PhilWP Teacher Briefs Congress on Digital Media
October 4, 2010 - In September, Robert Rivera-Amezola, a fourth grade teacher at Frances E. Willard Elementary School in Philadelphia, spoke at a Capitol Hill briefing about his innovative uses of digital media tools in the teaching of writing. Through his affiliation with the Philadelphia Writing Project, which is located at Penn GSE, Rivera-Amezola has led workshops on podcasting and the use of digital tools to develop digital literacies.
The briefing – Writing, Learning, and Leading in the Digital Age – was sponsored by the National Writing Project and the College Board. A panel of teachers presented brief classroom videos that highlighted the ways in which they are such Web 2.0 tools as blogs, podcasts, wikis, and comic creation software to enhance student engagement and improve student skills.
During his presentation, Rivera-Amezola said digital tools like podcasts motivate his English language learners to extend their new language skills as they tackle complex subjects. “Podcasts give English language learners a nonthreatening way to practice English and to share their work with new audiences,” he said.
Rivera-Amezola also presented a brief video showing how his students use digital media tools to create content. To watch the video, click here.
The Writing, Learning and Leading in the Digital Age report examines the critical role that teachers play in driving the use of technology in the classroom, and in preparing students for success in the 21st century. The report also examines the obstacles teachers face in implementing classroom technology and the professional development opportunities available to them—at organizations like National Writing Project—to learn how to use effective digital tools and strategies for the teaching of writing.
The report makes three recommendations to meet the challenges of teaching and learning in the digital age—at all levels of education—including:
- Every student needs one-on-one access to computers and other mobile technology in classrooms.
- Every teacher needs professional development in the effective use of digital tools for teaching and learning, including the use of digital tools to promote writing.
- All schools and districts need a comprehensive information technology policy to ensure that the necessary infrastructure, technical support and resources are available for teaching and learning.
To download the report, please visit: Teachers Are the Center of Education: Writing, Learning and Leading in the Digital Age.
One of the more than 200 NWP sites nationwide, the Philadelphia Writing Project is a growing teacher network of over 700 K-12 teacher-consultants who work with teachers and other educators to explore literacy, writing, teaching, and learning in their classrooms and schools regardless of grade or discipline
Media contact: Jill DiSanto-Haines at 215-898-4820 or jdisanto@upenn.edu