Tom K. Erf

"Digital Literacy" is a project-based program developed by Erf that will integrate reading ability and familiarity with technology into the teaching curriculum to advance the reading fluency and comprehension of fourth-grade Washington School students identified as performing below grade level expectations. During a daily reader's workshop, students will rehearse appropriately challenging theater scripts, discuss the material to ensure understanding and clarify the author's intent. Final performances will be recorded using digital video cameras, and burned to DVD by the students. The technology used in "Digital Literacy" will heighten students' motivation to improve their reading ability in preparation for their performances. Erf's program will target and benefit at-risk students who read slowly or inefficiently or are experiencing frustrations with learning. By using mixed-ability groupings, students are not made to feel singled out and all who participate will find it to be a fun, learning environment. Erf resides in Skokie. Daniel W. Lundak, Sue Vasilic, Michael Tader, Susan Parsa, Vickie Kurzydlo, Mary Biesty and Rosemary Barilla (2008) Saugnash Elementary Chicago, IL "Digital Storytelling" is a program being led by Lundak and his six colleagues. They have created a cross-curricular Language Arts and Media Technology experience for 150 middle school students at Sauganash Elementary school in Chicago. Their program provides students with an opportunity to write narrative stories full of symbolism and imagery that is brought to life by combining images downloaded from digital, video and Web site photos with narration, music and sound bytes to create digital stories. Although the project will address several Illinois Language Arts and Technology standards, it will also appeal to the "digital generation" and will help them develop writing skills using tone, mood and voice with verbal, visual and auditory features. The high-engagement factor of this program will ensure improvement in writing skills for these sixth through eighth-grade students. Eric S. Melnyczenko (2008) Columbia Central School Steger, IL Through Melnyczenko's "Reality Store" program, eighth-grade students at Columbia Central School will learn basic skills in financial and career planning, goal setting and decision-making. By simulating real-world experiences such as exploring occupational opportunities, receiving a monthly income and keeping a checkbook register, students will examine their attitudes about their financial future and their career expectations. To support this hands-on initiative, MeInyczenko will create a Reality Store staffed with volunteer students, parents, community members and local business owners to sell everything from insurance to real estate. From time to time the students will also spring the occasional unexpected event on participants. They will then write a first-person narrative essay describing their consumer and career decisions. MeInyczenko hopes to someday be able to offer scholarships to students who demonstrate exemplary learning through the project. MeInyczenko resides in Cedar Lake.