Technology and Literacy: Plugging your Students into their Learning

What are “New Literacies”?
            New Literacies do not necessarily have to refer to use of technology in the classroom, but it definitely does play a role.  New literacies refers to a changing outlook on how students are learning to read and write.  For example, there is a constant debate on the importance of teaching cursive because some believe that is it becoming an unnecessary skill since there is now such a large focus on using digital means to communicate and produce information.  As we evolve we also advance in the way we learn and educate others.  In the past when a piece of writing made it to the publishing stage someone had to sit down and type it on a typewriter with whiteout nearby.  Now students have the capability to write a draft on the computer and then edit and revise as they go.  The possibilities are endless when it comes to the different videos, apps, and programs that are now available to use.  Many teachers have the luxury of having a smart board in their room to have students interacting with the white board in a way we could never have thought was possible in the past.  I’m sure in ten years we will have some new up and upcoming product that will expand our uses even further.  In the strategies included in the next section I include many of the new literacies that exist today. 

How to use Technology Effectively

            Students these days have a much better grasp on technology than even some teachers do.  They may have experience using social media, games, or search engines, but there is so much more we can be teaching students to do with technology that applies to literacy.  Reading online is completely different than reading from books and newspapers.  Maybe a start would be to teach students how to navigate through websites effectively.  Make them aware that websites are not set up in the same chronological order as books, and that information may be located in several different locations.  They also need to learn how to make sure that the websites they are receiving information from are reliable.  There are many online resources to choose from that help keep literacy lessons creative.  The blog that I have created will provide an ongoing list of new, fun strategies that teachers are using to motivate students to want to read and write.  I will also include websites that students could use to develop their skills.

My Blog àleporeloveforliteracy.blogspot.com