Summer Reading Recommendations from OIT

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By Kerri Lambert, Instructional Technology Teacher Specialist

Summer! It’s coming! I swear I think I see it lurking around the corner! And with that, hopefully, will come some much needed down time to recharge and reset for the next school year. One of the things I most enjoy doing with my downtime is reading a good book. Now it doesn’t happen as often as I like (I’m the mom to two young boys after all), but when it does, it’s always nice to have a list of recommendations handy. So, if you’re interested in expanding your knowledge of instructional technology and how to use it more effectively in your classroom, here are a few books we here in OIT recommend (in no particular order):

Tech Like a Pirate, by Matt Miller

Why We Like It: This book is chock full of practical projects and activities that apply to all grade levels and content. The author provides resource links to his templates so you can easily implement the ideas in your classroom. Video projects, social media inspired projects, gamification, virtual field trips… There’s sure to be an activity or two or three dozen that you will want to use with your students.

The Chromebook Infused Classroom, by Holly Clark

Why We Like It: Sure, we’ve been 1:1 with devices in AACPS for over a year now, but we know many teachers out there still aren’t really sure what to do with them. This book provides teachers with a pedagogical framework to help them incorporate Chromebooks into their classrooms in meaningful ways, using their familiar paper and pencil lessons as a starting point. With links and QR codes scattered throughout, this book is highly interactive and engaging for the reader.

Control Alt Achieve, by Eric Curts

Why We Like It: Since we use Chromebooks in AACPS, it’s only natural that we rely heavily on Google applications, but we know it’s sometimes difficult to figure out new, clever ways to use them. There are also a lot of hidden features in Google Docs, Slides, Drawings, and Sheets that can breathe new life into existing activities. This book breaks down step by step how to create your own Google activities that students can complete successfully.


No Fear Coding (K-5) by Heidi Williams and Creative Coding by Josh Caldwell

Why We Like Them: There’s been a lot of emphasis on coding over the years. These books break down why coding is so important, how it relates to other content areas, and gives teachers resources and lesson ideas using sites such as code.org and Scratch. Have codable robots? These books cover those too!

Flip Your Classroom: Reaching Every Student in Every Class Every Day by Jonathan Bergmann

Why we Like it: Are you excited about Brightspace? Or maybe not quite sure why we need it? Then grab this book as it describes not only what the classroom of the future looks like, but also how to create it using an LMS. This is a great read if you are a secondary teacher.

UDL and Blended Learning, by Katie Novak & Catlin R. Tucker

Why We Like It: Are you looking for a way to increase student engagement and choice in your classroom? Do you want to make sure your classroom has a mix of traditional hands-on activities and technology? Then this is the book for you. With lesson plans, framebooks, choice boards, and more this book breaks down into simple steps various scenarios to successfully merge UDL and blended learning in your classroom.


Hopefully one or more of these titles captured your attention and have been added to your summer reading list. We suggest grabbing a trusty highlighter, pen and/or pack of post-it notes (along with your beverage of choice) because we guarantee you’ll be wanting to take notes for next year!

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