Does Technology really help Reading and Writing?
Okay educators … I need some help here. I am on a quest. How do we improve reading/writing with technology?
Education is said to be cyclical. I’ve been around the block enough times and teaching for 20+ years, but I’m not sure what the answer to my question is. As a teacher technologist, I believe in using the tools of technology to help kids. Hey, face it, technology is a built in, self-motivating tool for many kids. When you think about it, how many kids are there NOT using a computer or a digi-tool at one point or another during the day?
Sure there are software programs that will really engage kids in the reading/writing process, but do we know it works? Is there hard empirical data to validate our assumptions? Most of the evidence I have found has been antidotal, not necessarily measurable. Often the data is from a combination of several different programs of hit and miss rather than a prescribed (I hate that word but I hope you get the jest of what I mean) or regimented program.
So I come back around to how do we improve reading/writing with the tools available in technology today? I would be interested in hearing your thoughts, I’m sure I’ll post more as the days go on.
Cheers to a new academic year!
September 22nd, 2008 at 5:09 pm
I’ve become engaged in something of the same search for the past while, and frankly, I’ve become something of an apologist for traditional print reading and the learning associated with it. It’s not that I don’t believe in the power of technology to motivate and inspire, but I’m really wondering what kind of deep meaning kids are gaining from work that they assemble in rapid-fire cut ‘n paste and “mashup” format.
I quoted from Maryanne Wolf (Proust and the Squid) in a recent posting, and I’m about to put up another piece from the the Chronicle Review that succinctly lays out the issues of concern. Watch for it in the next day or so.
Rob Rubis
HS Librarian, International School Bangkok
http://edgingahead.edublogs.org