Book excerpt: Expand classroom experiences and spark student excitement with learning adventures powered by technology! Written by an internationally recognized expert in the field, this second edition of the bestseller provides educators with practical strategies for using technology to "break down" classroom walls and prepare all students to succeed in a digital world. Making the case for technology′s capacity to improve school performance and create communities of best practice, the book demonstrates how appropriate use of computer and Internet technologies enhances students′ critical thinking, research, and problem-solving skills. Equally important, informed use of technology can level the learning field for disadvantaged students and allow children who are disabled to participate more fully in mainstream education. Offering more than 50 Web sites, as well as new resources, realistic lesson ideas, sample activities, more information about online learning, and real-world examples, this timely revision examines: Information literacy Learning in a globally connected community Increased access to information Applications for digital cameras, fax machines, cell phones, and more The relationship between technology expenditures and student achievement Complete with a section on navigating government archives online, this updated edition of Empowering Students With Technology helps students connect instructional content to real life and facilitates their development as independent and collaborative learners.