Ashley+Whaley+-+Resources

= Ashley Whaley - Resources = [|Kaumbulu, Bertha May. "Effective Technology Integration for Digital Literacy Development in Kindergarten through Second Grade." Order No. 3449931 Walden University, 2011. Ann Arbor: //ProQuest.// Web. 16 June 2013.]


 * Summary:** This article examines how lower elementary teachers feel about technology integration in their classroom, and how such integration could be integral to the progression of their students. The beliefs, teaching styles and attitudes in relation to classroom technology are all examined, as well how best to close the gap that exists with young children and digital literacy.


 * Critique:** I thought it was interesting that so many educators were hesitant to use technology within their classroom, as it pertains to digital literacy. Especially concerning the rate at which today’s students are using and adapting with technology, I found this article to be especially interesting. I do agree that teachers first need to be informed and familiar with such technology before they can effectively integrate and use it within their classrooms, however you’d think school districts would encourage and lead the way to enable these experiences to take place within their school systems.

[|Candreva, Cecilia. "Digital Storytelling in Kindergarten: Merging Literacy, Technology, and Multimodality." Order No. 3460959 Hofstra University, 2011. Ann Arbor: //ProQuest.// Web. 16 June 2013.]


 * Summary:** This article explored how the introduction and implementation of digital technology into a kindergarten classroom would be embraced by the students (and teachers). Students were asked to use such technology as a supplement to reading their ‘normal’ books, within centers and other work stations. By introducing them to technology in a supplemental context, students seemed to embrace it openly.


 * Critique:** I thought it was interesting how digital storytelling was effectively introduced and embraced by the kindergarten students depicted in this study. I think it’s great that learners at such a young age are being exposed and encouraged to use new technology as part of their learning. It is their generation that will ultimately benefit from such technology the most, so I think such instances of embracing this technology is encouraging for others wanting to make this change within the public school system.

[|Guernsey, L. (2012, March 7). Lisa Guernsey: Saying Yes to Digital Media in Preschool and Kindergarten. Retrieved June 12, 2013, from http://www.huffingtonpost.com/lisa-guernsey/saying-yes-to-technology-_b_1325070.html]


 * Summary:** This article discusses the changing viewpoints on mobile and new-age technology emerging in classrooms. Whereas such inclusion was frowned upon just a few years ago, it is now being embraced and encouraged, at least in principle. Based on exposure and prevalence of this technology in the daily lives of students, it’s conceivable that such technology should be weaved into classroom instruction.


 * Critique:** I share the viewpoints expressed here, as technology is all around the students in today’s classrooms. The thought of iPads and other potentially distracting technology can be concerning when considered at face value, but it’s how they’re used and implemented that makes a difference. Using the functionality and ability to supplement instructional principles and concepts is where these technologies can make an impact. I agree that funding is definitely a hurdle that most school systems face for such a transition, not to mention proper training for the educators.