New Literacies Used in Schools

1. New Literacies Used in Schools LRC 320 Group 8 Christine Fallon Kayla Landers David Nguyen

2. Laptops for all Students -With recent pushes in technology, many middle and high schools are implementing the use of laptops in the classroom setting. -Some schools allow students to take laptops home and depending on academic performance, some students can keep laptops as an incentive to do well in school. -Advantages of implementing laptops in the school setting range from students being more proficient in computer applications (PowerPoint, Excel, Publisher, etc). However, some skeptics believe the use of laptops distract and hinder students learning in school.

3. Laptops for all Students -Cost $$$: Districts can spend from $200-$1000 per laptop. -Cost for laptops are often diminished by grants and donations from various companies. -Example: Sunnyside School District located in the south side of Tucson, AZ prides itself on being a tech savvy district. Students who maintain a high academic performance receive a free netbook upon graduation. -OLPC Foundation is a non-profit organization committed to implementing this new literacy to young children coming from families with low income.

4. iPads in the Classroom -iPads are one of the newest electronic additions to the classroom. -Like laptops they can assist in the learning of new programs, but iPads are more portable and children can have an even more interactive learning experiences. -Apple says that the iPad inspires creativity and hands-on learning. This lets children engage with content in interactive ways, find information in an instant, and access an entire library wherever you go. -iBook textbooks are engaging because they have interactive images and 3D graphics instead of just one hard to see picture in the textbook.

5. iPads in the classroom -Cost $$$: 330-800 - Pricing depends on if you buy a mini or normal size iPad and how many gigs the iPad is. - There are numerous websites that talk about how effective the iPad is in class and how they need to be presented to children - 10 biggest questions about iPads in classrooms - There are also interesting ways to integrate iPads in the classroom.

6. Siftables -Siftables are actually a future technology that can be implemented in the classroom setting. With multiple applications, workers are trying to expand its uses before releasing them. -Siftables are mini block devices that are linked to each other, so with different movements and actions they correspond in many ways. -Applications already created for siftables are as follows: basic math, spelling, color coordination, and music lessons. (example) -These hands on cubes can be great literacies for younger students. They are easy to use and physically engage students. -Cost$$$: Siftables run about $150-$200

7. SMART Boards -The SMART board is an interactive whiteboard that uses touch detection like a computer. Using a Smart board, a teacher can write equations, draw diagrams, and illustrate everything like a whiteboard. But with a smart board, a teacher can record every step and mark that they make on the board for students to review later. -Using the SMART board, students can become more interactive with the lesson. It is a good tool for learning because it is a visual learning experience. Students are more excited about being able to work with the Smart board and are more engaged in the lesson and more motivated to learn.

8. SMART Boards -Cost $$$: 1,000-5,000 -Pricing depends on the what system of SMART board you want. (Systems can have more applications than others) -Teachers in all grade levels and subjects can find useful applications for their classroom. -demonstration -demonstration 2 -There are also much resources for schools and teachers to obtain Smart boards to help out with costs. -funding resources

9. References Laptops -The New York Times (Website) Ipads - Edudemic (Website) Siftables -Gizmag Article (Website) Smartboards -Smart Technology (Website)