Introduction to NCTE/IRA and Common Core Standards

1) ELA instruction is teaching a combination of: reading, writing, speaking and listening,  and language. Elementary teachers are responsible for teaching all of ELA where in middle school/high school it is broken up by the ELA teacher and history/science/and technical subjects. Under the reading section, leveled books, scope and sequence, appropriate ebooks, and "new literacies" are key. Leveled books are probably the most seen and used in classrooms that I have observed. When teaching ELA, a teacher must make sure that all material is on an appropriate instructional level for all students.
Under Writing, the key components are: text types, responding to reading, and research. For some teachers this is the hardest part to teach because many students are reluctant to writing. However, it is imperative for students to learn how to appropriately respond to reading, whether it be a simple passage or a book. Furthermore, they need to learn how to conduct a research project. Throughout their educational career students will be asked to research a given topic and write about it.
Speaking and listening is another component in ELA. In this section students must learn how to collaborate. When they collaborate they will express their thoughts and opinions and then listen openly for others' thoughts and opinions. A great way for teachers to teach this concept is through group projects. During group projects students are forced to practice this skill.
The last part is Language. In Language there are: conventions, vocabulary, and effective use. This focuses on the rules of spoken and written language. It also has an emphasis on vocabulary and teaching the students what words mean and when would be appropriate to use those newly learned words. Some teachers teach this section after reading a story. They first discuss the story and present some comprehension questions during which time the teacher can informally teach the rules of the spoken language. Furthermore, vocabulary is usually also taught at this time.

2) One technology tool that can be used to teach each of the 5 components of ELA is the Smartboard. The Smartboard is a great interactive technology tool with endless possibilities. Teachers can use the Smartboard for everything from showing a video and playing an interactive game with the students, to taking notes and presenting a powerpoint presentation. Due to its extreme versatility the Smartboard is definitely a great technology tool that can easily be used to teach any subject (including ELA).

3) I interviewed a teacher at the elementary school I sub at. When asked about her difficulties and challenges in integrating technology her response was "Time." Using technology in the classroom tends to take up more time than some teachers have, both in planning and using it. She said there are many things she would love to use in the classroom such as the ELMO and the Smartboard but she simply does not have enough time to plan out activities since she is split between kindergarten and 1st grade. Furthermore, these technological tools are not also available, which is another challenge she mentioned. At some points there may be a great website or software program she would like her students to explore but there are either not enough computers in the classroom or she cannot get time in the computer lab because the open time slots have all been filled. Overall, time and accessibility were the two challenges this teacher says she faces when trying to integrate technology in the classroom. I think these challenges are challenges that most teachers face regardless of what school or district they may teach in.