Over the last 3 months I have developed a new appreciation and wonder about how technology can be used to further our students’ learning. I know realize how dramatically essential it is to incorporate in the classroom. Using technology in a suitable way is not only enjoyed by our kids, but there is research that has shown that kids’ brains have changed, that they need a technological environment to be more engaged and learn. Our kids are “digital natives”. They have been born into a world that operates on technological programs, apps, and media. When we change/update our lessons, classroom/libraries and practises to bring this world into the school setting it provides kids with an environment where they can thrive.
Now armed with some new skills (library enhancement/activities/events, blogging, Tweeting, internet Safety knowledge and skills, digital resources such as e-book programs and digital novels, presentation tools, and digital story programs) and a passion for investigating such technological methods, I feel I am more tuned into the direction that education needs to go. The path that I take with my students has changed. I look forward to taking risks and working through technological problems, and solving them together. I am less intimidated and more intrigued. I can investigate and ask questions, take risks and at least feel like I have the knowledge, or enough knowledge, to find answers, figure it out, and be of better service to my students.
One way that I have started to venture down this new road is through the use of multimodal reading programs, such as e-books and digital novels. In the library where I work I have been using interactive fiction books on Tumble Books through the Okanagan Regional Library. I have also begun to do extensive research into digital novels, in particular, Inanimate Alice, and how to use this digital novel as a platform for creating our own digital stories in class (or the library). This is a project I will be taking up with my grade 5/6 class. It’s tough to take risks, not knowing how the final projects will turn out, but I am encouraged from my readings and research that this is a risk worth taking!
As you will see in my final vision project I have outlined for my staff, the need for technology to be used and embraced in the school setting. I chose to focus specifically on multimodal reading programs as I saw a great need within the district to increase students’ reading ability, specifically comprehension. There were many suggested strategies for attaining this goal between all 11 elementary schools in Vernon, but none involved technology. I have presented the notion that through the use of multimodal technology, such as e-books and digital novels students’ reading motivation will improve, as will their comprehension. I have discussed strategies and program s in my final vision that span the grades of Kindergarten to grade 7 in an effort to make my project and work of worth to all elementary teachers. Also, as a school librarian it was important to me that my work would be of relevance to all of my students. I now have the necessary knowledge and resources to apply in my library programs that it will make a difference for students, regardless of their current reading ability, be it low, high or in between.
One of my greatest challenges during my investigation and research into multimodal reading programs was finding resources that were available, for free, for PC computers. Many e-books are available for a low cost, but can only be viewed/”played” on an iPod or iPad, neither of which my district supports. I worked hard to find resources that I could recommend, knowing that they would engage and be successful for our district of PC users. There was no point talking about the benefits of multimodal programs without being able to supply a list of resources for teachers to put to use right away. I felt delivery of such a list was essential, so that there was nothing left for teachers to do – no money to spend, no searching to be done, just implementation! This task was crucial, or my presentation just wasn't worth giving, as I knew to make a difference teachers would need to have some practical resource placed in their hands and ready to go. I am very happy to have persisted. In the end I was able to create a list of e-book programs and digital novels that are suitable to the elementary level. It is not overly extensive (3 e-book programs, with hundreds of titles available at each) and 6 digital novels, but it is also less intimidating than a lengthy list of suggestions! It is a well weeded list, ready to go! I hope others will be convinced by my research to include multimodal programs in their already existing reading routines. I believe their students will be more engaged, enjoy reading more, and literacy among their students will improve.
Please click here to view my final vision project:
Inspiring a Culture of Readers Through Multimodal Technology
