New Literacy Integration

I found this week's readings especially interesting, creating a classroom website is definitely a technology I want to incorporate into my future classroom. My first in encounter with a classroom website occurred during my student teaching. An eight grade science teacher showed me the website/blog (he uses blogger) he created.

The website is one of his most valuable tools. Through the website he can engage parents and students- parents can view the site to stay in touch with what their student is learning, view assignment, and become involved. Similarly, students use the website for assignments, engage in linked materials and websites, and participate in the classroom community beyond the class walls. One of my favorite aspects of the site is the red notice on the home page:

ABSENT STUDENTS, KEEP UP WITH CLASS WEBPAGE.

PUT MISSING ASSIGNMENTS IN MY MAILBOX AND SEE ME UPON RETURN.

One of Mr. Fahy's core principles, as a teacher, is teaching students personal responsibility. He places a lot of responsibility on the students- this is just one example. Through the webpage he uses technology to support student learning and ensure they remain responsible for their education. Mr Fahy is working toward developing motivated, productive and conscientious students.

In the article Literacy Instruction With Digital and Media Technologies the authors state that Michael's morning routine readies him "for the teaching and learning expectations of the day" (Barone, 294, 2008). As a student Michael is responsible for preparing himself for the day's activities. This all occurs through a motivating and engaging experience. While this may not be possible for every classroom, this illustrates just one valuable facet of how classroom websites compliment student learning.

I know there can be reservations regarding the incorporation of new literacies in the classroom, but I think websites are such a great and easy place to educators to start! We can start slow- using websites as newsletters for students and parents- then progress as we learn with our students. As Todd states, we shouldn't "use technology just for the sake of using it" (Barone, 300, 2008). But we should dismiss tools solely because we don't see the place for them in our classes. As educators we should view technology and literacy as compliments not two separate entities competing with each other.