Start with the standards. Use technology only when it enhances your content -- not the other way around. It's less effective if you use technology for technology's sake.

Connect with peers far away. Penpal programs have come a long way, baby. With webcams and video conferences, kids can actually see and talk to their peers in real time -- and that's exciting. Williams recommends you prepare before the meet-up: study the culture, brainstorm questions, discuss Internet safety, and learn email etiquette.

Give kids a real audience. Technology opens up new ways for kids to show their work to the world (which, no disrespect intended, can be more motivating than just handing it in to a teacher). At Forest Lake, fifth graders studying erosion took photographs of patches of their playground that were washing away, then sent the snaps to the school district office with suggestions on how to correct the problem. Second graders videotaped themselves reviewing books they'd read, then voted on the best recordings to show to kindergarteners down the hall.