Week 1 Readings

Literacy in the New Information Landscape
"This expands what it is to be a successful and responsible reader today. It means that part of reading is asking questions about what you are reading."
This quote really hit home for me, especially right now during my school year. This is the time when I work with my third graders on our first research project. This year our first research project is about assorted Native American tribes. The students are responsible for browsing information from websites that I have previously selected to collect data about the Native American tribe they have chosen. At this grade level, this is the first time they have done a research project, and most likely the first time they have selected pertinent information from various sources.

The New Literacy: The 3Rs Evolve into the 4Es
"Thus, it is crucial that when teaching literacy to our students, we emphasize skills that reflect the information environment of the present, not the past."
Because the appearance and location of information has changed so much from the time I was a student in the public school system, it is especially important that I focus on preparing my students for the present and future, not providing skills that I would have needed at their age.

E-Communications 101
"Everyone likes to be kept informed. With No Child Left Behind stressing accountability and parental control, it pays to be a transparent organization - or at least look that way."
I have a weekly newsletter that goes home every Monday with each student that states, for the week, the concepts covered in each subject, any homework assignments, upcoming events, notices, and important information. After reading this article, I realized how easily I can upload this to my district's website to provide this information online as well.

Strategies to Put Instruction Ahead of Technology
"Rather than simply learning the basics of how to use a technology tool, teachers must learn how to use the tool to improve teaching and learning in their classrooms. Training is embedded in instruction, not isolated from it, and is driven by the skills that teachers need to use the technology in the classroom, not by the technology itself."
It is not the knowledge of technology itself that we are teaching, but instead, the usefulness of the technology in gaining knowledge.

Using Flexible Technology to Meet the Needs of Diverse Learners: What Teachers Can Do
"Simple graphics software and word processors, as well as resources and tools found on the Internet, offer students a variety of ways to access content, work with information to develop understanding, and demonstrate what they know."
We have available in almost every classroom the necessities for differentiating instruction for technology. Students can prepare a word document, arrange a power-point presentation, construct a table or chart in a spreadsheet, or compose a database from almost any computer.

Building Technology Facilitators and Leaders
"Without the presence of well-prepared, capable educational technology professionals to shape the future of PK-12 technology integration, we cannot meet the learning goals established in our national, state, district, and school-level plans."
With the standards that are set forth for technology, it is so important that each district have on hand technologists that can help instructors advance technology in their classrooms. Technology changes rapidly and teachers need assistance from highly qualified professionals to keep them up-to-date on the latest technology improvements.