One of my course embedded into instructional technology

''Advanced writing and Research skills'' is one of my courses which often requires using digital materials, especially digital divide. As its name suggests that it totally relates to do research to find lots of sources from the internet for our research project. Therefore, we need to use instructional technology to complete it. Moreover, it provides us with critical thinking skills to plan and conduct our research project, as well as we can make the decisions on the topic of the research by using appropriate digital tools and resources.
In terms of the ''media used'', in the classes, the course book and texts handled by instructor are used. Another medium commonly used is the visuals (PowerPoint slides) to present the instruction. We have an opportunity to see summarized information rather than read all. I think that this course is mostly based on searching on the internet and using a wide variety of media to manage the research process.

As far as I suppose, during the course, almost all ''literacies'' are being reinforced. First of all, we will be capable of comprehending and decoding information to use and create new information. Text based resources are used in order to communicate information and develop text literacy. Throughout the writing of the research findings, we will be competent in solving any problem relating to the computer software. And finally, to interpret and create visual messages accurately from visual media we need to reinforce visual literacy.


The most important thing which I have learned from the beginning of the university is that technology is a necessity, not a fancy. Therefore, to know how to use the internet or any digital tools used in the classroom is more important than the other requirements for teaching and learning effectively. I think that students should be trained on the use of computer or any technology based tools used for their learning in quite early age, rather than starting at university. So, it should not be just only language teachers' responsibility to make sure the students develop digital literacy, but the authorities should be responsible for that problem. They, for instance, should provide students in each primary or secondary school with a computer laboratory and internet connection, and also students should be trained by using instructional technology.