Introduction to the concept of “new literacies”

The articles about "new literacies" all have one thing in common.  There is no concrete definition for the term "new literacies".  New literacies is a combination of four elements that can applied to all definitions of new literacies.  (1) The Internet and other ICTs require new social practices, skills, strategies, and dispositions for their effective use; (2) new literacies are central to full civic, economic, and personal participation in a global community; (3) new literacies rapidly change as defining technologies change; and (4) new literacies are multiple, multimodal, and multifaceted; thus, they benefit from multiple lenses seeking to understand how to better support our students in a digital age.  

The ideas from the video reflect the ELA teachers I interviewed because their students are digital natives but their cognitive skills are lacking.   As a technology instructor I can help change their instructional practices by educating the teachers about new literacies, technology skills vs. cognitive skills. I can help teachers to understand cognitive proficiency.  I think teachers will need on-going professional development and resources in order to properly integrate technology into their classroom.  They should be taught about new literacies and the difference between technology proficiency and cognitive proficiency. 

Grade level: 7th grade

Topic: Women of History:  Fact or FictionStandards addressed: CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.7.9 Compare and contrast a fictional portrayal of a time, place, or character and a historical account of the same period as a means of understanding how authors of fiction use or alter history.CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.7.2 Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas, concepts, and information through the selection, organization, and analysis of relevant contentCCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.7.1 Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in groups, and teacher-led) with diverse partners on grade 7 topics, texts, and issues, building on others’ ideas and expressing their own clearly.CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.7.2 Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English capitalization, punctuation, and spelling when writing.Learning outcomes: Students will read a story about a women of history and compare the fictional portrayal to actual events of the women's life.  Students will use GlogsterEdu to create informative glogs about a women of history and create a multimedia presentation comparing the fictional and factual portrayal about the a chosen historic women. Technologies needed:  Laptops, wireless connection and Glogster accounts.Timeline for implementation (how many classes needed):  About a monthHow can it be integrated and implemented in the lessons? Students will read the text about during the 1st half of their ELA block.  In the 2nd half of the class they will use the laptops to begin to research factual information about the women. In the next few weeks they gather information and begin to formulate ideas and write their informative compare and contrast text.  Students will use the technology to research information and images to add to their GlogsterEdu accounts.Assessment (on writing skills and technology skills):  Rubric will be created that includes writing skills and technology skills.

ELA Instruction and Integrating Technology

1. Understanding of ELA instruction

After reading the articles and viewing the standards I have a clearer understanding of the ELA  curriculum.  I believe the main objective of the ELA curriculum is to use a variety of ways to create successful students with the knowledge of literacy.  Literacy and language is a part of everyday life and as teachers its our job to instill this into our students so they can understand how important it is to develop their literacy skills.   Students should be able to build connections with what they read to their real life experiences.   In order to achieve this goal there are 5 key components:

• Reading

• Writing

• Speaking and Listening

• Language

The ELA standards is a clear break down to help the teachers achieve their ELA goals and have a measurement of where their students should be at the beginning and ending of the school year.  The ELA standards is also something that parents should view and have an understanding of because I feel it will help parents support their children in  their academic achievements. 

2.  Technology Tool that supports the ELA instruction is

  

Glogster EDU is a creative platform for students to display their knowledge and skills.  Students create GLOGS (interactive posters) which allow them to add text, photos, video, graphics, sounds, drawing, attachments and so much more.  Glogster EDU also allows  teachers and students to share their work online and have a community to interact with.  I have used this tool in my classroom and possibilities is endless.  

3. Interview with a ELA teacher about integrating technology into their classroom. 

I spoke to two different ELA teachers in two different schools and surprisingly they had the same problem about integrating technology into their classrooms.  Both teachers work in public schools in Brooklyn, one is a JHS teacher and the other is in Elementary school. The problem they have with integrating technology into their classrooms is the lack of technology.  Both teachers are tech savvy and would love the opportunity to enhance their lessons with technology but the availability is limited.   The teachers have smart boards in their rooms but they will like to have computers in their rooms for students to use.  As a technology teacher I hear this complaint a lot.  I  have conducted trainings in the past and I find the teachers are excited about the technology tool but at the same time they get discouraged because they do not have access to technology or the technology they do have access to is very old and outdated.  I believe the main problem with integrating technology into the classroom especially NYC Public Schools is that technology is advancing but the public schools are always behind may it be their internet connectivity, computer hardware or software.  I feel like the public schools are always playing catchup. 

Who Am I?

1.  Hi!!! My name is Seria Allen I am a mother, wife, and technology teacher in East New York, Brooklyn.  I am a tech geek, I have love for God, reading, life and natural hair & beauty.

2. If you were to write a book about yourself, what would you name it? The Many Sides of Ria
3. Tell us one of your favorite joke.  I don't really have a favorite joke but I like the comedian Kevin Hart and this is one  of his jokes that made me laugh "I DON'T have EX's! I have Y's. Like 'Y the hell did I date you?!"

4. Tell us what subject you teach, years of teaching, and how far you are in the MSIT or Teacher Education program. I've been teaching technology for 6 years and I really enjoy it.  My major is Instructional Technology and this is my 2nd Masters program I will be finished in May.  I majored in Information Systems in Undergrad and Early Childhood and Childhood Education in my 1st Masters program. 

5. How much do you know about teaching language arts?  Even though I am a technology teacher I am familiar with the language arts curriculum in my school.  I sit-in on a lot of the common planning meetings and I support the Language Arts teachers especially with using technology in their class.  
6. How much do know about "new literacies?"  I am familiar with the term "new literacies"  but I am not fully knowledgable about it.  

7. What are your concerns about taking this course?  I don't have a lot of concerns for the class I am just wondering why the posts are not due at 11:59 on Tuesday night instead of the middle of the day.