EDU 6712 Reflection

While studying the teaching of new literacy skills, I have come to realize the impact of the unlimited authorship that the internet has can potentially have on students. Because the internet is open to anyone with computer access, blogs, wikis and other websites are filled with user-created content. This results in an overwhelming amount of information for students to sift through. Students must become aware that not all information is reliable or trustworthy and develop a process by which to scrutinize web-based material. The large amount of information also puts additional emphasis on students' abilities to search for information in effective ways that will result in accurate information. The internet is an invaluable resource that students must learn to use well in order for it to become a useful tool.

The information that I have learned during this course has significantly shaped my view toward the use of internet information. I have developed my own philosophy about how my students utilize the internet for use in my classes. Many of my lessons that require using the internet now begin with a review of internet usage rules and tips for helping students search for information efficiently. Teaching students these types of skills will help them as they continue using technology in their occupations and during their every-day life. My hope is that students recognize the importance of these new literacy skills and remember them after they leave my classroom.

The professional goal that I am setting for myself is to incorporate more technology, and therefore more new literacy skills, into my lessons and units. My hope is that by centering more of my lessons on getting students comfortable with technology, I will develop more effective methods of instructing students on new literacy skills. Quantitatively; I hope to integrate technology into one-third of my lessons. In addition, I would like to design one unit that uses technology during every lesson. During any direct instruction in the lessons, I would like to review with students the internet usage policy that they have agreed to. This will also give me an opportunity to help students develop new literacy skills (effective searching, sending emails, etc.) that they will use in their future careers and outside of school.

-Matt DeAmaral
Middle School ELA