The concept of literacy is evolving. What was once associated with the ability to read now envelops other categories such as computer literacy or even social literacy. Literacy can thus be described as an understanding and comprehension of content, be it the words in a book, the programming of computers, or the social skills needed to thrive in today's society.
As technology advances people seem to be moving away from books. We are living in one of the most virtually stimulating times. We are surrounded by TV, I phones, pod casts, games, i pods, 3D movies and more. It isn't hard to see how many people find it difficult to get through a couple hundred pages of picture-less print. The internet also allows us to filter through tons of information and pin-point the details you are looking for. This saves time by piecing together the information while creating your own coherent picture of the content.
Books on the other hand are a very linear medium. We read all the details (useful or not) from beginning to end the way the author had decided to lay it out for us. This kind of reading is very important because it helps us develop our focus, memory, vocabulary, imagination and comprehension. The focus we use when absorbed in a book, is the same focus we can tap into when we are playing music, a sport, creating art, or doing a job well. We have all experienced this focus at one point or another, when time seems to fly by, and the reaction from our mind to our body is cut down into mere instinct. This I believe is when human potential is at its greatest.
In order for us to confidently go towards the future, we must ensure that we are teaching multiple forms of literacy, so we produce well balanced students prepared for the challenges to come.
References:
Rich
M. (July 27, 2008). The future of reading: Literacy Debate: Online R U really reading?
(WWW page). http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/27/books/27reading.html?_r=1&adxnnl=1&pagewanted=all&adxnnlx=1379520650-kkVwy+mwMjILeTUPofZSVw
Sean,
ReplyDeleteI think your definition of literacy as the "comprehension of content" allows us to offer a much broader picture of what is now perceived as literacy. If educators could look at it this way I think we would be moving with technology and not fighting it.
I also believe your points pertaining to focus are exceedingly valid. I think focus allows ideas to generate; however, focus can be in many attributes i.e. music, playing a sport, learning to dance etc. However, it is cultivated will create value for the individual and society.
Lydia
Hi Sean,
ReplyDeleteI too agree with you and Lydia on your definition of literacy. Lydia is exactly right- if all educators and people for that matter can look at it the way you have it laid out I think we would all be moving in stride with technology- rather than fighting it which Nadia's mom seemed to be beginning to learn!
Hi Sean,
ReplyDeleteAs Lydia and Jaimie I agree with your definition of literacy. As an educator I have found that many of my colleagues are embracing technology as a means to connect with students and others. As you stated that there is a need for books I have found the Internet and World Wide Web to be a much more effective tool to learn from. When we read a book we have to make assumptions that the author has an authority on the subject matter. To research by book alone becomes cumbersome and difficult at best. This is why literacy that includes technology in it's definition is advantageous to having a complete comprehension.
Hello Sean,
ReplyDeleteI thought, much like the others, that this blog post is very insightful. I really enjoyed the line "The focus we use when absorbed in a book, is the same focus we can tap into when we are playing music, a sport, creating art, or doing a job well." I can absolutely see where you’re coming from, and how we can use technology in conjunction with books in order to progressively move forward. I am wondering though how would you convince a student that the focus is the same across all mediums when one might come easier than the other?
That's a good question Rolando, I think that though the focus is the same, it is different for the individual who uses it. Some things just come easier for some than others. By finding ones' passions and interests it becomes easier to find that focus, and once they have a taste of it it will also be easier to apply it to other disciplines. Just as you can see where I am coming from but may relate to different activities when involved in that state of mind.
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