by Joan A. Rhodes
Have you ever found yourself perplexed about the best way to integrate technology in your language arts program? Perhaps you question whether incorporating video production in your reading class will really result in better student learning. If you find yourself wondering about these or other issues related to media and technology, pay a visit to Matthew Needleman’s blog,
Creating Lifelong Learners.
Needleman, an Apple Distinguished Educator, aims to provide elementary teachers practical information for teaching new media literacies and integrating technology in classroom instruction. A seven-year elementary educator and current literacy coach in the Los Angeles Unified School system, Needleman brings a wealth of experience for using technology and video to support literacy instruction to his richly populated blog. He believes that the “goal of technology integration is not just for teachers to show off new toys but to put technology into the hands of students to have them participate in higher level thinking, collaboration and project based learning” (Needleman, 2011,”Mr. Needleman” para.1).
Blog entries, updated approximately monthly, offer concise descriptions on topics ranging from how to download YouTube videos to the correct way to show movies in class. Needleman provides direct explanations of how to use a variety of software and technology resources without reverting to the use of jargon. Even the most hesitant technology user will find the blog content understandable and ripe for classroom implementation.
The Creating Lifelong Learners blog emphasizes the use of video production to support learning in the elementary classroom. Blog entries, such as “Royalty free photos, music and video list (updated)”, help teachers locate media products for classroom use. Links to Needleman’s personal websites offer a wealth of resources for all elementary grade levels.
Video in the Classroom provides a rationale for incorporating digital storytelling at the elementary level and videos like Tales from the Yard, Video in the Classroom Introduction, and
Mr. Winkle Wakes may be useful resources when seeking financial support for media literacy activities.
Treasures Resources.com is one of several linked websites created specifically to align technology activities with a specific reading/language arts basal series.
Educators who read Creating Lifelong Learners will find themselves spending more time than expected perusing this expansive blog. Comments and reactions from multiple educators further enrich the content provided by the author. RSS feed, author contact information and links to social media are easily accessible and are just a few features that make Creating Lifelong Learners a great means of keeping up with technology integration at the elementary level.
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