According to the Denizen model quiz, I am a technology immigrant. I am surrounded by technology, know how to use it to some degree, and believe that technology serves a greater purpose, and I would totally agree. I grew up around technology, my Dad would be considered an addict of technology I am sure, but I never seem to know the exact potential of technology. I know that I have skimmed the service of most things, but would always love to learn more.
Like I mentioned, I am fortunate that my Dad has such a strong love for technology, because of this I was always being exposed to the new and greatest technological thing. Being able to use it was a different story. However, whether I was fluent in the language of technology or not, my experiences have led me to develop a great respect for the technology and its potential.
I feel that there is a lot that can be done for emergent readers and technology can be a helpful tool. However, I am sure it is not the only answer to solving questions of literacy. Being a Special Education major, I have been able to see technology used to act as speech for the speechless, a chalkboard for the teacher, and simply a fun way to explore different subject areas. I have, however, have never witnessed technology work, without a good teacher behind the scenes, forcing themselves to understand the vast potential of the technology and how to utilize it effectively.
I found the article on English Language Learners interesting. I agree with what the author is saying about teaching ELL students more than just a second language, and can only imagine how difficult that must be. I can see how technology could be used to help with translation and even encourage literacy, but I have not witness this happen in my placement. There are two students in my classroom who speak Spanish, but are not ELL students. In that regards it is hard to draw on my own personal experience to make a deeper connection to ELL students. I can however, understand the struggle that ELL teachers face with inclusion from a Special Educators standpoint. It is great to have everyone in the same classroom, and learning the same material, but if learning is not taking place because of some other factor, i.e. the language, then what good is inclusion.
I know the advancement of technology will never stop. We live in a fast past world, where tomorrow is never going to be like today, and it is up to the future educators to make a commitment to change and strive to address the needs of every student. To do that, we must accept technology for what it is, and learn to utilize it to its fullest potential. For all of our students, regardless of language or ability.
