As an educator the use of new literacies is something we have to confront and accept. We need to find ways to use to allow ourselves to work with students to use digital literacies to think critically, and use safely to enhance learning and present information in acceptable and interesting ways. This will sometimes put pressure on educators to have to keep up with technology, which changes overnight. One of the ideas that were mentioned in the articles was how all this is taking place so rapidly in the workforce. More jobs will probably be available to educators that can adapt to this change along with specialized jobs in the computer science field. Students will need to learn these skills that will prepare them for the workforce and it will be a necessity to have some type of computer knowledge since everything is being stored now on computers. Fore example, when I take my children to the Dr. now the prescriptions are no longer on paper. New digital literacies are being expanded in almost every field and specialized jobs will become available to students who can design and incorporate digital literacy.
"New literacies in contrast with traditional literacies, are more participatory." http://www.digitalcultureandeducation.com/uncategorized/dce_editorial_vol2_iss1_2010/ When a text is made using digital literacy it can be changed and re-shaped, whereas, in the more traditional form of writing, such as in a textbook it cannot. Digital literacy can add more to a text by supplementing with graphics, video, or sound. From a educational standpoint text is being reinforced with visuals which allow digital literacies to reinforce different learning styles and allow creativity. More sense and understanding of text is made using digital literacy perhaps because a student is finding ways to share the information more quickly and gain feedback.
As I read in one of the articles , regarding Digital Literacies ,a Research briefing by the Technology Enhanced Learning phase of the Teaching and learning Research Programme, it mentioned how the making of text and reading of text demands more attention. Students become authors of there own. When a student or individual composes a text or creates a piece of text, they must think about how they design the text, such as font or layout depending who the text is for. If it is a formal paper they may not want to design the text as if they would for a less informal project.
As I see it, as an educator, we have to realize that different literacies are becoming part of our lives and our student's lives. We should become learners and be open-minded to the demands of a more socially diverse world which shares digital and new literacies. With acceptance and open-mindness we will eventually adapt to different types of digital literacies, there design and construction, and how to use it constructively in the lives of our students.
Dena,
ReplyDeleteGreat post. I like how you mentioned digital literacy and its advantages such as adding graphics, sound, visuals, etc. These are all things that supplement learning and can help student who have different learning styles. Today, we must use a multi-sensory approach to teaching to ensure we are reaching our diverse learners. I agree that we must be learners as educators. Our learning never ends just because we are a teacher. We have to recognize that reflection and constant learning are imperative to improve.
Thanks, Dana. I used to teach computers in elementary part-time a long time ago. Adding graphics, sound and scanning photos was just being introduced into research projects and programs on the mac that the kids used. Everything is outdated as far as the hardware but a lot of the programs are still being used but perhaps they have improved. The kids were never bored. I just was recently teaching a preschool class typing. I didn't take keyboarding till I was in high school!
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