Journal 2
When we discuss literacy in schools we are talking about students’ ability to read and write, abilities that will be used to carry themselves throughout the rest of their life and academics career. However, the worldview is constantly changing, and the resources consumed are changed along with it. “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)?" With the quickly changing world we constantly have to reevaluate how we view the information we take in and what we consider valuable, and the implications it has on our lives. With the influx of online resources and online readings being done both inside and outside of school the questions of the validity of reading online and the impact it has on literacy are frequently brought up, parents and teachers are concerned that the use of the internet will negatively impact their students’ ability to read and write. My question is if a student is reading, no matter the format, wouldn’t that support their literacy awareness?
By debating that one form of literacy is better than another we can limit the access we grant ourselves and our students. I believe that there, while the internet is not a mode of literacy everyone, is entirely comfortable with it is an important aspect of life that we should include in our lives to help develop the literacy skills of our students as well as our own literacy skills. With the ever-developing nature of technology, there is no use in trying to stop students from using it, especially when it can be such a valuable resource. Limiting this resource could ultimately diminish an individual's ability to use this source later on when they are out of an education setting, and limit their access to skills that could be helpful when they enter the world. The technology and test scores discussed in the article all lead me to believe that while using technology as a primary source of literacy is not something older generations are used it is not a hindrance to those who use it, in fact, it is giving them an advantage, especially for people who may need more help.
I remember being in school learning about literacy, it was all about the ability to read and write. Nothing more. Nothing less. I agree that as the world keeps changing that we need to kind of take a step back to look at what the change is and how we can adapt to it. Using a computer is not the definition of literacy with reading a book, but if the student is reading directions from a teacher on google classroom or reading an article for a research paper, then would you say the computer usage does count as an opportunity for literacy. Technology should be used to our advantage while using what the older generation is. Why do we need to choose one over the other, when we can balance using both in the classroom.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you when you say that we should include digital literacy in order to help educate our students. Let's embrace the new media, but not necessarily forget about traditional texts. If we can engage more students and help or students further their education and career outlooks, then we should be teaching what is relevant and digital literacy seems to be relevant.
ReplyDeleteYou raise a great question in relation to the realization that any form of reading is increasing the literacy awareness of students. I agree with this, and it makes me think of another course I am taking at the moment (Intro to Critical Pedagogy). In that course, we are discussing how we should equip students with the skills to evaluate all forms of media so that they may deeply understand what they are reading. Students need to be taught how to critically evaluate an internet source so that they are able to decipher its truthfulness and reliability. These are skills we should teach in schools so that, as you mentioned, students can succeed later in life!
ReplyDeleteI absolutely agree that we are headed in the direction of literacy becoming mainly available on technology. It is absolutely an important step for students to get used to navigating literacy through technology as it has become a necessary skill for academic survival in the past few years. Even though not all content on the internet may be literacy, or at least educational literacy, developing the skill to navigate readings and texts online has become majorly important. Even just considering the amount of jobs that have become remote has made me realize just how important being able to view and interact with literacy in a variety of modes is important. I also am thinking along similar lines to Regan, who commented a few days ago about embracing the increase in literacy through technology, but not forgetting traditional literacies as well. Paper books and physical copies of literacy will continue to be important for a long time to come, but I do not believe literacy to be limited to these sources, as you have also discussed in your post.
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