3 Must-Read Books for (fun): Helping Professors Enhance Online Teaching and Embrace Educational Technology - Blog

by Angela June 2, 2023
3 Must-Read Books for (fun): Helping Professors Enhance Online Teaching and Embrace Educational Technology

You’ve got lots of books on your “enjoy your break” reading list. But some look too much like work, right? Your brain needs a little downtime. When you take a break from binging all the shows you did not have time to watch this last school year, we have three suggestions that deliver new ideas without feeling like you’re reading a textbook.

You might also like Developing Job-Ready Skills for Teaching.

Embrace Innovative Teaching with Tech Like a Pirate

Students are clear they want engaging learning activities. If you are looking for a book that combines educational technology with a spirit of adventure, Tech Like a Pirate by Matt Miller is a must-read. It’s a valuable resource for college educators seeking to integrate technology effectively into their teaching practices. At first glance, this book looks like it’s for teachers of younger students, but there are so many great ideas to use in college classrooms. Let’s dive into why Tech Like a Pirate should be at the top of your summer reading list.

Embracing Technology with a Pirate’s Spirit

Tech Like a Pirate introduces the concept of “Pirate Pedagogy,” which encourages educators to adopt an adventurous and innovative mindset when using technology in the classroom. By embracing this approach, college educators can transform their teaching practices, engaging students and fostering a dynamic learning environment. Matt Miller provides practical strategies, real-life examples, and actionable tips that empower educators to leverage technology to its fullest potential.

Practical Applications and Strategies

This book offers a treasure trove of practical applications and strategies that college educators can implement immediately. Miller provides a wealth of ideas for incorporating technology tools, apps, and platforms into different aspects of teaching, such as content delivery, assessment, collaboration, and student creativity. By following the strategies outlined in Tech Like a Pirate, educators can enhance their instructional methods and create transformative learning experiences that captivate students.

Student-Centered Approach

Educators can provide opportunities for student choice, collaboration, and creativity through integrating technology. Tech Like a Pirate strongly emphasizes student-centered learning, encouraging educators to empower students to take ownership of their education. The book offers insights into using technology to facilitate personalized learning experiences, foster critical thinking skills, and encourage students to actively contribute to their education.

By embracing the spirit of adventure and adopting innovative teaching methods, educators can create transformative learning experiences for their students. Tech Like a Pirate by Matt Miller offers a refreshing and practical approach to integrating technology into the classroom. Whether you are a seasoned technology user or just starting your journey, this book will provide valuable insights and strategies to elevate your teaching to new heights.

Unlock the Extraordinary: The Power of Moments

As college professors, we aim to create meaningful and impactful experiences for our students. We strive to make a lasting impression beyond the classroom. If you’re looking for inspiration to craft extraordinary moments in your teaching practice, The Power of Moments by Chip Heath and Dan Heath is a book you don’t want to miss. This thought-provoking book helps college professors seeking to create transformative experiences for their students.

Understanding the Impact of Moments

The Power of Moments explores the concept that specific experiences have the power to shape our lives and leave a lasting impact. By understanding the psychology behind these moments, you can design experiences that engage students, foster deeper connections, and ignite their passion for learning. Chip Heath and Dan Heath unpack the science behind creating memorable, meaningful, and transformative moments.

Designing Extraordinary Learning Experiences

The book offers practical insights and strategies for designing moments that profoundly impact students’ lives. The authors provide a framework for creating extraordinary moments in the classroom through real-life examples, research-based evidence, and actionable advice. From the first day of class to project presentations, assessments, and even virtual interactions, The Power of Moments offers guidance on infusing your teaching with purpose, inspiration, and a sense of wonder.

Building Connections and Engagement

One of the critical strengths of The Power of Moments is its emphasis on building connections and fostering engagement. The authors share stories of moments that spark joy, build trust, and strengthen relationships between students and educators. By applying the principles outlined in the book, college professors can create a positive and inclusive learning environment where students feel seen, valued, and motivated to actively participate in their education.

The Power of Moments is a captivating book that will transform how you approach teaching and create lasting impressions on your students. Understanding the science behind extraordinary moments allows college professors to design experiences beyond mere information delivery. Whether teaching in person or online, this book will equip you with practical strategies to craft memorable and impactful learning experiences for your students.

How to Win at College: A Must-Read for College Professors to Empower Student Success

This book has become the gift for high school graduates. It’s also a great read for college professors. To better understand students’ challenges and provide practical guidance, we must continually enhance our knowledge of student success strategies. How to Win at College by Cal Newport and Andrei Mihai is an invaluable resource that offers practical advice for college students, making it an excellent summer read for college professors. This book provides insights to help us better support our students.

A Student-Centered Approach

How to Win at College takes a student-centered approach, offering valuable advice from experienced educators and successful college students. By understanding students’ challenges, college professors can adapt their teaching methods to better support their students’ needs and enhance overall student success. The authors provide insights into various aspects of college life, including time management, study habits, building relationships, choosing extracurricular activities, and planning for the future.

Practical Tips and Strategies

This book is filled with practical tips and strategies that can be directly applied to college life. From setting goals and managing time effectively to developing effective study techniques, the authors provide actionable advice students can implement to achieve academic and personal success. By familiarizing ourselves with these strategies, college professors can offer targeted guidance and help students navigate the complexities of college life.

Promoting Holistic Student Development

Beyond academic achievement, How to Win at College emphasizes the importance of holistic student development. It explores the significance of building social connections, seeking mentors, and taking advantage of experiential learning opportunities. By understanding the value of these experiences, college professors can encourage students to actively engage in campus life, foster personal growth, and build essential skills for their future careers.

Investing time in reading How to Win at College enables college professors to foster a more inclusive and supportive learning environment. By empowering our students with the tools and strategies to succeed academically and personally, we can contribute to their overall growth and development.

Give these three books a read while you’re enjoying your break and get inspired with new ideas and fresh perspective.
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Angela

Angela Britcher is a writer, communications professor, and instructional designer. She works with The Babb Group and Edusity.
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