Blog Post #1: New Literacies

When you think of the word "literacy," you probably think of the stack of dusty books in the corner of your room that you haven't had time to read yet.  Or maybe you picture the tattered book that you have read a hundred times with pages so lovingly dog-eared and smoothed over time and again.  Or maybe you reminisce about the lists of spelling words that you so diligently memorized as a child to achieve a perfect score on the upcoming test.  

Well, the term "literacy" has taken on a new meaning in this digital age.  Literacy does not only harken back to the pages of a traditional book.  In today's digital era, literacy involves a new technological culture.  In order to best reach their students, teachers must learn to embrace this new culture and new literacy instruction within their classrooms.  Multimedia instruction, involving images, music/audio, and digital technology (tablets, computers, etc.) can be integrated into ELA instruction not only to engage students in learning, but also to reach them in a familiar manner.  It also allows teachers to help students interact with technology safely and effectively.  Teachers can help students determine the credibility of online sources, promote trans-media exploration, and encourage safe networking.  

Even though instruction in these "new literacy" concepts is becoming more and more necessary in today's classrooms, there may be several obstacles that educators must challenge and/or overcome.  On a personal level, educators must confront any personal hesitations.  Teachers may get stuck in a technological "rut" and only use technology that they feel confident and comfortable using.  They may be hesitant to embrace the unknown.  

Another obstacle is the fast paced technological offerings for educators.  Each day seems to present new options for technology that teachers are encouraged or required to use.  It is difficult for teachers to stay up to date on learning, navigating, and using new technology in their instruction.

A final obstacle that teachers may face when attempting to integrate "new literacies" in their ELA instruction is technological accessibility.  Whether it is lack of technology in a classroom/school or inequitable technology among students and their families, not having access to up-to-date technology can be a big obstacle while attempting to access new literacies.

Even though it may seem daunting, it is a teacher's duty to embrace new literacies in order to bring them into their classroom.  These new literacies and new literacy skills help to engage students in instruction and allow them to make connections to what they are familiar with.  It also allows teachers opportunities to guide their students in safe technological usage and appropriate methods of navigating this digital age.