Book Review

Integrating Literacy and Technology: Effective Practice for Grades K-6 (Tools for Teaching Literacy)
by Susan Watts Taffe and Carolyn B. Gwinn
The Guilford Press, 2007. 146 pages.

This book is written by Susan Watts Taffe and Carolyn B. Gwinn, instructors from University of Minnesota who are experts in integrating technology to teach literacy effectively. I find this book to be a very informative book. The authors share invaluable pointers on how to use technology in teaching students. The book stresses that technology must be thoughtfully embedded in lessons and not be used for the sake of using it. It also stresses that teacher must made sure that their lessons be meaningful and purpose driven. The book also reminds teachers to be mindful on how technology is used in their teaching. The importance of assessment of student learning and teachers reflecting on their instruction are also highlighted in the book. Other important aspects to be considered in integrating technology in instruction are also covered. These aspects include familiarity with learning standards, the use of technology according to students’ needs and attitudes and determining types of educational resources to be used. The last two chapters of the book are dedicated to the role of teachers as technology learners and being the agents of change in schools. I highly recommend that all teachers read this book. It is an excellent guide in helping teachers to integrate technology effectively in classroom.