Week 3:

Assignment 1:

With the advancement of technology in the 21st century, our lives have been influenced in almost all areas. Our literacy practices are no exception. Even more so, literacy practices have taken on a whole new role with the use of internet becoming a regular part of our day-to-day life; changing the way we communicate, obtain information, and more. As educators, we want to provide our students with literacy instruction that will benefit them not only in their school years, but also in their future. Therefore, we must take into account the constant changes literacy is taking when we teach. The goal should be to help our students use the new literacies of the internet proficiently. By incorporating digital and media technologies in literacy activities as well as guiding students on how to use search engines and other internet sources effectively we can provide them with an effective new literacy 

experience.

Assignment 2:

Which ideas from the PPT reflect what the ELA teachers you interviewed are currently doing to integrate technology with their literacy instruction?
The teacher I interviewed uses technology in her classroom to help build her students ELA skills. She tries to help her young students build as much knowledge as possible through the use of technology. 

How can you help change their instructional practices to include the use of technology and the Internet in their literacy and content-area curriculum?

I would use technology more in ways that students can learn on their own. For example, encouraging students to create their own blogs or podcasts. I would also have students use technology for researching more. Before introducing a new concept or students writing about a topic, I would have them do the research instead of the teacher spoon-feeding them the information.

What professional development and/or resources will they need in order to make these changes?

They will have to learn as much as possible about integrating technology in the classroom effectively and be provided with all the equipment needed in the classroom.

What ideas do you have for grouping students so they will have equal access to technology in the classroom?

I think using centers and a rotating system is a great way to give all students equal access to technology in the classroom.

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