Key Ideas from the Reading

Reading:  
Barone, D., & Wright, T.E. (2008)  Literacy Instruction with Digital and Media Technologies. The Reading Teacher, 62(4), 292(212)


This article discusses the technological innovations that are being currently adapted for classroom use. Technology in the classroom takes learning to a new dimension as it can be used to complement and extend traditional learning and further support and encourage a deeper level of student engagement. 


Though the article outlines an almost idyllic way of using technology in the classroom, there are many ideas that can be used by classroom teachers to support the curriculum and students' learning. 


- A class webpage can be useful as the teacher can post up the weekly homework for students to have access to at home. Parents can also see what their child is doing, what's due and what activities are happening in the classroom. A class webpage also provides a medium for the classroom teacher to display or comment on different pieces of work the students have created and provide examples for the parents to view. 
In addition, the teacher can upload links, videos, audio files etc that the students may use during a lesson to support their learning. 


- Blogging allows the students to discuss key ideas in a forum as they contribute different points on a particular subject. For example, a literacy text can be discussed and analysed using blogging where students can gain a deeper understanding by viewing other students' ideas, theories and conclusions. 


New digital and media technologies are becoming more and more vital within the classroom. Though there are still a number of issues regarding their successful implementation, with the right resources, sufficient training and greater teacher confidence, these technologies can transform student engagement and learning.