Week 3- Theory in Practice

 

The concept of new literacies is a broad term for the use of current technology in the educational system. It is important because without an educational system that both financially provides for and supports new literacies based curriculum, we are not adequately preparing our children for a future in the world they live in. The majority of the new literacies instruction today is Internet based and also includes communication through email, instant messaging, texting and the effective use of word processing software. With new literacies based curriculum, students can participate in more diverse learning activities. They can begin to analyze text in different ways (e-blogging, podcasting, videocasting) and begin to communicate not just in their classroom but with the world. 

New literacies are so important because the traditional definition of reading, writing and communication and clearly the definition of best practices in ELA instruction are no longer textbook or print media based. We must prepare students for college and careers with the tools to be successful. These new literacies are the mean by which students will acquire knowledge and therefore the means of providing them with the futures they deserve.

It is hard to imagine the changes that will occur in the educational lifetime of a kindergartener through graduation from high school, when you look at the fact that today’s graduates began their educations in a time before the internet, cell phones and wireless technology were being used everyday.