Today, we enjoyed a fine TIW presentation about technology in an English Language Arts classroom. Too often, teachers neglect the importance of using technology. So…this TIW was appreciated!
Yesterday during reading workshop, I read an article by Jeff Wilhelm about technology use that mirrors the TIW today. He said that if we are not using technology, we are not preparing our students for the world in which we live – and the one they will occupy after we are dead and gone. We are doing a disservice to them and to society. In his study, a class utilized technology repeatedly to present information. As a result, the students felt more confident in the knowledge they acquired, necessary to create and present the information in various technological formats – because the learning was authentic. That article also corresponds with an article I received via email from a professional journal (T.H.E. Journal) through NCTE, titled Digital Divide – What Digital Divide? A group conducted research that found even low SES groups have adequate access to technology – adequate for them to become proficient (enough) with those skills for the 21st century. The article explains only a few sessions with technology every 3-4 weeks is enough. No need to have computers in the home. No need to have enough computers for each student, or smart boards, or IPods, or laptops in every classroom.
No matter where and when technology is used – we must incorporate it into our ELA classrooms in order for our students to be prepared for LITERACY in this century.
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