The effect of digital technologies on the culture of literacy | Culture and communication in digital worlds

Author(s): Marilyn Moore, Dana L. Grisham

Year of publication: 2015

Keywords: Culture, Literacy, Technologies, Multicultural, Resources

Methodology/Sample: _/_

Reference: Moore, M., & Grisham, D. L. (2015). The Effect of Digital Technologies on the Culture of Literacy. California Reader, 48(2). https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=ehh&AN=101162100&lang=es&site=ehost-live

Abstract

A culture of literacy in the classroom integrates all aspects of language, includes relevant literature, arts and activities for students, and includes powerful tools in the instructional design, but also requires a close focus on culture in our multicultural society. Resources for integrating technologies into the culture of literacy and augmenting the wide reading needed for the culture of literacy are increasingly available to classroom teachers and their students. In this article, the authors explore resources for establishing a culture of literacy that include web conferencing, eBooks, electronic children’s magazines, Quick Reads, eVoc strategies, and Webquests. Teachers are influential people who need to embrace new technologies and extend the contribution they can make to a global society.

> Summary

The paper discusses the importance of a culture of literacy in education, emphasizing technology’s role in enhancing learning experiences .
Ms. Riley’s fifth-grade class engages in a science project on solar and wind energy, promoting collaborative learning .
Students utilize the Internet and various resources to research and present their findings on solar energy .
The culture of literacy integrates reading, writing, speaking, and listening, focusing on multicultural aspects .

> Problem statement

The paper discusses the challenge of integrating technology in literacy education to enhance student learning and engagement .
It highlights the need for students to navigate vast information and collaborate effectively .
The focus is on creating a culture of literacy that incorporates diverse perspectives and content .
The problem of ensuring that teachers effectively support students in using technology for academic purposes is also addressed .
Overall, the paper emphasizes the importance of preparing students for a rapidly evolving knowledge landscape .

> Methods used

Students utilized the Internet for research on solar and wind energy through preselected websites in a Webquest format .
Collaborative groups worked on a classroom computer to compile and present reports on solar energy .
Students engaged in discussions, made written notes, and created PowerPoint presentations to demonstrate their findings .
The project emphasized the use of multimodal writing, incorporating images and audio/video products alongside traditional writing .
The methods fostered a culture of literacy, encouraging students to engage with disciplinary content actively .

> Practical implications

The paper emphasizes the importance of integrating technology in literacy education to enhance student engagement and learning outcomes .
It highlights the need for students to collaborate and communicate effectively while using digital resources for research .
The study illustrates how a culture of literacy can be fostered through project-based learning, such as exploring solar and wind energy .
It advocates for multimodal writing, encouraging students to create diverse outputs, including text, images, and videos .
The findings suggest that teachers should continuously develop their professional skills to adapt to evolving literacy practices .