Reviews
Review by: Chip Donohue, Distance Learning & TEC Center, Erikson Institute - March 1, 2012
As a gifted classroom teacher and technology innovator, Brian preaches what he practices. He’s given educators a rare gift—a book that clearly connects child development and developmentally appropriate practices with new technology and offers an invitation to explore, play, and learn. This is a book to experience, not just to read. It’s full of real classroom stories and photos, practical tips, technology recommendations, and QR codes that link to video clips and resources. Along the way, you’ll be engaged, encouraged, and gently nudged toward intentional, effective, and integrated use of technology in your classroom—and you’ll really enjoy the journey.
Review by: Bonnie Roelle, Office of Early Childhood Programs, Chicago Public Schools - March 1, 2012
This book has something for everyone—from the technophobe to the technocrat. Teachers can start where they feel comfortable and proceed step-by-step through the technology activities. A must-read resource!
Review by: David Kleeman, American Center for Children and Media - March 1, 2012
Every day, teachers consider students’ needs and set learning goals, and then choose the best tools—water or sand, crayons or paints, words or images. Brian Puerling lays out a realistic yet innovative framework for integrating technology among those tools—clear-eyed about not only the when, where, and how, but most importantly the why. I predict well-worn and marked-up copies of Teaching in the Digital Age in early learning centers, elementary classrooms and Ed schools.
Review by: Matt Glover - March 1, 2012
Often our students are more comfortable with technology than we are as adults. In Teaching in the Digital Age, Brian Puerling takes the sometimes daunting idea of using technology in meaningful ways with young children and makes it look not just achievable for teachers, but something all students deserve. Brian skillfully mixes practical advice, thoughtful rationale, authentic classroom scenarios, the voices of experts and colleagues, and his own expertise to provide teachers with a vision for how technology can be used seamlessly in a classroom. Brian builds on children’s natural interest in technology and combines it with effective instructional strategies to give you a vision for what high quality learning can look like. You will learn more than just how to use technology to enhance learning. You will learn how to create engaging, high quality learning environments and learning experiences for all children.
Review by: Barbara Gander, University of Wisconsin-La Crosse - March 1, 2012
[When technology is] used in the appropriate ways that Brian describes, we can provide young children with one of the keys to future personal, social, academic, and professional success. I am ready to ‘embrace the uncertainty’ and change the way I teach. The forms that Brian provided are particularly helpful in taking that first step in using technology to enhance learning in an appropriate way.
Review by: Jonathan Harris - March 1, 2012
I know firsthand how Brian Puerling's insightfulness and creativity enhanced my children’s learning and inspired them for future growth. Teaching in the Digital Age provides a roadmap on how to use technology in the classroom for teachers and parents alike, which can lead to a fun, exciting, and personal educational experience for impressionable young minds. This book demonstrates the value of allowing creativity and exploration to exist in both school and home.
Review by: Andy Russell, Launchpad Toys - March 1, 2012
Brian paints an inspirational picture for the future of early childhood learning, seamlessly and playfully blending digital tools into the classroom and helping educators of all experience levels empower their students to create and share ideas.
Review by: Michael Levine, Executive Director, Joan Ganz Cooney Center, Sesame Workshop - April 2, 2012
A terrific, path breaking resource, chock full of practical advice for early educators who are transforming their classrooms for a digital age.
Review by: Renee Wilberg, Kindergarten Teacher - April 9, 2012
Brian earns an A+ for providing educators with the tools and resources needed to transform conventional classrooms into modern spaces brimming with 21st century digital practices. His creative, practical, personal approach makes it easy to update even the most traditional classroom. Teaching in the Digital Age personally motivated me to forge ahead with these new and effective practices. This book is an entertaining and educational journey for any teacher who strives to be a lifelong learner and wants to develop a relationship with his/her students academically, emotionally, and technologically.