Technology has been shown to contribute to student achievement in different ways at elementary, middle school, and high school lovel. How can the literacy specialist best use technology to promote student success?
I feel that the literacy specialist has just as much responsibility to be familiar with available technology as the regular classroom teacher, if not more. Many students who struggle with reading often get frustrated and want to give up. By using software that helps the students read, or reads to them as they follow along, the literacy specialist can help them gain a sense of self confidence again, and actually want to continue trying to read. Technology has a great way of making students feel more comfortable with their abilities, and therefore they are encouraged to strive towards becoming a successful reader. Although technology should be implemented in all grade levels, it is extremely important that students receive this type of instruction early on in schooling so that there is a higher chance of them becoming successful. Even students in kindergarten have the ability to use the computer and have access the many different types of technology.
I completely agree with Amy that students need to be exposed to various types of technology at an early age. Technology is becoming utilized more and more in the school setting, so if students are not familiarized with it early on, they will certainly be behind when they get to middle school and high school. The literacy specialist definitely needs to be up to date on the uses of technology and different programs available for student use. They also need to be completely aware of the needs of their students so they are able to recommend the appropriate programs for them to use to support those needs. But besides just recommending them, they should sit down with students and work one on one or in small groups to make sure they are comfortable with the new program, game, website, etc. The reading specialist also needs to be aware of student strengths so they can incorporate what they need to improve on with what they already know, so students do not become too overwhelmed.
I agree with Amy and Tessa about the need for exposure for both the teacher and the student. With any instruction, it is best to differentiate. Additionally, different levels of independence will be seen at any age based on each student’s individual experiences/exposures. When thinking of programs that will help the student, reading specialist should look at individual needs so that technology can augment their learning and provide a different mode for learning in the areas they struggle with. If the literacy specialist is unaware of available software programs, then he/she should consult the school technology specialist/teacher. Lastly, I think that the literacy specialist should use a variety of technologies (across the spectrum—low to high) to see what each student benefits from the most.
I think that the literacy specialist should be up to date with new technology and resources available to our students. I feel that they are the ones that are going to be helping teachers out in finding tools to help out their students. It is like they are the librarians for the school. Librarians are up to date with new books and authors to get students reading and enjoying what they are reading. To me a literacy specialist is one that should be up to date with new software or resources available because the needs of the students are always changing. I know that at the school that I sub at, the reading specialist came to me with a new program that they felt was going to help one of my students. Because that teacher understood what was going on with my student and were up to date with the new resources and the software that we tired with my student ended up helping them. I think as a teacher, a literacy specialist or a librarian, it is important to be up to date and constantly looking for things available to help the needs of our students.
I agree with Jenn. I definately feel that the literacy specialist should be up to date with new technology. The specialists have to work together with the classroom teacher to decide what types of technology will best meet the needs of students in the class. The specialist should be able to take information that teacher gives him or her (characteristics of students, observations, learning styles) and give suggestions on technology that they feel will help the student(s) succeed. Of course it is trial and error (what works for one student, might not work for another), but the literacy specialist should be able to identify different sources of technology to try and to bring into the classroom. If one thing does not work, we cannot be discouraged or give up. Students will try harder when they know they have teacher support. Students will succeed if they believe in themselves and often times it takes someone else to believe in them first.
Technology is definitely beneficial for students at all levels and does promote student success. It is essential for literacy specialists to understand exactly how to incorporate technology with students so they will be successful. It is important for literacy specialists to know various technologies to help struggling readers. I agree with Amy in that it is just as important or even more important for literacy specialists to be familiar with technology. They can use a variety of technology tools such as helpful software, even helpful websites such as starfall, and available hardware technologies such as a reading pen. Each of these will be beneficial for students who struggle with reading and can help students become successful.
I think it’s extremely important for the literacy specialist, as well as the teacher to integrate technology with students. Since all students are different with their learning styles, its essential to discover what technology devices best support each learner. I think many literacy specialists are intimidated at first to begin using technology with their students, or their district may shy away from using a lot of it. I think its extremely important for students to begin using technology right away, beginning from kindergarten all the way through high school. Students will be able to adapt much better if they grow up using these devices and make them part of their daily living skills. I also agree with everyone on how important it is to differentiate the types of technology supports that are being used with each student. It’s amazing to realize how many assistive technologies are out there to support learners. I think its key for literacy specialists to discover what supports work best with certain students so that they are able to strive with their literacy skills and acquire skills they will need for life!
