Books remain the most powerful tool in the teaching of reading.
The Role of Technology in Literacy Development
- September 13, 2023
Kathryn Starke
Nationally recognized urban literacy consultant, author, founder of Creative Minds Publications, an award-winning educational publishing and literacy consulting company; M.A. in Literacy and Culture
Technology is a staple in classrooms nationwide today, especially in literacy. Present-day, millions of dollars are earmarked by school districts that can only be allocated for educational technology in the classroom. Data indicates that when teachers and schools rely on select technology applications to teach children to read, they will not see the results they expect. It is imperative to remember that technology is simply a tool in literacy development, not the solution.
The pandemic reminded the world how invaluable teachers, and in-person instruction are in literacy, especially for early readers. When we recognize there are advantages to using technology in teaching reading and writing for students of all ages, we understand that technology has a very important role in literacy development.
How Technology Can Be Used to Support Literacy Development
Books remain the most powerful tool in the teaching of reading. A big advantage of technology is the wealth of access to books and educational resources for students and teachers. Curated book lists for parents and teachers to support students’ age, reading development, and interests are one-way technology can support the developmental reading journey for every child and young reader.
Online Catalog of Books
An online catalog of books to purchase and a database of books to read online are excellent technological advancements that schools have taken advantage of for student reading time in the classroom. E-books have become a popular choice of reading in the classroom since online reading is essential in American society today. Screen reading is a different experience for students and needs to be modeled and implemented for our young readers, especially since assessments are now online for students.
Social Networks
One of the best ways that technology can be used to support literacy development is when it promotes collaboration among educators and students. When social media and social networks are used positively, teachers can instantly connect with colleagues around the world to suggest a new book to read or share an effective writing lesson. Podcasts and blogs are popular in the educational industry because they connect experts in literacy directly to their target audience, in this case, teachers and reading specialists.
Applications
Applications including Google Slides, Google Docs, and Google Classroom were created to encourage collaboration among teachers and depending on the grade level, for students too. Students can work with partners to develop projects, book reports, or write assignments on these apps. Platforms including Padlet or Flipgrid were developed with the idea for classroom collaboration at the forefront of their design.
The pandemic also recognized how platforms like Zoom and Microsoft Teams can be used as interactive communication tool. While the pandemic also showed us that more students thrive with in-person instruction rather than online instruction, the video platforms are still used today when schools are closed for any reason from snow to power outages or illnesses. Video can be powerful when it comes to linking teachers, mentors, and literacy coaches in large school districts for meetings or professional development.
The Bureau of Education and Research has been able to maintain their excellence in literacy professional development by adding online seminars as an option for schools and districts around the country. Providing interactive learning experiences like this for teachers to increase their own literacy development is essential for student success in reading. When teachers can create an interactive learning experience with quality technology tools to increase engagement in literacy, students achieve reading success.
The Benefits of Using Technology in Literacy Instruction
More Engaging and Motivating
Technology is not only a factor in supporting teachers and students in the teaching and learning process. There are some benefits of using technology in literacy instruction. Literacy stations and collaborative work settings based around the usage of e-books, online phonics games, and incentivized online experiences can make literacy more engaging and motivating for students. The trick is to implement these options intermittently or for a set amount of time each day ranging from fifteen to twenty minutes. When elementary school students are on their screens for hours a day, which is seen in some schools around the country, the excitement decreases, which also decreases the intended engagement.
Personalized Learning Experiences
When technology can be used to provide personalized learning experiences that support a child’s strengths and challenges in reading and writing, the benefits can be observed. When teachers and school leaders can see how the literacy skills gained on educational technology are transferred into reading and writing development in small groups and whole group instruction, then the benefits are also evident.
Developing 21st-Century Skills
Finally, technology can help students develop 21st-century skills in order be competent and confident in their future career and college success. Technology’s role in literacy development should be embraced with caution and diligence with the sole purpose of helping students and teachers achieve literacy success.
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