Review on Article: Fresh Perspectives on New Literacies and Technology Integration

           I really wanted to research deeper into what it meant to integrate technology as I was confused with regards to this new philosophy in education. As I progressed through this class and through readings, I started to get nervous as I thought that I would have to infuse technology in every activity in class. Being a digital immigrant, I was unsure whether I would be able to meet the need of the digital native generation and nation. I also questioned myself as to how does one go about deciding when and what technology should be used to teach and for students to learn effectively. However, after reading the article I was relieved of my stress and started to get a better understanding of what it means to integrate technology and the appropriate way to choose when it should be used.

            The authors of this article Linda D. Labbo and Karen Place provide an understanding of effective integration of technology and practical ideas for its integration into the classroom in ways that honor students’ out-of-school technology funds of knowledge. This article also touches on topics of the challenges and consequences of integrating technology into the classroom and the role that video gaming plays in the ability to think critically about print based narratives.

According to Linda D. Labbo and Karen Place integrating technology is “curriculum integration with the use of technology involves the infusion of technology as a tool to enhance the learning in a content area or a multidisciplinary setting.” This made it clear to me that technology does not replace traditional teaching but assists in enhancing the teaching method, content, and the learning for the students. The authors also mentioned that effective technology integration is achieved when students select technology tools to assist them in obtaining the appropriate information, are able to analyze as well as synthesize the information and are able to professionally present it. Therefore, it is the job of teachers to prepare the students to be creative thinkers, problem solvers, and use the appropriate technological tool to assist them.

This article also presented practical ideas and discussed the conditions necessary for technology to be effectively integrated into the classroom. Linda D. Labbo and Karen Place mention that finding a good fit between technology and curriculum, understanding the intended and unintended outcomes of technology integration, identifying and selecting students technology funds of knowledge, addressing student access to technology in and out of school, and guiding students to ask critical questions about the use of technology and its impact are the necessary conditions to be considered when integrating technology. The authors also included “side trips” that include resources to address needs such as finding “good fits” between curriculum and technology and building media literacy tool kits.

I feel that this article was a great read as it gives one a practical insight into what it means to integrate technology and the conditions to be considered to ensure effective integration of it. It is easy to read and follow and answers many questions that arise when considering use of technology to be integrated with the curriculum. I encourage you to read this article as it is a practical guideline that is helpful to teachers who are motivated to integrate technology in their classrooms.

Reference

Labbo, L D, & Place, K. (2010). Freash prespectives on new literacies and technology integration. Voices from the Middle, 17(3), 9-18.