“what counts as literacy, how literacy changes in response to
the new media landscape, and what value we should ascribe to the new forms of
communication that continue to emerge and evolve online (Jenkins, 2009)."
Defining literacy in our ever-changing world is not easy. A common, yet outdated understanding of literacy is being able to read and write. Now, being literate means being able to read and write at a level to be successful in today's world, knowing how to use technology, and knowing how to solve problems and make decisions. As society and technology change, so does literacy.
In a New York Times article, Literacy Debate: Online, R U Really
Reading?, Motoko Rich (2008) recognizes the fact that the internet has
created a new kind of reading. And while
many will argue that reading on the internet weakens literacy, and shortens
attention spans, the new media and new literacies that exist in our
technological world are truly redefining literacy skills that will be absolutely
necessary for youth especially, to navigate and be successful in the 21st
century. Consequently, according to the
video, What
Does it Mean to be Literate in the 21st Century? “the how, what and why of teaching literacy must also
change" (Bibliosmartgirl,
2009).
Professionally, I have
been gradually incorporating new and emerging technologies and a variety of
forms of literacy into my traditional and online classrooms. While attempting to accommodate various
learning styles, I have provided an eclectic offering of course content that
includes readings from traditional textbooks, podcasts, educational videos,
screencasts, online periodicals, etc. All
of the above are examples of new literacies, yet I feel as if I have only
scratched the surface. New media and new avenues
for information consumption will only continue to grow and emerge.
The
following statement from Maryanne Wolf, developmental psychologist and
cognitive scientist of Tufts University, exemplifies my current approach to new
media and new literacies:
"There is physicality in
reading, maybe even more than we want to think about as we lurch into digital
reading—as we move forward perhaps with too little reflection. I would like to
preserve the absolute best of older forms, but know when to use the new."
Personally, the side of me that is a digital immigrant, still prefers and even defaults to pen and paper, and the feeling of a book in my hands. I hope that I can find the balance.
References
Bibliosmartgirl. (2009,
November 29). What Does it Mean to be
Literate in the 21st Century?
[Video file]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wn0_H-kvxkU.
[Video file]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wn0_H-kvxkU.
Rich, M. (2008). Literacy Debate: Online, R U Really
Reading? The Future of Reading, 1-8.
Retrieved from
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/27/books/27reading.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0
Retrieved from
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/27/books/27reading.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0
Your definition of literacy is true and I think many may add the idea of understanding context. Students may read and think back to themselves..."what did I just read?" I know this because I was the kind of student that did not retain information very well. I had to re-read math problems, science questions, book, etc. many times before truly understanding what the reading was trying to explain/ask. Understanding is the stepping-stone for real-world experiences. If we teach our students to simply "retrieve the correct answer" are they really learning? Are they really reading?
ReplyDeleteI think this concept of understanding rather than memorizing has been the goal of common core standards in New York. I'm not sure if the standards have been implemented correctly but I do think the intentions of NYS standards were and are good.
How do you think you can evolve your electric offering of content to pass the "scratching the surface" phase?
I think you will be able to find a balance eventually within how much you use new literacies. Improvement comes with practice.
I was also a student that did not retain information easily.
DeleteIt would take me several attempts at reading, for comprehension, regardless of the subject matter.
I have found that many of my students also struggle with this. As a supplemental component of my courses, I create videos for assignments, particularly challenging topics, and the like, so that they can view the video as many times as they need to, to assist in their comprehension. I would have loved that resource as a student.
This, to me, is a prime example of how new media and new literacies can enhance learning and best teaching practices.
What do you think would have helped you when you struggled?
I think simply having my one choice in what I read. My teacher would pick books for us to read based on our level of reading skill. In some cases this is helpful to specific students but I think if I was able to choose a book I was interested in reading (for independent reading time) I would have had more motivation to actually read. Aside from that...digital e-books would have been so much more beneficial to me. I realize that when I was in 5th grade having access to computers was not as simple as it is today. I am grateful for the computer labs, iPads, and classroom laptops that are supplied for my students in my school district. We can only improve from here!
DeleteChristine,
ReplyDeleteI am also trying to implement more online technologies for my students both in the classroom and in our tutoring lab. I am adding more videos with accompanying directions and links to helpful resources in addition to the tutoring students receive in the lab. Collaboration with other instructors is also helping to address some of the difficult spots of specific classes, and those ideas are posted on online sites for instructors to use during lecture.
I realize that reading from print resources is critical, however many companies will be looking for applicants who are fluent online as well. By making sure that students have access to many useful tools to help them succeed in classes, they are also able to bring that knowledge to other places in their lives. Technology will continue to expand so showing them how to use both print and online resources will benefit them in their future professions.
Christine, as mentioned already your definition of literacy is spot-on for today's world. It also applies to both digital and traditional literacy. I think it becomes difficult for students to meet the requirements for literacy for a number of reasons - availability of new technology being one. This can be made especially difficult when their teachers are hesitant or outright opposed to integrating new technologies into the classroom.
ReplyDeleteI think it's great that you have integrated things like screencasts, podcasts, and educational videos into your courses. Even if it does feel like just scratching the surface, the variety of material can help keep otherwise distracted students engaged in the coursework.
Have you had any feedback from your students on the additional learning objects you've been using? It would be interesting to see how they feel about the added DLOs. I also think it is important to remember quality over quantity, and not bog a course down with a huge number of digital tools that may or may not be adding to the course. From my experience, a lot of faculty where I work are also looking to strike a balance between "newbie" experienced usage of digital tools.
Hi Christine,
ReplyDeleteI just got done reading a study for my other class "Emerging Technologies". The study discusses the influence of technology on children's learning. According to the study, children learn more from using technology when adults provide them a safe climate, encourage them to participate, and involve them in the goal. Indeed, the technology can be a great assistant but the adults (in this case the teacher) are still the stepping stones to the child’s success. It's not what technology you're using, it's how you are using it!
You should look up "flipped classroom". I think this method could prove to be helpful in your endeavors.