Literacy Uses

Overview: Technology is viewed primarily as an object of instruction. When describing what is happening, people are talking "technology" stories rather than about learning. Technology experiences are optional, frequently taught by a computer specialist, and sometimes compete with other electives. Literacy uses are generally scheduled in labs separate from students' other coursework, or provided in the back of classrooms as an alternative activity when "real work" is finished. This category is the easiest to measure because of skills continuums have been articulated.

Typical activities include:
• keyboarding
• using computers when "real work" is finished
• computer literacy classes
• computer programming
• computer application classes

Learning pedagogy:
Technology-centered with a focus on technology skills. Learning is about technology stories.

Equipment needs:
Low. Usually a lab with just enough for a rotating student schedule.

Staff development approach:
None needed. A specialist is hired who initiates his/her own learning as needed by the technology curriculum standards.

Literacy Uses Scenario:
Johnny goes to the computer lab every Wednesday. He learns word-processing, spreadsheets, and how to create pictures with a paint program. A computer teacher taught him keyboarding last year. He expects to take keyboarding again before the end of the year to be able to type even better. Johnny is also putting together a great slide show on UFO's. It's his first quarter computer project. Johnny would like to use computers more, but the lab is usually full with other classes. However, Johnny's classroom has a computer this year, so when he finishes his math assignments, his teacher lets him play "SimCity" or "Math Blaster," or sometimes make a crossword puzzle with his vocabulary words. He really likes playing the new "Oregon Trail." Even though they studied the westward movement last year, "Oregon Trail" is still fun and interesting. Johnny has discovered he really likes computers, so next year he has signed up for the two new classes, robotics and an html web design course.