Module 2 Blog Post 2
How New Literacies are Relevant to Us:
For this assignment the two articles I chose to read were Improving Digital Practices for Literacy, Learning and Justice: More than Just Tools and Digital Literacy. Both articles mentioned the importance of having proficient skills not just technically but critically and responsibly. Digital literacy is much more than knowing how to use a computer. As defined in the article "Digital Literacy" Digital Literacy is Critical thinking, communication, processing and analyzing information, self-awareness, problem solving, and navigating systems are all deeply necessary skills in the pursuit of achieving proficiency in digital literacy (Vanek, 2019).
According to the International Literacy Association (2018) Instead of placing trust in the latest gadget, faith must be placed in the expertise of teachers to sustain classrooms that reflect the contexts of learning that are encountered outside of schools and in the real world (ILA, 2018). Students need a basic understanding of how to read and write in order to be successful using technological devices. Thus, being said it is important to teach students at a young age the basic principles of using a computer. Back when I was in elementary school, we did not use chrome books or iPads. We had paper and pencils. We did however have a computer class where we had participated in different typing programs. As the years went by, the internet became a large part of my schooling. More projects were due based on researching topics or making slide shows. Most of the skills I had learned either to navigate the internet or create projects were self-taught. If I was not proficient in basic reading and writing skills I would not have been able to succeed. In the article Digital Literacy, Teaching Skills That Matter states adult basic education classrooms are filled with adults who may have had interrupted formal education, who might be developing literacy for the first time, or who may be struggling with numeracy or English language proficiency. For these learners, digital literacy can support or accelerate the acquisition of knowledge and the development of proficiency in a range of academic contexts (Harris, 2015). As an English speaker I developed many of these skills at a young age, but others whose first language is not English would struggle with the basics.
The International Literacy Association (2018) stated, when school administrators take away students’ phones or tell them to put them away during class time, they are teaching implicit lessons about the kind of work environments these students are expected to enter (ILA, 2018). I found this very interesting but makes a lot of sense. Students are addicted to their phones and have them constantly. Having a cellphone gives them instant access to the internet and any other sources they need at the touch of a button. As they get older and join the work force, they will realize that they cannot be on them constantly. Most businesses have strict cell phone policies.
The differences between the digital world years ago and today have drastically changed. Students in classrooms now rely on chrome books to complete all assignments and even take state tests. Many students in my class who are autistic and nonverbal will throw tantrums if they cannot have access to an Ipad to watch videos usually on Youtube. The sad reality is that these kids know how to navigate the internet if they see familiar apps such as Youtube, even before they can speak. At this age I am helping them develop basic skills in interacting with technology and understanding its role in their environment. I know that the world will not change for our youth and as teachers we have to enforce what is most important and beneficial to our students. Regardless of age we have the power to help instill the foundational skills that they will build upon for the rest of their lives.
International Literacy Association. (2018). Literacy Leadership Brief: Improving Digital Practices for Literacy, Learning, and Justice More Than Just Tools. International Literacy Association.
Vanek, J. (2019). Digital Literacy. The Skills that Matter in Adult Education. American Institutes for Research.
Hey Jennifer,
ReplyDeleteI connect to your point about having library and computer lab in school. When I was in school, we had about 6-8 computers in the back where we could practice our computer skills during stations. We also had a computer lab, where we would learn how to type, use the computer, research, and even design things. Unfortunately, students do not get this opportunity at my current school. It is asked that we, as teachers, provide them with this opportunity. As you know time is everything and schedules are TIGHT! So.... when in the world are we supposed to have time to do this? When can we teach these skills? The answer is NEVER. It is incredibly frustrating. As for students having their phones in class, I don't typically have this problem but I found it interesting when you said it was a good lesson. Students need to recognize that when they are in a work environment, they need to put their phone away to ACTUALLY get the job done to the best of their ability.
Hi Jennifer! Like you, I had only used paper and pencils when I was in school. Once I reached high school and college is when I started using a computer. I still prefer pens and notebooks, but todays world is changing fast with new technology, I try to keep up. I teach Kindergarteners and they know so much more about technology than I do. When I started subbing in the intermediate grades I realized how reliant schools are on Chromebooks now. Instead of writing essays, students were typing them and instead of using pencil and paper for tests, students were completing tests online. I am excited to see how these digital literacies help me evolve as an educator.
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