New forms of literacy call upon students to know how to read and write not only in the print world but also in the digital world. Today's definition of literacy is being broadened to include "literacy skills necessary for individuals, groups, and societies to access the best information in the shortest time to identify and solve the most important problems and then communicate this information" (Leu, 2000, p. 476). The Internet has provided the world of work with global competition and an informational economy (Leu, 2000).

The union of reading and technology on the Internet is causing educators to take a new look at what it means to be literate in today's society (Leu, 2002)

Instead of investing in prepackaged software programs, many teachers are harnessing the technology they already have—such as webcams, audio recorders, blogs, and other Web 2.0 tools—to boost literacy in students.

If classrooms are not equipped with Internet-ready computers, consider purchasing handheld dictionaries with many of the same features and encourage students to get their own and use them. Have students sign up for a word of the day e-mail or text message to receive on their own cell or smart phones.