Blog Post 1 - Defining New Literacies and Why They Matter

Defining New Literacies and Why They Matter

    In this week's readings, I was able to deep dive into Digital Literacy and its context within the society and cultures I participate in. The New Literacies Theory suggests that due to a changing world and growing demands inside and outside of the workplace, the way literacy is taught needs to tailor to those new demands and embrace technology in a meaningful way. (Sang, 2017, p. 16) Life and the way society functions has drastically transformed - the way literacy is thought of and taught should be reflective of those changes. Looking back to when I was still a student in the public school system and now reflecting on my time as an educator in the same system, I realize that New Literacies have been all around me the entire time. I remember when SmartBoards came out when I was in 5th grade. I remember going to the computer lab and learning to navigate Word and how to conduct research on complex databases. When I was in high school, students were given individual Chromebooks and we were taught to use them in meaningful ways. Now being an educator, I engage my students in projects that require them to utilize current technologies such as Google applications, Canva, and updated data bases. I discuss the media and engage them in meaningful conversations and explicitly teach them how to differentiate between reliable and unreliable sources. I model for my students how to conduct yourself on the internet and analyze the importance of netiquette. I educate students on the basic operations of physical technology and encourage them to draw on previous skills to problem solve challenges they may face with those technologies. New Literacies have been all around me my entire life and I wasn't aware. New Literacies impacts my life in such a tremendous way because I'm one of the many people who will have a hand in my students' futures. Ensuring that my students are competent in New Literacies will help to prepare them to lead successful and meaningful lives. 

    Many of the readings mentioned the idea that narrowed views of literacy, such as reading and writing being the only components, is actually harmful to the students. As mentioned previously, the demands of the world are constantly evolving. Meaning, that the tools students need to be equip with to be able to exist in the world in a meaningful way have evolved as well. As an English and reading teacher, I have a core belief that reading and writing are fundamental life skills that all students have to master in order to be a functioning member of society. With that being said, being literate in basic technologies and navigating the media are also now cultural requirements. I would be failing my students if I ignored that fact. Having this narrowed view in classrooms where the goal should always be equity and access would be detrimental to students. The world is a diverse place and students need to be exposed to and become comfortable with that fact. "When learning experiences are grounded in well-informed teaching practices, the use of technology allows a wider range of voices to be heard, exposing learners to opinions, perspectives, and norms outside of their own." (Witte & Bass, 2022) The internet allows for students to connect with people who are different than how they identify. Students can make these connections via videos, engaging websites with multiple modalities of information. The connections they can make with the outside world is much deeper thanks to the advancements of technology. If classrooms are supposed to be focused on equity, diversity must be practiced. 

    One of the most jolting statistics I read was in Constance Beecher's piece. This author stated that 67% of all children, 80% of that coming from students of low income households, are not proficient readers by the end of 3rd grade. (Beecher, 2023) She went on to discuss that reading levels have a direct correlation to health problems. People who are educated have better job opportunities that in turn would give them better access to health insurance, healthier foods, and healthier lifestyles. In other words, they'll live longer and richer lives. New Literacies can be a way to rope in reluctant readers and put them on that path to success. Not only would New Literacies open students up to new realities, it could be the beginning of the rest of their lives. As educators, we're preparing them for a future that's unknown to all of us. New Literacies gives students the opportunities to become problem solvers and engage in their world in a significant way. 





References

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/ 

Sang, Y. (2017). Expanded Territories of “Literacy”: New Literacies and Multiliteracies. Journal of Education and Practice. https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1139059.pdf 

Witte, S., & Bass, B. (2022, April 19). Definition of literacy in a Digital age. National Council of Teachers of English. https://ncte.org/statement/nctes-definition-literacy-digital-age/ 


Comments

  1. Myranda BurkeSeptember 27, 2024 at 8:59 PM

    I liked reading your post, especially the part about utilizing current technologies and discussing media. I think a really important part of learning about new technologies and new literacies is to remember that it can never replace discussions or teacher instruction. I also think it's so important to teach students how to differentiate between reliable and unreliable sources, especially now with AI. The world is changing so fast in regard to technology and media. It's very important that students go into the world on their own with an understanding of it. It sounds like you have a great way of teaching it in your classroom!

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