Wk:3 Assignment #2 Minds-on “New Literacies Definition and Components”

1.      Which ideas from the video reflect what the ELA teachers you interviewed are currently doing to integrate technology with their literacy instruction? The classroom teacher is currently using, Goggle Docs in her classroom. With Goggle Docs, her class shares and work collaboratively on class projects.

2. 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 would recommend a class blog. The class blog will foster interactions among the students. Additionally, with the use of a class blog, students reading and writing skills will improve.

3. What professional development and/or resources will they need to make these changes? I think, the classroom teacher would greatly benefit from workshops in Microsoft word, powerpoint and excel. These programs will help her to become more comfortable with using the computer.

4. What ideas do you have for grouping students, so they will have equal access to technology in the classroom? I would recommend grouping students by two for each computer in computer lab. This will allow for student interaction and collaboration.

Wk:3 Assignment#1 Theory in Practice

What are new literacies? The term new literacies are defined as, the ability to use digital technology to “identify questions, locate information, evaluate the information, synthesize information to answer questions, and communicate the answers to others.” Leu, Kinzer, Coiro, and Commack, 2014. New literacies do not eliminate traditional literacy; which is the ability to read, write, comprehend and communication through language. On the contrary, new literacies extends the traditional literacy. It is extended with comprehension of information on the internet. New literacies are vital for our students. Theses new literacies skills are preparing our students for the global world. However, there are challenges implementing new literacies in our classrooms. First, some teachers lack the skills needed to teach new literacies. Second, a lack of technical support. Third, and most importantly, teachers not seeing the value and importance of new literacies.

Wk:2 Assignment : 4 Understanding how technology is used to support ELA instruction

 Assignment: 4

 Understanding how technology is used to support ELA instruction.

Ms. Lieberman has been teaching for 20 years. The challenges she has faced integrating technology was her lack of training and understanding the benefits of technology for her and her students. However, over the past few years, she has learned to use Goggle drive and Goggle docs. Moreover, Ms. Lieberman also creates video lessons she posts to YouTube. Ms. Lieberman says “Goggle docs is free. Additionally, students can access it anywhere with their Goggle account. Using Goggle docs, student share documents, students can also work collaboratively on one document. In addition, once their work is complete, they share it with me, I than provide instant feedback.” She also uses the flip classroom, it allows her students to work at their own pace. Moreover, students can play the video as many times as needed. As a final point, my interview with Ms. Lieberman, demonstrates, no matter your skills level, you can learn and integrate technology into your classroom.

Wk: 2 Assignment # 3: Understanding ELA Instruction

Assignment: 3

Understanding ELA Instruction

Who is responsible for which portion of the Standards? Describe your understanding of the 5 essential components/Key Features of the Standards:

Reading: Both teachers and students are responsible for the standards. However, students in grade k-5 receive most instruction from one teacher. Whereas, the standards are covered in two content areas for students in grades 6-12.

Reading- The reading portion of the standard focuses on, text complexity and growth of comprehension. Students must be able to read and comprehend what they’ve read. Additionally, students need to able to, make connection among ideas and the text.

Writing: Focuses on the reading writing connection. For teachers to know what students comprehend, students either write or verbalize their understanding. There is also a focus on text types, responding to reading and research.

Speaking and Listening: Focuses on flexible communication and collaboration. This feature of the standard includes skills necessary for formal presentations. This standard requires students to develop a variety of oral communication and interpersonal skills. Students must work collaboratively listening to different ideas. Additionally, students can create different media resources.

Language: Focuses on conventions, effective use, and vocabulary. The language standard includes the rules of standard written and spoken English. The vocabulary portion focuses on enhancing student vocabulary.

Wk:2 Assignment#2 Understanding Common Core for ELA and Literacy

Assignment: 2                                                                                                             

Understanding Common Core for ELA and Literacy:

What our children learned in 2010 differed by states. Therefore, there were to many ideas about what students should learn. Further, this led to inconsistencies by state. In fact, there were so many ideas, it was almost unteachable to the students. However, with the introduction of the Common Core Standard, which, clearly defined what students should know from k-12 at the end of each grade. The Common Core Standards ensures that students graduating from High School are ready to enter college. With that said, the Common Core standards, constantly reminds teachers, that they are not just teaching a subject, however, they are preparing students for college and the professional world.

WK 1: Introduction-Voki Link

http://tinyurl.com/ycs42jxa     Voki Link:                            
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