EDLA 615 Language Arts and Technology

https://voicethread.com/share/10746078/

I really enjoyed the article on the advantages of using voicethread in the classroom. This is a great technology tool that can help teachers differentiate instruction so that all the students can be a part of the lesson. With the use of voicethread the teacher can record the intructions so that students who struggle with reading can have a easier time completing the tasks. Its also a great tool for students to use to create their own projects or presentations.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1EHQmdXBdzA35PIlxqlnD9wuzkv_8JbAs7msWTrsRBHU/edit?usp=sharing

I really enjoyed reading the article on blog and college reading. It is now clear to me that even though new literacies have many advantages, it should not be the only method used in a classroom. Students can gain from both the new and old way of teaching, both with and without technology. The article also clarified that in order to use technology in an effective way the students must be familiar with the tools that they will use in the lessons in order for them to gain the skills that they are lacking.

I created this UDL book for a unit that I did on the Holocaust. The book mentions a few Holocaust rescuers and how they saved Jews from the war. The students really enjoyed reading the book and listening to the cute comments I created on the bottom. I hope you enjoy! http://bookbuilder.cast.org/view.php?op=view&book=127873&page=1 

Second Life is a great tool for teachers to use in order to enhance their English instruction. There are many ways that this website can be used to have students engage in activities that will help them gain ELA skills.  I think that the most amazing thing about Second Life is the idea that it helps the students have a visual understanding of specific topics being discussed in class. Whether its history, geography, science, or any other subject the students can understand the concept and the setting of the topic being discussed in a real life and clear way.  I also think that it is important that a teacher who is using Second Life in her lessons should be well prepared and very careful as to how she introduces it to her students and how to limit the use of the website for learning purposes only, so that the students don't take advantage of it and use it the wrong way.  (My computer did not allow me to have full access to the website therefore I was not able to take...