Technology, if taught and used properly, will contribute to student achievement for all levels. The literacy specialist needs to be familiar with how what technology is available, what technology will be beneficial for the students, how to incorporate the technology in the classroom, and how to teach the students how to use the technology to promote success in every student, especially struggling readers. The literacy specialist is the one who needs to be the most familiar with technology out there. They can be the one to help the classroom teacher if needed. It would helpful to the teacher as well as the students if the literacy specialist was familiar with software programs, websites, and hardware technologies so they do not need to waste time trying to find ones that work.
The literacy specialist can best promote technology to ensure student success is first by being updated and aware of the current technology available. It is the job of the literacy specialist to be aware of modern software programs or assistive technology that can assist students in any way. The literacy specialist should know the students strengths and weaknesses. Therefore, they can direct students into which type or form of technology the student should use to help them have an equal and better opportunity of being successful. For example, if the student struggles with grammar and phonetic sentences the Co-Writer would be a great program for them to use. I have also seen simple technological strategies used in an elementary classroom where a student who likes to be in constant motion had a chair replaced by one of those big bouncy balls children can sit on. This allows the child to sit at the desk, but still be able to bounce around as well. Their are numerous technological resources that can be used to help children learn. Therefore, the reading specialist needs to be aware of all of the resources and how to use them best according to each individual student. I believe it is also important to note that all children love working with technology and it is very engaging and just fun to use. Incorporating technology in any lesson and classroom will help children succeed because they will become more active and willing to participate.
I agree that literacy specialists need to use technology as much as possible. With the current technology available, reading instruction will look much different than reading a book and answering questions. Students can create photo stories, videos, or e-books to show their understanding of a story. Students can engage in a blog similiar to this one and discuss a book. Having students engage in this technology at a young age will prepare them for their future. Therefore, they will be more successful at middle school and high school. In addition, using this technology will prepare them for their future job.
The literacy specialist should be knowledgeable of the most advanced technologies to support student achievement. I feel that it is the literacy specialist’s duty to inform teachers of what technologies are available and what strategies teachers should use to enhance reading and writing development. As Jen mentioned the literacy specialist should be up to date with the resources available. I also think that veteran teachers who are not familiar with the technologies available should receive guidance from the literacy specialist on how to make learning more engaging with technology.
With the many advancements made in regards to technology in the past decade, it can now easily lend itself to endless positive experiences for students in any grade level. Often times, students may not have exposure to new technology if the educator has not been exposed, had an opportunity to use and has seen and accepted the results it assists in producing. Like classroom teachers, collaboration and idea sharing between literacy specialists is extremely important. Schools may not have generous allotted funds for new technological equipment, however if student success is obvious though a piece of equipment in another location, that experience carries weight when choosing purchases when they become available. Easily, technology will guide students through the creation of projects and comprehension activities among many other experiences which will help increase self confidence, allow visual tracking of successful experiences and growth and pieces of work that they can “show off” to classmates, teachers and parents.
First of all, there are a number of technological software and devices available that a literacy specialist could use to help promote students success in literacy. I think the audiobook or the book on tape would be one way to improve the student's reading fluency, reading interest and reading comprehension skills. The audio book will help struggling reading and ESL students because it acts as a scaffold and it help struggling readers read above their reading level. In addition, I think with the instructional steps taught to the writing process, literacy specialist could improve help improve the students' writing ablilities through the use of word processing. First of all the students would need to learn the basic keyboarding skills. Nevertheless through observation, I have seen that students who use word processing write longer and more meaning papers. They are more willing to use spell checker to check their spelling of various words in their paper. So, I pointed out two ways that a literacy specialist could use technology to promote students' success. However, their are a number of ways to do this. The literacy specialist needs to research and see how he or she can incorporate technology and literacy to promote greater success in the students.
