The idea of literacy in
education with regards to what is valued and accepted is ever changing.
Scholars and leaders of education alike have dug in their heels taking a stance
on what they believe is best for students. As it pertains to the new digital age
of literacy, a willingness to acknowledge, analyze, and take action is
necessary in order for growth to occur amongst 21st century
citizens.
With all sorts of new
and improved technology the creation and distribution of images, audio, and
video has become a new norm. “Interpreting videos or pictures, they say, may be
as important a skill as analyzing a novel or a poem,” (Rich, 2008). Some
literacy experts have said that online reading skills will help children fare
better when they begin looking for “digital-age jobs” (Rich 2008). The world of
education must take note of this much needed preparation that youths must have
for career readiness and success.
As the landscape of
literacy changes the world of education must begin to take note and thus change
with it. It is seen that this new job market is calling for a change in the
type of citizens to be hired. Movement in the proper direction can be seen in
some pockets of schooling and hopefully it will continue to spread to every
child in order to ensure the proper education needed for the digital age.
Reference
Rich,
M. (2008, July 27). Literacy Debate, R U
Really Reading? Retrieved from
ReplyDeleteHi Tom. When you wrote, in regards to technology, "The world of education must take note of this much needed preparation that youths must have for career readiness and success" it rendered me in agreement. On reflection, I forebode whether students are being deferred a literacy education of innovation and entrepreneurialism and instead are being inhibited with an inert education. The leaders of tomorrow should not be directed to wear the cloak of knowledge simply to apply for employment. No. But rather they should be cloaked with the literacies to innovate employment industries and services.
Tom,
ReplyDeleteThis is a topic that one could talk about forever! Literacy in education can mean a variety of meanings to different people and how they interpret what is best for the students. Children are in school to eventually collect all the skills that are needed to prepare them for society. I feel that today's world is very much a digital age and as educators, we need to take into consideration the differences between now and when we were in school. Technology creates new jobs that were not there when we were younger. Therefore, the students of today need to be prepared and ready for what their society will look like when they are adults. As educators, we need to create a learning environment where the students can explore and ready themselves for the new technologically run world.
Tom,
ReplyDeleteI agree with you, that educators must acknowledge and embrace digital literacies, in order to properly assist "21st century citizens." As time progresses, so also does the technological knowledge of our students. If we truly believe that as educators we are preparing them for the future, then it is imperative that we integrate digital literacies into the classroom. But what happens to the underprivileged students? The ones who are being educated in a school that has sub-par equipment, if any at all. What can be done to ensure more students are receiving the skills necessary for them to be ready to participate in the digital age? For they too, are citizens of this 21st century.
The point about schools that are undeserved cannot be stressed enough.
DeleteTom,
ReplyDeleteI agree with you, that educators must acknowledge and embrace digital literacies, in order to properly assist "21st century citizens." As time progresses, so also does the technological knowledge of our students. If we truly believe that as educators we are preparing them for the future, then it is imperative that we integrate digital literacies into the classroom. But what happens to the underprivileged students? The ones who are being educated in a school that has sub-par equipment, if any at all. What can be done to ensure more students are receiving the skills necessary for them to be ready to participate in the digital age? For they too, are citizens of this 21st century.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteTom, here's an interesting point to consider:
ReplyDeleteYou say that in the future job market, these "new literacies" will be highly valued. Conversely, the nation is now engaged in an experiment created and funded by some of the largest industrialists/corporate bosses, in order to bolster "college and career readiness." I'm of course referring to Common Core.
Here's my point:
If what you say about future jobs is right, then the current heads of industry are woefully under-preparing students for the future job market. While there's some emphasis on the incorporation of technology in the standards, the vast majority of it calls for the reinforcement of what would be considered traditional literacy.