The texts offer a comprehensive understanding of how us as educators can design classroom activities that extend beyond traditional literacy practices to incorporate new literacies in both physical and digital spaces. By embracing a holistic approach to literacy instruction, we can create learning environments that reflect the diverse ways in which students engage with texts. Integrating activities that bridge online and offline worlds, such as analyzing memes (ILA, 2017), writing fanfiction (ILA, 2017), crafting digital narratives (ILA, 2017), and participating in online discussions (ILA, 2017), enables students to explore a range of literacy practices while leveraging their interests and experiences. Additionally, teaching digital research and information literacy skills (ILA, 2017) equips students with the tools needed to navigate the complexities of the digital world, empowering them to identify credible sources, evaluate information validity, and engage responsibly in online discussions.
However, as we design activities to support new literacies practices, we must navigate various equity and engagement concerns to ensure that all students can participate meaningfully. Issues with access, digital literacy gaps, and power dynamics within online spaces (ILA, 2017) (Philips & Garcia, 2013) (Magnifico et al., 2018) (Jones & Storm, 2022) are critical considerations that educators need to address. To promote equity, teachers should provide differentiated support tailored to students' needs, offer multiple engaging assignments, and cultivate inclusive classroom environments where every voice is valued and respected. We must critically examine our own biases and privileges, centering marginalized perspectives and experiences in our instructional design (Philips & Garcia, 2013) (Magnifico et al., 2018) (Jones & Storm, 2022). By incorporating diverse texts and voices, fostering collaborative learning opportunities, and embracing culturally responsive pedagogies, teachers can create inclusive learning environments that honor students' identities and experiences.
Navigating these tensions requires a thoughtful and intentional approach to instructional design. Teachers should prioritize building strong relationships with students, creating safe and supportive spaces for learning, and actively promoting equity in their classrooms. Ongoing reflection and professional development are essential for educators to deepen their understanding of new literacies practices and alter their instructional strategies accordingly. By embracing a student-centered approach that values diversity, promotes critical inquiry, and fosters digital citizenship, we can empower students to navigate new literacies practices purposefully, both within and beyond the classroom.
References
Digital Literacy. International Literacy Association. (2017). https://www.literacyworldwide.org/get-resources/resources-by-topic/digital-literacy
Jones, K., & Storm, S. (2022). Sustaining Textual Passions: Teaching With Texts Youth Love. Journal of Literacy Research, 54(4), 458–479. https://doi.org/SAGE Journals
Magnifico, A. M. (2018). Affinity Spaces, Literacies and Classrooms: Tensions and Opportunities., 52(3), 145–152. https://doi.org/10.1111/lit.12133
Philip, T. M., & Garcia, A. D. (2013). The Importance of Still Teaching the iGeneration: New Technologies and the Centrality of Pedagogy, 83(2). https://doi.org/Cambridge
Hi Hannah,
ReplyDeleteAs an educator, I resonate with the need to bridge traditional and digital literacies, ensuring that our teaching practices reflect the diverse ways students interact with texts today.
One aspect that stands out to me is the importance of designing activities that engage students both online and offline. For instance, analyzing memes can be a powerful way to tap into students' everyday interactions with digital culture, helping them to develop critical thinking and media literacy skills. Similarly, writing fanfiction allows students to express creativity and connect with communities around shared interests, which can be particularly empowering for those who might feel marginalized in more conventional classroom settings.
Hi Hannah,
ReplyDeleteI completely agree on how we, as educators, must incorporate diverse texts and voices into our lessons. We never want to limit our students to only learn one side of the story. As teachers, we must carefully choose texts that can promote students to be critical thinkers, engaged, and informed citizens. By exposing students to different voices, students will be successful in understanding diverse perspectives and become more engaged in the world around them. I also liked how you mentioned the important of "digital citizenship." Digital citizenship is essential for students to recognize as living in a digital world. As educators we must have meaningful conversations with our students on how to navigate the digital world in an effective and safe manner.
Hi Hannah!
ReplyDeleteI appreciate how you say that we need to bridge the gap between traditional literacy and digital literacy. I remember growing up we used textbooks daily, I don't even think I've opened the textbook as an educator! It goes to show that even in the last decade, there has been a major shift regarding the way we present information to students. The incorporation of diverse texts and mediums is critical to providing an education that is well-rounded and inclusive. I don't teach in an overwhelmingly diverse area but I always make an effort to expose my students to as much diversity as possible.
Educating students on how to navigate the digital literacy that surrounds them daily is an incredibly valuable asset. As I mentioned in my post, students have access to so much information and providing them with the skills to be able to determine the authenticity and reliability of a source will help them immensely in the outside world.
Hey Hannah, great post! I also like the idea of bringing in activities that bridge the gap between the online and offline world. Especially writing fan fiction, which I would morph into historical fiction for my U.S. History class. Allow students to create some fictional story dealing with the content. Create a fictional work that discusses the life of an indentured servant, have certain parameters for students to cover. I did also appreciate your section on equity in the classroom. One thing I often forget to do is reflect on my teaching to make sure that all learners are getting and equitable experience. I also believe that starts with strong relationships. Great post2
ReplyDeleteHi Hannah! Thank you for your post.
ReplyDeleteAs we continue to bridge this online and offline world, I fully agree that we need to continue to learn and grow through PD, while still placing value on some of the foundational teaching practices like forming connections with students.
So many of the readings thus far have focused around how there truly are endless opportunities for the incorporation of digital medias in our classrooms, but ultimately, the pedagogy is the most crucial in any component of teaching (digital or not). I believe that it is beyond important that administration can recognize this, as well as begin to offer professional development oppotunities focused around implementing these devices they are 'buying into'.
Again, thank you for your insightful post,
Claudia
Hi Hannah,
ReplyDeleteI agree being able to bridge online and offline worlds is such an important part of our classrooms. Students need to see the world in more than one way to get a full understanding of how different types of literacies work from the past and present time. We cited many of the same readings and it goes without measure to say that making sure classrooms are tailored for the different types of learners within the classroom is extremely important to allow for great success. Taking time to learn about each student individually is something so near and dear to me. I assure myself to show my students that I am their teacher, and my job is to help them learn and grow. I don’t ever want a student in my classroom to be afraid to ask a question or get so far behind, it’s a huge struggle to catch up. Making every student feel that they are just as important and valuable as the rest is something I strive to accomplish. Thanks for sharing your findings from the articles on ways to help within the classroom!
Tamera