Abstract
Statement of Problem: In the current secondary classroom, there exists a growing population of digital natives. However, not all educators identify as digital natives themselves, and as such are at a loss at how to best implement technology for those who are most familiar with it. Moreover, there exists a growing disconnect between technology used for personal, social use and that which can be used for educational benefit. The inability for teachers to recognize what constitutes and how to implement effective literacy technology applications, associated with ever-evolving realm technology, has produced a need for re-education and instruction. This research seeks to bridge both the gap between digital natives and digital novices as well as the divide between personal and professional technology use to better support both teachers and students in effective literacy instruction. This research will shed light on who is currently using technology in the classrooms, what platforms are being used, and to what extent these platforms are effective in supporting student literacy. Based on survey results, the authors designed an infographic and accompanying website as professional development for secondary instructors as recommendations for effective literacy technologies. Sources of Data: A survey was created and sent by email to educators across the United States. Responses were categorized by demographic information, by frequency of response, and by technologies they claimed to use. Responses were compared to practical classroom application as well as technology expert recommendations. All data was sorted according to the four elements of the literacy diet: reading comprehension, fluency, vocabulary, and writing. Conclusions Reached: After the completion of the research, it was shown that there are few teachers who are simultaneously using technology and using it effectively to support the literacy of their students. The information gained from this project will be useful in the creation of future professional development in the area of educational technology that supports secondary literacy.