The internet has indeed provided global bridges for communication. The use of the computer technologies today is as pervasive as was writing with pen and paper in the twentieth century. Literacy instruction that once encompassed the basics of reading, writing, listening and speaking now necessitates critical technology skills for communicating, investigating, and critical thinking. There must therefore be a stronger focus on critical literacy with respect to evaluating the messages from the various forms of electronic media.
Furthermore,we must recognize the potential for new technologies to reinvigorate the reading lives of children as they navigate the digital landscape. Bruce and Peyton (1999), underscore the significance of the use of network based approaches to support authentic reading and writing, collaboration, student centered learning and writing across the curriculum.
Here are just a few that can be easily used and are readily available. Feel free to add others:
Reading
1. Audio books
2. Electronic books and online texts
3. Electronic talking books
4. Programmed reading instruction
Writing
1. Word processing
2. Desktop publishing
3. Multi media composing
4. Online publishing of students’ work
5. Internet based communication
These are all over ten years old!
Are you surprised?
Stay tuned for what’s new.
Hi Genivieve
ReplyDeleteThat is a very interesting point you highlighted. I can’t believe those technologies have been around so long. We are still struggling to implement them in our classrooms. I really wonder when this great transformation will occur. Our children are more technologically equipped with these new gadgets on the market. However we need to create opportunities in the classroom. I believe that it can only happen once we have the physical and human resources.
Gordon (2010) stated that web 2.0 offers great benefits to teachers and students especially in language learning. We as teachers are gaining profound knowledge from highly qualified lecturers so at the end of this course we shall we fully trained in using web 2.0 in our classrooms.
Here are just a few other interesting and exciting things that technology promotes:
• E portfolios allow children to create portfolios online. www.cfkeep.com
• Interactive books permit children to learn new vocabulary, phonics, comprehension, fluency.
www.kennedycenter.org/multimedia/storytimeonline
• Online publication sites where children have the opportunity to write original pieces and publish. www.writers.com/kidswwwrite
I agree with you that internet use helps with reading. When students interact with social software they must read comments and quotes made by their friends. They themselves must write and express themselves in a way that uses a variety of communication skills. I have seen students upload photos and video clips on their homepages displaying their creativity.
ReplyDeleteThe use of You Tube to upload videos has evolved into a cult following with unheard individuals becoming internet celebrities overnight. The internet has allowed for equality of access to knowledge it will continue to evolve in ways that will match the technologies that will become available. It will continue to be the tool that is most used and we are seeing this with Cloud Computing.
I know that the software applications you mentioned are around 10years old but they are responsible for the improvements that run web 2.0 technologies. The internet continues to be user friendly and is the tool that made the world a global village.