After reading the article by Lankshear and Knobel, I am reminded that with new literacies, learning space is not bordered by the classroom. Additionally, as we move from Web 1.0 to Web 2.0, learning becomes much more interactive and collaborative. Expertise becomes more “fluid and collective.”
Coiro, Knobel, Lankshear and Leu further address the new literacies in Chapter 1 of the Handbook of Research in New Literacies. Once again, the prevalent theme is that new literacies are characterized by unprecedented change.In addition the definition of literacy is changing from that of traditional reading and writing to include things like digital animation, music, and video. As an English teacher, literacy is my prime concern. Looking at the definition of “new” literacy, I have students that are far more literate than me in many areas.
As we adapt to the changes of new literacies and recognize the skills that are required to be effective learners in the digital age, it is also important to remember that, as Lankshear and Knobel point out that, “One literacy doesn’t replace the other.”
New literacies not only change the definition of text, but they imply “associated changes in social and cultural ways of doing things, ways of being, ways of viewing the world (Coiro, Knobel et al). New literacies allow us to be more globally connected. Although Coiro et al suggest that policy makers have not caught up with the changes, I believe that is changing. As we move away from No Child Left Behind, the Common Core attempts to address 21st century learning skills. As just one example, under the Common Core, students must be able to read closely and synthesize information from multiple, multimodal sources. In addition, new curriculums recognize the value of personal inquiry and collaborative work.
As I prepare to build my Digital Learning Hub, I consider the Personal Learning Networks I have developed so far. I am able to reflect on a variety of issues on my blog. In addition, I am using Google+, YouTube, and Twitter. I am in the process of creating websites for my classes. I had created several Google communities only to find out that they were not supported by my district. However, we do have access to Google classroom, so I am in the process of setting up sites for my classes there. At this point, I am planning to use Google classroom to post assignments and also as a blogging tool. I hope that by creating classroom sites, I will foster more collaboration, reflection and connectivity among my students. It is going to be a learning adventure for all of us.
In addition to my classroom sites, I will make a Digital Learning Hub for myself. I hope to include lesson plans, reflections, and links to articles, tutorials, videos, and other websites. I’m sure I’ll also include some personal information about myself, my family and my school. I want my hub to be engaging, entertaining and user friendly. At this point I am not sure whether to use Google Sites or Wix. After reading Ian O’Byrne’s article on using Google Sites, I see the advantages of being able to embed my Google docs, YouTube, and maybe even information on my Classroom sites to my hub. However, several students who just finished the IT&DML program promoted the advantages of Wix over Google.
I need to experiment with the sites and would also welcome comments and advice from others. One of the great benefits of being part of the IT&DML program is knowledge and helpful advice of my colleagues, so suggestions are welcome! Thanks!
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