ASCD Express Tech for Teachers Articles

By Jason Bedell

Jason Bedell is an instructional technology consultant and a library media specialist at Belmar Elementary School in New Jersey. 

In his columns, Jason explores how effectively integrating technology can deepen student learning and make the school environment more student-centered.

The Value of Programming for Students

Learning how to program computer language code can motivate students to build something tangible, whether a website or a smartphone app, and teach them to persevere in problem solving.

How to Use Moodle

You can use software to give students access to resources and school activities in a classroom space. Moodle is a learning management system, or LMS, that allows for amazing learning opportunities.

Wikis Let Students Actively Contribute to Their Learning

Using wikis in the classroom allows students an active role in sharing and creating knowledge because it deepens their understanding and gives them ownership of their learning.

Video Cameras Offer a New Picture of Student Learning

Jason Bedell extols the video camera as an instructional tool that engages both young children and the big kids.

Google Docs Ease Collaborative Thinking and Writing

Google Docs ease collaboration for group writing projects, presentations, mentoring, and sharing feedback.

Tap the Power of Social Networking with Edmodo

Jason Bedell shows you how to use the free educational platform Edmodo.

Digital Portfolios Demonstrate Accountability

Digital portfolios allow for greater range in assessment and actually encourage student learning and sharing.

Skyping Is the Next Best Thing to Being There

Jason Bedell, a library media specialist and instructional technology consultant, says Skype can enhance the classroom experience.

Wonderful Word Clouds

Tools to create word clouds not only make beautiful images, but they also give students and teachers another way to analyze text and revise writing.

Blogging Stimulates Reflective Practice

Jason Bedell discusses how he uses blogging to be a more reflective educator.

Digital Storytelling Meets a Variety of Instructional Needs

VoiceThread is a web-based tool that allows students and teachers to tell their stories using pictures, audio, and annotation, as individuals or groups. What's more, the tool allows others to comment.

Using Twitter to Start Your Personal Learning Network

Jason Bedell explains how to use Twitter to share best practices and build a productive personal learning network.

Glogster—A New Way to Look at the Poster Project

The poster project is a simple way to get students to show their learning, convey valuable information, and creatively express themselves. Glogster, a Web 2.0 tool, helps students take a poster project to a new level.