Principal 10
Technology and Early Literacy Development
Accomplishing this Principal in the Classroom
I have already alluded to this principle multiple times throughout this portfolio. We all are aware of the fun and entertaining side of technology but as teachers we have to find out how technology can benefit out students while in the classroom. Incorporating technology into the classroom is appealing to students because they are a generation that has grown up surrounded by it. There are so many practices that I can assign to this principle because of the versatility of technology, which is one reason I am a believer in it’s integration with early literacy development. I want my students to continuously grow in technological proficiency so that they can use all that it offers them in the world of education in and outside the classroom.
Specific Anchor & Grade Level Standards from CCSS
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.R.7: This is an important standard that aligns with the principle of integrating technology into the classroom. Students need to be exposed to a variety of literacy both in print and online. The literacy does not necessary have to written words, it can also be images, videos, podcasts, etc. With supervision and ability to assess the validity of these sources, readers can learn from the information and writers can communicate the ideas.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.6.6: With the use of technology the world is at our fingertips, I want to show students it’s limitless capabilities by teaching them that they can express and share ideas with people far away while practicing important literacy skills.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.6.6: With the use of technology the world is at our fingertips, I want to show students it’s limitless capabilities by teaching them that they can express and share ideas with people far away while practicing important literacy skills.
Instructional Practices
DIFFERENTIATION
The computer program name Lexia was adopted from the Lexile framework for reading which matches readers with leveled reading materials. The computer application, Lexia Core 5, helps students master foundational reading skills. It covers material from the pre-k to fifth, which is why this program is used for students who are below grade level in reading. We will implement this program during the tier III reading intervention class which consists of all sixth grade students who are below grade level in ELA. There are three intervention classes with differentiated instruction for students who are either below, at, or above grade level. This program utilizes simple computer skills such as typing, using the internet access, and a mouse. It is also available for use on iPads and tablets. I see no problems in practicing the use of technology to differentiate instruction based upon student readiness. This program offers lessons that target particular students’ weak areas that teachers can print and teach in small groups.
VARIETY OF GENRE
By using the website, MyON.com, I will be able to give my students choice in what genre and book they read, differentiate based on reading level, and develop familiarity and experience using eBooks. As I stated earlier, eBooks are important to introduce to our students because this format of text indubitably is becoming and will be the standard in publishing as technology advances along with society. Our students must be familiar with this to be successful in the future. MyOn describes itself as the future in reading and uses a lexile assessment to level it’s reading material appropriately. In addition, it offers data on a range of variables such as student completion of book quizzes, stamina, and long-term reading growth reports. I will use this during my reading class in the second half of the day as well as during homeroom independent reading.
GOOGLE DRIVE
One of the most efficient ways to collaborate over email, documents, presentations, and excel sheets is the use of Google Drive. This is a skill that is necessary for high school and needs to be developed early on. I want to create a system in my classroom where my students can safely use google drive to collaborate on shared research projects. They will read online text on a topic relatable to what they are learning in ELA. They will contribute one article each and share it with one another with Gmail. They will peer review their responses to these articles using goodle docs, this will allow me to track their comments and changes on the doc to monitor participation as well as leave my own formative comments for them to review. They will finish the project by writing and presenting a slide show with google slides. I wanted to take a different approach on my last instructional practice regarding technology in the classroom. Because the issue of Internet safety is going to arise as a result of bringing technology in the classroom, I will reteach the safety tips they learned during their EastConn program. While I will include technology when appropriate and approved, I want to make sure that my student’s both practice reading and writing skills as well as proper and safe Internet use.