New Literacies - the future

Barone, D., & Wright, T. E. (2008). Literacy instruction with digital and media technologies. The Reading Teacher, 62(4), 292-302

Incorporating new media technologies into the classroom isn’t always an easy task for a teacher – especially when two-thirds of teachers feel underprepared to use the technology.  The author suggests three considerations before doing so:

1. Software programs alone is not what new literacies is all about;
   
2. Teachers need to be prepared to keep on top of the technology and be prepared to change with the times as updates and new things are possible;
3. New literacies are essential in classrooms to ensure that equal opportunities are offered to all

Using laptops as part of a new literacy program can:

• Assist teachers by providing a simulated one-on-one learning environment;
  
• help with a seamless transition meaning that a student can continue to learn at home after school hours completing and continuing research activities away from the classroom.
  

Technology is part and parcel of everyday life for kids’ life today “schools need to connect education to their students’ lives with technology”.  A teachers job is to prepare students for the future and technology, new literacies and online learning IS the future.