Tools for ALL Learners

Overview

Current reviews of past research are showing positive potential for the impact of technology integration on literacy development. Technology applications are now emerging to support skill development in each of the five research based components of effective reading instruction, as identified by the National Reading Panel report (2000).

Selected Reading

Title: Technology and Teaching Children to Read

Citation: Education Development Center. (2004). Technology and teaching children to read. Northeast and Islands Regional Technology in Education Consortium (NEIR-TEC)

URL: www.neirtec.org/reading_report/

Use Information: “Permission to copy is granted for educational use”

Key Ideas

• Integrated technologies support implementation of recommended teaching practices for each of the components of reading instruction.
• Other benefits of technology include increased motivation for learners, as well as the availability of student management and assessment tools.

Extension and Reflection

Locate the NCREL Learning Point Associates Pathways for School Improvement digital document entitled “Critical Issue: Using Technology to Enhance Literacy Instruction” at http://www.ncrel.org/sdrs/areas/issues/content/cntareas/reading/li300.htm. Read the section on “Electronic Books and Online Texts”. Then, scroll (or read) down to the heading “Action Options” and look for the section for teachers. Click on the interactive link for more information about how electronic books can be used in the classroom. How could you employ some of these ideas in your own setting?

Additional Resources

• Learners, Language and Technology (2002). A publication available from the Northwest Regional Educational Laboratory, Portland, Oregon (503)275-9500 www.nwrel.org