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1.What does research say about the topic? GJ: New literacies are constantly changing due to new technologies being developed. We must teach our students to use these technologies in order for them to compete in the world. The cost and the fact technology is constantly changing, makes this difficult, along with training teachers to use and teach the technology. JZ: I can not possibly say it better tha GJ! I agree 100%! JD: Literacies and technology are advancing at a tremendous speed. As teachers we are constantly trying to keep up with research and equipping our students with correct information to give our students for their success.

2. Evaluate your comfort zone with 5 being really comfortable with the new literacies (technologies) which are available today? GJ: I would have to say my comfort zone would be a 2 or 3. I am fine using the internet, but that is about it. JZ: As GJ is well aware(!) I am most likely at 1! I am trying though! JD: Maybe a 4, I’m okay with new information, we are just receiving too much too fast.

3. Plan ways to incorporate new literacies into your classroom curriculum. What do you need to have to incorporate them? Where are you going for expertise? GJ: I can use the internet more for reading, and use the smartboard for math and reading. More professional development in learning how to use the technologies, and how to incorporate them into my lessons would be beneficial. Our computer guy at school could help some, but other teachers will probably be able to help more. JZ: I will soon be getting a smartboard and will focus on that. I have taken some training but if I don't do it on a regular basis, I do not really know how to use it. Luckily, I am surrounded by savvy people and one of our parents works for Microsoft...lucky me! JD: I try to use new technology in my class as much as possible. Our school is limited for funding with the things like a “smartboard.” I would love to have one of those, all the possibilities.

Your questions GJ: Is it best to try and use one technology well, or try to learn and incorporate others you are not as comfortable with? JZ: In response to GJ, I say go with one until you are comfortable and then branch out. My question is if you were me, what would you focus on doing first with a smartboard and 1st graders? JD: How do you like instructing or facilitating an online class?