Day+5

=Technology= The rapid growth of technology is radically changing our world. Technology and the Read/Write web can greatly enhance our teaching. However, we must find ways to use technology authentically rather than superficially. Today we will explore some of the new technologies that have the potential to improve content area literacy. We will think of some ways we might use some of the technology and the digital tools that are now available to us at the click of a mouse. First, we watch these videos by a leader in the field of technology in education, Will Richardson. I highly recommend his book, //Blogs, Wikis, & Podcasts,// as suggested reading.

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DISCUSSION: Will Richardson says we need to see the world differently now and that our system of schooling is becoming increasing obsolete. What do you think? How do your schools use technology? What could they do better? What resources do you have to use technology in ways that help your students solve problems, think critically, create, and collaborate?

Take a look at the image below created as a framework to address 21st Century skills. What are some things you do in you classroom to address the red, yellow, and purple sections? How does your school create the supports that are needed outlined in the gray arcs? ACTIVITY: At Partnership For 21st Century Skills click on the framework to the right of the page and scroll to the 21st Century Student Outcomes. Poke around at some of the outcomes listed. Look at item number 2 Learning and Innovation Skills first. What do you think of these outcomes? How do you address them in your practice? Now look at item number 3 Information, Media, and Technology Skills. Take some time to think about each of these "new" literacies. Why is it important to begin to address these in our classrooms? How might you do this?

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DISCUSSION: Why is publishing and important concept to consider in content area literacy? What does Will Richardson mean by "connective" reading and writing? What nuances in reading and writing should you address in this "connective" environment?

ACTIVITY: Lets take a look at one network you may want to join. Thinkfinity is a site that allows you to connect with other teachers, build a reservoir of resources, and share. Sign up for a Thinkfinity account and browse the various groups. Pick one to join and tell us why.

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DISCUSSION: What do you think the future holds for education? What are schools going to look like? How are you trying to understand the changes on a personal level? How might you break through the classroom walls?

Jigsaw:
Today's jigsaw you will be using a protocol from the National School Reform Faculty site. The site has many, many protocols that you can use in meetings with other colleagues or within Professional Learning Communities. These protocols help develop deep conversations about a topic, analyze student work, and brainstorm. Some of them can also be used within your classroom as after-reading strategies.

In your expert groups follow the protocol after you have read the article. Use the protocol as a launching point to discuss your articles in your new groups. In your new groups, develop three to five headlines that you think are important to share with the class and post on the wiki.

Protocol: Jigsaw (3) Question: What is the role of technology in literacy instruction and learning?

Class Activity:
Log on to one of the following sites. Attempt to use the tool to create some sort of demonstration of how it works or how you might use it in the classroom. Be prepared to critique the site/tool (i.e. Is it user friendly?)

www.voki.com www.goanimate.com www.cacoo.com www.animoto.com www.photopeach.com www.smartblueprinter.com www.popplet.com www.edmodo.com www.sketchcast.com www.screenr.com www.podomatic.com www.fotoflexer.com www.zooburst.com

More digital tools can be found here:

Readings for Day 6


Terrey's Animoto