This article by Carl Young and Sara Kajder discusses the growth of technology, not just inside the classroom, and how it is leading to the creation of new forms of literacy. In particular, they focus on how technology is influencing the opportunities for teaching language arts, increasing avanues for communication, as well as presenting new "challenges for [teachers]" to be able to properly educate their students in the classroom (Kajder & Young, 2009). The main advantage to the use of technologies in the classroom for educational purposes is based on the belief that students become stronger learners when they use multiliteracies to read, comprehend, and develop their written abilities.
This means going beyond just presenting a paper or reading for the classroom to read aloud or silently. It even goes beyond showing photos strewn with text. It includes the use of digital media, particularly video, "where motion, design, and interactivity are added to the mix" (Kajder & Young, 2009). I see this in connection with some of the applications that we have used in the classroom. There is the use of Web 2.0 properties that allow the students to not only look at a piece of media, but to also collaboratively comment and work together to develop a class or group assignment. This can help a teacher to include different kinds of students, as it presents different opportunities for students that might enjoy to learn in different ways than just listening to a lecture.
This multiliterate development can also be drawn in connection to the NETS for Teachers, especially the sections of the second standard. 2a focuses on the importance of teachers designing relevant learning experiences by incorporating tools. The article also directly addresses 2c, wherein the teacher addresses a variety of learning styles to the advantage of the students.
Kadjer, S., Young, C. "Telling Stories with Video." Learning and Leading (June/July 2009) Vol. 36, No. 8
No comments:
Post a Comment