Reflection for EDUC 6712

During the first few weeks of this course, I realized that my students were using the new literacy skills more often than I originally thought. Dr. Douglas Hartman summed up new literacy by saying “literacy is evolving- our past was rooted in book culture and the future will be rooted in online and digital research” (Laureate Education, 2009). After hearing his encouraging words about new literacy and our children’s future, I knew as a teacher, I needed to make sure my students understood how to use literacy skills with all of the different types of learning. I encourage and use literacy skills everyday in my teaching practices. There are so many ways I can promote and model these skills because I teach Integrated Language Arts. Not only did I learn new strategies focusing on literacy skills, but I also learned many other techniques to strengthen my teaching career.

            I have learned so many things from this course that will help move my teaching experiences forward. I have gained so much knowledge when it comes to online literacy skills and evaluating web sites. I know the best way for me to expand my knowledge is to practice, practice and model these techniques with my students. I look forward to using all the new knowledge and experiences I have gained in this 8 week course.

            Last but not least, one goal I would like to pursue with my students is for them to use the ABC strategy that Beth Phillips explained. I loved learning about this approach. This approach helps students when they begin navigating through websites. Since the school year is past the half way mark and my students have already written their persuasive essay, I concluded that I am going to use this approach in the beginning of the school year with my students. Next year, my 6^th graders will write an essay that is persuasive and on any topic of their choice. They are to use their own knowledge and research from websites. After they begin this process, I am excited to introduce and model the ABC approach. They will use this approach evaluating websites of their choice to see if they are reliable, opinion/fact, author, and etc. So overall, I am excited to use all of the strategies I have learned throughout this 8 week course.