6.+Multiliteracies

‘There are many arguments put forward for using new technologies in schools, one being that students are able to access course materials and can research and study topics or projects at home. This is very important if students want to become more knowledgeable in the area they are learning about at school at that particular time. It is becoming very common for a household to have the internet, and therefore most students already have some knowledge on how to use technology, so furthering their knowledge at school is very important. New technologies in schools also encourages student involvement in the class room rather than reading about certain topics in books, or listening to the teacher explaining the topic, students can research particular topics on the internet and receive audio and movies, this encourages students in their research, and in turn students enjoy what they are learning more. ‘Interactive technologies provide stimulating environments that encourage student involvement in the learning process. For example, instead of reading about Martin Luther King Jr. in a book, students can hear his speeches, witness his marches, and analyse documents related to civil rights through multimedia.’ (Barron & Orwing 1997). It has been said that student achievement outcomes are consistently favoured in the computer-using classrooms. ‘Where students used computers in classrooms, scores were repeatedly and significantly higher than the scores of students in the non-computer-using classrooms. Percentage differences in scores ranges from 2 to 16 percent.’ (Bracey 1998). These figures prove that using computers in classrooms is an academic bonus to students.