Education is a constantly changing field. Not only do the rules, requirements, and expectations change for teachers, but they also change for students. Literacy is just one aspect of education that has drastically changed over the years. Yes, students are still expected to read, write, and practice spelling. However, how teachers teach these subjects and areas is very different than when I was in elementary school 15 years ago. Back then, students had very separate “subjects” and times of day for literacy. We had a certain time for reading, a certain time and textbook for grammar/language, and a certain time and textbook for spelling. Writing was also another subject that was worked on separately. Now, balanced literacy is the main focus in our elementary schools. We, as teachers, try to incorporate all of these subjects intertwined throughout our day. Spelling and grammar are integrated within writing, and reading contains all of these “subjects” as well.
A huge aspect of literacy that should be taught in our 21st Century Classrooms, but many overlook, is the aspect of digital literacy. As quoted by Murray in his post “Technology in the Classroom: What is Digital Literacy”, digital literacy is defined as, “the ability to find, evaluate, utilize, share, and create content using information technologies and the Internet”. Throughout their time teaching literacy in the classroom, teachers should be incorporating digital skills, citizenship, and tools. Students need appropriate exposure to technology, and need to learn that there is more to technology than games and cell phones. Many of the jobs that our students will have will require the use of digital literacy - creating something digital or using a new digital program, typing something, and/or communicating professionally through electronic means. That is why I feel that digital literacy is a type of literacy that simply can not be overlooked in the 21st Century Classroom.
Murray, J. Technology in the classroom: What is digital literacy? Retrieved from http://www.teachhub.com/technology-classroom-what-digital-literacy
Jessica,
ReplyDeleteTake two. I tried this once and then it didn't work.... yay technology!
It is interesting as a high school teacher to hear about how learning at the elementary level is changing. I can't imagine teaching literacy as a whole to elementary kids! I think this early emphases on balanced literacy will benefit them in the future though. It's strange for me as a science teacher to be teaching literacy. I don't recall ever learning literacy in science class, but I feel like it's entirely appropriate today to teach my students digital literacy. Along with learning all the tools that technology has to offer, students in science also have to try to correctly evaluate research texts. Those can be so difficult, but I know that if I teach them to work through them now, then they will be more prepared for college.
I also like that you talked about students needing to be literate in regards to programs. Programs are a huge part of industry. Project Lead the Way's curriculum really seeks to familiarize students with the different programs found in various fields. That is one way that I will be teaching digital literacy this year.
Jessica,
ReplyDeleteRe: “A huge aspect of literacy that should be taught in our 21st Century Classrooms, but many overlook, is the aspect of digital literacy.”
I couldn’t agree with you more. Digital literacy is very important and often gets overlooked. I feel this happens because most educators themselves are uncomfortable with all the tools the Internet has to offer. Unlike Literacy 1.0, where the teacher uses one textbook as the sole source of information to give to the students, Literacy 2.0 demands that teachers know what digital tools are available that will best meet student needs. With that comes the responsibility of being digitally literate for both the student and the teacher. I believe it is very easy, this day in age, for teachers to assume that all students are digitally literate. We think they are always on some electronic device, so they must know what they are doing. But, this is a wrong assumption to make. Just like we have to teach students how to read the written word, we must teach them how to navigate the digital world. Today, one can not do much that doesn’t involve technology. Since students are so inundated with a lot of screen time, we have to teach them how to be responsible and effective users. Their future will require them to be well versed in the digital world, so we must focus on creating students who are digitally literate. Consequently, digital literacy is a very important factor in teaching literacy in the 21st century classroom.
Jessica,
ReplyDeleteRE: “Yes, students are still expected to read, write, and practice spelling. However, how teachers teach these subjects and areas is very different than when I was in elementary school 15 years ago.”
Yes, the instructional approach is different and the tools are different. All teachers are now responsible for teaching both the traditional literacy skills of reading and writing and also digital literacy skills. For example, social studies teachers incorporate traditional reading and writing skills into instruction using the Internet and digital writing tools. Digital literacy instruction might include the use of mapping and timeline software and a variety of multimedia tools. The instructional approach and the tools are more integrated than ever before.
Happy learning!
Dr. Dell
As a high school teacher I have heard of the term balanced literacy, but did not know what it meant until I read your blog. I think that it is great that everything is intertwined throughout the elementary level. I know it is something as high school teachers we are seeing a greater emphasis including writing and reading in all our courses not matter the content area. You made an excellent point stating many students think of technology as “games and cell phones” and as teachers we need to expose students to technology beyond those forms. I think going along with digital literacy we need to teach them how to find the tools to figure out a particular program on their own without help, meaning finding and using tools to teach them how to use a program. Often, students want to be shown step by step how to do something. However, as adults we often have to find a source on our own that shows us how to use a particular form of technology or read through instructions without someone leading us through step-by-step.
ReplyDeleteJessica,
ReplyDeleteI liked how you pointed out that digital literacy can not be left out since almost all possible careers that our students will have will require some degree of technological understanding. My father successful avoided computers for many years, but is now required by some of his clients do online safety training and other such programs to enter into their facilities in order to do business with them, even though his company does not require him to do such things. He had expressed to me that it was difficult and he needed a lot of help just to navigate the programs, but could easily verbally give them the same information. Basically, in the 21st century there is no way around using technology in any career path. Most washers and dryers now come with motherboards!