Ashley Bonte

Dissertation Reviews
EDET 780
May 28, 2014

Introduction

As I finish my Masters in Technology, I am continuing an add-on
certification in literacy. Because of this, I have been fascinated by the
current research and trends in literacy as it has been affected by
emerging technologies. There are many studies on how to teach
literacy skills using technology, which differs from the ways reading
and writing were approached in the past. While there are multiple
articles on this topic, the more current ones have a better application
as the strategies and ideas discussed are more concrete and valuable
to the classroom today.

Dissertation 1

Technology's role in shaping literacy Discourse

Crowder, D. S. (2009). Technology's role in shaping literacy discourse.
(Order No. 3401418, Texas A&M University - Corpus Christi). ProQuest
Dissertations and Theses, 251.

http://search.proquest.com/docview/89247231?accountid=25998

Summary

This paper looks at the answers to the question, What is literacy and
how it applies to most educational settings. The current practices in
literacy are closely tied to reading instruction. There are a number of
things in a society and generation that lead to how literacy is
understood and practice. A few of these include historical events,
theories, cultural ties, and literacy discourse. There have been a
number of paradigm shifts in literacy. Lately, this is due to the
technological influence. This paper analyzes the effect technology has
had on literacy discourse by analyzing terms, looking closely at
history, and examining other practices. The results are then
synthesized to come up with the knowledge, meaning, and value for
educators to see how literacy education has changed. The main
question answered in this dissertation is, How has technology
influenced literacy Discourse? A close look at this cycle is examined.
Review

There was a lot of useful information in understanding how technology
has changed the current view on literacy skills. What may have been
acceptable in the past as reading and writing is no longer the case due
to the changing world that we live in. There are many examples drawn
on to elaborate this which really helps put the idea into perspective.
There has been a constant cycle of literacy skills progressing with the
times. In order for students to be successful in our changing society,
the way we teach our students to be literate must match the need of
the environment.

Dissertation 2

Professional Development Practices in Literacy and Technology
Integration at Socioeconomically Different Schools

Boykin, K. M. (2011). Professional development practices in literacy
and technology integration at socioeconomically different schools.
(Order No. 3438552, The College of William and Mary). ProQuest
Dissertations and Theses, 304.

http://search.proquest.com/docview/847389319?accountid=25998


Summary

African American students who are socioeconomically below their
peers are not able to keep up on literacy assessments. Scores show
that reading and writing achievement falls short due to the changes
that have come about with literacy and the forthcoming technological
age. This is making it even harder to close the gap. In order to
effectively read, write, and communicate using the Internet and other
current forms of technologies, students need to be competent in
interacting with digital contexts. These are the new forms of literacy.
According to the studies and research that are available now, African
Americans and socioeconomically low students are more likely to use
digital technologies to build traditional literacy than their peers who
are the majority.

A major influence on students and how they develop their literacy
skills falls with the teacher. Teachers must provide technological
experiences that will allow them to become literate in the 21st
century. Because of the different approach to literacy with the
influence of technology, there is a need for professional development
for teachers. A main focus is on integrating technology into literacy.
This study looks at a disadvantage school with a large African
American student population and then study how and why teachers
may engage students. Looking specifically at the professional
development that may impact this, is also a focus to indicate some of
the inequalities that disadvantage students are apart of.
Review

This dissertation is excellent in understanding the difference in literacy
skills between populations. African Americans who live in poor
circumstances are looked at and analyzed to see what things may be
different leading to this outcome. The study also focuses on what
things teachers are doing to increase literacy. As new technologies
come out causing students to be more aware of literacy tools on the
Internet, teachers are not being offered training to bridge this gap.
Without this training, they are unable to give their students the tools
for success. The study does an excellent job at not only looking at the
students and areas that they are falling short in, but looking at those
providing instruction for the students and why it is not measuring up.

Dissertation 3

The Struggling Reader in a High School Basic Reading and Writing
Class: Perceptions of Literacy, Technology, and Schooling

Race, C. H. (2004). The struggling reader in a high school basic
reading and writing class: Perceptions of literacy, technology, and
schooling. (Order No. 3150275, Georgia State University). ProQuest
Dissertations and Theses, 205-205

http://search.proquest.com/docview/305186094?accountid=25998

Summary

More and more students who are reading four years behind grade
level, struggle with basic literacy skills. By the time they reach high
school, they are still typically behind in reading. This study looks
closely at freshman in high school and their attitudes as readers.
Technology is a factor that is also looked at to determine how their
growth in literacy is affected.
The setting takes place in a Southern, suburban high school. The
theory that is being observed is that reading and writing is more than
a straight forward process. Instead, reading and writing are viewed as
tools for students to succeed in specific areas. It is related closely to
the society and the culture of the students, and how they use
literature to function in this society.
Participants in this study come from a basic reading and writing class.
Observations are then made off conversations of the participants as
well as interviews, student journals, work samples, teacher/researcher
observations, and school records. A method called, constant
comparative was used to analyze the data. There is also
accountability through member checking and triangulation of data
through multiple sources.
After reading the study, a better understanding of adolescents who are
reading below grade level and how technology and the outside
environment affects their literacy skills can be seen.
Review

This study goes right along with what Peter Johnston addresses in his
book Choice Words (2003). Students who are not reading on grade
level are examined and looked at for trends that may lead to their
unsuccessfulness. A trend is then compared among these to see what
changes need to take place on the teaching end of things. Excellent
justification is used to relate the new forms of literacy and technology
to the downfalls of these students.