New Literacies Perspective

The relationship between literacy and technology, collaborative content, and new forms of knowledge are just a few of the central principles of the New Literacies Perspective. With new literacies, come new skills and knowledge that are central to a global community in an information age. Futhermore, students who enter the workforce with such skills as collaboration, critical thinking, and publishing will be able to successfully navigate their way in an often digital environment Teachers also are important because our role changes from expert to facilitator and colleague. We work with our students to become active consumers of information as well as teach students that their voices matter and people are listening and responding through the use of ICT technologies. Moreover, students are able to connect with other learners around the world to share knowledge and break down the traditional four-walled classroom. New literacies are constantly changing and the need for up-to-date information regarding current literacy practices is one responsibilty of a literacy coach. The change is happening just as the world turns on its axis.
Personally, I like the idea of becoming active consumers of information rather than just accepting what is in front of them. Explicitly explaining and modeling critical thinking strategies through the use of visuals is one instructional technique I would use to introduce my students to thinking critically. Often times I find that most students do what is asked of them and nothing more, but if I can provide the motivation to dig deeper and exercise the neurons in the brain (as I have experienced during graduate school) they may begin to see the world from a different perspective (which can be hard for most middle school students).


As for our virtual showcase, I had a discussion with Frank about his Civil Rights Movement project and the use of visuals to introduce critical thinking skills. The images from that time period would be wonderful to use for journal prompts, creative writing, and digital storytelling(as used in his lesson plan). Similarly, Jenn R. created The Secret Life of Bee's Webquest (love the book) which is another time period rich in history and turmoil often caught in photographs. Meg's Holocaust Prezi caught my eye because I do a unit on Anne Frank and her project would help students develop background knowledge outside of Anne Frank. So much more happened during that time in Germany, yet students tend to associate Anne Frank with the Holocaust because of how it was taught. All the projects were wonderful and skillfully done.

Skyping It Up!

Melissa and I had fun with Skype, but it did feel a bit awkward also being on camera. A bit like watching yourself in the mirror? Anyway, we also found an IM Chat function with different emoticons to liven up the conversation. In relation to the readings, we discussed issues from "What is New About the New Literacies of Online Reading Comprehension" by Leu, Zawilinski, Castek, Banerjee, Housand, Yinjie, and O'Neil. Few of the 'new literacies' have found their way into the classroom environment other than the original intended use of technology. According to Leu et. al (2007), new literacies are multiple, multimodal, and multifaceted which increases the complexity to understand them (p. 7). Online reading comprehension is being labeled as a new literacy because it requires strategies and skills that allow students to locate information, analyze usefulness of information, and synthesize and communicate the answers to others(Leu et. al, 2007, p. 9, 21). Melissa and I discussed the change from traditional to online reading and the need to teach students the necessary skills and strategies prior to letting them loose on the Internet. Model, model, model! In this same light, traditional methods of reading comprehension will not be sufficient to adequately prepare students for the new literacies required online (Leu et. al, 2007, p. 24). Melissa and I discussed the importance of changing the approach to reading to include a focus on online reading so our students are able to successfully participate in the global community. Melissa and I agree that change is occurring regarding reading, be it online or off, but a lack of research regarding the pedagogical implications of online reading comprehension make it difficult for us to fully accept the idea. Teachers need to be trained and informed of the changes to successfully prepare our students.

Classroom Web Pages Blabberized!

So much fun getting a computer to talk about the benefits of a classroom web page. Unfortunately, the video link appears broken. For now, check out my blabberized video here

Blabberize: Pictures come to life with voice!

How cool is this?!? Now we can really make history come alive in our classrooms with Blabberize!

Hypermedia Design Projects

Great article about incorporating hypermedia design projects, such as creating a school webpage, into the Language Arts curriculum. Hypermedia design projects can provide authentic literacy experiences in an inquiry-based classroom.
http://www.readingonline.org/articles/eagleton/text.html

Have you heard of Wiffiti?

Wiffiti is another Web 2.0 tool that incorporates text messages, Twitter updates, and Facebook statuses as if it were a real time conversation. Students, and adults (I'm guilty), are attached to their cell phones and with Wiffiti, we MAY be able to incorporate the use of cell phones in the classroom as a quick response to a question or provide examples of figurative language. I do think you could engage students to hook them into a lesson and then move on to another more educationally relevant Web 2.0 tool. Check it out here!

Pres. Obama National Address to Students

Good way to start the school year on a high note as well as learn about persuasive, demonstrative speeches!