:
explicitly teaching kids how to be effective digital readers and thinkers giving students practice with closely reading images, infographics, and video emphasizing student ownership and creativity Whether you are in a 1:1 school, want to squeeze everything you can out of the one device in your classroom, or your school is encouraging you to use more digital tools, read Amplify. You'll discover how to gradually release responsibility to empower students as you-and your students-make the most of any technology.
134 pages, Paperback
First published October 8, 2015
14 people are currently reading
126 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
November 18, 2015
Essential reading for disciples of workshop style of instruction who are moving toward a 1:1 learning environment
February 18, 2016
So many great ideas for incorporating technology into the classroom so little time left in the year. Excited to share and explore these ideas with my students and colleagues.
July 19, 2016
Excellent book that talks about how to utilize technology in the classroom in purposeful and intentional ways
October 16, 2016
A great text for those looking for effective ways to integrate technology meaningfully into the elementary classroom.
February 12, 2021
Such a phenomenal resource for teachers! I read this when it first came out and was blown away by the wealth of ideas shared in the book. Soon after I had the fortune of hearing Kristin Ziemke present at a conference, and I was even more impressed by her expertise. So much so that I lead a book club with teachers in our school, which many said was the best PD they've ever attended because the book provided a wealth of valuable information.
The ideas presented in the book are practical and actionable for students of all ages. The authors clearly explain how this can work in your classroom with step by step directions. Each chapter ends with 3 Things to Try tomorrow, which empowers the readers to take action. It's one thing to read a professional book, but it truly makes an impact when you can immediately implement the ideas. Many of the strategies and activities I've learned from this book lead to extremely engaging lessons that have helped some of my reluctant readers to get excited about reading!
I've recently revisited this book in the midst of the Covid-19 remote teaching scenario we're currently finding ourselves in. This book again inspired me to try new things with technology and has built my confidence in being able to engage students virtually. Highly recommend this book!
The ideas presented in the book are practical and actionable for students of all ages. The authors clearly explain how this can work in your classroom with step by step directions. Each chapter ends with 3 Things to Try tomorrow, which empowers the readers to take action. It's one thing to read a professional book, but it truly makes an impact when you can immediately implement the ideas. Many of the strategies and activities I've learned from this book lead to extremely engaging lessons that have helped some of my reluctant readers to get excited about reading!
I've recently revisited this book in the midst of the Covid-19 remote teaching scenario we're currently finding ourselves in. This book again inspired me to try new things with technology and has built my confidence in being able to engage students virtually. Highly recommend this book!
August 1, 2018
WOW! So much great information! I really appreciate how Katie and Kristin drive the reader to consider how to use technology in the classroom to either enhance critical thinking (creating) or to expand learning beyond the walls of the classroom versus using technology has just another worksheet/program. It was a little hard to visualize some of the technology, so I would love to read this book again with a group of teachers in my school and try a new piece of technology listed in the book every month. I think the collaboration nature of a professional book club would help with the areas I got a little stuck on. LOVE THE BOOK!!
August 2, 2017
This book was a happy surprise. Not only did it inspire me to try several new technology resources this year, it gave me immediate activities to put in place and a plan to do it. I love how each of the 6 chapters ends with 3 ways to begin amplifying technology the very next day. I will keep this one to look back at throughout the year and will share it with the teachers at my school where I am the library media specialist.
August 23, 2017
I highly recommend this book for elementary through middle school teachers and librarians because it is filled with so many engaging and practical digital tools and ideas for using technology to enhance learning and collaboration. I got to attend a training with one of the authors, Kristin Ziemke, where we got to try out some of the on-line tools recommended and it was awesome! Looking forward to working with her again. :)
August 15, 2020
I am giving Amplify 3 stars because I am coming at this book with a large depth of educational technology knowledge. I personally did not gain a lot of new learning. There was a lot of theory about why technology integration should be used in the classroom. I already have that belief and was looking for more examples of how educators have implemented technology.
However, for novice educators or those with little knowledge of technology integration this would be more of a 4+ star book.
However, for novice educators or those with little knowledge of technology integration this would be more of a 4+ star book.
December 29, 2016
A MUST read for educators incorporating tech seamlessly into their classroom while also understanding the balance between digital & face to face communication. Wonderful examples and failures that can lead to successes with tech in the classroom. Quick read with QR codes, websites, & Twitter handles so you have endless resources to explore!
