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media type="custom" key="23672800" My final PowerPoint Presentation I had trouble with embedding this presentation with audio. I've attached the file below that should include audio.

Rationale for Technology Innovations Rogers (2003) identifies four elements of diffusion of an innovation: innovation, communication channels, time, and social system. Diffusion is the process by which a new idea or innovation is adopted by a social system, and Rogers argues that the diffusion of an innovation occurs via communication channels over time within a social system. He further maintains that the diffusion of a new idea or innovation occurs in five stages: knowledge, persuasion, decision, implementation, and confirmation (Everett Rogers, 2003). Upon examining various professional conferences in the field of educational technology, there are three technological innovations that have the potential for enhancing both teaching and learning practices in the classroom: Google Tools for Education, iDevices, and Edmodo; however, the adoption of these new innovations by key stakeholders, such as educational leaders, classroom teachers, students and parents will determine their success or failure.

The first innovation that could positively impact both teaching and learning is the use of Google Tools for Education. Google offers educators free online resources that can be used to enhance student learning and the development of the 4 Cs of 21st Century digital learning skills, which are creativity, critical thinking, collaboration, and communication. For instance, students are able to collaboratively create a document, spreadsheet, or presentation with other students using Google Docs, construct their own blog or website on Google sites, and complete multiple choice exams by submitting a Google Form. The diffusion process of this innovation, however, may pose a challenge to many due to the lack of computers or technology to access the Internet by every student during the instructional day.

The following links are to sites at professional conferences where Google Tools were presented: Google Tools and Apps for Education at the Computer Using Educators (CUE) Website [] and ISTE Website [].

The next major technological innovation during this century that has greatly impacted education is the iDevices (the iPad and iPod Touch devices). If used effectively in the classroom setting, students are able to use apps that will help increase student engagement and learning, access the Internet and Web 2.0 tools, and develop 21st century digital learning skills (critical thinking, collaboration, communication, and creativity). Like the adoption process for Google Docs, the diffusion of iDevices may be challenging due to the lack of financial resources to purchase them. Other barriers that might impede its diffusion are the lack of professional development that teachers will need to effectively use the devices for instructional purposes, and the lack of parental and administrative support.

The following links are from workshops on these devices at professional conferences: at the CUE Website [] and ISTE Website []

Finally, the most recent technological innovation that can be used to help improve the academic achievement in the classroom is social networking. Edmodo is a popular social networking site for both teachers and students. On this site, teachers are able to connect with other teachers from across the world and form professional learning networks to gain ideas from one another on improving their instruction. Additionally students can collaborate with other students across the world, which will help broaden their own perspectives of global issues, and provide them with opportunities to develop their 21st century digital learning skills. Parents have access to their child’s account to keep informed of their child’s progress and assignments that are due. Even though there are many benefits to using social networking to enhance teaching and learning, there are many obstacles that one in the diffusion of this innovation in the educational setting. For instance, many parents and administrators are hesitant in allowing students to access social networking sites for educational purposes because of cyber-bullying. Also, not able to access the Internet may prevent all students from taking advantage of full participation. Some parents are not only able to afford the technology and devices needed to access the sites, but they also may not be able to afford the Internet.

The following links are to workshops of professional conferences: at the ISTE Website [] and Edmodo at the ISTE Website [] and at []

Due to the limited technological skills of most educators, and therefore their lack of confidence in using these technological innovations, Google Web 2.0 tools (such as Google Docs, Google Sites, Google Drive, and Google Calendar), iDevices, and Edmodo may be very challenging to adopt in the education sector. Although many teachers may be fascinated with the new innovations, many may decide that learning how to use them to integrate in their instruction will take up too much of their time or be too difficult to learn. Rogers also states that diffusion is a social process in that individuals share with one another their ideas about an innovation. As the number of educators who use the innovations increase, the more likely other educators will also venture out to use them. As previously mentioned, widespread use and adoption within the school climate and culture will depend on the administrative support. Educational leaders must support and encourage the use of these innovations if teachers are to integrate technology with instruction to better meet the needs of students and to best prepare them for the 21st century.

Considering the elements of diffusion, the integration and use of social networking is the most beneficial to education. Since social networking is new to education, and is therefore in the early stages of the diffusion process, there are very little studies that support the effectiveness towards student achievement. However the article, “Social Networking in School: Benefits and Risks; Review of the Research; Policy Considerations, and Current Practices” (April 2012), summarizes the latest research conducted to determine the impact of social media on student learning. According to this article, several studies have concluded that social networking can be integrated with academic learning because it promotes the use of student collaboration and problem-solving skills. References Christie Blazer. “Social Networking in Schools: Benefits and Risks; Review of the Research; Policy Considerations; and Current Practices.” //Information Capsule Research Services// 1109 (April 2012).

Computer Using Educators 2013 Fall Conference Workshops. Retrieved from: []

Everett Rogers. //Diffusion of Innovations//. 5th ed. New York, New York: Free Press, 2003.

ISTE 2013 Conference. Retrieved from: []



Storyboard of Multimedia Presentation The attached file is my storyboard for the multimedia presentation project. The presentation reports on the innovation-development process of Edmodo, a social networking site for teachers and students that will help advance student learning and improve the quality of instruction in the classroom. The presentation will be presented to the administration and staff at the Thomas Pullen K-8 Creative and Performing Arts School in Prince George's County Public Schools.

I resubmitted my presentation:

My Storyboard (PowerPoint Presentation) I resubmitted the presentation. Hopefully, you are able to open it this time. Please let me know if you are having trouble. Thanks for being patient as I adjust to this new way of collaborating. 