Using any type of technology in the classroom is motivating to students. They have more of a desire to complete assignments when they get to use technology. Literacy specialist can simply have students write up papers on Microsoft word instead of writing by hand. When students get to type up their papers they tend to put more effort into what they are doing. Students will write more and focus on the content of what they are writing instead of worrying about grammatical and mechanical errors since Microsoft word does that for them.
Literacy specialists also need to be aware of student strengths and weaknesses in order to best assist in student attainment. Literacy specialists should use technology that is not overwhelming for the students otherwise the student will become frustrated and shut down. It is very important to take the students needs into consideration when determining which programs will work best.
The literacy specialist can promote student success by ensuring that the games and programs they are using fit each student and the needs that they possess. Fitting the program to the needs of the student is the most important step towards achieving success but the second would have to be to keep it enjoyable. Students who can have fun and not get too frustrated are more likely to be willing to try their hardest during their next time together. Lastly, it is extremely important to provide a wide variety of activities including independent, group and one on one to both ensure the skills are being learned as well as to prevent boredom and memorization of the programs and games.
As you showed us in class, the use of Palm Pilots within the classroom can motivate students of all ages. Using a piece of technology like the Palm Pilot gives students a new way to record answers, access information, save work, etc. When a teacher has a personal website where they upload class assignments/projects, class notes, useful websites/videos that focus on information from the curriculum, etc. I believe all teachers are required to have email addresses, and this technology is invaluable...it’s a great way for reading specialists to keep open communication between students, their parents/guardians, administration, etc. Keeping classroom teachers and parents/guardians informed about their student's/child(ren)’s accomplishments and needs in school is essential in order to promote overall student success.
When a teacher has a personal website where they upload class assignments/projects, class notes, useful websites/videos that focus on information from the curriculum, etc. it helps those students who have difficulty writing down or remembering assignments, parents can keep track of their child’s work and what they are required to complete, and prevents students from using the old excuse of, “I forgot my homework at school.”
I feel that the literacy specialist has just as much responsibility to be familiar with available technology as the regular classroom teacher, if not more. Many students who struggle with reading often get frustrated and want to give up. By using software that helps the students read, or reads to them as they follow along, the literacy specialist can help them gain a sense of self confidence again, and actually want to continue trying to read. Technology has a great way of making students feel more comfortable with their abilities, and therefore they are encouraged to strive towards becoming a successful reader. Although technology should be implemented in all grade levels, it is extremely important that students receive this type of instruction early on in schooling so that there is a higher chance of them becoming successful. Even students in kindergarten have the ability to use the computer and have access the many different types of technology.
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with Amy that students need to be exposed to various types of technology at an early age. Technology is becoming utilized more and more in the school setting, so if students are not familiarized with it early on, they will certainly be behind when they get to middle school and high school.
ReplyDeleteThe literacy specialist definitely needs to be up to date on the uses of technology and different programs available for student use. They also need to be completely aware of the needs of their students so they are able to recommend the appropriate programs for them to use to support those needs. But besides just recommending them, they should sit down with students and work one on one or in small groups to make sure they are comfortable with the new program, game, website, etc. The reading specialist also needs to be aware of student strengths so they can incorporate what they need to improve on with what they already know, so students do not become too overwhelmed.
I agree with Amy and Tessa about the need for exposure for both the teacher and the student. With any instruction, it is best to differentiate. Additionally, different levels of independence will be seen at any age based on each student’s individual experiences/exposures. When thinking of programs that will help the student, reading specialist should look at individual needs so that technology can augment their learning and provide a different mode for learning in the areas they struggle with. If the literacy specialist is unaware of available software programs, then he/she should consult the school technology specialist/teacher. Lastly, I think that the literacy specialist should use a variety of technologies (across the spectrum—low to high) to see what each student benefits from the most.
