About this Book

Based on the idea that instruction should drive technology, and not vice versa, this book shares ideas, options, and opportunities for using technology in the classroom. Vignettes and examples of classroom uses of technology are presented throughout the book to highlight concepts and help teachers support literacy goals. The essays in the book offer lesson plans that can be used with one or more computers in the classroom or in computer labs. Each lesson plan includes objectives, materials, activities, and assessments that teachers can adapt easily for use in other classrooms. Chapters in the book are: (1) "Using Technology to Support Literacy Learning" (William J. Valmont and Shelley B. Wepner); (2) "How Do I Begin to Use Technology in My Classroom?" (Richard Thurlow); (3)"Using Technology to Support Word Recognition, Spelling, and Vocabulary Acquisition" (Barbara J. Fox and Mary Jane Mitchell); (4) "Using Technology for Reading Development" (Shelley B. Wepner and Lucinda C. Ray); (5) "Using Technology for Writing Development" (Jane E. Sullivan and Jean Sharp); (6) "Using Technology for Content Area Literacy" (Betty D. Roe); (7) "What Do Teachers Do in Technology-Rich Classrooms?" (William J. Valmont); and (8) "Is Technology Worth My Professional Time, Resources, and Efforts?" (Ernest Balajthy). An appendix lists addresses of 45 software companies. (RS)