Why should technology be integrated into this area of the curriculum?
The world is changing; the old ways of thinking about literacy are no longer enough. The 21st century requires people that are well versed in the new literacies which are emerging. As technology continues to expand and progress, so will the nature and definition of literacy. According to the International Reading Association, “Traditional definitions of reading, writing, and viewing, and the traditional definition of best practice instruction—derived from a long tradition of book and other print media—will be insufficient.”
Below are some ways technology can be integrated in the Language Arts curriculum.
Internet for Instruction Integration
Problem: Students aren’t interested in writing.
Integration Strategy: Use Keypals (Electronic penpals), to give students an authentic audience to write for. Making use of Keypals will connect students with other students from around the globe.
| Relative Advantage | Expected Outcome | Resources |
| Students will want to write more and take more care in their writing when they know a peer will be reading it. Email provides faster feedback than traditional pen pals. They will also gain valuable electronic communication skills. | Students will become more engaged in writing and will enjoy the interaction with their keypal. They will practice more writing as well. | http://www.epals.com/http://www.bconnex.net/~kidworld/keypals4.htm
http://www.sabine.k12.la.us/vrschool/keypals.htm |
Tool Software Integration
Problem: Students have a difficult time revising and editing their writing.
Integration Strategy: Use a word processor with built in spelling and grammar checker to help students with editing. Make use of a digital projector to model the process of revision using the word processor.
| Relative Advantage | Expected Outcome | Resources |
| Students will learn better grammar usage, and spelling by seeing proper examples as they make use of the word processor. Students will be able to see the revision process and take part in it during the modeling. | Students will become better at revising and editing their writing . | http://www.openoffice.org/http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/word/default.aspx
http://writer.zoho.com/home?serviceurl=%2Findex.do |
Instructional Software
Problem: Student fails to blend sounds to read a word.
Integration Strategy: Make use of multimedia learning software or digital online books that read words to you in a visual way, showing how the sounds blend together. These types of software often include games that help you practice blending words.
| Relative Advantage | Expected Outcome | Resources |
| Students will be able to review missed concepts at own pace, in a fun and interactive manner. | Improved ability to blend sounds to form words. | http://www.starfall.com/blending bowl |
Productivity Software
Problem: Students have a hard time planning what to write
Integration Strategy: Make use of concept mapping software to help students plan their writing. Software will allow students to use shapes, lines, and pictures to help them plan their writing.
| Relative Advantage | Expected Outcome | Resources |
| Students will be able to graphically plan what they want to write (create visual plans). These plans can then be transformed into traditional outlines if needed. | Students will become better planners of writing and will enjoy the process more. | http://www.inspiration.com/Inspirationhttp://www.inspiration.com/Kidspiration
http://freemind.sourceforge.net/wiki/index.php/Main_Page http://www.imindmap.com/resources/register.aspx |
More web resources
This information was taken from Integrating Educational Technology into Teaching (Roblyer, 4th Edition) companion website.
Electronic Text Center
http://etext.lib.virginia.edu
The E-Text Center is an internet-accessible collection of texts and images.
Project Gutenberg
http://www.promo.net/pg
Project Gutenberg is the Internet’s oldest producer of free electronic books (eBooks or eTexts).
Bibliomania
http://www.bibliomania.com
This site has free online literature with more than 2000 classic texts, along with literature book notes, author biographies, book summaries and reference books.
Pink Monkey
http://www.pinkmonkey.com
PinkMonkey.com features over 400 free book notes, study guides, and online chapter summary notes.
iDictate
http://www.iDictate.com
iDictate is a blend of technology and human interaction that enables users to dictate any document using a telephone, fax machine, or dictation device, and then receive the completed job back for editing via e-mail.
More Language Arts Links
http://edtech.boisestate.edu/elearn/links/learningresources.htm#LanguageArts
Thanks for reading,
Shannon Doak
Discover more from www.DrShannonDoak.com
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Thanks Shannon,
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