ReplyDeleteI think that the literacy specialist should be up to date with new technology and resources available to our students. I feel that they are the ones that are going to be helping teachers out in finding tools to help out their students. It is like they are the librarians for the school. Librarians are up to date with new books and authors to get students reading and enjoying what they are reading. To me a literacy specialist is one that should be up to date with new software or resources available because the needs of the students are always changing. I know that at the school that I sub at, the reading specialist came to me with a new program that they felt was going to help one of my students. Because that teacher understood what was going on with my student and were up to date with the new resources and the software that we tired with my student ended up helping them. I think as a teacher, a literacy specialist or a librarian, it is important to be up to date and constantly looking for things available to help the needs of our students.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Jenn. I definately feel that the literacy specialist should be up to date with new technology. The specialists have to work together with the classroom teacher to decide what types of technology will best meet the needs of students in the class. The specialist should be able to take information that teacher gives him or her (characteristics of students, observations, learning styles) and give suggestions on technology that they feel will help the student(s) succeed. Of course it is trial and error (what works for one student, might not work for another), but the literacy specialist should be able to identify different sources of technology to try and to bring into the classroom. If one thing does not work, we cannot be discouraged or give up. Students will try harder when they know they have teacher support. Students will succeed if they believe in themselves and often times it takes someone else to believe in them first.
ReplyDeleteTechnology is definitely beneficial for students at all levels and does promote student success. It is essential for literacy specialists to understand exactly how to incorporate technology with students so they will be successful. It is important for literacy specialists to know various technologies to help struggling readers. I agree with Amy in that it is just as important or even more important for literacy specialists to be familiar with technology. They can use a variety of technology tools such as helpful software, even helpful websites such as starfall, and available hardware technologies such as a reading pen. Each of these will be beneficial for students who struggle with reading and can help students become successful.
ReplyDeleteI think it’s extremely important for the literacy specialist, as well as the teacher to integrate technology with students. Since all students are different with their learning styles, its essential to discover what technology devices best support each learner. I think many literacy specialists are intimidated at first to begin using technology with their students, or their district may shy away from using a lot of it. I think its extremely important for students to begin using technology right away, beginning from kindergarten all the way through high school. Students will be able to adapt much better if they grow up using these devices and make them part of their daily living skills. I also agree with everyone on how important it is to differentiate the types of technology supports that are being used with each student. It’s amazing to realize how many assistive technologies are out there to support learners. I think its key for literacy specialists to discover what supports work best with certain students so that they are able to strive with their literacy skills and acquire skills they will need for life!
ReplyDeleteTechnology, if taught and used properly, will contribute to student achievement for all levels. The literacy specialist needs to be familiar with how what technology is available, what technology will be beneficial for the students, how to incorporate the technology in the classroom, and how to teach the students how to use the technology to promote success in every student, especially struggling readers. The literacy specialist is the one who needs to be the most familiar with technology out there. They can be the one to help the classroom teacher if needed. It would helpful to the teacher as well as the students if the literacy specialist was familiar with software programs, websites, and hardware technologies so they do not need to waste time trying to find ones that work.
ReplyDeleteThe literacy specialist can best promote technology to ensure student success is first by being updated and aware of the current technology available. It is the job of the literacy specialist to be aware of modern software programs or assistive technology that can assist students in any way. The literacy specialist should know the students strengths and weaknesses. Therefore, they can direct students into which type or form of technology the student should use to help them have an equal and better opportunity of being successful. For example, if the student struggles with grammar and phonetic sentences the Co-Writer would be a great program for them to use. I have also seen simple technological strategies used in an elementary classroom where a student who likes to be in constant motion had a chair replaced by one of those big bouncy balls children can sit on. This allows the child to sit at the desk, but still be able to bounce around as well. Their are numerous technological resources that can be used to help children learn. Therefore, the reading specialist needs to be aware of all of the resources and how to use them best according to each individual student. I believe it is also important to note that all children love working with technology and it is very engaging and just fun to use. Incorporating technology in any lesson and classroom will help children succeed because they will become more active and willing to participate.
ReplyDeleteI agree that literacy specialists need to use technology as much as possible. With the current technology available, reading instruction will look much different than reading a book and answering questions. Students can create photo stories, videos, or e-books to show their understanding of a story. Students can engage in a blog similiar to this one and discuss a book. Having students engage in this technology at a young age will prepare them for their future. Therefore, they will be more successful at middle school and high school. In addition, using this technology will prepare them for their future job.
