Week 3

Wolsey, T. D., & Grisham, L. (2007). Adolescents and the New Literacies: Writing Engagement. Action in Teacher Education, 29(2) 30-36.

The article, “Adolescents and the New Literacies: Writing Engagement”, brought up many excellent points about the use of technology in schools today. According to Wolsey (2007), “if students are to become adept at using technology for their learning and in their lives, schools have a responsibility to teach those technology skills…” (p. 30). I agree that schools have a very significant role to play in the development of students’ skills in technology. Districts have the opportunity to lessen the digital divide by providing all students with learning experiences with computers and other media outlets. It was very surprising to me to read, however, that less than 25% of secondary teachers reported students using the computer frequently throughout the academic year (p. 30). I think teachers should realize the importance of incorporating technology into the curriculum and find opportunities for students to interact with it. This isn’t being done, however, because I think many teachers view technology as a hassle more than a learning tool. I don’t think many veteran teachers realize the impact that technology can have on academic achievement. Instead, they simply see it as a way to amuse students during free time.

The study that the Wolsey and Grisham conducted regarding technology use in the classroom gave significant results that every teacher should consider. By comparing and contrasting information gained from online discussions, face-to-face discussions, and journal writing, researchers were able to confirm that technology in the classroom can greatly improve learning. It is very interesting to me that the online discussions produced more interactive dialogue and better literary responses than the other methods of learning (Wolsey, 2007, p. 33). Since student attitudes about writing also increased after the study, it should be concluded that technology is an appropriate and needed tool to use in the classroom.