M2B2: How New Literacies are Relevant to Us.
In addition to the readings from Sang, the NCTE and Beecher, I chose to evaluate and analyze both Improving Digital Practices for Literacy, Learning, and Justice: More Than Just Tools, written by the INternational Literacy Association, and Digital Literacy by Jenifer Vanek. These articles help shed a light on the complexities of digital literacy, and how the term “digital literacy” can oftentimes mislead the general public. Digital literacy does not only entail having proficient computer skills (ILA, 2018,p. 2). The ILA goes on to elaborate that educators should establish a learning goal for all students, goals in which students may be able to achieve through the use of digital resources. This point strikes me as a very important one. The goal that should be at the forefront of any educator's agenda is to ensure students are receiving the most out of their education. The use of digital technology is useful but should not be used to directly achieve the learning goal, rather be used as a steppingstone to get to the learning goal. (ILA, 2018 p. 2) I conducted something similar to this in a project I conducted with my freshman global history class. The project entailed them creating a social media account for a famous historical figure. This involved them incorporating technology, but the ultimate learning goal was for them to digest and portray the information they found about their particular figure.
A point that stuck out to me within the ILA article was the effect that the growth of technology in the world can have and how it can be a severe hindrance for students who will eventually move into the “real world”. The ILA states “The inequities of schooling are exacerbated when literacy instruction focuses on tools that may not be fully accessible in all schools.” (ILA, p.4). This is an important subject brought up, as it creates a new outlook on marginalization within schools. That being, are schools able to prepare students for the development of technology they will eventually face when entering the workforce? According to a study done by the Institute of Educational Services, only 45% of schools provide computers to students (Gray, L. Lewis, L. 2021, p. 3) With that statistic, the problem that the ILA points out becomes much more of a reality, as students who do not have consistent access to technology might not be suited for the workforce, which creates a new inequitable dynamic within schools.
While the problem of unequal access to technology is apparent, it does not apply to the school in which I teach. I incorporate technology in a variety of different ways in the classroom, many of which are discussed in the reading Digital Literacy by Jenifer Vanek. One of which is making use of the technology that my students do have (Vanek, J. 2019), such as showing them how to download and use specific apps needed in order to complete assignments. Along with this, my students and I will participate in an assignment I call “Modern Mondays” in which the students have to use laptops within the room and explore different digital mediums in order to look up current events. They are then asked to summarize the current event via the use of writing of drawing a story board. This is an example of “Integrating Technology” that Vanek brings up in which you “Provide ample opportunities for use of technology both in class and out of class.” (Vanek, J. 2019)
References
LITERACY LEADERSHIP BRIEF Improving Digital Practices for Literacy, Learning, and Justice
More Than Just Tools. (n.d.).
https://www.literacyworldwide.org/docs/default-source/where-we-stand/ila-improving-digit
al-practices-literacy-learning-justice.pdf
Vanek, J. (2019) Digital Literacy This Brief.
https://www.air.org/sites/default/files/TSTMDigitalLiteracyBrief-508.pdf
Gray, L., & Lewis, L. (2021). Use of Educational Technology for Instruction in Public Schools:
2019—20. https://nces.ed.gov/pubs2021/2021017Summary.pdf
I also liked the article that said that students should have goals for digital resources. I think it is smart to use it as a tool, as you described with your project, instead of a requirement. I think it is interesting how your school uses technology, specifically how you have them using their access to technology to explore current events that will help them become more technologically literate. It is important for them to not only see technology as a means for entertainment, but as a chance to advance their literacy skills.
ReplyDeleteThe statistic you mentioned about only 45% of schools offering computers to students was staggering. In todays world that is run on and often dictated by computers, not providing access and an opportunity to learn about computers in schools is an oversight. It is almost certainly a financial issue, as we know some schools or areas of the country are better financially equipped than others. If our goal as educators is to set our students up for success in the future, including and especially in the workforce, not providing opportunities to work with computers or technology in general is almost certainly going to lead to us collectively falling short of our goals.
ReplyDeleteI also want to touch on how interesting the assignment you did about creating a social media account for a historical figure is. That is something that perfectly encapsulates the ideas of these readings: use technology as a tool to reach students, but not as the absolute driving force in learning. Im sure your students loved it!
I completely agree with you that technology should not be the goal for students itself. It should be used as a tool to help them reach a learning goal. I love the project you gave your class. That sounds so much fun to me. I imagine it to be very engaging for them and also incorporate their interests. I can see the lack of equity amongst different schools in regard to the technology they have. I could see that becoming a major issue and a major gap forming between schools. Every school I have taught/subbed at has had a lot of technology available for the kids as well as adults. I imagine it would be so different teaching in a school where that was not the case. I am definitely interested in learning more about that!
ReplyDeleteRobert,
ReplyDeleteYour analysis of digital literacy and its complexities is well thought out, and I appreciate how you highlighted the distinction between using digital tools as a means to an end rather than as the goal itself. The example of your students creating social media accounts for historical figures is a fantastic way to integrate technology while keeping the focus on critical thinking and content mastery. It’s a great way to help students engage with material in a way that is relevant to their digital realities.
The point you raised from the ILA article regarding inequities in digital access is particularly striking. The statistic from the Institute of Educational Services that only 45% of schools provide computers to students underscores a serious concern. Without equitable access to technology, some students are at a significant disadvantage when it comes to digital literacy and workforce readiness. It makes me wonder...how do we, as educators, push for systemic change while still making the most of the resources available in our own classrooms?
Your "Modern Mondays" approach is a great example of maximizing technology integration. Encouraging students to explore different digital mediums to research current events not only develops their digital literacy but also fosters critical thinking and media literacy skills. Both of which are essential in today’s world. Vanek’s emphasis on providing ample opportunities for technology use is crucial, and it’s clear that you are implementing this practice effectively in your classroom.
I’d love to hear more about the impact of your students' digital projects. Have you noticed an improvement in their ability to critically engage with digital content over time? Additionally, how do you support students who may struggle with digital literacy skills despite having access to technology?
Looking forward to continuing this discussion!
I appreciate that you included the chance that the lack of technology can have a negative affect on our future generations. We need to ensure students are equipped with the tools needed to succeed in the real world. The best way to do that is incorporate and educate the students as well as we can about working with and the dangers of technology
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