Literacy is considered the ability to read and write. If reading and writing are thought of in the
narrow sense one would only consider printed text as falling into the category
of literacy. A broader definition would
encompass anything that can be read or written or anything where meaning can be
drawn. Texts, electronic articles,
blogs, Facebook, magazines and comics would be considered reading under the
broader definition. Images are part of
reading as well. Meaning can be drawn
from images. Therefore, videos and
illustrations should be considered a component of literacy. Any medium where meaning can be drawn can be
considered literacy. Reading is described as an interaction with text. The same interaction can occur through
digital literacy. Students enter a world
of critical thinking, decision making, and considering alternate possible
outcomes.
The new
interactive world allows the students to understand based upon prior knowledge
and the new experiences they gain through the choices made. They read from sources that they enjoy. Online communication continues to evolve
daily. We must evolve as well and
acknowledge and capitalize on the benefits of technology. With the click of button, project discussions
are underway, thoughts are shared and solutions are found. However, using the appropriate communication
method must be taught. A text to a
friend and a letter to the corporate office will use different forms of written
communication. A friend accepts and
expects a text using abbreviated word spelling.
Abbreviated word spelling is not appropriate for business communication.
Businesses expect documents written using the conventions of the Standard
English Language.
Donna Alvermann,
Professor of Language and Literacy Education at the University of Georgia sums
up the argument best when she stated “books aren’t out of the picture, but
they’re only one way of experiencing information in the world today” (Rich,
2008). Books and digital technology are
essential to our world. Both means are
valuable to the survival of society. We
can no longer consider learning as only being acquired from books. Books are important to learning, but are not
the only source of learning. Technology improves participation, collaboration,
thinking and creativity.
Reference
Rich, M. (2008, July 27).
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/27/books/27reading.html?pagewanted=all&_r=2&.
Retrieved from The New York Times: http://www.nytimes.com
Absolutely! It's not an either-or. New literacies give the possibility of a rich tapestry of reading and writing. It's sad that so many classrooms still give privilege to just print.
ReplyDeleteAs I said in one of my previous posts, I truly believe that there are advantages to the new literacies we have today primarily because we have an enriched form of communication. To me it is almost like wiring our brains to be able to learn 3 different languages.... isn't that what educators say about enriching the brain and using all areas of it so that we are deeper learners? I believe that learning through different modes of communication allows us multiple ways to interact in a quicker manner and creates an atmosphere for continued growth. I also believe that those who shun the expansion of technology are probably just unaware of the positive advantages it offers.
ReplyDeleteGreat points. I think that the partcipatory nature of new literacies is extremely important. Teachers are able to develop lessons in which the whole class can write, edit, and revise a short story through the use of laptops. They can develop an ongoing historical biography of a famous person. It encourages collaborative learning which is so essential to society.
ReplyDeleteOutside of the classroom, blogs can function as timely voices of opinion. Views and comments can be exchanged much quicker than on a newspaper's opinion and editorial page.
There are so many ways to reach students today besides traditional print. By using media rich technologies we can reach both the advanced students and disabled. I agree, texts and corporate letters can be considered in the literacy debate.
ReplyDelete