1. New Literacies: Concept and Importance
New literacies is using technology to "identify questions, locate information, evaluate the information, synthesize information to answer questions, and communicate the answers to others," (Leu, Kinzer, Coiro, and Cammack, 2004, p. 1572). New literacies consist of using the internet and other ICTs to develop and acquire the skills and strategies necessary to communicate on a global level. New literacies can consist of search engines, e-mail, blogs, e-mail, wikis, podcasts, instant messaging, YouTube, and much more. Although this technology is new, it usually builds on foundational literacies and are not meant to replace them, but rather supplement them. As the technology mentioned has been created and implemented into the social, economic, and educational world rather quickly, in turn new literacies must adapt quickly and do change. Incorporating new literacies into education and specifically into the classroom is essential for student engagement and motivation. These new literacy tools are already a basic part of students' lives. They have been born into using this technology, and it is actually working backwards to remove the use of these tools during school hours. Rather than trying to ban the use of technology, which results in misuse/narrow use of technology, schools and educators should embrace technology instead. As shown in The Wright Class, new literacies can be used in all aspects of language arts studies from comprehension, vocabulary studies, writing, research, and discussion & analysis. Using mulple tools for in depth learning helps students to think about a concept through multiple methods. For example, in Mr. Wright's class he has students work on vocabulary by using a thesaurus and the internet to create a definition in a word processing program, then has the students create an image in another program, then they can create a podcast, or a video, or discuss it with other students through instant messenger creating multiple learning experiences for a single vocabulary term. There are some challenges in implementing new literacies into the classroom. One is appropriate and efficient computer and internet usage in the classroom. Although many to most classrooms have at least one internet enable computer in the classroom, students are not receiving adequate opportunities to use the technology. Another challenge is that professional development is lacking which hinders teachers from adapting and embracing technology and new literacies. And yet another is the traditional belief that technology is taking over the role of the educator rather than it being a tool for enhancing both student and teacher learning.
2. New Literacies Definition and Framework
3. Incorporating Prezi into Presentations
The teacher works with students who are on a 2nd grade reading level and age wise they are in 6th and 7th grade. This is a tricky situation where although they may be academically lower than their peers, they still socially interact with peers of their physical age. Using technology helps bridge the gap they may see/feel otherwise. Recently the group began working on the concept of debates and chose a topic to debate as a group. Should junk food be banned in school? The students spent some time completing research on junk food, effects on the body, and what other schools were doing. The students then chose a side and put together their reasons for their debate. They then followed a traditional debate style of prompted discussion between the two sides.
Instead of simply stating their facts as researched from the internet, I would suggest implementing a group Prezi presentation (1 per side) to start off the debate. Creating the Prezi allows students to add all of the facts they want/need and feel are important and have them to refer to while presenting their side. Public speaking and remembering everything they want to share can often be a challenge for students on the autism spectrum, even those whoa re diagnosed high functioning as our students are. This tool relieves that stress and allows for the students to focus their attention on their facts and getting their opinions across to the audience. Prezi also allows for images to be shared, so students can either find images that they believe will make their arguments stronger or create and integrate them into their Prezi. Also, working as a group to create each sides Prezi requires students to work together in making decisions, organizing, writing, and editing which helps create a more cohesive group when presenting. For our students it also provides an opportunity for natural peer interaction, discussion, and problem solving. In order to complete this project the class would need at least two computer lab periods (30 min) a week for 2 weeks. One class to research, two classes to organize and create the Prezi presentations, and one class to present and debate. The students would be assessed with a rubric on three sections (1) research - written form of research and organization of presentation (2) group work - how often, appropriately, and efficiently students interacted (3) presentation - each student should present and be vocal during debate.
