When
one thinks about literacy, they may make an immediate reference to the basics
of words and numbers. But literacy
of the 21st century has expanded to from one’s ability to work with
words and numbers to the development of information literacy, digital literacy,
computer literacy, social literacy and visual literacy. One needs to have:
- Computer literacy skills in order to navigate through the Internet
- Information literacy skills in order to identify, locate, evaluate and effectively use the information
- Visual literacy in order to read and decipher visual information such as photos, graphics, charts, etc.
- Social Literacy in order to work collaboratively with and engage with others
- Digital literacy to be able to read and interpret media, reproduce data and images and evaluate and apply new knowledge gained from the digital environments
There
are valid arguments on both sides of the literacy debate regarding the use of
the Internet. However, I tend to
lean more toward the value that the Internet lends in an education
environment. One particular
statement in Rich’s article that resonated with me, and supports my view was
Zachary Sims, “The Web is more about a conversation, books are more one-way.”
As an avid reader of both the Internet and printed books, I have to agree with
him. Books are more personal. Whereas information on the Internet
does tend to be more of a conversation.
In most cases, sites, blogs, information on the Internet promotes or
gives the opportunity for engagement.
One can share, comment, respond and interact based on what they have
read.
Rich talks of the
traditionalists who feel that digital reading is the equivalence of empty
calories. I don’t agree with this
view. I find that the use of
readings on the Internet can have value.
Individuals can gather information via the Internet and decide how this
information relates to the issue or problem and then use the information
gathered to solve the problem or form an opinion. It offers the opportunity to gather and share information beyond
geographic boundaries, which can also enhance one’s learning.
Nice. Very clear. I tend to agree. However am often conflicted and believe in balance of both potentials for the learner. I think the type and content of the 'text' also determines in what way it should be interpreted or experienced.
ReplyDeleteI agree with your comment about balance. There is much to be learned about how the variety of literacies are interpreted - and in particular, the written word. For example, there have been times when I have read blogs, posts, tweets and even emails, that I have to question the tone of the author. Then, quite frankly, I even had to think, could it have been my own mood at the time? Is that what the author really meant?
DeleteI find value in the ability to share and engage in the learning environment via text. However, I also think my experiences in life, personally and professionally, has given me the perspective to be able to gather, sort through and read information and opinions available - and then form my own opinion or help me resolve the issue at hand.
I know there can be concern about scholarly discussion and references. In the right context, I can and do apply my understanding and knowledge of the theories and approaches. But in my 'conversations' in blogs and discussion boards, I have enhanced my understanding of the topic by reading and relating the experiences of others.
Anita,
ReplyDeleteGood to be in class with you again.
I do feel that as you state there are so many more components to literacy that individuals have to be concerned with as information comes to us in such a variety of ways.
The interchange the internet provides is such a powerful tool and I think we are only just beginning to realize the potential that is available. It certainly has had impact worldwide on many of the unstable environments in the world. Governments have been unable to limit conversations so readily and information and ideas spread so quickly. It is important that our younger generations are able to absorb and integrate this flow of information.
Lydia
Hi Lydia,
DeleteGood to be in class with you again, too!
I think when used for the power of the good, even when one is limited to 140 characters. Think about how even the face of elections has changed with the use of social media. We really do need to pay close attention to maybe not so much what's out there (because that seems impossible to control), but to making sure information can be evaluated, assessed and applied.
Anita