EDLA 615 Language Arts and Technology

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...

I used this voicethread in a unit that I did on the Holocaust. I hope you enjoy!!! Click here to view my digital storytelling presentation.

I think that using games to help instruction in a classroom is a great tool for teachers to use. It motivates the students to practice the skills they are learning in class. Instead of having students practice on "plain old worksheets" they can now gain the same much skills, but do so in a way that is fun and motivating. I think that using this tool is an advantage to both the teacher and student, as the students will be more motivated and excited to complete the tasks by doing so in a fun way.

Gamestar Mechanic is a really great tool that teachers can use to help motivate their students to practice a specific skill in any area of learning. Students get to design their own game which is really exciting, and at the same time they can practice what they are learning in class by having the game include the skills being taught. The website is very user friendly and easy to figure out, which makes it simple and fun at the same time!

•     Grade level: Grade 2 •     Common core standards and learning outcomes:  CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.1.1   •     Instructional activities: The students will each get a chance to play the letter drop game from kidsspell.com. They will practice spelling their numbers (one, two three, etc...) by clicking on the appropriate letters to spell each word as the letters drop.  •     Assessment: The teacher will assess the students based on the score they receive at the end of the game.      Debriefing: Review each of the words with the students by having them match up the actual numbers to the words - for example 1 - one, 2 - two, etc...     What cognitive skills do this game help to cultivate? Students will learn to quickly and fluently be able to spell these words.  •     What new literacies skills do this game help to cultivate (refer to the journal article page 2 and 3)? Students wi...

1. Text: Before the game begins there is clear instructions written to explain how the game works. Visual-graphic elements: Various letters drop down - the player needs to spell as many of the number words as possible before time is up. Audio elements: Prior to starting the game there is an audio recording explaining how to play, there is also background music to the game. 2. The goal of the game is to spell all of the words before time is up. 3. Players must click on the letters in the boxes that spell the words from the word back (number words). 4. The game does not really have much of a specific scenario design - it is just a bunch of boxes with letters inside falling from the screen.