New Literacies

To me, new literacies means students using the internet effectively to develop online reading comprehension, communication, and learning. The way that students read and learn is changing as technology advances. Information is now at students’ fingertips, but they need to be taught and given opportunities to explore how to navigate online resources. As teachers, we need to guide students to use online resources in a purposeful way and encourage students to expand their reading practice beyond books.

The NETS for Students are the standards for the skills and knowledge students need to develop to live and be successful in a digital world. Students need to not only be able to use technology, they must be able to use it to learn, explore, and analyze information. With the use of technology, students will be able to demonstrate their creativity, communicate and collaborate with peers, teachers and other people, research and analyze information, and use critical thinking skills to complete projects.

The NETS for teachers are the standards of skills and knowledge that teachers must possess in order to work and teach effectively in a digital society. Teachers need to be co-learners with students and colleagues around the world to improve their knowledge of and experiences with technology. Teachers must also feel comfortable allowing their students many opportunities to use and explore a variety of modes for learning with technology. In order to provide students with meaningful experiences using technology, teachers must use their knowledge of technology to guide student learning. It is the responsibility of teachers to design learning experiences for students that incorporate technology, and teachers must also teach students how to use these resources responsibly. In order to teach these skills effectively, teachers must participate in professional development opportunities and be active learners themselves.

In my 4^th grade classroom, my students are currently working on a research project about the changing Earth. After developing background knowledge and exposing students to many factors that impact the changing Earth, students have chosen topics they would like to research. They will be using books, magazines, and internet resources to research information about their topics. As a final project, students will have a choice in their presentation mode. Many students have chosen to use Glogster or PowerPoint to present their information. Students will use computers to research, type, and design a presentation about their research topics.