Blog Post 3: Technology Implementation Strategies

       The article Artistic Technology Integration shares stories of elementary teachers who are considered strong in technology integration. The goal of the teachers is to create real life experiences that will build language skills while integrating technology. Technologies work very well to help teachers differentiate their instruction. A variety of ways to use technology were discussed throughout the article. Teachers used interactive whiteboards, blogging websites, social bookmarking sites, and book creation apps to name a few. Many of these technologies were chosen because they inspire students to have discussions about experiences, not only at school, but also at home. They also encourage language and writing development.        
       Teachers used a gradual release approach with these technology tools. It began with teacher to student, then student to student (when peer teaching was necessary) and in some cases student to parent when the technologies (blogs and social bookmarking for example) were used at home. This encouraged students to have conversations with their parents about their school work that may not have happened if it had not been for the technologies used. The article does emphasize the fact that students are still expected to do paper and pencil activities whether it is illustrating, prewriting, or spelling practice.        
       It is our responsibility to educate our students in this digital world, not only how to use it, but how to be responsible while using it. Bridging the home–school gap can also be a challenge. Technology is an excellent way to do this. It allows for easier communication through e-mail, websites, and blogs as well as encouraging family discussions because students are excited to share their experiences.  Another way to do this is through Flipped Classroom videos.  This allows families to be able to see the lesson and better understand and help the student if needed.      
      There are so many great ideas I would like to use in the library next year. Using a child friendly blog creator (KidBlogs for example) would be a great way for students to share their experiences with books. This would be a great place for book reviews or discussions whether they typed them or recorded (video or audio) their thoughts and experiences with the books they read. Reluctant readers may be more engaged in reading if discussions about the books utilize technology rather than just traditional talking. Another idea is to have a digital library book listening center. This would be great, especially for the struggling readers. If students are able to listen to the same books their peers are reading, it would encourage discussions about what they are reading.

                                     Reference

Steckel, B. B., Shinas, V. V., & Vaerenewyck, L. L. (2015). Artistic technology integration.
         Reading Teacher, 69(1), 41-49. doi:10.1002/trtr.1356