Literacy+and+Technology+in+the+21st+Century

= **__Literacy and Technology in the 21st Century__** =
 * = This wiki page is designed to let you explore research, tools, products, and videos for using technology within the classroom. //Too Cool for School? No Way!// stated "as individuals we see new technology and can appreciate its coolness, but as educators we wonder how these tools can be used for teaching" (Mishra & Koehler, 2009, 15). As teachers, we often utilize technology that was not specifically designed or created for the classroom such as blogs, Youtube, etc. However, teachers are consistently altering the purpose of these technologies to employ these tools within their own classroom. Technology is quickly changing literacy instruction for every classroom around the world. For instance, technology allows teachers to search websites for videos, read stories orally, manipulate text on an Interactive White Board, research a topic with the click of a button, and play literacy games online. //Twenty-first Century Literacy and Technology in K-8 Classroom// mentioned that technology within every classroom is becoming more common and altering the 'traditional' ways of collaborating, researching, connecting, and taking notes (Brown, Brown, & Bryan). =

[|Too Cool for School? No Way!]

 * === This is an article written by Matthew Koehler and Punya Mishra. It explains ways of 'repurposing' technology so that it an be used effectively and efficiently in class. The article discussed using specific tools in the classroom such as DJ Software, Specialized Search Engines, and Microblogging to enhance student learning. In conclusion, the main purpose of this article is to suggest ways that technology can be integrated into the classroom while supporting the TPACK model. ===

[|Literacy Learning and Technology]

 * === This article discusses how curriculum, thought processes, and the teacher’s role and pedagogy are being affected by technology. Teachers are feeling pressure to enhance technology in the classroom and continue learning the most recent forms of technology. The article mentions that classrooms are becoming places where collaboration and communication is encouraged and silent work is decreasing. Also, the difference in technology opportunities across schools and homes creates a gap in learning and participation with the digital world. ===

[|Twenty-first Century Literacy and Technology in K-8 Classrooms]

 * === This article focuses on how the definition of being ‘literate’ has changed throughout time. The impact of technology on literacy education continues to encourage teachers to keep educated with the updates of technology in the world of education. The internet and other technological resources are changing the way that students research, take tours, interview, connect, and collaborate. ===

media type="custom" key="10025848" width="446" height="446" align="center"


 * === This video is a speech given by Matthew Koehler and Punya Mishra, associate professors of Educational Technology at Michigan State University, at a conference in 2008. They created the TPACK (Technological Pedagogical and Content knowledge) model, which integrates the use of technology into classroom settings. This model encourages teachers to learn new technologies and incorporate technology into the classroom to inspire creativity, even if the tools were not designed to be used in the classroom. Teaching with this model can allow teachers to understand content and creativity successful. ===

== [|Interactive Whiteboard 101 — A Resource of Activities for Literacy Instruction] ==
 * === This website provides a list of resources that can be used with Interactive White Boards (IWB). The resources are broken up into the following categories, Primary, Mid/Upper Elementary, Middle School/High School, and Resources Great for Any Age. Each category has several resources and FREE links that will allow you to incorporate literacy into your classroom while using the technology of IWB. ===

[|SMART Exchange]

 * === This website is for users of SMART technology. SMART software is designed for the SMART Board, a specific brand of Interactive White Board. You are able to find SMART board lessons in multiple content areas, grades, and states. An amazing feature is that you can pull up your state standards and search SMART board lessons that correlate to each standard for that state. You are also able to share your own SMART board lessons on the website. Underneath the community tab you can post to discussion forums and read about topics that other teachers have shared about. This website offers anything from interactive maps and Jeopardy games to attendance possibilities. ===

**[|Wordle]**

 * === As demonstrated above, Wordle is a program that allows you to enter words and make 'word clouds'. These word clouds can be used for vocabulary within units or to show a student's prior knowledge of a topic. This could also be used for a spin on the traditional word wall. The more you enter a certain word, the larger it appears in the cloud. By creating a Wordle 'word cloud', children will be exposed to vocabulary words they have seen or will be introduced to. This website allows you to be creative and use words in order to make a piece of art in which you can share, show, and use within the classroom. ===

** Quizlet **

 * === This is a vocabulary website that allows you to create your own interactive flash cards to help you learn terms and definitions. There are also tests and spelling activities available for your terms. Lastly, there is a game called 'Scatter' where you drag the definition to the corresponding term and they will disappear when correct. Multiple children can even race to see who knows the definitions more. What a fun twist on paper flash cards! ===

** [|The Whiteboard Blog] **

 * === This blog allows you to read, share, and express your thoughts about technology in the classroom. You are able to view resources that people have posted and continue to use in their classrooms. I think this is a great resource for teachers to stay connected with other teachers that support the use of technology in classrooms. ===

** [|Kids Click] **

 * === Kid’s Click is a search engine designed for kids. This search engine allows children to search the internet freely and has child appropriate results. This reduces the fear of inappropriate content appearing on a student’s screen. ===

**Using Electronic Whiteboard Technology in Special Education**

 * === This article discusses the advantages and downfalls of using an IWB in special education. One suggestion is to give special education students 'jobs' that allow them to complete IWB tasks successfully according to their strengths. The manipulation of objects, ability to change font size, and large pens provide special needs children with the opportunity to actively engage in whole class lessons. The article also suggests that "content based" professional development on an IWB should be provided to special education teachers. ===

media type="youtube" key="jT78kBx6mFw" height="349" width="425" align="center"


 * === This video shows how one teacher, Vicki Davis, has incorporated technology within her classroom. She emphasizes that providing paper and pencil will only reach out to a certain type of learning style. She discusses the fact that teachers should encourage students to be thinkers and not define every vocabulary term for the students. Students should research terms and questions they might have throughout a lesson. She talks about the fact that teachers are consistently learning from their students about technology as well. She has provided students with technology that has allowed them to connect and interact with the world around them. ===

media type="youtube" key="HXchQnJ6PoE" height="349" width="425" align="center"


 * === This video shows many examples of how technology can be used within the classroom to assist special needs children. This type of technology that makes everyday tasks easier is referred to as Assistive Technology. From specialized desks to print enlargers, these examples of technology could enhance literacy opportunities for several children that we come in contact with. ===