Schmidt Article

First, let me say that I really enjoyed watching everyones' Digital Story's. They were all so creative. I can see how young students could get so involved in a project such as this one.

The Schmidt article put a lot of things into perspective in terms of the connection between literacy and technology. It was helpful to read about what teachers need to know to be able to integrate technology into their literacy instruction.
It was interesting to read that literacy is considered a "moving target", in that it is constantly redefined as new types of technology emerge, and what it means to be "literate" change with the new technology. I have never thought of it this way, but it is good information to know when planning literacy instruction in the classroom.

There were some key ideas that I took away from the article:

1. Technology should involve collaboration between students, as it will foster language acquisition in students, as well as motivation and engagement.

2. Utilize different form of assessment; oral language, children's work, tests, authentic reading and writing.

3. "Developing good content requires a thoughtful interweaving of all three key sources of knowledge - technology, pedagogy and content" (Schmidt)

Personally, I feel more confident when it comes to teaching the actual technology tools then the actual literacy content. This might be due to my lack of experience at teaching reading to children, so I am sure my confidence will grow with time.

As this is the end of our blogging, I would like to ask my classmates to offer any words of wisdom or advice in terms of teaching. I am currently teaching Pre-K, but would like to teach elementary someday. The thought of this intimidates me, and I would like to hear from some of you that are already teaching.

Thanks!