Blog Post #2 - How New Literacies Are Relevant to Us
Upon reflecting on Vanek (2019), I was impressed by the helpful suggestions for teaching students digital literacy. For example, Vanek (2019) states, "if teaching Microsoft Word, it would be important to not only teach basic formatting, but also how to search for and select templates for different communication purposes." I find this particularly useful because, while educators often give students computers to read digital texts and type their responses, students can also demonstrate their understanding by using creative digital tools to express what they've learned.
Additionally, reflecting on Sang (2017), I find the use of multiple multimedia outlets challenging. While I recognize their benefits in enhancing learning and engagement, teaching students how to effectively use these platforms can be very time-consuming. With only 45 minutes once a week for social studies, it doesn’t give me enough time to teach students how to properly use digital platforms and ensure they’re using them effectively.
The challenge I see in both articles is that many ELLs have limited experience with computers, and in some cultures, technology may not be prioritized or could even be frowned upon within their own communities. For ELLs to truly develop these skills, teachers across all subjects need to provide clear instruction and support, integrating language learning with digital skills in ways that are accessible to them. If ELLs only learn digital literacy in one class, they will likely struggle to fully grasp and retain it.
Works Cited:
Sang, Y. (2017). Expanded territories of “literacy”: New literacies and multiliteracies. Journal of
Education and Practice, 8(8), 123-134
Vanek, J. (2019). Issue brief: Digital literacy. World Education, Inc.
https://lincs.ed.gov/sites/default/files/TSTMDigitalLiteracyBrief-508.pdf
~ Thank you Jacquelyn for your post and care for the ELL students as many times they are outcasted in the background. From my own experience teaching in a middle school, the ELL students have been able to benefit from using technology tremendously as they are highly proficient with google translate. I was surprised when i first seen a student take a google form written in English and translate the page into their language. Of course the translation may not be perfect but that's where i have seen students use technology to further expand their resources as they would look up word definitions in English. As educators we have to promote the use of technology and also help our students expand their resources. I believe using technology can be extremely beneficial for ELL as becoming digitally literate will further their opportunities outside of school. One idea that came to mind when reading your post, is having your ELL students share their experiences with the other students so everyone in the class can learn from each others culture and backgrounds.
ReplyDeleteI understand how you feel when you speak about being limited on time and unable to sufficiently and thoroughly teach students how to use new platforms. It's almost like we need a computer/tech class with the sole purpose of familiarizing students with the multimedia platforms that they will be expected to use in their core academic classes. Timing is tricky, the days never feel long enough! In regard to your final paragraph, I think the points you make highlight the importance of a home-school connection. Teachers and administrators must connect with all families to ensure their students have access to the technology and platforms that they are expected to use in and outside of school. Furthermore, they must provide the necessary time and training to allow students to achieve proficiency.
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