How has ED 343 shifted my definition of "literacy"?
- From reading/writing to true understanding of a material or concept area
- Not limited to traditional grammar or language
What is my new definition?
- Literacy is mastery of the content in any particular subject area whether it be computer literacy, English, understanding Music theory, etc. It is the ability to comprehend symbolism as it applies to the world and being able to participate in a global conversation as an informed student.
Why is education around digital literacy important?
- Digital literacy is the future not only in education but in all facets of life such as business, technology, communication, advertising, etc
- As educators living on the cusp of digital innovation we have a responsibility to the next generation. The common misconception that kids these days have innate knowledge of the digital world is dangerous because kids need to be taught internet safety, coding, computer science, copyright laws, etc. They will not learn these things naturally as is often assumed. We need to teach students how to "read" in a digital world of complex imagery and constant stimulation.
How can I incorporate various forms of literacy into my content area?
- Maps, diaries, current events, legal primary sources, artifacts, SMARTboard technology (as in the background images), digital scaffolding, virtual field trips, analysis of historical photos, etc.
What impact will this have on students in the future?
Teaching isn't just about getting students to pass a test or even getting them to love your subject area, it's about guiding students toward personal success as well rounded individuals. In the big picture, there is nothing more important than providing students with the right tools so they can choose who they want to be. Literate students understand how to be agents of change because they are well informed.
How does social media and digital citizenship relate to teaching Social Studies at the middle level?
- My generation did not grow up with technology like today's students. We were not being exposed to the internet and social media in the same way at such an early stage of development.
I will use the political sphere of the internet to explain what I mean... Imagine the average middle school student during this past election campaign and even try to think about the next four years as these students witness politics as they enter high school with all the many forms of technology and social media at their finger tips. How does their unsupervised exposure to politics on Facebook compare to your scope of politics at their age? In what ways do you think this will have in impact on social interaction in the upcoming years?
In what ways will social media seep into the classroom and how will censorship impact how we teach social studies for future generations? Middle school students are naturally curious risk takers. They push boundaries such as controversial subjects in class. Having the full capacity of the internet to ask and engage in the real world puts an undeniable responsibility on teachers to prepare students for inevitably controversial conversations.
In what ways will literacy be specifically applied to the classroom?
- Using the given standards around digital and visual literacy, a relevant series of lessons should be adapted to the curriculum. In the classroom for instance, students will learn to read maps in geography, political cartoons in civics, and reading in US History.
Why is this significant to my teaching?
- All these prompts prove significant to my teaching because they will determine what kind of teacher I develop into. Will I be the sort of teacher who actively investigates new ways of learning and who participates in digital citizenship (progressivism), or will I settle into a strict routine of traditional education that is easier but which betrays my beliefs on education?
Credits:
Created with images by DariuszSankowski - "knowledge book library" • kjarrett - "SMART Board in action" • kjarrett - "SMART Board in action" • tinkerbrad - "iPhone work" • geralt - "facebook internet network" • Wokandapix - "politics political election" • StockSnap - "map atlas book"