This week I "Skyped" with Sarah. It was my first time using Skype! We discussed the Leu et. al (2007) article and classroom applications for Skype. Two quotes from the article that defined new literacies were "new social practices that emerge with new technology" (p. 6), and "new strategies and dispositions required by the internet that are essential for online reading comprehension" (p.6). Other definitions of new literacies include them being multimodal, constantly changing, and used to establish global connections (Leu et. al, 2007). New literacies influence the definition of reading because there are specific skills required for online reading vs. offline reading. These skills include navigating information, identifying important questions, and analyzing and synthesizing information (Leu et. al, 2007). In language arts teachers will have to teach these skills, but students may learn them best from each other or through trial and error. Sarah and I discussed several classroom applications for Skype. One of my favorites was having students Skype with their favorite authors. Students can have "Skype pals," as an alternative, or in addition to pen pals. Teachers can have experts or special guests visit their classroom via Skype. Students can also practicing interviewing others and/or being interviewed themselves. My first time using Skype was fun, but it will take some practice to get the hang of it. The most difficult part was uploading the screenshot to my blog!
The screenshot was definitely the most difficult component of this assignment! I completely agree.
ReplyDeleteHi Annie,
ReplyDeleteI too think there are a lot of neat uses for skype. Juliette and I also talked about using skype for interviews or presentations by special guests. We also mentioned the idea of allowing parents to watch what their students are doing via skype. It's a very useful tool for the classroom.
--Emily
Annie, it was nice to discuss the readings with you via skype. I also agree that the screen shot was difficult to upload. Such a close up, but it was fun! I like how we discussed the many applications of skype and how it would be interesting for a class to interview a professional or expert in a certain field.
ReplyDeleteAnnie,
ReplyDeleteIt was my first time using Skype too! I really enjoyed using it for our virtual class. It definitely takes some getting used to but I think it has a lot of potential to be used in the classroom. I had trouble taking my screenshot so I know how you feel about that being the most difficult part of this assignment.
-Amanda
Yes! I am so glad some of you are experiencing Skype for the first time. After working out the logistics, you were able to note its potential. I am also glad your conversation was around the new literacies perspective.
ReplyDeleteHi Annie,
ReplyDeleteI too used skype for the first time for this assignment... and the comment you make in your post referencing the reading (that students may learn better from other students) I find to be very accurate. Even with skype, while I read the tutorial and information and the how-to's and the rest... I found my own understanding of skype to be better supported and influenced by people who had previous knowledge of the tool.