New literacies is using technology to "identify questions, locate information, evaluate the information, synthesize information to answer questions, and communicate the answers to others," (Leu, Kinzer, Coiro, and Cammack, 2004, p. 1572). New literacies consist of using the internet and other ICTs to develop and acquire the skills and strategies necessary to communicate on a global level. New literacies can consist of search engines, e-mail, blogs, e-mail, wikis, podcasts, instant messaging, YouTube, and much more. Although this technology is new, it usually builds on foundational literacies and are not meant to replace them, but rather supplement them. As the technology mentioned has been created and implemented into the social, economic, and educational world rather quickly, in turn new literacies must adapt quickly and do change. Incorporating new literacies into education and specifically into the classroom is essential for student engagement and motivation. These new literacy tools are already a basic part of students' lives. They have been born into using this technology, and it is actually working backwards to remove the use of these tools during school hours. Rather than trying to ban the use of technology, which results in misuse/narrow use of technology, schools and educators should embrace technology instead. As shown in The Wright Class, new literacies can be used in all aspects of language arts studies from comprehension, vocabulary studies, writing, research, and discussion & analysis. Using mulple tools for in depth learning helps students to think about a concept through multiple methods. For example, in Mr. Wright's class he has students work on vocabulary by using a thesaurus and the internet to create a definition in a word processing program, then has the students create an image in another program, then they can create a podcast, or a video, or discuss it with other students through instant messenger creating multiple learning experiences for a single vocabulary term. There are some challenges in implementing new literacies into the classroom. One is appropriate and efficient computer and internet usage in the classroom. Although many to most classrooms have at least one internet enable computer in the classroom, students are not receiving adequate opportunities to use the technology. Another challenge is that professional development is lacking which hinders teachers from adapting and embracing technology and new literacies. And yet another is the traditional belief that technology is taking over the role of the educator rather than it being a tool for enhancing both student and teacher learning.
2. New Literacies Definition and Framework
- Which ideas from the video reflect what the ELA teachers you interviewed are currently doing to integrate technology with their literacy instruction?
The main teacher I interviewed has been able to integrate any of these technologies into her literacy instruction other than showing videos on her iPhone and occasionally bringing her students to my computer lab to do some quick research. - How can you help change their instructional practices to include the use of technology and the Internet in their literacy and content-area curriculum?
I don't think their is a way to provide actual technology in the classroom (staff lounge - limited space in the building). Instead I think I can try to get her to sign up for a recurring slot in the computer lab so that students can have access to internet and computer usage at least once a week specifically for literacy instruction. - What professional development and/or resources will they need in order to make these changes?
Free time is very limited for assistant teachers, so during after school prep periods and maybe even lunch breaks I can take time to answer any technology or technology integration questions the teacher may have or if she has an idea for a lesson I can help her brainstorm what tools/resources would be appropriate for the students to use and give her a tutorial on how to use them. - What ideas do you have for grouping students so they will have equal access to technology in the classroom?
I think at first it may be helpful to pair students who have more technology use experience with those who may not have as much experience to provide scaffolding. Over time, these groups should be adjusted and assignments should be created where there are opportunities for independent work, along with the group work.
3. Incorporating Prezi into Presentations
The teacher works with students who are on a 2nd grade reading level and age wise they are in 6th and 7th grade. This is a tricky situation where although they may be academically lower than their peers, they still socially interact with peers of their physical age. Using technology helps bridge the gap they may see/feel otherwise. Recently the group began working on the concept of debates and chose a topic to debate as a group. Should junk food be banned in school? The students spent some time completing research on junk food, effects on the body, and what other schools were doing. The students then chose a side and put together their reasons for their debate. They then followed a traditional debate style of prompted discussion between the two sides.
Instead of simply stating their facts as researched from the internet, I would suggest implementing a group Prezi presentation (1 per side) to start off the debate. Creating the Prezi allows students to add all of the facts they want/need and feel are important and have them to refer to while presenting their side. Public speaking and remembering everything they want to share can often be a challenge for students on the autism spectrum, even those whoa re diagnosed high functioning as our students are. This tool relieves that stress and allows for the students to focus their attention on their facts and getting their opinions across to the audience. Prezi also allows for images to be shared, so students can either find images that they believe will make their arguments stronger or create and integrate them into their Prezi. Also, working as a group to create each sides Prezi requires students to work together in making decisions, organizing, writing, and editing which helps create a more cohesive group when presenting. For our students it also provides an opportunity for natural peer interaction, discussion, and problem solving. In order to complete this project the class would need at least two computer lab periods (30 min) a week for 2 weeks. One class to research, two classes to organize and create the Prezi presentations, and one class to present and debate. The students would be assessed with a rubric on three sections (1) research - written form of research and organization of presentation (2) group work - how often, appropriately, and efficiently students interacted (3) presentation - each student should present and be vocal during debate.
I love your idea with including a prezi presentation in a debate! Prezi just might be my favorite presentation tool.
ReplyDeleteThanks! I think it's really helpful for students who may be particularly shy and for whom public speaking may not come easily.
ReplyDeleteGreat suggestion on the use of Prezi to encourage students communicate their research results and their point of view. This will definitely motivate students while developing their new literacy skills. I once used Prezi presentation to a group of elementary students and teachers and they loved it! Very cool but it still takes time to master technological skills and the presentation of the content design. :)
ReplyDelete