ReplyDeleteThe literacy specialist should be knowledgeable of the most advanced technologies to support student achievement. I feel that it is the literacy specialist’s duty to inform teachers of what technologies are available and what strategies teachers should use to enhance reading and writing development. As Jen mentioned the literacy specialist should be up to date with the resources available. I also think that veteran teachers who are not familiar with the technologies available should receive guidance from the literacy specialist on how to make learning more engaging with technology.
ReplyDeleteWith the many advancements made in regards to technology in the past decade, it can now easily lend itself to endless positive experiences for students in any grade level. Often times, students may not have exposure to new technology if the educator has not been exposed, had an opportunity to use and has seen and accepted the results it assists in producing. Like classroom teachers, collaboration and idea sharing between literacy specialists is extremely important. Schools may not have generous allotted funds for new technological equipment, however if student success is obvious though a piece of equipment in another location, that experience carries weight when choosing purchases when they become available. Easily, technology will guide students through the creation of projects and comprehension activities among many other experiences which will help increase self confidence, allow visual tracking of successful experiences and growth and pieces of work that they can “show off” to classmates, teachers and parents.
ReplyDeleteFirst of all, there are a number of technological software and devices available that a literacy specialist could use to help promote students success in literacy. I think the audiobook or the book on tape would be one way to improve the student's reading fluency, reading interest and reading comprehension skills. The audio book will help struggling reading and ESL students because it acts as a scaffold and it help struggling readers read above their reading level. In addition, I think with the instructional steps taught to the writing process, literacy specialist could improve help improve the students' writing ablilities through the use of word processing. First of all the students would need to learn the basic keyboarding skills. Nevertheless through observation, I have seen that students who use word processing write longer and more meaning papers. They are more willing to use spell checker to check their spelling of various words in their paper. So, I pointed out two ways that a literacy specialist could use technology to promote students' success. However, their are a number of ways to do this. The literacy specialist needs to research and see how he or she can incorporate technology and literacy to promote greater success in the students.
ReplyDeleteUsing any type of technology in the classroom is motivating to students. They have more of a desire to complete assignments when they get to use technology. Literacy specialist can simply have students write up papers on Microsoft word instead of writing by hand. When students get to type up their papers they tend to put more effort into what they are doing. Students will write more and focus on the content of what they are writing instead of worrying about grammatical and mechanical errors since Microsoft word does that for them.
ReplyDeleteLiteracy specialists also need to be aware of student strengths and weaknesses in order to best assist in student attainment. Literacy specialists should use technology that is not overwhelming for the students otherwise the student will become frustrated and shut down. It is very important to take the students needs into consideration when determining which programs will work best.
The literacy specialist can promote student success by ensuring that the games and programs they are using fit each student and the needs that they possess. Fitting the program to the needs of the student is the most important step towards achieving success but the second would have to be to keep it enjoyable. Students who can have fun and not get too frustrated are more likely to be willing to try their hardest during their next time together. Lastly, it is extremely important to provide a wide variety of activities including independent, group and one on one to both ensure the skills are being learned as well as to prevent boredom and memorization of the programs and games.
ReplyDeleteAs you showed us in class, the use of Palm Pilots within the classroom can motivate students of all ages. Using a piece of technology like the Palm Pilot gives students a new way to record answers, access information, save work, etc. When a teacher has a personal website where they upload class assignments/projects, class notes, useful websites/videos that focus on information from the curriculum, etc. I believe all teachers are required to have email addresses, and this technology is invaluable...it’s a great way for reading specialists to keep open communication between students, their parents/guardians, administration, etc. Keeping classroom teachers and parents/guardians informed about their student's/child(ren)’s accomplishments and needs in school is essential in order to promote overall student success.
ReplyDelete(Oops! I left out the rest of my sentence.)
ReplyDeleteWhen a teacher has a personal website where they upload class assignments/projects, class notes, useful websites/videos that focus on information from the curriculum, etc. it helps those students who have difficulty writing down or remembering assignments, parents can keep track of their child’s work and what they are required to complete, and prevents students from using the old excuse of, “I forgot my homework at school.”