Image retrieved from Canva
Introduction
In today's constantly changing educational landscape, educational technology plays a crucial role in helping teachers navigate the integration of digital tools into their classrooms. With so many educational blogs available today, finding one that meets teachers' needs can be challenging. As technology continues to shape our everyday lives, especially in education, I decided to focus my review on the blog Ditch That Textbook, created by Matt Miller, which stands out for its specific advice on digital tool integration. While there is also a book by the same name authored by Miller, Kary (2020) discusses that the book is an “essential reading for anyone looking for inspiration to dramatically shift their teaching practice, or for a reminder that the messy, imperfect, never-ending path toward becoming an innovative, inspirational, and better teacher for our students is a worthy, noble endeavor.” I was attracted to the blog, and I found out that it features a range of free resources but also offers some paid courses for specific programs, which are beneficial because they are self-paced and available for lifetime access. (Home, n.d). It presents technology as a tool to improve learning rather than replace traditional teaching, which is essential as classrooms evolve in the digital age.
Blog URL: Ditch That Textbook
Author and Purpose
Matt Miller, a former high school Spanish teacher with over a decade of experience, created Ditch That Textbook to help teachers make learning more interactive, tech-friendly, and student-centered. His goal is to inspire educators to embrace technology in ways that improve student engagement and make teaching and learning more enjoyable (About Ditch That Textbook, n.d). The blog is about empowering teachers to step beyond traditional methods by introducing them to digital tools and strategies they can use to improve student engagement, creativity, and critical thinking. Miller also encourages teachers to think critically about each tool they adopt, using it for learning objectives rather than just using technology. His blog offers educators ideas on how to find the right tools and approaches to match their teaching style and goals.
What I Liked and Found Useful
The blog offers various tools for different stakeholders. The blog provides numerous valuable resources, such as templates, lesson ideas, and instructional tips for Google-based classrooms. Teachers who rely on Microsoft applications can also find resources for Teams, OneNote, and other Office 365 tools. Teachers can boost student engagement and digital literacy by adopting new tools to improve their learning experience (Home, n.d). The blog is also an excellent resource for parents and employers because it highlights the importance of developing real-world skills students need for success beyond school. Parents can learn how technology is used to support their children's education, while employers will value the focus on preparing students with the skills needed for today's job market. One part that stands out in Miller's introduction video is his analogy of the classroom and digital tools to a carpenter and a toolbox, where he compares the classroom to a toolbox filled with resources that teachers can use to achieve specific educational goals. He explains that just as a carpenter selects the right tool for each job, teachers should choose digital tools based on the learning objectives and skills they want students to master (Ditch That Textbook, 2019). This idea is helpful for educators who feel pressured to use every new tool. Miller reminds them that technology should serve a clear purpose rather than be used because it is available. The blog also creates a supportive community for educators. Miller offers free resources, a platform for exchanging ideas, and the Ditch That Book Digital Summit a free online conference. This is helpful for educators because it provides new insights into technology integration and even offers professional development hours, allowing educators to learn new skills while working toward certification requirements. This community aspect provides a safe space for teachers new to educational technology to explore and grow. Miller stresses that teachers do not need to use every tool available; they should prioritize quality over quantity. His message to educators is that technology should align with learning goals rather than overwhelm the curriculum.
Image retrieved from Ditch That Textbook website
Questions and Potential Improvements
While Ditch That Textbook is a fantastic resource, it might be more inclusive if it included low-tech alternatives or additional strategies for educators under the resources where reliable internet access may be an issue. Kary (2020) states that "creating a joyful, engaged classroom environment where students learn 21st century skills using 21st century devices does apply directly to the needs of underserved students, and it’s a message that needs to be spread more widely. Also, more content geared toward different grade levels or subject areas could be beneficial. I would like to see real-life examples or case studies from teachers who have successfully implemented the strategies Matt Miller discusses. These could be added to the posts or in a specific section that might include stories to provide educators with a better understanding of adapting the ideas to their unique classroom environments. Seeing how others have tackled challenges and made digital tools work for them would make the blog more helpful and valuable. Additionally, while the blog has a visually appealing design, it could benefit from more interactive features. Incorporating elements like quizzes, polls, or discussion prompts at the end of posts would encourage readers to engage more with the content. These interactive tools would help educators reflect on their practices and foster a sense of community where they can share experiences.
Rating
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I give Ditch That Textbook 4.5 out of 5 stars. The blog provides different ideas on integrating technology in the classroom, but there is room for improvement. The blog offers posts and resources for different applications, an engaging community, and even a free online conference. Without a doubt, the blog is a platform for educators looking to create student-centered learning experiences. This blog is a great resource that empowers educators to embrace technology in meaningful ways, ultimately improving the learning experience for students.
Final thoughts
After exploring the blog, I am impressed with it. I discovered numerous resources I could use for my future classroom, and the different sessions available through the Ditch That Book Digital Summit conference are an added benefit for professional growth. It is motivating to have blogs like this that support educators by providing tools and ideas to improve their teaching. Also, I see myself using some of these strategies and templates as a business advisor to offer engaging learning experiences for my clients.
References
About Ditch That Textbook. Ditch That Textbook. (n.d). https://ditchthattextbook.com/about/
Ditch That Textbook. (2019, April 17). Transforming Teaching and Learning with Tech. [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PcsuWI3M8ag
Home. Ditch That Textbook. (n.d.). https://ditchthattextbook.com/
Kary, S. (2020, January 23). Ditch that textbook review: New edtech classroom. The New EdTech Classroom. https://newedtechclassroom.com/ditch-that-textbook-review/
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