Techie Experts Interview

What do other "techie" experts say about literacy technology?

     While it seems like there is a new website, a fun new tool, and an increasing amount of useful YouTube videos that pop up everyday, sometimes it's not that easy to know what will be a good fit for reading and writing instruction.  With so many options, it seems like finding technology to teach these important literacy skills should be a breeze.  But technology can be overwhelming and a bit challenging to learn at times.  So how do teachers go about these obstacles?  Reach out to the experts, of course!    

     I'm very fortunate to work in the Plymouth Community School Corporation because there are so many experts in technology all around me.  Additionally, I know I can also fall back on the numerous professors and classmates I've met in my MSU graduate program.  The great news is, I don't have to learn to be a "techie teacher" on my own! 

Meet Janice Curtis...

Mrs. Curtis is currently the K-12 Instructional Technology Specialist for Plymouth Community Schools.

I asked Mrs. Curtis to share some of her thoughts on technology used for literacy learning.  Here's what she had to say:

1.  What impact does (or will) technology have on literacy learning?

Mrs. Curtis:   "I believe literacy will be enhanced with technology through easier research, becoming aware of the reliability of resources,  having an avenue to become globally aware of current events and information, and curating information that is important and relevant."

2.  What are some of your go-to technology tools for reading and writing instruction and/or practice?

Mrs. Curtis:  "I love Diigo to organize information.  Curating information by highlighting and commenting is easy and can be shared with others.  [The] Kindle app is the same, with the ability to bookmark and highlight important information, as well as take notes.  

And, of course, you can't beat a good blog to get kids writing.  I think they are more aware of what they are writing, knowing their post will be published and read by many people.

I also love forums and discussions on Moodle and My Big Campus.  They are great ways to get student thoughts out there, and again, with a captured audience, they are more aware of their writing skills."

3.  Teens are seemingly obsessed with social media for personal uses.  How can social media tools be used as a literacy learning tool?

Mrs. Curtis:  "Connecting with people of like interests can spark thought and conversation, as well as resources they can use for their education."

4.  On a more personal note... when you read, do you prefer to do so by reading actual books (with covers and paper pages!), some type of e-reader (Kindle, iPad, Nook, etc.), on a computer, or some other form?  Why?

Mrs. Curtis:  "I read from the Kindle apps and paper pages.  I have to admit, I love to hold that book and physically turn pages.  However, I have found that I can read and skim through words more efficiently with the Kindle app... I wonder why that is?"

5.   What is your favorite book of all time?  

Mrs. Curtis:  "I absolutely loved reading Gone With The Wind.  All the details of landscape, the horrors of war, the romance, the character development, and all the American history of that time period fascinated me.  As much as I loved the movie, I loved reading the book even more!"

In addition to interviewing Mrs. Curtis, one of my instructors for my graduate classes at MSU shared her thoughts on the same questions.  

Meet Candace Marcotte...
Ms. Marcotte is the Middle School Technology Facilitator in Glenview, Illinois.  She also is an Assistant Instructor for Michigan State University's Master of Arts in Educational Technology Program.  Take a look a what she had to say on the topic:

      I found it very interesting that both Mrs. Curtis and Ms. Marcotte find Diigo a useful tool for literacy skills.  While I have tested out this site on a few occasions, I feel like I need to make more of effort to use this useful tool.  I really liked how Ms. Marcotte mentioned she loves Google Docs; we use Google tools all of the time at school!  And lastly, I was so happy to discover that both "techie" women still love the feel of an actual book in their hands when they read.  I feel the same way!  Even as new technology tools are developed each day, I doubt that anything can ever take the place of really reading.  

     A very special "Thank You" to Janice Curtis (@CurtisJcurtis) and Ms. Candace Marcotte (@canmarcotte) for taking time out of their busy schedules to take part in this interview.  It's always a wonderful opportunity to learn from experts in the "techie" field!