As we end this year, I find I’m giving a lot of thought to integrating technology into languge arts. As the literacy coach, I’ve spent this year helping teachers dive into new units of study in reading and writing; while keeping the technology expectations at bay. Why? Because so often in schools we are
- doing TOO much, often none of it well.
- handed technology initiatives from the top, which fall into teacher’s laps without enough support (training, resources, schedule).
- given expensive tech tools together with a sense of urgency to USE them often without regard for whether or not they enhance learning.
That said, I am an advocate of technology use in classrooms and for all grade levels. I want kids to be comfortable and digitally fluent using technology in their everyday lives. However, I’m not always convinced that the “tech” is what enhances the learning. To me, the teaching is what enhances the learning. If teachers are bogged down in trying to get tech off the ground or in making up lessons to use technology in the first place, it can remove something from the learning process. Integrating, embedding, using authentically, and giving students real opportunities to make decisions about how and when to use technology is what is important. When that happens- as I know it does- it is magical.
For now, I’m trying to model simple, but effective ways to help teachers incorporate technology into their classrooms, their own lives and into the lives of the children they teach.
One idea I’ve discussed with teachers today is using Shelfari as an interactive reading log in grades 4-5.
What other ideas are you using? Please leave me a comment.
