Technology Uses in Traditional Literacy (Project TELL)
Marquette-Alger RESA

Project TELL has afforded opportunities to integrate technology in traditional literacy through its use, application and correlation to the Michigan Literacy Progress Profile (MLPP) trainings and meetings locally (Marquette and Alger Counties); regionally (Upper Peninsula) and statewide (Michigan). 

The Regional Literacy Director and Coordinator from MARESA have incorporated seven specific technology applications at the local, regional and state levels.  These include: 
1)  Palm Handheld Computers; 2) Microsoft Power Point Presentations; 3) Inspiration Software; 4) Video Conferencing/Distance Learning; and 5) Internet Resources.  The following detail describes the process in which each of these technology applications are used/applied to the MLPP Process and Traditional Literacy.

1) Palm Handheld Computers:  Palm Handheld Computers were used by the Director, Coordinator and Trainers to maintain key dates, names and addresses of local contacts, and appropriate MLPP meeting information.  Additionally, these two people model the use of their Palms at local, regional and state Literacy meetings and training sessions.  Third party software applications for the Palms are currently being investigated for their application and use for literacy assessment.

2) Microsoft (MS) Power Point Presentations:  Local MLPP Trainers were trained to develop and use MS Power Point presentations in their own trainings.  The Regional Literacy Center Director, Coordinator and Trainers modeled the use of this application for other trainers and trainees at the various meetings.

3) Inspiration Software:  The Regional Literacy Center Director, Coordinator and Trainers used the Inspiration Software in trainings to model and encourage story-webbing for local educators being trained in MLPP.

4) Video Conferencing/Distance Learning:  MLPP Regional and Statewide training and information sessions have taken advantage of video conferencing.  MARESA, as the Regional Literacy Training Center has used this technology as a cost-effective means of advancing the knowledge and skills of educators involved in MLPP throughout the Upper Peninsula Region, as well as in the entire state of Michigan.

5) Web Browsing/Navigating the Internet:  Local educators were instructed in using internet browsers such as NetScape Navigator and MS Internet Explorer to locate various literacy sources and lessons relative to their curriculum.

6) U.P. Listserv: The Regional Literacy Center Director and Coordinator developed this information source for regional trainers and teachers to communicate via email on appropriate issues related to literacy and curriculum.

7) Linking Statewide Website for MLPP/Reading (e.g. ABC.com): This technology effort allows educators throughout Michigan to post appropriate websites to a list of links on a single page, thus saving educators valuable time in browsing possible information and lesson plan sites relative to their work in traditional literacy.