Literacy in the Digital Age:

Enhancing Learning in Elementary Grades

through Meaningful Integration of Technology

A professional development course offered for graduate credit by the

Spartanburg Writing Project in conjunction with USC Upstate

Spring 2009

Intended Audience:Spartanburg and Union County Certified Teachers Grades K-6

(All Content Areas)

Course Instructor:Dawn Mitchell,SWP Partnership Coordinator

Course Overview:This course is designed to meet the needs of elementary teachers in effectively integrating technology into their current classroom curricula through multi-media project based learning. This course focuses on how technology can support multiple modes oflearning and improve literacy for students in all content areas. Teachers will investigate specific models for integrating the Internet and digital media, including blogs, WebQuests, podcasts, wikis, and digital storytelling.

Designed using a hybrid format, teachers will attend face-to-face meetings periodically throughout the semester as well as participate in online forums and seminars. Because the nature of the course requires meaningful implementation of technology across the curriculum, course instructors will visit participants’ classrooms once during the semester to observe use of technology.

Course Goals:

  • Identify overarching literacy goals that span and connect content areas in elementary grades
  • Identify best practices in technology use and integration
  • Consider challenges of technology use and integration in the elementary classroom
  • Develop integrated units of study using technology to enhance literacy instruction
  • Create valuable multi-media projects and products using technology
  • Use technology search tools for inquiry and problem solving
  • Examine technology resources for both teachers and students
  • Communicate via the web

Location & Dates:

  • January 12-May 4, 2009, Mondays, 4-7pm, USC Upstate
  • 8 face-to-face meetings:January 12 & 19, February 9, March 2, 12 & 23, April 13, and May 4, 2009
  • Remaining weeks completed online

Literacy in the Digital Age:

Enhancing Learning in Elementary Grades

through Meaningful Integration of Technology

A professional development course offered for graduate credit

by the Spartanburg Writing Project in conjunction with USC-Upstate

Spring 2009

Registration Form

Please Note**To hold your spot in the course, you may email this form to or fax it to 864-503-5825. However, in order to process your registration, you must complete this form along with the Application for Non-Degree Seeking Students. Send both forms with original signatures and a $10 check payable to USC Upstate to Tasha Thomas at USC Upstate, 800 University Way, Spartanburg, SC29303. All forms and fees must be received by Friday, December 12, 2008.

NAME______SSN ______

SCHOOL ______DISTRICT ______

HOME ADDRESS ______

SCHOOL ADDRESS ______

PHONE ______

EMAIL ______

GRADE(S) TAUGHT ______SUBJECT AREA(S) ______

Have you participated in any Spartanburg Writing Project programs before? Yes No

If yes, please list the programs: ______

______

In 1-2 sentences, please describe your purpose and intentions for taking this course. ______

______

______

**NOTE: Registration deadline is Friday, December 12, 2008. There are limited spaces available for each school district. Slots will be allocated on the basis of teacher interest and need.

800 University Way, Spartanburg, SC29303

Phone: 864-503-5653 Fax: 864-503-5825