October 5, 2021
This is an outstanding text that helps give workable solutions for creating workshop style tech literacy. It will work beautifully in any classroom that uses even a portion of the workshop model for teaching. <3 love it
August 6, 2017
An excellent book for teachers that simplifies the use of technology as a classroom tool. It includes oodles of ideas that can be easily incorporated.
February 25, 2021
This was written pre covid. Some of it still applies though. Good for those looking for ideas on how to embed tech into you class
October 25, 2016
Excellent, practical applications for teachers! A great resource!
March 19, 2017
I really enjoyed this. It was an easy read and so many great options to use right away in your classroom. This is a book that every new teacher should read as well. It is geared more for elementary but I think middle and high school teachers could adapt anything.
February 13, 2017
The authors' energy and optimism is contagious! Ziemke and Muhtaris share practical suggestions and invitations to get connected, be a learner, and enjoy the journey!
January 31, 2016
This is a must read for all teachers and administrators introducing or learning about tech as it relates to teaching and learning. Whether your classroom has one iPad or is 1:1, Kristin and Katie provide research based best practices and how to amplify them using tech. Their "three things to try tomorrow" section at the end of each chapter gives teachers immediate access to ways to incorporate tech into classrooms. Above all, the authors note that tech amplifies, engages, and connects people. It is a tool of inquiry and wonder, not an end goal. I have many new ideas to try and to build upon in my own classroom. Accessible and practical read that will lead to effective and progressive teaching and learning.
December 20, 2016
This book was amazing. Focused not just on technology but about intentional practices that put learning first. Using tools--not all of them are devices. Provides real world examples and chapters follows with QR codes of continually updated videos of examples with updated resources as our tools constantly change. What a great way to keep a print book up to date! I was so inspired to jump in and try new things. Highly recommend for teachers and librarians. Easily applicable to upper grades.
November 12, 2015
One of the most useful PD books I've read in years. Gonna do ALL THE THINGS.
The focus is on using technology to empower kids as creators, build community, and facilitate reflection. When so much of the available advice online is mostly about using technology to help kids consume media, I needed the ideas in this book desperately.
I want to shove this in the hands of all the teachers at my school who hog the iPad cart and only use it for their students to go on Raz Kids and Xtra Math.
The focus is on using technology to empower kids as creators, build community, and facilitate reflection. When so much of the available advice online is mostly about using technology to help kids consume media, I needed the ideas in this book desperately.
I want to shove this in the hands of all the teachers at my school who hog the iPad cart and only use it for their students to go on Raz Kids and Xtra Math.
January 11, 2016
It's nice to read an education book that provides concrete examples of classroom practice that align with theory and existing classroom strategies and structures.
Kristin and Katie do a wonderful job of sharing real-life examples and being honest and sincere about technology use in the elementary classroom.
Kristin and Katie do a wonderful job of sharing real-life examples and being honest and sincere about technology use in the elementary classroom.
March 2, 2016
As the role of teaching is ever changing, this book supports why you became a teacher in the first place! Best practice-good instruction is the foundation for the tech thoughts provided in this book. Practical steps for advancing your use of technology through Katie's and Kristin's examples will guide you on your way to one thing.
August 16, 2016
If you are a teacher who is struggling to integrate technology, I highly recommend this book. It's a start-up guide on how to use the tools and teaching technique that you already use to lead students into not only consuming, but using digital media for all parts of the learning process, self-evaluating and sharing with a real audience.
December 21, 2015
This duo has written a fantastic resource for teachers to use as they incorporate digital tools and strategies in their classrooms. I like that their suggestions are grounded in research and that they encourage a balance of both digital and traditional methods for meeting students' needs.
August 15, 2016
Lots of ideas to think about - using technology to enhance and grow what is done in the classroom - not replace it in a "glitzy" form was a big take away that I appreciate. I believe that too. I'm wondering about the keynote portfolio entries - I need to give that a closer look.
October 18, 2016
This is a really easy read, I read it in a couple of sessions while my daughter was at swimming lessons! The book has lots of easy to incorporate lesson ideas, book suggestions and anchor chart examples. I have tons of tags in the book of things to try and talk to my class about and try.
May 29, 2018
This was a great book with a lot of practical ways to Incorporate technology into any classroom. As a teach who considers herself tech savvy I found that there were still a lot of tips and tricks to help me teach new technology tools better.
February 18, 2016
Awesome book!
July 9, 2016
A wonderful book helping educators see practical and meaningful ways to use technology with students for learning. Lots of ideas to implement, easily.
August 9, 2016
This is a fantastic book to help teachers to simplify and realistically use technology as one of many classroom tools. I'd love to do a book group on this with someone!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews