Week 3; Task 1- Theory in Practice

The concept of new literacies is revolutionizing the educational sphere. Many students began school using pen, paper, and books but are now using electronic forms of these. Computers and internet have helped broaden the scope of learning, teach students new skills that they will use in the outside world, and introduce them to more information than was previously possible. Additionally, technology helps students be able to collaborate and interact with each other while learning. Technology is also a vital tool for helping students with disabilities and English Language Learners. It helps simplify lessons as well as make it more interesting.
There are many examples of new literacies. With the advent of the internet, teachers can make use of a vast amount of resources for their classroom. They can use chats, email, and various apps and games to make learning fun, rich, and more organized. Using technology helps scaffold material, provide background knowledge, and generally prepare the students to be able to navigate a technological world. However, it’s sometimes hard to implement new literacies. This can be because of lack of resources, lack of experience, and under preparedness or lack of skills. Teachers must be trained in these areas of technology integration. If the teacher is not equipped with the proper tools and knowledge, he or she will not be able to give it over properly. Additionally, we must find new ways to assess students in a technological way, not just with a pen and paper. I would like to be able to assess students on their digital skills such as by having them create a digital story book.
In all, technology has changed the way we teach literacy. It can greatly improve our student’s literacy skills if we take advantage of it and teach in the right way.


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