M2 Assignment: Blog Post 1 - Defining New Literacies and Why They Matter
I truly did not understand how new literacy practices are playing a role in both my personal life and work life. Yes, like most people I have social media, and I use it often (Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat etc.). But I never thought of the skills that I needed to be able to use social media sites. I took basic computer classes in high school and learned how to type properly and how to use Microsoft Word but that was the extent of my technology teaching in school.
As I started reading “What Does It Mean to Have Digital Literacy Skills?” by Jenifer Vanek, I never realized how many different digital literacy proficiencies there are: “Basic Computer Skills, Network Literacy, Digital Problem Solving, Media Literacy and informational literacy.” (Vanek 2019, pg.2). This made me think about using technology in my classroom and how I have to be mindful of the different abilities each student has. When thinking of basic computer skills, students do need to be able to turn the computer on and log in and know what side of the mouse they need to click before they can even continue to increase their media literacy fluency. Something that I had to think about before planning a digital lesson. I mean who am I kidding though, many of these kids have phones and social media. They know how to get onto websites that I definitely did not even know about when I was their age. Most of my students have moved on to be proficient in their network literacy which has its pros and cons. I do teach third and fourth grade so they are older and heading into those upper elementary years, so it does make some sense.
Digital literacy is big in my classroom as we have a daily D.E.A.R time (Drop Everything and Read) for at least 20 minutes, the kids often choose to go on Epic Books to listen to an audiobook or just to read a digital book. They often ask for more time because they are enjoying what they are reading so why stop them!
My school has a wide range of students coming from different backgrounds and each student has an IEP. My job is to teach and meet each of them where they are at, which is hard when you have seven students on all different levels. While reading “Improving Digital Practices for Literacy, Learning and Justice” from the International Literacy Association, this quote stuck out to me:
“Meaningful application of digital technologies is not an attempt to mask the educational inequality that continues to persist in schools. Instead, the forms of production and amplification that are possible when students learn fluidly in new digital contexts can help spotlight areas of necessary advocacy in public schooling. For example, rules that restrict student use of personal media devices during lunches and passing periods reinforce power structures that mimic cell phone policies primarily found in working-class jobs.” (International Literacy Association 2018, pg.4).
This left me thinking, will it truly help students in the long run as technology and media evolve into the future or will it only make things worse?
Refences:
Beecher, C. (2023, July 19). Chapter 1. What is Literacy? Multiple Perspectives on Literacy. Methods of Teaching Early Literacy. https://iastate.pressbooks.pub/teachingearlyliteracy/chapter/what-is-literacy-multiple-perspectives-on-literacy/
International Literacy Association. (2018). Improving digital practices for literacy, learning, and Justice. https://www.literacyworldwide.org/docs/default-source/where-we-stand/ila-improving-digital-practices-literacy-learning-justice.pdf
National Council of Teachers of English. (2019, November 7). Definition of Literacy in a Digital Age. https://ncte.org/statement/nctes-definition-literacy-digital-age/
Sang, Y. (2017). Expanded Territories of “Literacy”: New Literacies and Multiliteracies. Journal of Education and Practice. https://eric.ed.gov/?id=EJ1139059
Vanek. (2019). Digital Literacy. https://www.air.org/sites/default/files/TSTMDigitalLiteracyBrie f-508.pdf
Hi Delaney! I really found your blog post very insightful in regards to using technology in the school setting. I also work with students that all have IEPs, so working towards their goals while also implementing technology has definitely had its own learning curve. I also wanted to touch upon/answer your question at the end of the post. Personally, I think the use of digital technology will truly help students in the long run, but only when used practically and appropriately. In other words, if we're putting students in front of a SmartBoard playing a video for 40 minutes, this surely wouldn't help them in the long run. Alternatively, using specific educational technology (such as DeltaMath for math lessons) this can provide students with different platforms to learn and grow. I really enjoyed reading your post, and loved how you added the question to wrap it all up. Great job!
ReplyDeleteYou know, I go back and forth on whether technology in the classroom is good or harmful. And I truly believe that it is a case-by-case basis. Some students just cannot handle the temptation, but if it wasn't something they found intriguing on their laptop, would it be playing around during a lesson. I hate to take it away from everyone because there are a lot of students who really benefit from having a laptop with them. We need to find a happy medium and discipline those who do not treat the privilege with respect.
ReplyDeleteHi Delaney!
ReplyDeleteI also did not realize the major role literacy played in my work and personal life as well, especially digital literacy. I also uncovered that I possess a rather conventional view of literacy and thankfully I have discovered that it is much more complex than I previously presumed. Now, I have hopes that I can continue to adapt as an educator as the world changes around me and best prepare my students for the ever-changing and modern world. I was also surprised to learn how many digital literacy proficiencies there are! My students use and love EPIC books as well! During the year I ensure that I set aside time for my 3rd graders to learn typing skills, mouse skills, as well as other computers skills so they are prepared to majorly integrate these digitals skills into their lives! They have loved every minute of learning more digital skills so they continual access to engaging resources at their finger tips. We use typing.com and I created a practice google slides for students to practice mouse skills such as copying and pasting as well as clicking mouse skills to create a "monster picture" in order to become comfortable on their computers! I can understand your concern about not wanting to make the future more challenging as things will always continue to change but I think we are helping them in the long run. While technology will continue to change, we are providing foundational skills and access to different resources for students to give them more strategies, options, and choices for the future. Very intriguing post!
Hello, Delaney! I agree that our 3rd and 4th graders have a very good grasp on their social media comings and goings on their own devices, yet lack experience with using a computer and its components. It is challenging when they are using QuaverEd (an online music platform) as they have a hard time with logging in, using a mouse to navigate the space, and saving their work. They are getting it, but it takes a lot of practise and repetition, I can only do so much when I see them once a week for music class. Power struggles over devices just gets worse as they're older; when I taught at the middle school level a few years back it was much better when I showed them how to incorporate their devices into our lessons. It wasn't easy, but they need the guidance with this ever-evolving tech!
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