Focus on Technology:
IRA Programs and Resources

To be fully literate in today’s world necessitates proficiency in the new literacies of information and communication technologies. IRA provides resources for teachers to use in supporting students — and in improving their own proficiency with technology tools.

Browse the resources highlighted below, or use advanced search to identify more materials in the “digital and media literacies” topic area.

Publications

Reading Online, IRA’s freely available e-journal, with a special focus on technology and new literacies

Books and articles

Position statement: Integrating Literacy and Technology in the Curriculum

Online resources

“Using Technology to Deliver Professional Development That Fosters Early Literacy Development,” a multimedia presentation by David K. Dickinson and Nancy Clark-Chiarelli

“Scalable and Sustainable Technologies for Reading Instruction,” a multimedia presentation by Walter Kintsch

ReadWriteThink, an IRA-NCTE website offering lesson plans, many demonstrating outstanding technology use in the classroom

News stories on literacy and technology, from Reading Today Daily

Education Links: Technology

Meetings and events

IRA’s annual convention always includes numerous sessions on technology and new literacies in the classroom. The following sessions appeared on the program for the 2007 convention.

Institute 20: “Using Technology to Develop and Extend the Boundaries of Literacy,” Colin Harrison et al., presenters

Session: “Top Ten Ways to Improve Vocabulary with Technology and Multimedia Tools,” Bridget Dalton and Dana Grisham, presenters

Session: “Five Ways to Increase Reading Comprehension: Using Technology to Promote Best Practices,” Vicki Cohen and John Edwin Cowen, presenters

Session: “Developing Reading Fluency with Technology,” Elizabeth Wolzak and Alanna Shevak, presenters

Session: “Linking Technology to Literacy: A World Without Boundaries,” April Flood, presenter

Session: “Igniting the Flame Within: Using Technology as a Catalyst for Engaging Reluctant and ‘At-Risk’ Students in Reading and Writing Activities,” Mike Parr and Jeff Scott, presenters

Other IRA meetings, including the biennial world congress and annual state/provincial and regional conferences, routinely include sessions on technology and new literacies.