The recent development of ChatGPT, an artificial intelligence application that mimics human language, has many educators questioning its place in the classroom. This article provides suggestions for instructional uses of ChatGPT in the literacy classroom so that teachers can empower students to use this tool safely and effectively for learning.

Artificial intelligence is the simulation or development of reasoning and other human-like cognitive abilities by computers. Currently, there is limited exploration of applications of artificial intelligence tools for teaching reading to children in the early childhood and elementary grades, including how artificial intelligence might be used to…

The advent of Generative AI technologies, such as ChatGPT, in November 2022, necessitated immediate and critical attention from the educational research community. The impact of GenAI in education, though not yet clear, has the potential to be transformative. More specifically, the focus of this paper is on how to integrate GenAI into elementary…

Evolving digital technologies provide opportunities to engage students in activities that go beyond print-based reading and writing and help them develop skills for reading, writing, and communicating with digital technology. Virtual reality apps are a rapidly emerging form of digital technology that provides immersive experiences in real or…

This teaching tip showcases instructional strategies and scaffolds from an out-of-school digital writing camp. Often, teachers may be hesitant to incorporate digital tools into their literacy instruction for various reasons (e.g., scripted curriculum, fear and uncertainty of digital tools, lack of experience and knowledge with technology), yet it…

The authors describe a strategy that empowers students to edit and revise their own writing. Students input their writing in to text-to-speech software that rereads the text aloud. While listening, students make necessary revisions and edits.

Digital storytelling is a viable tool to help struggling writers resist the social position of struggling writer that is often exacerbated by state-mandated writing assessments. While some writers may struggle with traditional literacy, tapping into new literacies may boost their motivation and scaffold their understanding of traditional…

This article addresses issues surrounding critical media literacy using popular culture texts. The authors focus on the example of their work with a fourth-grade class involved in a project to unpack the messages of popular media and advertising texts. This project, which they call the Elementary Bubble Project, was inspired by guerilla artist Ji…

Knowing the meanings of common root words, prefixes, and suffixes may help students read and spell the longer words they begin to run into in the upper elementary grades. This article describes how students can use the Kidspiration computer program to quickly and easily create word webs that illustrate the meanings of common root words and…

Describes how different types of software can be used to extend students' reading of different books by three authors: Mercer Mayer, Judy Viorst, and Betsy Byars. (RS)

Describes how the authors took a small step toward using technology as they developed and used a rubric as a guide for reviewing software. Provides an example of the process of creating a rubric and a model for teachers to adapt or change for their own software evaluations. (SG)

Computer-based technologies offer promise as a means to assess students and provide teachers with better understandings of their students' achievement. This article describes recent developments in computer-based and web-based reading and literacy assessment, focusing on assessment administration, information management, and report creation. In…

In the current industry-driven educational climate, resources are produced, marketed, and subsequently understood to be synonymous with "balanced literacy." This article critically examines various programs currently in wide use to demonstrate this occurrence. The examination specifically provides examples of how the appropriation and…