Blog Post #2: How New Literacies are Relevant to Us
How New Literacies are Relevant to Us
In this ever changing world, there's no way to deny the influence of technology. I remember a day back in the 90s when I was at the house of my cousin, who was a graphic designer. She told me about this invention called the Internet and predicted it was going to change everything about our lives. I argued with her that it would never be as all encompassing as she expected. . .clearly 20-year-old me had no idea how deeply our society would be affected by the changing landscape of technology.
While reading about the integration of digital and traditional resources, I had the same mix of thoughts that I always do. On the one hand, I am in awe of modern advances in technology. How incredible it is to be able to tap a keypad and learn the origin of zebras in Africa or the history of U.S. public libraries. On the other hand, I lament the distraction that computers and other devices have caused in our lives; small, meaningful moments are fewer in the course of our daily activities.
My biggest takeaway from this week's readings is that no matter how much we integrate technology into our educational practices, we need to maintain a strong foundation of traditional ideas and knowledge. In "Improving Digital Practices for Literacy, Learning, and Justice," Garcia writes, "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" (2). Though it's important to give students of all ages the tools to be digitally literate, it's crucial to provide them with the human ability to relate to others and participate in civil discourse away from the technological world. Not only will this enable students to become valued citizens of their communities, but it will also give them the confidence in their own innate abilities.
It's common for teachers today to rely heavily on digital tools. There are numerous websites that share lesson plans and new education apps are introduced frequently. It's important, though, for the learning to take place first and then be supplemented by these tools. A few years ago my school district's computer network was hacked. We were unable to use any of our devices for weeks. Many teachers panicked, struggling to figure out how to run their classes without their curated digital material. As a librarian, I was more grateful than ever for my large collection of print books. At the time I was also teaching a 7th-grade Computer Literacy class. It was refreshing and eye-opening for me to go back to the basics. I found that during that time our class had more in-depth conversations and the students seemed more present without their Chromebooks opened in front of them.
Though I agree that we need to "move fluidly between the digital and analog worlds that we simultaneously inhabit" (Garcia 3), I also am wary of using social media, as the Literacy Leadership Brief suggests, as a way to engage students in conversations. This can be problematic as many social media sites have devolved into a bastion of hate and misinformation. It is, however, imperative that we teach students about this spiral of questionable news in order for them to be better able to navigate it.
Another area in this brief that sparked my interest was the focus on digital reading. According to the author, "the uptake of reading novels on digital devices or consuming fiction through audiobooks is on the rise" (Garcia 3). Through my anecdotal evidence in my library, I have found that teenagers consistently prefer print books to any form of digital reading. While I've embraced the SORA eBook app, which can be a great way for people to gain access to material quickly, I am heartened to see again and again that students seem to enjoy the experience of reading a physical book. This is something that I'd like to do more research on, as I think it can help us determine the best ways to integrate reading into our curriculums.
In the American Institutes for Research brief, Jenifer Vanek states that "information literacy has become more complex as the technologies that are used to organize and disseminate information. . .have become more sophisticated and as more information is available online" (3). This has been one of the main issues for me as a librarian. When I teach research to high school students, I notice that they always want the quickest, easiest way to find answers. Their default is Google and I have to work hard to get them to explore Sweet Search (an academic search engine), Google Books, or the library databases. It's important that information literacy starts in the early elementary grades so that students will grow up understanding that finding credible information may take a little bit of work.
This article also points out the important fact that adults who are not proficient in technology are at a disadvantage in the work force. The author states that "those who do not have Internet access at home tend to have less than a secondary education and live in households earning less than $30,000 a year" (Vanek). By ensuring that students are trained throughout their school years to be digitally literate, we can help bridge this gap between people in our society.
Focusing on new literacies as we evaluate our current education system can not only bring original and exciting changes to the way we teach our children, it can also play a role in providing resources for underprivileged students who deserve the same chances of success as their peers. As technology continues to evolve, it's important to use it responsibly and maintain a balance between traditional learning and digital ideas.
Works Cited
Garcia, Antero. “Literacy Leadership Brief: Improving Digital Practices for Literacy, Learning, and Justice.” International Literacy Association, https://www.literacyworldwide.org/docs/default-source/where-we-stand/ila-improving-digital-practices-literacy-learning-justice.pdf. Accessed 23 May 2024.
Vanek, Jenifer. “Digital Literacy.” American Institutes for Research,
https://www.air.org/sites/default/files/TSTMDigitalLiteracyBrief-508.pdf. Accessed 23 May
2024.
Hi Karin--your point about research tools is interesting. I think I assume that younger people are generally more aware of a multitude of resources for digital research, and I think you're right that educators/librarians, museum professionals should be responsible for sharing options besides Wikipedia (which is a compelling topic on its own; shunned when I was an undergrad, I wouldn't think twice about using it as one resource now. I also really like that Wikipedia "write-ins" are a fairly common occurrence, allowing students to contribute to underrepresented or missing entries).
ReplyDeleteI toured a NYC private middle school recently, and was told by a student tour guide that students could study French, Spanish, or Mandarin. They could add a language elective in high school--either Latin or . . . Computer Science. I think that says a lot.
Hi KG Librarian. Your essay encourages a blend of traditional and digital learning methods. I agree that technology offers immense educational benefits while presenting challenges such as distractions and a potential loss of genuine human connections. Your reflection on maintaining a strong foundation of traditional knowledge alongside digital literacy skills is crucial. I wonder how many teachers across the United States would agree with Garcia's emphasis on trusting teachers' expertise to create classrooms that reflect real-world contexts. Like many, I believe technology should complement traditional teaching methods rather than overshadowing them. However, we must be mindful of the time potentially wasted on measures that can be solved through technology rather than by hand.
ReplyDeleteYour thoughts about the computer network hack highlights the risks of over-reliance on digital resources. It's heartening to hear how reverting to traditional teaching methods led to deeper classroom discussions and increased student engagement. This proves the value of maintaining a diverse repertoire of teaching strategies, including both digital and analog approaches.
It's prudent to exercise caution when considering the incorporation of social media into educational settings. While it has the potential to encourage interaction and dialogue, it also presents certain hazards, such as the potential exposure to false information. As educators, we must skillfully address these complexities to empower students with the analytical skills required to assess online content critically. Additionally, your observations concerning students' inclination towards print materials over digital reading are thought-provoking. Although digital formats offer convenience and ease of access, it's important to acknowledge that students have diverse learning preferences. Conducting further research could uncover valuable insights into the effective integration of reading materials into academic curricula.
This was an enjoyable post. Your essay highlights the complex connection between technology and education, emphasizing the significance of careful integration and equilibrium. As educators, we need to utilize the capabilities of technology effectively, ensuring that it aligns with broader educational goals and prepares students with the essential skills for thriving in a progressively digital society.
Best wishes,
Monroe