Reading Prompt #2
What are "multiliteracies" as described by Cummins et al.? How does this relate to Egbert's assertions about the need for authentic materials to support ELL students' reading and writing? Discuss how blogs and blogging can be a tool for achieving these ideals with ELL students. Finally, describe your own experience creating your blog this week. Was it harder than you thought? What ideas do you have about the kind of stuff you want to blog about (besides what is required for this course)

Multiliteracies is described by Cummins as not only reading and writing, pen and paper like it has been done traditionally,now in 2007, multiliteraciesgo beyond that. Students are exposed to various different types of technology, which in affect can expand languages to a different dimension. What before was only read in a book in black and white or a chalkboard in smoke white powder is seen on computerscreens in three dimension or can be heard and spoken in a cyber cafe. ELL’s are learning the new hip and tech words. Students are also exposed to so much outside the school environment that paper and pen is just not enough. Teachers have to utilize technology that are going to attract students, curriculum that will engage them and in an environment that is high tech and uptodate not oldschool rote memorization and repeat after me. Student's minds need to be stimulated and energyutilized, especially with all the avenues for learningand retaining available to the ELL student. By utilizing blogging in the classroom students can exchange ideas and interact with other students who are learning as well. This interaction will assist thestudent's in learning and make the class a morecohesive and viable learning environment. Teachers can assist them and follow their goals and their learning. I am planning to use blogging in my class like a reading circle, where students will write their thoughts about their reading in the class blog. I am new at blogging, however, I have a teenager at home and I have been reading about my space. But that’s about it. I am excited about creating this blog, first I will utilize it as way to communicate with the family and second I will utilize it as learning tool for my ESL students. There are other tools that I would like touse also, such as, web based language programs andinteractive cyber space programs but even those maybe to advanced for me right now.