In today’s ever-changing cyber world, the notion of literacy has expanded beyond the traditional definition of being able to just read and write print texts in one dialect, academic English. It now incorporates a range of new literacies that are crucial for effective communication and engagement of students. Throughout my research of defining new literacies, involving “Sampling “the New” in New Literacies” by Lankshear, C., & Knobel, M. (2007, June), “Improving Digital Practice for Literacy, Learning, and Justice: More Than Just Tools” by (ILA, 2018), and “Digital Literacy” by (Vanek, 2019), I have recognized the elaborate nature of literacy in our modern world and its implications inside my classroom as a 5th grade science teacher.
My takeaway from Lankshear, C., & Knobel, M. (2007, June) is the dynamic nature of literacy in the digital age. The article describes how new literacies extend beyond the norm of reading and writing skills and integrate critical thinking and adaptive problem-solving for students. This idea challenged me to reconsider what it means to be literate in today's world. Throughout my education, I thought of literacy as a static term but now see it as an ever-evolving adaptive concept. The ILA article taught me the importance of using digital tools that promote equity for all in education. I was challenged with ways how to facilitate inclusivity in my classroom that empower my students rather than divide them as individuals. Vanek also allows us to see the importance of evaluating sources and insightful information, which is crucial for academic success and informed students who are all empowered.
Overall these readings have supplied me with valuable knowledge that will continue to educate me with my ongoing work in digital literacy that is always evolving. They emphasize the necessity of embracing a holistic approach that combines technical skills with an awareness of social justice in education that ensures new digital practices are meaningful as well as transformative. Where do you see components of digital literacies in your work setting?
References
International Literacy Association. (2018). Improving digital practices for literacy, learning, and justice: More than just tools [Literacy leadership brief]. Newark, DE: Author.
Lankshear, C., & Knobel, M. (2007, June). Sampling “the New” in New Literacies. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/283968439_Sampling_the_new_in_new_literacies
Sang, Y. (2017). New Literacies and Multiliteracies - Eric. https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1139059.pdf
Vanek (2019). Digital literacy. The American Institutes for Research. https://www.air.org/sites/default/files/TS
Hi Christina!
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with the importance of evaluating sources to find insightful information. We can discuss media literacy and implement it in our classrooms, but if we are unable to verify if it is beneficial for students, it may have a negative impact. Additionally, we must equip students with the ability to discern credible sources from biased sources. With an abundance of digital media at society's fingertips, teaching students how to analyze material is essential. We must convey the importance that everything you see is not fact, you must do your own research to determine if there is bias present.
To answer your question, I have seen digital literacies affect my workplace (an elementary school) positively and negatively. Starting with the positive, there are many programs students use that appear effective. For example, Blooket is a great way to engage students while reviewing or practicing concepts such as addition and multiplication facts. On the other hand, oftentimes children are using technology as busy work opposed to using it engagingly. This shows a deficit of digital literacies because administrators and educators are not brainstorming engaging ways to use media, but are using it to keep students occupied.
Hello Christina,
ReplyDeleteYou and I received very similar takeaways from the readings as you. We as educators also need to be able to adapt to the ever changing definition of “literacy” and challenge our own ideas. Reading this article enlightened me to this idea, and I can see it did the same for you based on your post. I see many different components of digital literacy in my school. I try my hardest to allow students to be digitally sound through the use of online resources and projects. However, I never want my students to rely on technology, but rather use it as a tool to help them understand the overall learning goal.
Hi Christina,
ReplyDeleteThinking of literacy as an ever evolving concept, just like our students' needs, is an important part of the education system. In order to properly prepare our students for life outside of school, we need to find the technology and interaction methods that best suit their needs. Even if those needs push against the status quo.
Hi Christina
ReplyDeleteI believe that literacy is changing and growing in important ways. Many schools that did not have digital literacy programs are now adding different digital tools to their lessons. For example, at a school where I worked, there were no digital literacy resources. However, just before I moved to a new school, they introduced a smart board. Using this technology helped me enhance my lessons and engage my students in new ways. One strategy I used was a math game at the end of each day to reinforce what we had learned. This made it fun and interactive for students to review their knowledge. It also helped them think critically and work together with their classmates. These practices are vital for helping students thrive in a digital world, as they learn to apply their knowledge in creative and practical ways.