Chapter 9 - Technology in English and Language Arts Instruction

Issues and Problems in English and LA Instruction

Expanding the Definition of Literacy - students are entering an rea when they will spend the majority of their literacy time engaged in electronic forms of communication. As new technologies emerge, so does the need for new literacies; therefore it is critical that students learn how to learn new technologies of literacy.

Exploring New Instructional Practices - Teachers are expected to provide new forms of literacy instruction so that students know how to locate, critically evaluate, use, and communicate through technology resources.
Students also need knowledge about the hardware and how to use these devices to create and present multimedia products. Also, there is a growing need for teachers to instruct students to comprehend language in the context of visual images since images play an increasing role in communication.
Clearly new literacies require a high level of critical sophistication of our students and it is only through instruction that they will develop these skills.

Making Decision About Keyboarding Instruction - Ongoing discussion of whether we should teach keyboarding instruction as a prerequisite to the use of computers for writing.
Both arguments are legitimate and most teachers have resolved the issue, by favoring keyboarding instruction if it is available and needed, but not preventing students from using the computer if they do not have good keyboarding skills.

Creating Social Learning Environments - Thanks to the Internet we have a worldwide classroom. This provides a tremendous multicultural benefit to our classrooms that has never existed before.

Working with Diverse Learners - Because many students need additional instruction in literacy, appropriate use of technology can support their growth. Numerous Internet resources are available to assist teachers with struggling readers.

Motivating Students - Teachers are turning to the interactive and visual qualities of software and websites to increase motivation. Technology tools and strategies have emerged to spur students' desire to write, to improve the quality of their written products, and to provide authentic publication sources.

Teachers' Growth as Literacy Professionals - Teachers need to continue to get training so that students can get the technology education they have the right to get.

Technology Intergration Strategies for English and Language Arts Instruction

(See Figure 9.2, page 295)
Strategy 1
Language Skills Development: Decoding/Phonics, Comprehension, Vocabulary
Benefits - gives motivational, individual instruction and/or practice in individual reading and writing skills. Also supplies private, individual feedback to scaffold students' learning.
Sample Resources and Activities - Reading instructional systems, electronic dictionaries and thesauruses, electronic devices, talking word processors

Strategy 2
Literacy Development:
Benefits - Helps match books to students' own interests, Presents reading assignments in ways that students find compelling; helps track reading. Engages students in reading by helping them visualize the people and places in books. Supports the reflection and frequent modification called for in process writing.
Sample Resources and Activities - Networked literacy projects, interactive storybooks, tracking systems, digital storytelling activities, online reading materials, writing in blogs, script writing in video projects, threaded discussions in distance tools.

Strategy 3
Process Approach to Writing - With word processing, students can use producing and revising so it is a process instead of a tool for learning.
Benefits- Supports students as they produce and revise text; frees them to focus on generating and sharing ideas. Supports all stages of the writing process: planning, drafting, revising and editing, and publishing.
Sample Resources and Activities - Word processing, Planning for writing, electronic outliners, concept mapping software, Internet resource sites. Drafting revising, editing, projected images of word-processed drafts, spell checkers, grammar checkers. Publishing: desktop-published brochures, newspapers, and booklets; electronic slide shows; and web pages.

Top Ten Strategies for Technology in English/Language Arts, page 296