Reflection

-Technology and multimedia resources contribute positively to the elementary language arts instructional approach in the following ways... Using technology and multimedia resources has the potential to effectively incorporate all language arts elements. This includes Reading, Writing, Listening, Talking, Viewing, and Visually Representing as the six critical language arts elements. Our world, and hence the newest generation, is a technologically-driven society. Students are "21st century learners" (watch the video below). Therefore, instruction in the schools needs to be characteristic of the world around them, adapted to fit their every day lives. There are tons of educational sites especially for the benefit of this generation. Also, by using these resources, students are able to be more involved, actually creating products that they are able to share internationally (World Wide Web). Graphic organizers and such can be used more efficiently. Some students prefer word processing to handwritten compositions. Word processing software is also helpful for ELL students because it corrects simple spelling and grammatical errors.

media type="youtube" key="_A-ZVCjfWf8" height="390" width="640"

-Technology tools can be used to assess students in alternative ways. What are some examples of how a teacher can employ technology to assist with alternative methods of assessment/evaluation of students language, literacy, and academic content understanding? Technology allows students to be assessed in non-standard, alternative ways to the traditional language arts assessment of handwritten compilations. Online portfolios can be created to demonstrate students' work, rather than an actual "hand-held" portfolio. Also, students are able to create projects using audio, pictures, and much more. On my Getting Started page, there is a video about digital storytelling. Many other assessments using technology tools include choral readings (on videotape), letters (e-mail), diagrams, charts, oral readings or reports (using voice recorders or videotapes), self-developed rubrics, and even online quizzes and assessments.