What am I doing?

So, what am I doing to promote the use of new literacies in my classroom?  The answer to that question is . . . . not much. 

Why? In a nutshell;

• I teach in a small, about 140 students, urban charter school that services students in grades K - 8th.  In other words, we are poor, poor, and more poor. Out of my 21 students in grades 3 and 4, only 12 have some kind of internet access at home or at grandma's.
• I have two student computers in my room that I allow students to use to take Accelerated Reader quizzes and conduct research (when sites aren't blocked).
• While the school that I work at has a computer lab, it is antiquated and my students do not get time in it!  I have repeatedly brought up the desire to have my students have technology instead of art (these days you can do art using techonology!), but it would require contacting our chartering institution and making a curriculum change.  That sounds easy enough to me, but I guess it is not that easy or at least I am made to believe that the process isn't that easy.
• I do have a Smart Board, but many times it is not a reliable resource to use. So, I don't utilize it as much as I could if it always behaved and worked as it should.

I would love to do more, but with the financial constraits of my school and, therefore, the lack of technology, I have some hurdles to overcome. 

I have recently come across numerous books that I am hoping will add insight to my plight and help me maximize the potential that I do have.  I will be posting that book information next.