Infusing Technology into the Balanced Literacy Classroom

This article focuses attention on how technology is being utilized in classrooms, with an emphasis on literacy learning. The authors explore the integration of technology within a balanced literacy classroom and identify three levels of technology integration commonly found within a typical K-12 classroom. Specific examples are provided for each level and classroom vignettes from the second author’s classroom are utilized. In addition, the authors provide suggested resources throughout the article for further exploration

It would be a Pleasure : Augmented Reality and Engagement in a Heritage Context

The interchangeability, confusion and conflict of what constitutes audience engagement has a long history, with much disagreement concerning boundaries and definitions. Dewey states that it is a mistake to see the artist as active and the audience as purely passive, and argues that “the active engagement of the audience is required to fully realise any work” (Dewey 1934). This predates the notions of “interactive” or “participatory” as understood today, but highlights the longstanding appreciation of the role the audience plays in the consumption of artworks. A sentiment echoed by Duchamp (1957) stating that “the spectator adds his contribution to the creative act”. The research project presented at EVA 2017 seeks to offer a model for engagement, that of pleasure, which explores methods to motivate active participation

Specialized Literacy Professionals as Literacy Leaders: Results of a National Survey

This large-scale national survey of specialized literacy professionals was designed to answer questions about responsibilities, including leadership, and preparation for these roles. Questionnaires, completed by over 2,500 respondents, indicated that respondents had multiple responsibilities that included both instruction of struggling readers and support for teachers. Four distinct role-groups were identified: instructional/literacy coaches, reading/literacy specialists, reading teachers/interventionists, and supervisors. The findings indicated a need for more precise definitions of the roles of these professionals and for preparation programs to include experiences that address the tasks required. Themes discussed included: roles have changed and require more focus on leadership, specialists must be nimble, and they require more in-depth preparation to handle the leadership demands of their positions

ZOO EXHIBIT DESIGN: A POST-OCCUPANCY EVALUATION AND COMPARISON OF ANIMAL ENCLOSURES.

The present study, in contrast with previous work that has isolated one or two important factors influencing the status of the zoo, considered the three important zoo reference groups--animals, visitors, and staff members--and their interrelationships within the zoo environment. Two approaches were used to investigate the system of interactions within the zoo. First, an in-depth examination of a new set of naturalistic exhibits was performed. Second, a comparison of two of these naturalistic exhibits with two older, sterile exhibits which housed the same species at the same zoo was made. Multiple methods were used in the present study and included behavior mapping of visitors, staff, and animals, timing of visitor stays at exhibits, tracking of visitors through the exhibits, a visitor questionnaire, and interviews with staff members. One major finding was the lack of correspondence among the major groups as to the acceptability of exhibits. For example, one exhibit which was considered beneficial to the enclosed animals and was well utilized and positively evaluated by visitors presented staff members with great difficulties in animal containment and exhibit maintenance. Comparisons of naturalistic enclosures and sterile cement enclosures housing the same species revealed no consistent, clear-cut differences in animal and visitor behavior, however, attitudinal differences were found for staff members and visitors. Visitors and staff members preferred the naturalistic exhibits and perceived them as more beneficial to animals and visitors. These findings were discussed in terms of theoretical and applied issues relevant to zoo design and management and to research in zoos