Incorporating New Literacies

Chapter 2: Learning with New Literacies

As we become more and more reliant on the internet, it only makes more and more sense to incorporate it into the classroom.  "New literacies" refer to all of the different resources on the internet and its different information mediums: email, images, videos, Google, Wikipedia, tweets, blogs, etc.  There are thousands of great resources that will enrich learning, and it is the modern teacher's duty to figure out how these new mediums translate to the classroom, and is also their responsibility to make sure that students are literate in these "new literacies."

Learning using new literacies not only prepares students for a life inevitably infused with the internet, but allows for many additional learning opportunities that support multiple learning styles.  Chapter 2 of Content Area Reading give examples of ways teachers can use the internet for comprehensive and educational lessons.  Using a blog (like this one!) is a way to make reading and writing assignments more interactive.  Internet workshops give students time to explore the internet to do research, do an assignment, or explore interests.  Internet inquiries give an opportunity to try learning by inquiry: students create their own question/hypothesis and do internet research to discover the answers.

I have created a list of new literacies that could be beneficial in the classroom:

• Wordle: Students create a "word cloud" that helps synthesize or illustrate what a text is about.
• Google Docs: Students can work together online on a collaborative document and even chat while they are doing it.  This is a great way to have students work in groups outside of the classroom because it does not require a great deal of transportation or planning.
• Twitter: Students can create a twitter account that focuses on your content area.  You can have them explore what other people are tweeting about the topic and have them make their own short tweets about their thoughts or in response to others.
• BlackBoard: BlackBoard creates a space for teachers to post electronic texts, class syllabi and documents, and grades.  There is also a discussion board space where the teacher can enter a prompt or discussion question, then students can reply to it or each other.
• YouTube: Have students create a video for an assignment!  They will most likely enjoy the change of pace and the opportunity to freely express themselves.
• Pinterest: This can be used as almost a sort of electronic poster board.  Students can share theirs with each other.
• Quizlet: Teachers or students can create online flashcards to learn concepts or vocabulary.  Not only does this keep them organized, but they can also do quizzes and play "games" to help learn/remember them.
• Blogger: Think outside the box!  Sure, you could have students each create a blog, but what if you as a teacher create a personal blog?  Include a little about yourself, and a lot about interesting things you find or you think would be useful to the current lesson or unit.  Students will enjoy your dedication and getting to know you.