Electronic Reading Workshop

So recently I've become fascinated with reading workshop. I think its a great way to get kids excited about reading in general. So while reading different articles about RW, I came across something even more fascinating called "Electronic Reading Workshop". The article is called, "ERW: Beyond books with new literacies and instructional technologies" by Lotta Larson. This article can be found in the journal of adult and adolescent adult literacy in the October 2008 edition.

First, I want to explain what reading workshop is in general. The following components are stated below:

Literature selection-students read designated novel
Literature response journals-students respond to journal entry prompts about novel
Literature conversations-students get into small groups to discuss key points, etc of novel
Project response options-students use different forms of creative methods to extend their reading experience(posters, drama, art, etc)

Second, I want to give a definition for Electronic Reading Workshop so you can measure the differences :It does have the same components with technology included as follows:
Literature selection: in the form of e-books, online reading materials, hypertexts
Literature response journals: in the form of blogs,
Literature conversations: wiki, discussion board, chat rooms
Project response options: use of internet, multi-media,

In terms of ERW, I think its a fantastic idea for the classroom. I think it will require a lot more teacher planning and organization, but it seems to be something that could be very effective, especially for this upcoming generation of kids immersed in this type of technology from infancy. Although the article that I read about ERW did mention that time was an issue in the classroom, I think that with adequate time management and pre-planning, it could work. I like the idea that many different types of multi-media and creativity can be used. I think its important for students not to feel like every second of the day in school feels like "work". Learning should be something fun and interesting, and technology could be a great stimulus for changing the way students view school and education. I can remember going through middle and high school feeling like every day was just another mandatory day of long hours, boring material, and "something to get through". I want my future classroom to be a space where kids are not only eager to get into, but are excited about what kinds of new and interesting things that I can incorporate into their learning curriculum.