Technology for Literacy Teaching and Learning (Book Review‪)‬

Technology for Literacy Teaching and Learning William J. Valmont 2003 ISBN 0-618-06855-4 US $49.56 paper 317 pp. Houghton Mifflin Company College Division Boston, MA While today's undergraduate training programs for future educators often require at least one class in technology, it seems almost impossible to keep up with the pace at which technology changes. Attempting to integrate technology and learning can be an overwhelming prospect, since teachers have so much on their plates with curriculum standards, paperwork, discipline issues, and lack resources due to budget constraints. More experienced educators may not have adequate training in technology, causing them to be more reluctant or even fearful to use it. Each and every teacher has a different level of technological knowledge, aptitude, and familiarity. Until now, I had not come across a text that could effectively speak to educators with such a broad spectrum of skill and experience. As an experienced teacher who enjoys incorporating technology into the foreign language classroom, I first thought that this particular text would be too basic and would not have much to offer those who are more comfortable with technology. However, William J. Valmont's book offers such a variety of resources that beginning and advanced teachers, as well as those studying to become teachers, will profit from this text. Valmont's style is perhaps the most positive feature of the text. He writes in a clear, easy-to-follow, unassuming manner. He makes sure to define necessary terminology without being overbearing or droning on in techspeak. Valmont begins with the basics and then moves on in a logical fashion as he develops each concept. I appreciate his discussion of techniques and theories apart from technology as well as merged with technology.