Chapter 1

          The first chapter of the book, “Reading, Writing, and Literacy 2.0: Teaching with Online Texts, Tools, and Resources, K-8,” discusses online reading and the new literacies of reading, writing, and communicating. While technology is becoming more prominent in everyday life, children at very young ages are interacting with and using technology. Knowing how to use technology is not the same as knowing how to access and engage in information using digital media. This is where teachers can play a role. By incorporating digital media into the reading and writing curriculum, technology can enhance literacy skills and learning.

            While technology plays a major role and is heavily used from day to day, I believe there should also be a balance between using digital environments and traditional print in reading and writing in and out of the classroom. Content in the traditional print is presented in a fixed linear format whereas digital environments can present the content in different ways, and often changes between sites. The visuals of digital environments do not all appear the same, such as colors, fonts, and may change daily. I think without guidance and proper teaching students could get lost or distracted when navigating digital environments, which could hinder learning and understanding of material. Teachers should have an understanding and awareness of different online programs and websites that are user-friendly and promote literacy development in the classroom for students. Teaching students how to engage in learning using digital environments will strengthen the literacy knowledge with regard to technology.