Technology in the Language Arts Classroom Kurt Wachowski Education 504 Holy Family University

Introduction  The U.S. Department of Labor in its 1991 report "What Work Requires of Schools" identified the use of technology to acquire and evaluate information, organize and maintain that information, and interpret and communicate it, as a necessary competency for students entering the workforce

Introduction  In the study of Language Arts, the traditional method of instructing students with written texts has been improved in several ways.  Teachers can organize their lectures efficiently with software programs such as Microsoft PowerPoint, maximize instructional time with the use of Podcasting, and utilize the Internet for various educational purposes.

Introduction  Internet Sites, which can be found by using various search engines such as Google, Yahoo, and AltaVista, serve various purposes including: - educational references for teachers - copies of electronic texts - interactive student instruction

Research Findings  Website that explains some of the instructional resources and computer software being used in Language Arts classrooms: y/subject/int_tech_lit_la.phtml  Explains the numerous ways Language Arts teachers can use technology including: - Microsoft PowerPoint - WebQuests

Microsoft PowerPoint  Helps teachers begin each class session by clearing stating daily objectives on the first slide of the presentation.  Slides in the presentation can be printed and distributed so that essential notes are printed for the students.  Students can listen to teacher comments and make meaningful notes in the blank spaces provided on the handout.

WebQuests  Teachers can design their own interactive lesson plans by visiting:  Language Arts teachers can provide a platform for students to explore the theme of a literary work by setting up a series of research tasks on the Internet.  The end product of the WebQuest could be as basic as a one-page document or a multi-faceted presentation.

WebQuests  Examples of WebQuests in all academic areas can be found by searching the WebQuest index at  The following is an example of a WebQuest template. This template was added to the presentation by using HP image scanning:

Scanned using HP imaging

The iPod & Podcasting  In addition to being able to play music, the iPod memory drive is capable of both storing and playing different types of video and audio files.  The iPod, and the accompanying iTunes software, provides teachers with a simple way of recording their lessons and lectures.  Students can then access recorded lectures or lessons at any time.

The iPod & Podcasting  The addition of a simple accessory turns the iPod into a recorder, allowing the user to capture audio content that can be quickly uploaded and distributed anywhere.  Apple’s iTunes store offers loads of free content uploaded from schools all over the country that can be used in lessons or as examples to spur creative efforts.

Educational References for Teachers  Dr. Grimaldi, a teacher from Middlesex, NJ, has a site for Language Arts teachers at: ps/language_arts.htm ps/language_arts.htm  scoring guides and prompts for writing teachers, classroom exercises for grammar, lesson plans for all grade levels, and worksheets for various exercises.  explaining how graphic organizers are used to take notes on literature, why they are valuable in the classroom, and different models that are used.

Educational References for Teachers  Site for Secondary Language Arts teachers can be found at: sitemap.html  Resources are available on the site map for various authors of all genres including Prose, Dramatic, Mythology, and Poetry.  Selecting the hyperlink for Jane Austin will bring up the following selections (copied using HP image scanning):

Jane Austen Page Scanned using HP imaging

Educational References for Teachers  /English/English.html /English/English.html  This site is organized by the major curricular areas in the Language Arts: Drama, Lesson Plans, Literature, Philosophy, Poetry, Languages, Public Speaking, Bilingual Education, and Reading/Writing.

Educational References for Teachers  The Literature page features over 150 lesson plans for various works of literature, a link to the American Literature Books Online (Ockerbloom) website that features a selection of online texts, and a research paper on how to find books in a library.American Literature Books Online (Ockerbloom)  Link to an interactive multimedia site for ESL students

Student Reference Sites   Students can use the site to practice their vocabulary skills by completing various activities such as fill-in-the-blanks, crosswords, word finds, and word puzzles. Each activity is arranged by difficulty levels so that students of all ability levels can test their vocabulary skills.

Student Reference Sites  Some of the exercises on are interactive; students can their answers to the site and receive a response.  For the exercises that are not interactive, answers are provided at the bottom of the page. Select the Hyperlink for an example exercise (a Word Match displayed by using OCR Scanning): Word Match

Student Reference Sites  interactive programs that are free and are designed for student use can be found at: ng.htm  links to various pages that publish student work, guides to creative writing, and composition reference sites.  resources are divided into two sections; one for K-4 and another for Grades 5-12.

Conclusion  Technological resources help teachers present lessons in creative ways that will motivate apathetic students.  There are thousands of resources on the Internet for every subject.  Many other technological resources exist for Language Arts teachers. Visit this my research paper for information : research paper  Concluding Message Concluding Message