Post 2: How is Digital Literacy Relevant?

    Currently, I am most intrigued by the basics of what digital literacy is and how there can be so many different perspectives on how to implement multimodal learning. Through this module's readings, I learned that I am already utilizing technology in my classroom in what I can only hope is a positive experience for my fourth and fifth-grade students. We have been using computers for classic literary examples, such as IXL skills and Epic Books, which can be read to you! However, I had known from my college classes that the ultimate goal would be to use technology in as many content areas as possible. I hope that after this reflection, I can expand the time that my students spend on the computer for positive academic reasons. 

    It was reassuring when I read that it is important to teach students about computer vocabulary (Vanek, 2010). Knowing this explains why my students know so much about iPhones, but almost nothing about computers and the typical programs like Word and PowerPoint. I am attempting to assign more classwork on Google Classroom, but it is very difficult when all students are asking what to do, as they have very little exposure to the program. The observation that elementary students struggle with typing and using apps on a computer was also reinforced by the knowledge that one has to have self-awareness and problem-solving skills to be successful when using a computer across content areas (Vanek, 2010). I feel that the image below sums up what most students hear a teacher say when we are trying to give tips on how to use a computer! 

    It was interesting to learn that literacy is a social practice that can be presented in many formats, such as blogging, fanfiction, memes, podcasts, graphic novels, and even notes that we create (Knobel & Lankshear, 2007). Now know this allows me to feel more comfortable letting my students read and look at picture books and graphic novels as their reading levels are not at grade level. 

  

  I have made a decision that I will start with a lesson on how to use the classroom computers in the beginning of the school year. This will include the correct terminology for the key parts of the computer and its programs (Vanek, 2010). I will also be sure to have classwork in Google Classroom more often so that students will become accustomed to how the website works and therefore can become more independent. I think it is important that educators reevaluate their lessons and decide if they were beneficial, or if something else would be better! 

 

References:

Knobel, Michele & Lankshear, Colin. (2007). Chapter 1. Sampling "the New" in New Literacies. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/283968439_Sampling_the_new_in_new_literacies

Vanek, J. (2010, December 22). What Does It Mean to Have Digital Literacy Skills? (M. Fedele-McLeod, C. Moore, & M. Movit, Eds.) Issue Brief: Digital Literacy. https://www.air.org/sites/default/files/TSTMDigitalLiteracyBrief-508.pdf