About the blog:
The purpose of this site is to share information about free resources that teachers can use in their classrooms.
In 2008 Free Technology for Teachers was awarded the Edublogs Award for "Best Resource Sharing Blog."
In 2009 Free Technology for Teachers was again awarded the Edublogs Award for "Best Resource Sharing Blog" and was awarded the Edublogs Award for "Best Individual Blog."
In 2010 Free Technology for Teachers was awarded the Edublogs Awards for "Best Resource Sharing Blog," "Best Ed Tech Support," and "Best Individual Blog."
In 2011 Free Technology for Teachers received the Edublogs Award for Best Ed Tech Blog.
Free Technology for Teachers is read by an audience of more than 45,000 daily subscribers (current as of April 1, 2012).
About the blogger (Richard Byrne):
I taught for eight years at Oxford Hills Comprehensive High School in South Paris, ME. In the past I have also taught courses in global studies and English/ Language Arts. During that time I piloted 1:1 laptop use before the program went school-wide. I coordinated a "laptop squad" to support teachers' use of laptops in their classrooms. I also served a number of curriculum and assessment committees. And in 2010 I was finalist for ACTEM's Educator of the Year award.
I believe that when used correctly, technology has the power to improve student engagement and student achievement. I also believe that technology gives teachers the ability to form powerful, global, professional learning communities.
I am a Google Certified Teacher.
Today, I work full-time as a writer and consultant with an eye toward returning to the classroom in the fall of 2012. (As I write this on April 25, 2012 I am considering a couple of offers to return to the classroom). While I could make a living just writing and consulting, I believe that it is important to be in the classroom to practice what I preach.
I am available for professional development workshops. I can offer workshops on the use of video creation tools in all subject areas as well as workshops about classroom uses for Google Earth, Google Maps, Google Books, Google Search, and developing an online personal learning community. I can also customize a workshop specifically for your group. If you are interested in having me conduct a workshop for your school or conference, please contact me via email at richardbyrne (at) freetech4teachers.com
Please see my work with me page for a list presentation topics and a list of places where I've presented in past.
