Integrating Literacy and Technology in the Curriculum. A Position Statement of the International Reading Association.

Literacy educators have a responsibility to effectively integrate information and communication technologies (ICT) into the literacy curriculum to prepare students for the literacy future they deserve. The International Reading Association (IRA) believes that much can be done to support students in developing the new literacies that will be required in their futures. The IRA believes that students have the right to: teachers who are skilled in effective use of ICT for teaching and learning; a literacy curriculum that integrates the new literacies of ICT into instructional programs; instruction that develops the critical literacies essential to effective information use; assessment practices in literacy that include reading on the Internet and writing using word processing software; opportunities to learn safe and responsible use of information and communication technologies; and equal access to ICT. This position paper discusses various aspects of the new literacies and considers staff development and teacher education issues regarding ICT. Additionally, the paper recommends an intensive program of research on literacy and technology issues and states that reading instruction must address the profound changes taking place with the new literacies. It lists recommendations for teachers, parents, teacher educators, school administrators, policymakers, and researchers. (Contains 22 references and a list of related resources.) (NKA)