Navigating Literacy in a Digital Age

Literacy and the ways that we obtain information have changed in the twenty years since I graduated high school. When I was in high school the internet was a fraction of what it has become and the majority of my learning was from text books and other printed materials. The norm has morphed into YouTube Videos, internet searches, and podcasts. Traditional literacy - being able to read and write - has now become read, type, and utilize various technology proficiently.

In my personal life, I am an avid reader. I read every single day. In the early 2000s when I was finishing college, I loved picking up a book, going to the public library, finding a couch or windowsill to sit on and read for hours. Now, I rarely read anything that I cannot find on Amazon Kindle or Overdrive. Technology has provided an easy way to find variety in the things I do in my personal life. When I look for fitness videos, I do not have to watch the same four VHS tapes that we owned – I can go online to find fitness videos on demand or search the millions of videos on YouTube. Similarly, with cooking I used to utilize a printed Betty Crocker cookbook. Now, I utilize a nearby Alexa device to search for a recipe, read me ingredients, and even provide step by step videos when required. Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Tik Tok and many other social media platforms keep me apprised of the goings on of friends, family, celebrities, and news stories. With all of these changes, I myself, have had to evolve as well. It takes time, energy and access to learn how to navigate all of these new platforms.

As a teacher the idea of new literacies has influenced the way I teach lessons and the way I ask my students demonstrate their learning. Students respond well to new methods of literacy such as internet videos, blogs, and podcasts. If anything, they find printed text or hand outs as “boring” or “laborious.” With the introduction of the 21^st Century Learning Standards in computer science and digital literacy in 2020, we educators have had to be more intentional about the ways that we utilize and teach technology. The application of these standards is now woven directly into the professional review process. When planning lessons, we are asked to specifically think about how instructional practices engage students in “the development of multi-disciplinary and other 21st Century skills such as communication, collaboration, critical thinking, and the use of technology.” Allowing students freedom of expression when demonstrating their learning is a cornerstone in my classroom. This has expanded from the traditional written paper or posterboard project to include video, PowerPoint, Prezi, and even in-person rapping. I encourage students to try new ways of presenting and give them a safe space to try.

Traditional literacy typically emphasizes reading and writing in conventional formats, which can perpetuate inequalities and fail to address the needs of all students. A narrow focus is problematic for many reasons and incorporating more expansive ideas of New Literacies can help address these issues.

Traditional definitions of literacy do not account for the skills needed to navigate today's digital environments. Students who are only taught to read and write in conventional ways may struggle with digital tools and platforms. Students from underprivileged backgrounds might not have equal access to digital resources at home and therefore be at an immediate disadvantage in a scenario that requires proficiency with technology. A curriculum focused solely on traditional literacy can widen the gap between those who have access to digital tools and those who do not. The Educational Testing Service reports that children who have access to books and read regularly are more likely to graduate from high school and pursue higher education. Beecher (2023) states that “children who are not reading on grade level by third grade are 4 times more likely to drop out of school.” She follows this by also stating that “Americans with less education face higher rates of illness, disability and shorter life expectancies.” This theory could also apply to digital proficiency. Many similar studies have been done and all of them point to the fact that literacy is an important marker for success in many areas of life. “Developing digital skills allows digital learners to manage a vast array of rapidly changing information and is key to both learning and working in the evolving digital landscape” (Beecher 2023).

Another problem with the traditional, narrow definition of literacy is that development of critical thinking and problem-solving skills are not targeted. Traditional literacy tends to prioritize basic memorization and comprehension over deeper thinking and information analysis. This is one of the most necessary skills in an age where fake news and misinformation is one click away. “…anyone with access can generate information online. This results in the learner needing to make decisions about its authenticity, trustworthiness, relevance, and significance” (Beecher 2023). By changing the definition of literacy to include these digital literacies we become more intentional about teaching them versus hoping students “just know” how to do these things.

There are many adults who struggle with basic email functions which are an integral part of most jobs today. As teachers it is our goal to prepare students for the world post-education. If we are neglecting to address, teach and help students get comfortable with simple tasks today that are important job skills tomorrow, are we actually doing our jobs? If the tools we are using in the classroom do not mimic the tools used in the real world, are we putting our students at a disadvantage?  Changing our view of literacy and how we teach it and implement it is important for the future of our students.

Beecher, C. (2023). "What is literacy? Multiple perspectives on literacy." In Methods of Teaching Early Literacy. Iowa State University Digital Press. https://iastate.pressbooks.pub/teachingearlyliteracy/chapter/what-is-literacy-multiple-perspectives-on-literacy/Accessed May14 2024.

Meme created by Jennifer Casa-Todd | Apr 18, 2015