What Path Shall We Take? / ED 7710 Week 6

Greenhow et al (2009) argue that the nature of the Internet has changed drastically in the last decade. Referred to as Web 2.0, the Internet is much more than a source of information. It has become much more collaborative, creative and innovative. Since the Web has become such a dominant factor in our lives, both in and out of school, more research is needed. As Greenhow et al point out, researchers need to examine learner’s online inquiry practices, analyze issues of equity and access and study learners’ online identity formation. By the same token, educators need to develop their own online identity and become their own curators of information. The more comfortable and versed in technology that educators are, the better they will be able to serve their students.

Leu, O’Byrne et al (2009) take issue with some of the Greenhow et al research. They make the point that creating students who are Internet savvy is a literacy issue not a technology issue. I agree with Leu, O’Byrne, et al on this critical point. Students need new skills to successfully navigate the Internet and to use it in the creative and innovative ways that are possible. The “new literacies” required of students need to be integrated into the curriculum and not taught solely as a separate class on technology. Therefore, it is up to every teacher to find ways to integrate technology into their own disciplines.

For the past decade, there has been a movement to teach “reading across the curriculum.” Educators finally realized that teaching kids to read is a shared responsibility, and not just the reading teacher’s job. I see the teaching of technology in the same way. The teaching of technology and the new literacies must become a shared responsibility.

Educational policy at the national, state and local levels takes a long time to change. However, the speed of change in technology is unprecedented. As a result, teachers can’t wait for educational policy to direct their efforts as far as preparing students to be skillful, collaborative and creative in their use of technology. Teachers need to be forward-thinking and flexible as they adapt to the new literacies.

Personally, as an English teacher, I hope to improve my knowledge of technology so that I can help my students to develop solid twenty-first skills. I agree with the authors of both articles that the Internet has “great promise and challenge.” I want my students to have the skills to take on the challenge of the Internet and use it skillfully, creatively and innovatively.