Teaching Technology and the 4 Cs: How do I teach 21st Century Skills with 21st Century Tools came about from a mutual interest between colleagues in helping teachers use technology tools to do things they could not otherwise do. Drs. Budhai and Taddei wanted to provide practical tools and suggestions to teachers, administrators, and instructional coaches on ways to use technology to teach the 4 Cs (critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and creativity). Thoughtful and intentional technology integration can help learners not only master these skills but share what they are learning with the world.
Stephanie Smith Budhai has 9 years PK-16 teaching experience, and is in her fourth year as an assistant professor at Neumann University, serving also as the director of graduate education in the Education division. Dr. Budhai holds a Ph.D. in Learning Technologies from Drexel University, a M.Ed in Counseling and Personnel Services from the University of Maryland College Park, and a B.S.Ed. in Elementary and Special Education from Temple University. She also holds teaching certifications through the Pennsylvania Department of Education in PK-12 Instructional Technology, PK-12 Special Education, and K-6 Elementary Education, as well as the Pennsylvania Quality Assurance System (PQAS) and Quality Matters Peer Reviewer Online Course certifications. Dr. Budhai become interested in educational technology integration while studying Learning Technologies at Drexel University and completing her internship at a PK-8 independent school for her Instructional Technology Specialist certification. Dr. Budhai is also on the Leadership Team of the Pennsylvania Association for Educational Communications and Technology.
Laura McLaughlin Taddei is Associate Professor of Education at Neumann University in Aston, PA where she is in her fourth year teaching undergraduate and graduate courses, advising undergraduate students, and coordinating and advising adult learners in an accelerated BA degree program for early childhood professionals. Dr. Taddei was a career changer and began her second career as an early childhood teacher. Prior to this, she worked with adults providing training for an insurance company. While teaching young children, she was passionate about the importance of high quality professional development and became a certified trainer and consultant through the Office of Child Development and Early Learning. She has been teaching in higher education for the past 8 years. Dr. Taddei completed her BA degree in Business as an adult learner in an accelerated degree program at Immaculata University in 2000. She went on to obtain a Master’s in Education with certification in K-6 Elementary Education from Cabrini College in 2007. She also holds certification as a Private Academic Pre-k-K Teacher, PQAS certified trainer, and Quality Matters Peer Reviewer. She received a Doctorate in Higher Education Leadership in 2012 from Widener University. Her research interests are in the area of teacher and faculty development, instructional coaching, culturally responsive teaching, collaboration, and educational technology.
- Twitter: @drlaurataddei Instagram: drtaddei
- LinkedIn:
- https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlaurataddei
If interested in consulting and/or professional development workshops, please contact us at budhais@neumann.edu and or taddeil@neumann.edu
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