ELA Teacher Interview

Learning Task#4 Understanding how technology is used to support ELA instruction.
  1. Interview an ELA teacher to learn how technology is integrated in their teaching to facilitate young learners' language and literacy development, what technologies (name a few), (his/her challenge(s) in integrating technology in the teaching of ELA/Emergent Literacy/Literacy and share your interview transcript with us. 
b      
      Describe your current role?
      Currently I am a special education ELA teacher in a classroom that facilitates a total of 6 amazing students at the Horan School located in Harlem, New York. The Horan school offers academics, social skills, pre-vocational programming, and life skills for students of special needs ranging from ages 14-21 and on a special needs level varying from mild to severe.  
      What are some technologies you use in your classroom?
      My classroom uses technology to facilitate daily activities to enhance learning and used as additional support to meet the needs of students. These devices range from IPADs, computers, laptops, Smart Boards, and tablets. In addition, I use an on the screen keyboard for access writing and oral communication.  
      Why is integrating technology important in classrooms?    
I     Integrating technology in classrooms are important as an instructional tool and motivator for learning because it allows students to demonstrate understanding of concepts introduced, enhance skills with written, oral, and complex communication, and provides a means for interactive and collaborative moments of engagements. With apps like ‘Tell About’ for instance, my students are able to voice their opinion and are not limited to a certain interactive choice that they may not be able to be proficient in. In addition, technology also helps with on the spot assessments, meets the needs of students who have different learning skills, and enhances engagement skills.
      What are some challenges when it comes to integrating technology in the teaching?
      When it comes to getting familiar with a new technology, it’s challenges to let getting use to the new technology and how to operate it as well as it’s potential to enhance learning in the classroom. Therefore, I would advise other teachers to take their time in learning the new device, whether it’s taking courses/classes on how to operate the device or connection to professional learning communities to stay up to date on technological innovation, and how that particular device can be used in multiple ways to enhance the students’ learning while sticking to the lesson plan.


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