Journal #2: What counts as literacy?
“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).
What counts as literacy? In a world where technology
controls many aspects of our lives, the answer seems a little complicated.
Traditional literacies relate to reading or researching material through printed
books, newspapers or magazines. New literacies are those such as searching
information on the Web, texting, using networking sites or blogging. “New
literacies, in contrast with traditional literacies, are more participatory”
(Wilbur 2010). But in which way does literacy have the most positive effect on
our day to day life and on the growing development of our brains? The answer
might be different for everyone.
We have to understand that new literacies are not going
anywhere. Whether we like it or not, this is the world that we are living in. The
way people view literacies has changed due to the advancements in technology
and the instant gratification that we desire. Why would you drive to the
library to check out a book so you could find the answer to a question that you
could have found in 5 seconds on your I-phone?
Some believe that “reading a book, and taking the time to
ruminate and make inferences and engage the imaginational processing, is more
cognitively enriching, without a doubt, than the short little bits that you
might get if you’re into the 30-second digital mode” (Pugh pg5). Others believe that the internet is “just
more comfortable and meets the needs of somebody who might not be a fluent
reader” (Shaywitz pg6).
I personally feel that we need to find an equal balance
between the traditional and new forms of literacy. As educators, we should let
those who enjoy learning through the Web and other forms of technology embrace
the new literacies. However I also feel that we need to incorporate all forms of
literacy into our classrooms. We need to evolve with this new change but
continue to stress to our students the importance of both.
References
Dana J. Wilber, Beyond ‘new’ literacies, Digital Culture
& Education 2010
Rich, M. (2008, July 27). The Future of Reading- Literacy
Debate: Online, R U Really Reading?
Laura,
ReplyDeleteIt is interesting to point out that, “as educators, we should let those who enjoy learning through the Web and other forms of technology embrace the new literacies” it is easy to create a classroom that is not technologically savvy especially if the educator feels threatened by the usage of these various technologies. But, for some they would argue that these technologies are becoming too readily available and are distracting students from what really matters and what they should be reading- books. Why shy away from these technologies and not embrace them? I’m all for 21st century learning and in my classroom you’ll see the latest and greatest forms of technology not because I wanted them but, because they know I’ll use it and integrate it into my classroom to best help my students learn. Learning in a digital age may be difficult, and students may be more inclined to simply read something off the Internet and believe it without second guessing if it’s a reliable source. But, if we teach them the tricks of the trade, aren’t we setting them up for success rather than failure? One of the best parts of being an educator is learning about our students and figuring out what way of teaching/learning works best for them.
Hi Bri.
ReplyDeleteWhen you said "I ... feel ... we need to incorporate all forms of literacy into our classrooms", I absolutely agree. Since literacy will continue to evolve, we must include them into all of our spheres of teaching and learning. Since we know that the industries of tomorrow will not be supported by the literacy standards of yesterday, today, truly, " ... we need to incorporate all forms of literacy into our classrooms."
Laura,
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading your post and also wrote on my blog about the balance that must be found between traditional and new forms of literacy, as well as other aspects of life (social interaction, engagement with nature, physical exercise).
Your statement, "Why would you drive to the library to check out a book so you could find the answer to a question that you could have found in 5 seconds on your I-phone?," made me think of the large role corporations have in constructing new media, and therefore redefining literacy. The very format we're using to write our blogs is a product of Google. Because of the nature of the internet, we all do have a role in shaping the direction of literacy, but awareness of the corporate hand is another reason we should find a balance, and provide our students with the critical awareness skills they need.
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ReplyDeleteThe balance between the traditional and new is a good start. And it ensures that while change is a challenge for all of us, the thing is to BEGIN.
ReplyDeleteThat said, I have to ask about the discrepancy between schools that have technology and those who do not. Access is key to this debate. Once we decide to take the dive, the issue will be the achievement gap, AGAIN.
The balance between the traditional and new is a good start. And it ensures that while change is a challenge for all of us, the thing is to BEGIN.
ReplyDeleteThat said, I have to ask about the discrepancy between schools that have technology and those who do not. Access is key to this debate. Once we decide to take the dive, the issue will be the achievement gap, AGAIN.
I agree with your post, “new literacies are not going anywhere”. I try to encourage my students to read whether traditional books or via online literacies. I find that most students have an affinity for reading on screen and I am wondering if the brain takes in information differently on a screen versus on paper -in terms of appeal of presentation, retention and comprehension. Digital literacies definitely gives one more affordances in terms of flexibility, saving on time, interaction with video/text, making text larger for those with visual impairments and text can often be read to the reader in addition to many other benefits. It is great that students are reading online, however, it is very important as educators to introduce and teach an appreciation for different forms of literacy such as reading in tangible books because many skills can be developed in this way.
ReplyDeleteIn your post you mentioned “Why would you drive to the library to check out a book so you could find the answer to a question that you could have found in 5 seconds on your I-phone?” I felt compelled to write that I am actually one of those people who do drive to the library to take out books. Perhaps because I am “old- fashioned” or because I don’t always need instant gratification, it could be a host of things, I’m not really sure why- I just know that it feels better to read tangible books sometimes. In my opinion, there is something very wonderful about reading a book, turning the pages, going from beginning, to middle and finishing the book- it is something to be proud of . I also encourage the parents of my students to get a library card for their child, take out books, and read them with their children. This is a basic foundational step that parents can take to get children in the habit of reading. This is a great practice for all students and for those who may not have access to the internet, may not own a laptop, desktop or other electronic device. This is not to say that this is the only step, but parents need to actively engage their children (while still young) in the act of reading; this sets the stage for a lifetime of reading.