When Wilber (2010) defines new literacy in the article “Special themed
issue: Beyond ‘new’ literacies”, she states that “texts are changeable, and
authorship is open, giving the user more power to write, remix, and publish”
(p. 2). Digital literacy has expanded upon traditional literacy by allowing the
reader to go from passive to active. Internet users no longer just do research
like I did in high school, they now add their own knowledge, edit and comment
on articles or blogs and most importantly have access to a plethora of opinions
and perspectives on any topic. In Rich
(2008), students expressed similar view points about the quick access to
information, with one student stating that he could view “up to 100 websites”
in one night; this is practically impossible to do with traditional texts in
such a short amount of time. On a cognitive
level, being able to skim so many different sources in order to compare and
contrast them is a useful skill to have and can be applied in other contexts.
One of the reasons
literacy is constantly changing it because it has to adapt to new media. When
the World Wide Web became widespread, texts went online and have been redefined
by the use of images, music and video, which also contribute meaning to the
text. Meaning can be transmitted across various mediums without losing its
significance. Furthermore, there are other devices such as smart phones and
tablets that have shaped the way we write and read as well. To be fluent in the way we use these devices
takes practice since users have developed their own language, which may contain
shortcuts and we even see images replace words.
Digital literacy in
education would benefit students by preparing them for a digital world in which
technology is everywhere, especially the workplace. It is difficult to find a place of employment
that does not rely on computers or technology for some aspect of their
business. From college studies to job searching to employment itself, new media
will be a part of our student’s lives.
Bibliography
Rich,
M. (2008, July 27). The Future of Reading- Literacy Debate: Online, R U Really
Reading? New York Times, p. 1-7. Retrieved from http://www.nytimes.com
Wilber,
D. (2010, May 31). Special themed issue: Beyond 'new' literacies - Digital
Culture & Education. Retrieved September 15, 2015.
While there is a lot of different types of content, the vast majority is still written. I know in the 'old' days we tried all manners of ways to reduce the about of reading that would be required, only to realize that words were the best way to convey information.
ReplyDeleteThe main difference between digital words and print being, non-linear. In other words digital content allowed the reader to absorb content in any order they wished, something no really feasible with print, as there was an order that needed to be maintained in order to follow the story so to speak.
This flexibility allows students to absorb content in ways that are more comfortable for them and adds to reading satisfaction, which in turn encourages literacy.
I agree with your point about how many sites a student had visited and that would be impossible with written text. It amazes me how knowledgeable students become in sorting through valid sources verses 'junk'. I read somewhere that students become so good at multitasking and surfing the web that they can go through about 10 hours of internet text in under 8 hours.
ReplyDeleteYour point about the job market is right on. I can't remember the last interview that i was on that didn't ask me about my technology skills and I can assure you, I ask it to every applicant I interview.
I agree with your point about how many sites a student had visited and that would be impossible with written text. It amazes me how knowledgeable students become in sorting through valid sources verses 'junk'. I read somewhere that students become so good at multitasking and surfing the web that they can go through about 10 hours of internet text in under 8 hours.
ReplyDeleteYour point about the job market is right on. I can't remember the last interview that i was on that didn't ask me about my technology skills and I can assure you, I ask it to every applicant I interview.