Literacy

Literacy is a very broad topic.  In the past, those proficient in literacy were able to read and write with simple tools such as pencil, paper, and books (Leu, Jr., Kinzer, Coiro, & Cammack, 2004).  Now as time has passed and technology has enhanced, literacy is something more than having the ability to read and write.  With the creation of 21st century literacy skills, teachers have the ability to provide literacy opportunities through many tools and resources.  Students have the ability to use a wide variety of resources to communicate using blogs, social media, e-mail, presentation software, texting, etc.  "These students experienced new literacies at the end of their schooling unimagined at the beginning.  Given the increasingly rapid pace of change in the technologies of literacy, it is likely that students who begin school this year will experience even more profound changes during their own literacy journeys" (Leu, Jr. et al, 2004).  This statement is very meaningful for myself, a kindergarten teacher.  I have to prepare my students to use technologies that haven't been created.  Therefore, it is so important to give students ample time to use technology with literacy through relevant and meaningful ways.
A statement that I read concerning literacy and technology really has impacted how I approach technology use in the classroom.  It states, "In just one year, use of the Internet at work among all employed adults 25 years of age and older increased by nearly 60%, from 26.1% of the workforce to 41.7%.  If this rate continues, nearly everyone in the workforce will be using the Internet at work within just a few years (Leu, Jr., et al, 2004).  This statement expresses the importance of creating a technologically literate students.  Their lives depend on it.  We must teach students how to access quality information, understand author viewpoint, and apply that information to their learning. If we are preparing today's youth for tomorrow's challenges, then we must prepare students to be proficient consumers of technology.

References:
Leu, Jr., D., Kinzer, C. K., Coiro, J. L., Cammack, D. W.  (2004).  Toward a theory of new literacies
     emerging from the internet and other information and communication technologies.  Retrieved from
     http://www.readingonline.org/newliteracies/leu/. 

Introduction

Hello and welcome to my blog!  I am a kindergarten teacher at Wapsie Valley Elementary School in Fairbank, IA.  I am also married to Kory, my best friend.  We have two welsh corgis names Libby and Khloe.  I love my job and put my heart and soul into teaching.  I love preparing my students today for tomorrows greatness!

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