Technology/Media Literacies???

     In my previous blog, I briefly mentioned a few questions dealing with literacy. Within this blog I would like to focus more in depth on one of those questions. The question I want to specifically focus on is, “What is literacy, as it pertains to technology?” I realize I have not made my intentions known in my previous blogs, however what I am trying to do is discuss technology guidelines (See “How much do you know about Technology Guidelines” blog), literacy in its entirety, and show how tech and literacy can complement each other if used effectively for classroom instruction. With this in mind, I hope this gives a better picture for the direction this blog is going. 
     When an individual thinks of literacy they probably immediately think reading, but literacy encompasses so much more. Stick with me for a minute here. Reading is a major aspect of literacy, but being literate in something does not just mean being able to read. Literacy includes being knowledgeable on a concept or topic. According to the website 21st Century Schools, teachers should be literate in a variety of literacies to teach students to be successful in the current 21^st century society. Here is a link (Multiple Literacies) to a graphic that lists the different literacies students should be learning. The literacy from the graphic I want to focus on is technology/media literacy. In order to be successful using technology in the classroom teachers must be literate in all the different tech that is available to them. Being literate in technology does not mean that a teacher must know every piece of tech on the market that can be used in the classroom. However, it does mean knowing how to access certain technology tools to add to a teacher’s repertoire of instructional strategies. In other words, teachers need to research and learn about media and decide which pieces of tech they are comfortable including into their classroom instruction to assist students in getting that instrumental experience with technology that will prepare students for their role in a tech savvy, globalized world. With this in mind, I would like to discuss the following website that is extremely detailed in technology/media literacies and puts the most current Web 2.0 tools at a teachers fingertips to research and incorporate into their instruction - http://www.protopage.com/web2point0forteachers.   
      Kim Peacock developed the above listed website, and within it is a wealth of resources. She has created a toolbar at the top of her homepage that links technology/media literacy tools (Web 2.0 tools) by categories. Just to name a few of her categories/tags/links include research tools, technology tools, productivity tools, software, text based communication, among many others. By clicking on one of these categories a teacher is taken to new webpage where a multitude of Web 2.0 tools are listed that can be used for instruction for that particular category. For example, if one were to click on the text based communication category they would see on the new webpage organized boxes by categories such as blogging tools, social networking tools, wiki tools, etc. Within these categorized boxes (e.g. blogging tools, wiki tools, etc.) are listed and linked, specific Web 2.0 tools that can be utilized for their explicit topic. Therefore, a teacher just has to research and choose which Web 2.0 tool he or she wants to incorporate into their instruction, click on it and start setting up the content for their lesson. By utilizing websites such as Protopage teachers can educate his or herself on technology/media literacies, research the Web 2.0 tools that fit their teaching style, and implement the technology into their instruction all in one place.