Week 10 - New Literacies

CONCEPTUAL UNDERSTANDING

How has your conceptual understanding of literacy changed since beginning this class? 

            I started with the very basic concept of literacy, being able to read and write. Throughout this assignment, this view has evolved into a much broader definition. I now feel that my traditional definition has been replaced by one that is much more complex. Now, literacy is having the ability to understand and communicate. Literacy requires much more than simply reading and writing.

How does your research on a new literacy and development of your own digital literacy (using your new technology) inform your thinking?

            My concept of cultural literacy developed a great deal as a result of my personal research. I learned about the discussions and points of contention surrounding a common core understanding. I was able to learn about the key players in these debates and understand why each believes their arguments are valid. Learning about cultural literacy really helped me make connections and explain why understanding different cultures are important.

            I had no idea how a virtual or open world worked until I participated in this assignment. The potential for such technology has only just been tapped. Although the potential is great, the productive use of the world and the maintenance of proper usage have not been established. I think the realm of a 3-D world would be very interesting to explore, but the results may not be what is envisioned.

What new knowledge, skills, strategies and dispositions are you now aware of, and how do these compare/contrast with more traditional literacies?

            I am now aware of virtual worlds, weeblys, glogsters, and more. I have not mastered any of these technologies but I have been able to scratch the surface of my understanding and open myself to them. Being able to interact with these and use them to communicate and understand the world a bit more has allotted me a new view on what being literate means. I’m sure being able to navigate web page is on par with navigating a book. Creating 3-D worlds is akin to writing a book. These new technologies have allowed me to learn about new literacies in ways I never imagined.

            As for learning about cultural literacy, numeracy, geo-literacy, etc., I feel I have learned a great deal about these new literacies. I have a new and deeper perspective on how people understand the world around them. Through completing and viewing these projects, I have learned in new and interesting ways. These routes toward learning were varied and differentiated. As a result, I know more about how people interact with and understand the world around them.

CLASSROOM   IMPLICATIONS

Given your conceptual understanding of literacy (topic #1 above), what does it mean to provide “effective literacy instruction” to diverse learners?

            Providing effective literacy instruction will allow the students to understand their world better. Because of this greater understanding, students will become more capable of performing at a higher level in school. As a result of this effective instructive, they will become well-rounded individuals who can think deeply and critically.

How does your research on a new literacy and development of your own digital literacy (using your new technology) inform your thinking? 

            The classroom implications of my research and development will be reflected as I predict when and where students will need further exploration or explanation in areas they are unfamiliar with. My lesson planning will be impacted greatly by the experience of my students in each of these literacies. I also believe that my students will be given the opportunity to present their knowledge in new ways as a result of my exploration into these different technologies. I foresee students using these different tools in many different ways as a reflection of their abilities and competency.

DIGITAL LITERACY: What do students need to know and be able to do in order to develop their digital literacy? What types of support do students need to develop digital literacy? How would you go about providing that support?

            I believe students need the opportunity to explore and create in order to develop digital literacy. I think developing digital literacy is as simple as showing them a site or program to work with and letting them go. Today’s youth can be given a new tech option to explore and can discover what works with little guidance. If students are given a task to complete or a problem to solve through use of any of these technologies we have been asked to explore, I would expect them to be capable of doing so. Perhaps an introduction to the technology would be all that is needed as long as students know the expectations of their behavior and work habits.

YOUR 'NEW LITERACY': What do students need to know and be able to do to develop the type of literacy you investigated for your project (e.g., cultural, political, social, etc.)? What types of support do students need to develop this literacy? How would you go about providing that support?

            First, to develop cultural literacy, students need the motivation to explore a new culture or their own. Then, students need to have many opportunities and plenty of time to do their exploring. During this time, students will need to read, watch videos, view pictures, and absorb as much culture as they can. I feel support can be given in the form of activities that grab student’s interest. Then, as students explore and research, support can be given by showing reliable sites and sources with great information. I would have to prepare myself a great deal before releasing the students on their research. I would need to familiarize myself with the different tools that can be used for collecting information on different cultures. These tools would need to be readily available for students as they search the internet and all the places that hold information. I would also need to stay informed on different cultures by continuing my own exploring.