Weekly Reading #2

• Explain how the Multi-genre & Multimodal assignment related to each of the readings. 
1. Writing Outside of School
• In this article, it discusses the use of out-of-school texts and technologies of kids. It states that these writings draws and adds strength to students’ social, cultural, and linguistic resources, as well as motivates them to learn and use them. The different aspects that out-of-school texts covers more areas than the traditional reading and writing that is done within the classroom.
• The multi-genre and multimodal assignment let us use texts our favorite texts that we have read. We could use texts that weren’t assigned to us in school—out-of-school texts—which motivated us to do the assignment.
2. Literacy Learning in the 21^st Century
• In this article, it discusses the importance of 21^st century literacy skills. Students need to be prepared for the world by gaining a proficiency with technological tools, as well as being smart consumers of information. Students need to be able to build relationships with others, problem solve, and communicate globally for a variety of purposes.
• The multi-genre and multimodal assignment used technology, such as photostory or smilebox, to communicate texts and information to our peers that was personal and factual.
3. Reading and Writing Differently
• In this article, it discusses how the shift in multimedia texts have changed reading and writing. There multi-facets to it now because of the new technology. The shifts involved are: textual, spatial, relational and temporal. This explains the multimodal tendencies of reading and writing in the 21^st Century.
• The multi-genre and multimodal assignment allowed us to use a technology we wanted to create a multi-faceted presentation. Our video had music, pictures, and texts. This is not your traditional book report.
4. Writing Now
• In this article, it states that writing can be seen as holistic, authentic, and varied. Writing changes with shifting new technologies. This enables and enhances learning. It is used for multiple purposes and is addressed to many different audiences.
• The multi-genre and multimodal assignment was an authentic and varied writing that inspired us to write about the texts we like to read. Instead of the traditional book report, we gave a visual presentation about the favorite parts of our favorite texts.
5. Adolescent Literacy
• This article discusses the importance of social literacies and the value of multicultural perspectives. Students need feedback and to communicate with others. However, most teachers assume that social media outlets should be left outside of the classroom where they can’t disturb the formality and traditional texts. This perspective needs to be changed, because there is research to counter this assumption.
• The multi-genre and multimodal assignment required us to post our finished product to our blogs. Blogging is a form of text not familiar within the classroom. We use blogs to communicate with each other and give feedback about assignments. Also, we were allowed to pick the texts we liked, and this tactic is mentioned in Adolescent Literacy.
• Describe three ways the readings changed or reinforced your thinking about the role of digital technologies/media in teaching children adolescents to read and write.

1.       In the article Writing Outside of School, I never thought of using the technology and texts that students are familiar with outside of school. This would engage and motivate students to learn. Students who already know how to use the technology can feel competent as writers. This, in return, creates continuity between home and school writing. The students will see a purpose in their writing, rather than it just being another assignment.

2.       In the article Writing Now, the subject reinforced my thoughts about how the shifting new technologies expand and enhance writing in the classroom. I agree that writing, and all curricula, should be holistic, authentic, and varied. This captivates student’s interest and encourages them to learn from the assignment.

3.       In the article Adolescent Literacy, I learned that students need bridges between everyday literacy practices and classroom communities, especially non-book texts. I was one that thought social media would discourage formal writing in texts. However, this article has shown me how it motivates students’ literacy skills.

• Find an example (i.e lesson plan or students work sample) of how other teachers are using digital technologies/media to support reading and writing in a content area like Math, Science, Social studies, Art, Music, Health, Family and Consumer Science

1.       Could You Start a Business? lesson on Thirteen.org