Skype!

Skyping with Annie 

      Skype in the classroom:   During skyping with Annie earlier this week, we discussed several implications for classroom use.  One of the many ways to use skype in the classroom is to video chat with experts in a certain field. (e.g. scientists, artists, authors).   Skype could also be used to video chat with pen pals from another class.  This would allow students to meet students from other countries as well learn about different cultures.  Students would benefit from interviewing professionals or getting to know the their favorite author.  Our skype session went very well and was an easy way to communicate information.  

      Readings discussed:  Our reading this week by Leu et al focused on new literacies and how they are multimodal and constantly changing.  New literacies are defined as "strategies and dispositions required by the internet that are essential for online reading comprehension" (Leu et al 2007, pg 6).  

This influences the definition of reading because it requires online and offline comprehension.  Examples of such online literacies are identifying important questions, analyzing, navigating information, and synthesizing information.  

Classroom Webpages

       This week I explored classroom webpages as a genre.  Initially I wanted to explore the elementary school that I went to, however their website does not have links to classroom webpages. I went to a small private-catholic elementary school, which did not have many resources, such as technology to explore and continues to struggle with funding. .  Therefore, I googled “classroom webpages” and looked through several examples.  One that I found particularly useful for parents, students, and other teachers was “Mrs. Renz’s Fourth Grade Class” I noticed this webpage was very user friendly, with simple tabs for students, parents, and teachers, to find additional resources on their own page.  Mrs. Renz stated, “Our webpage is updated almost daily, so you can count on work to be up-to-date and accurate!”  This not only benefits students, by having assignments and resources accessible at all times but also provides parent support.  One of the many links on the student page is for a colleague’s page, which focuses on literacy.  There are many fun games students can play that help with vocabulary growth, such as “free rice” and “word within a word.”  

www.freerice.com

Promoting literacy:

www.beverlycleary.com

        “The Internet can be used to support literature-based approaches to literacy instruction in a variety of ways.  Several children’s book authors have their own Websites, and many publishers feature information about children’s book authors”(Baker 2007, p. 6).  This allows readers to connect with the author as well as find additional information about the book that may have not been discussed in class. Beverly Cleary's website allows children to learn more about her as well as the characters she writes about.   

www.storylineonline.net

Storyline: While searching for classroom webpages, I found that several teachers recommended storyline as a way to promote literacy beyond classroom walls.  This website has well-known actors read aloud popular children’s books to a wide audience, as well as providing additional activities.  This would be a good link for the parent pages as well as student pages, for reading at home.  

Visual Literacies

       Visual literacies can have a powerful impact on teaching and student learning.  When learning about historical events, the “full circle process” can be used to engage students through the use of photographs or artwork.  In our society, we are surrounded by visuals and children need to be taught how to interpret the complexities of the images in order to communicate with others. “Visual literacy is the ability to interpret, use, appreciate, and create images and video using both conventional and 21st century media in ways that advance thinking, decision-making, communication, and learning”(ncrel.org). Visual literacies have the potential to transform teaching by providing concrete examples of topics being taught, such as a historical event.   Visual literacy requires students to look at images being presented and analyze and critique them, providing a more authentic learning experience. 

       When studying visual literacies I found several ways to implement them into the classroom.  For example, teachers can provide photographs to teach historical events in an authentic way, allowing students to connect with the time and people involved.  Comics can be used to encourage writing in the classroom as well as provide humor, making it a more enjoyable experience.   McVicker discusses how comics can assist struggling readers when stating, “Comics through the use of visual literacy, can open the door to reading for the challenged student because they offer a visual element for comprehending the text.  In some cases, this may offer a turning point for those struggling readers who have lost the hope for success” (McVicker 2007, p. 87). This type of visual literacy requires students to be critical readers of text as well as the images provided.  One must look at word choice and determine the authors’ reasons for choosing or leaving out particular text.

Visual Tours of History:  Click on the image to learn more about the Immigration in the early 20th century.

   

Cartoon discussing illegal immigrants

Creating comic strips: Pixton

At Pixton.com, students and teachers can easily create and share their own comics.

Click here to go to a current events lesson plan for using political cartoons

Create your own Flickr account here to upload, share, and edit photos.