The Importance Of Digital Technology In The ELA Classroom

Traditionally, the English Language Arts (ELA) classroom was one where the teacher stood in front of the room at a lectern and lectured to students sitting in desks. The students learned how to read using basal readers; they learned how to write using sharpened pencils and lined paper. Moreover, the pupils listened to the teacher’s voice and raised their hands to speak to the teacher or classmates. They gave oral book reports to the class by standing in the front of the room, and sometimes listened to records or books on tape. Recently, this traditional classroom has changed to become what we will call the “new ELA classroom”.

The new ELA classroom is a place where “new literacies” are the focus of learning. New literacies include various literacy forms made possible by digital technology. Today’s K-12 students are using these modalities to learn, connect, and collaborate with each other. The students are …show more content…
I still see the value in using a chalkboard, a pencil, and a crayon. New literacies should not replace traditional forms of literacy. The new ELA classroom builds upon the foundation of traditional forms of literacy and learning. Digital literacy is much more than just being able to use a computer; it refers to the ability to read for information, write articulately, and think critically while learning the language arts. To prove this point, this section of the textbook discusses a traditional view of the ELA classroom by focusing on seven classroom essentials: (1) classroom environment, (2) curriculum, (3) comprehensive language arts portfolios, (4) time, time management and differentiated instruction, (5) access to a certified reading and language arts consultant/ specialist, (6) the Directed Reading Activity (DRA) or Directed Reading Lesson (DRL), and (7) multicultural sensitivity and parent