This document discusses the history and types of literacy in the context of technology. It notes that while most classrooms now have computers and internet access, students on average only use computers 12 minutes per week in school. The types of literacy discussed include technological literacy, visual literacy, media literacy, and information literacy. The document recommends ways to successfully integrate computers into literacy curriculum for different populations, including emerging readers, special populations, and skilled readers. It concludes that new digital technologies should be used to enhance, transform, and empower student literacy instruction and prepare students for future literacies.

1. Technology and LiteracyBy: Liz Solomon

2. History of Technology in LiteracyNinety-seven percent of teachers report having at least one computer in their classroom.

3. Ninety-three percent report having internet access.

4. Just 17 years only, 3% of classrooms had internet access.

5. -The average student uses the computer only 12 minutes per week.Types of Literacy Technological literacy- refers to the skills needed to adequately use computers.Visual literacy- probably the oldest literacy, dates back to interpreting cave drawing and has evolved to competently decoding and comprehending the icons on the tool bar, navigating the Web, and encoding images in multimedia projects.

6. Types of Literacy Cont. Media literacy- refers to the necessary skills to access, evaluate, and create messages in written and oral language, graphics and moving images, and audio and music.Information literacy- is the ability to find, evaluate, analyze, and synthesize information.

7. Today’s LiteracyOut of school, students are texting, blogging, creating rhymes, journaling or networking on Facebook and Twitter, yet some of these students do not see themselves as capable in-school readers.These students might struggle in traditional school literacy tasks and we as educators might not view them as proficient readers.By understanding and acknowledging their current practices, we give value to those practices, which may allow them to connect with the in-school literacy practices.

8. Successfully Integrating Computers Into the Literacy Curriculum1) Introduce the title and general purpose of the computer applications and demonstrate procedures to open the application. Then state the purpose of using this program.2) Model how to navigate through the program.3) During this modeling, incite student to take turns operating the software as a check for understanding.4) Add procedural reminders during the demonstration5) Critically discuss the information, presentation of the content and the operation of the program itself.

9. Recommended Practices with Emerging and Beginning ReadersDigital Language Experience Approach- provides students with the dictation of storiesDigital Books- Interactive books provide children with a multimedia experience of stories and literature. Educational Television- Research indicated that children who consistently view educational programs perform better on assessments of pre-reading skills than children who watch less frequently.

10. Digital Applications For Special PopulationsMarino found that even though lower ability students benefitted the most from using technological tools, they were less likely to utilize them.When using electronic texts, children found they can “read” material that far exceeds their decoding ability because of the support the computer offers.Students can read books in multi-languages.

11. Recommended Practices with Skilled ReadersOnline discussions- This allows for students to have discussions while practicing their writing fluency. Digital Booktalks- Students plan, design, and shoot a video aimed at getting their audience to want to read a book. Digital Storytelling- A series of digital images narrated by means of an audio track.