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| https://www.tolerance.org/frameworks/digital-literacy |
This week’s readings focused on the
implementation of critical digital literacies and socially just subject-matter
instruction (Avila, Pandia, 2013 & Moje, 2007). Moje (2007) discusses the
importance of students' background knowledge as well as the need for students
to access content knowledge. Avila and Pandia (2013) discuss the importance of
students getting access to literacies that guide them to become critical
thinkers. As technology takes over and students find themselves using digital
media to access an array of content, shouldn’t we take advantage of this
practice to engage them in literacies that evoke them to question and critique
the world around them--literacies that help them obtain knowledge and connect
class-content with social issues which they are part of?
As we work toward empowering and
legitimizing all of our students' rights, we have to be willing to adopt tools
that can help us accomplish those goals. Avila and Pandia (2013) suggest that
implementing critical digital literacies help reach and engage certain learners
whom would not have been able to do so in the past. In addition, digital
literacies go in line with the standards which ask students to produce
knowledge and critically analyze all types of text. In addition, digital
literacies can make valuable content accessible to the students. They can learn
from different sources and learn others view the world.
Going back to our discussion for
this week of “Supporting Critical Approaches to Literacy that Engage in Social
Justice Work." I believe that digital literacies are a great tool to do
that. Through digital literacies students can question social justice issues
that pertain to them, build knowledge on those issues, and eventually
contribute to the development of a better society. Ultimately, they can learn
to defend their rights and dignity. Educators should not take their role and
power in the classroom for granted and allow for the use of tools that will
help students succeed.
Yes, we should be taking advantage of digital literacies and use them in our classroom. By incorporating "digital dimension into their work to build upon the practices and engagement that our learners already utilize as they participate in digital literacies, where they are positioned as creators and authors" (Pandya, 2013). Digital literacies allow students to become "designers," allowing them to offer their own ideas and opinions. It is important to note that just using technology is not enough. Incorporating means to contain as a whole, just using something simple as smart boards will not cut it. We need to give students access to more technology. A good example is a blog, allowing students to share their ideas and comment on others.
ReplyDeleteWilliam,
DeleteI like that students can see themselves as creators of knowledge, instead of only receivers of knowledge. Through this practice their learning experience can be a positive one, and perhaps help them engage and feel motivated to learn.
Thank you for your post! I like when you say:
ReplyDelete"As technology takes over and students find themselves using digital media to access an array of content, shouldn’t we take advantage of this practice to engage them in literacies that evoke them to question and critique the world around them--literacies that help them obtain knowledge and connect class-content with social issues which they are part of?"
Ideally, the answer is yes! Digital literacy is definitely something that should be embraced as a valid way of learning, especially in this "age of technology." This way, students really do have an opportunity to learn in a way that was not possible before the internet, which is why it should be embraced rather than avoided. Students also can have more input in their learning, which can increase engagement and inspire a pursuit of knowledge among students, which is a great opportunity for students to learn as long as it is mediated by the teacher and within the context of the classroom.
Wilfredo,
DeleteI agree with you in that this practice allows students to learn things that were not possible before. In addition, it gives those students who are not confident enough to participate a platform to express themselves and their learning.
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ReplyDelete"As technology takes over and students find themselves using digital media to access an array of content, shouldn’t we take advantage of this practice to engage them in literacies that evoke them to question and critique the world around them--literacies that help them obtain knowledge and connect class-content with social issues which they are part of?"
ReplyDeleteSorry, but this sounds like using technology just for the sake of using technology, and I am against that 100%. This "content", why can't it be on paper? Social issues can also be discussed in class, and there are books that discuss social issues far better than any tweet you can find.
Patryck,
DeleteI agree that there are books that can be used to discuss social issues in the classroom; however, the advantages of using technology are immense. Through technology students can engage in conversation with a global audience. They can have access to resources and information that are not in paper form. And the information is current. The advantages are endless, but educators have to be intentional in the way they use it; as the reading mentions, smart boards are not enough. Imagine how long it would have taken me to receive your response in paper form or vice versa.
Thank you for your post this week. I agree that we should take advantage of the technology available to us and our students. Technology is increasingly becoming involved in all aspects of our lives including future education and job experiences. Modern day technology does have a multitude of opportunities to expand student experiences and provide them with different tools however its implementation should be done to a point where it is beneficial but not done unnecessarily.
ReplyDeleteDane,
DeleteYes, the use of technology has to have a purpose and educators must be intentional in how and why they use them.
Yes, I think I have some common ideas with Patryk. I think the reason that we like to use technology in our classes is that it is a good tool to be used in teaching and studying. Having a tool means nothing if without teaching contents, guides, and teaching and learning methods. It does benefit students and teachers, but it also depends on how it be used. I would say no matter what teaching resources are being used, successful teaching needs all types cooperation.
ReplyDeleteXiaoyan,
ReplyDeleteYes, I agree with you in that successful teaching requires many methods and types of cooperation.
Ciao Daniela - Thanks again for the thoughtful post.I think that you made really powerful points about using digital literacy as a portal for understanding perspectives and approaches other than our own. It reminded me of the comedian Cameron Esposito - she was talking about how little she really understood about racism in today's society, so she started following a group of Black women on Twitter. She made sure to point out that she doesn't comment on their tweets, she just reads them, but now she has access to information that she could never have obtained without the internet. She can read first hand accounts about the reality of racism today, and hear unfiltered responses from those affected by racism. If that isn't a learning opportunity - a critical literacy opportunity - than what is? Through careful design and preparation, we can use digital literacy to provide rich, meaningful learning opportunities that really do build on students' out-of-school literacy practices.
ReplyDeleteHello Daniela.
ReplyDeleteYou make a good point on how all there are all these benefits to digital literacies, there are also drawbacks that teachers, such as us, should keep in mind. For example, the misuse of technology can occur. Students may not do their work, and this could lead to something like plagiarizing. It may sound convenient on paper since less burden is put on both students and teachers, but some problems are still very much present. Students may abuse this convenience, and no real literacy skills may be taking place, which is unfortuante because they are not jusing the necessary skills.
Thanks for your post today I love the idea of improving critical thinking through using digital media given the substantial amount information provided on the internet. Teaching to the test is no longer a relevant way of teaching. Instead, looking at critical problem solving for the students, and using the resources we have with us seem to be the way to go. I like how that also encourages creating a socially just learning program for the students.
ReplyDeleteWell word, blog and acknowledging the reality of having to incorporate technology in the classroom to better enhance the learning environment and structure of activity. I do caution to divide the effort with reading or engaging with students without technology because while its important to use and appreciate the use of technology but its important not to be too reliant on it and being able to look at different literature through a different lens. Also, not having the eyes to strained or stuck on a screen to maintain the level of appreciation with books.
ReplyDelete