Integrating Technology With Literacy Instruction

¶ … Integrate Technology With Literacy Instruction

Researchers have investigated aspects of integrating technology with literacy instruction. In my strategy, I would focus on the use of a word processor on written expressions. While some studies have found either no significant outcomes or mixed outcomes with regard to the effect of the word processor on the development of literacy, most analyses have demonstrated word processor to be beneficial. This technology mitigates the complications young kids often experience with the fine-motor control necessary for letter development and help in revisions.

Further, complications met by disabled learners in expressing themselves through writing will be reduced using transcription software, word processor, spell checkers, multimedia applications, speech synthesizers and semantic organizers. Other researchers have shown that word processor improves cooperation and active participation among learners besides strengthening children's focus on the material they write. In addition, compared with paper-and-pencil arrangements, it improves sentence density, cohesion, revisions and metacognitive talk. Research that concentrates on the effect of the Global Web and electronic communication on development of writing capabilities indicates that, through Internet technologies, learners can find support for their writing efforts, improve their awareness of audience and obtain beneficial feedback.

These studies provide valuable ideas into the potency of various technological innovations for promoting children reading and writing capabilities. However, they do not provide methodical tests of the instructional strategies used in literacy programs that incorporate those technologies. Studies analyzed the inquiry strategy and efficiency of incorporating technology into middle schools. Learners who followed the inquiry strategy across material areas learned to ask intriguing questions and collect information from a variety of resources. They also revealed that the instructors could evaluate student progress throughout the unit instead of being restrained to an end-of-unit test. However, the cooperation required of the various instructors, though worthwhile, tends to be time consuming.

Tools needed to integrate technology and literacy instruction successfully.

Tools like the iPad now enhance studying in schools, where the student does not have to be close to computer in a lab setting. The iPad has exclusive abilities that were remarkable prior to its introduction. It works like a laptop or desktop computer, but with additional exclusive utilities like multi-touch screen and an apparently endless variety of applications, that enhance previously hidden opportunities for mobile studying. As I begin discovering the opportunities of using mobile tools like the iPad in the classes, it will be essential in examining how this technology with its limitations can influence student studying. For literacy training, this means research regarding how such mobile tools can be used to integrate technology and literacy instruction successfully. One way the iPad possibly provides useful opportunities for literacy classes is through interactive, digital books. However, it is essential to consider that electronic content as compared with printed content, offer different affordances that create new ways of writing and reading. An advantage of digital content, as other students have suggested, is that they can support individual readers' content understanding and possibly engage struggling readers.