Technology in the Classroom for Literacy Instruction

We all know that we are at a time where technology is extremely important and used in so many different ways throughout a persons day to day life. Because of this the IRA(2009) (International Reading Association) had a position statement saying:

"To become fully literate in today's world, students must become proficient in the new literacies of 21st-century technologies. IRA believes that literacy educators have a responsibility to integrate information and communication technologies into the curriculum, to prepare students for the futures they deserve."

In the classroom there are a number of ways in which a teacher can incorporate technology. We see this being done with the use of computers, smartboards, iPads, cameras etc, in small group and whole group or even when students are working independently. For literacy this maybe means having students use the technology devices to complete pre reading activities or things such as reading responses. But as teachers how do we know when the technology is fostering successful reading practices?

Digital text vs printed texts requires new modes of reading and writing. "Digital texts requires different skills, strategies and dispositions, collectively referred to as new literacies to read and navigate them (Hutchinson, Beschorner, Crawford, 16 )." As teachers begin to integrate these new technology enhancements into their curriculum, it will give students the opportunities to learn the new literacies and support differentiation among the students. It can also support individual readers' text comprehension and engage struggling readers (Leu and Reinking). A question I saw in the article asked, How does the use of an iPad, or similar tablet, as a response tool encourage differentiated instruction? What unique benefits does this have for students? I want to see what you have to say about this question.

I read an article called A Planning Cycle For Integrating Digital Technology Into Literacy Instruction by Hutchison and Woodwind, that describes a guide to help teachers to integrate digital technology into literacy instruction in meaningful ways that are consistent with the Common Core State Standards (Hutchison and Woodwind, 455). The Planning cycle for integrating the technology was based off of Harris and Hofer's (2009) suggestions about the instructional decisions that teachers can make to plan a learning event that involves technology. You have to determine the learning goals while using pedagogical decisions (Who will technology teach the children the goal?).

The Technology Integration Planning Cycle for literacy and Language Arts

(Source: A Planning Cycle For Integrating Digital Technology Into Literacy Instruction by Amy Hutchison and Lindsay Woodward)

The 7 Crucial Elements that Influence Teachers' Instructional Planning Involving Digital Technology

1. Ability to identify a clear instructional goal: This should be stated and tied to overall course goals, grade-level goals, and state and national standards.

2. Ability to identify an appropriate instructional approach for the instructional goal

3. Ability to select appropriate digital or nondigital tools to support instruction

4. Ability to foresee how the selected tool can contribute to the instructional goal

5. Ability to identify the potential constraints of using the tool to determine whether they can be overcome

6. Ability to understand how the instruction will need to be delivered or altered due to the use of the selected tool

7. Ability to reflect on the resulting instruction and make changes/ learn more about the instructional tool as needed. 

Remember you want the learning experience to meet the goal and in this case the literacy goal!

Sources:
Hutchison, A., Beschorner, B., & Schmidt-Crawford, D. (2012). Exploring the Use of the iPad for Literacy Learning. Reading Teacher, 66(1), 15-23.

Hutchison, A., & Woodward, L. (2014). A Planning Cycle for Integrating Digital Technology Into Literacy Instruction. Reading Teacher, 67(6), 455-464. doi:10.1002/trtr.1225

Check out Simply Second's blog for the top 10 literacy apps to use in your classroom!

I think the fluency app is a genius idea!!! Click the photo below to find out more : )