There are a variety of challenges that come with integrating technology into the content areas, particularly with language arts curriculum. Roblyer and Doering (2012) stated, “technologies have also brought about dramatic changes in the format and types of communications that literate people must deal with, thus presenting an array of new challenges to English and language arts teachers” (p. 266). Not only do educators have to teach students how to read, write, and communicate effectively, they now have to teach students how to use technology to help them accomplish those tasks as 21st century learners.
Technology may have brought about some new aspects to teaching, but it also offers ways to help educators and their students. I have included solutions to some of the types of issues teachers of English and language arts must confront as shared in the following bolded bullet points by Roblyer and Doering (2012):
- Teachers’ Responsibilities for the “New Literacies”
Teaching digital literacy and information literacy through online software is one way to make it fun and engaging for students to develop an understanding of the way digital information is presented on the Internet. By teaching students about the resources available to them and providing opportunities for them to explore, they not only learn how to navigate and interpret the information, but begin to learn to communicate in similar formats. Classroom Aid has shared many resources to help with teaching digital literacy.
- Challenges of Motivating Students to Read and Write
Technology can bring many distractions from practicing reading and writing skills, educators need to find entertaining ways for students to work on them. There are a variety of free online reading and writing activities, including games to practice basic skills and help students develop as young readers and writers. Students can read online picture books written and illustrated by various authors at Magic Keys. They can write and then publish their own short story on sites like Mixbook. Free phonics based games can be played at Starfall and students can even practice writing a letter at Knowledge Adventure.
Regardless of the obstacles that face us as educators, we must do what we can to help our students become literate in technology to enhance their learning in language arts. Technology may do a lot to help us accomplish daily tasks and support reading and writing, but it does not replace the basic skills necessary to communicate effectively. Since technology is here to stay, finding ways for it to be a helpful tool in learning will make it part of a solution to some of the obstacles it presents.
Roblyer, M. D, & Doering, A. H. (2012). Integrating educational technology into teaching (6th Edition). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Education, Inc.
Classroom Aid (resources for teaching digital literacy): http://classroom-aid.com/educational-resources/digital-literacy/
Magic Keys (online story books): http://www.magickeys.com/books/
Mixbook (book publishing): http://www.mixbook.com/
Starfall (reading games): http://www.starfall.com/
Knowledge Adventure (spelling & other language arts games): http://www.knowledgeadventure.com/subject/spelling-games.aspx