DIGITAL LITERACY
The term digital literacy is a very large, and encompassing term. It doesn't replace the traditional definition of literacy, it builds on it (Jenkins, 2009). It is a skill that prepares students to be self-directed literate persons in a new-age context where texts and information are no longer just coming in a text or letter-based media. As Jenkins described, it's the reader's ability to read, gain knowledge, write coherently, and think critically of the texts/ media/ pictures/ videos/ messages he or she receives (2009). Furthermore, it's more than just breaking down the information for mere consumption, as University of Chicago's Nichole Pinkhard stated on TVO's "The Agenda", it is also the production/creation of messages from the learner that is also very important to digital literacy (2009).
Though I will be drawing upon how much I gained in this topic through the M.Ed. program, I would like to draw special focus on one aspect of digital literacy. This was an area I was interested in prior to my acceptance into the program. It was to be a conduit of change for the disenfranchised, and equip all students with tools that will prepare them to be involved and engaged learners in the 21st century. To quote my actual letter of intent from 2009, I wrote,
"Students are impacted by changes in technology, the influence of media, geopolitics in a shrinking global village, psycho-social issues, and socioeconomic factors. As their world continues to change, so should the curriculum and expectations of students."
Though I did not focus on curriculum development and reform, something I felt strongly about was minimizing the digital divide, and critical media literacy/ critical thinking. These are two aspects of digital literacy are the focus for my reflections in Principles of Learning, Critical Media Literacy, and Educational Technology and Communication. I will share a great deal of what I learned and list my goals to implement this knowledge in positions of influence I potentially may have in the future.
As important as concepts like digital citizenship, digital immigrants and natives are to the concept of digital literacy, the following links will focus primarily on:
Though I will be drawing upon how much I gained in this topic through the M.Ed. program, I would like to draw special focus on one aspect of digital literacy. This was an area I was interested in prior to my acceptance into the program. It was to be a conduit of change for the disenfranchised, and equip all students with tools that will prepare them to be involved and engaged learners in the 21st century. To quote my actual letter of intent from 2009, I wrote,
"Students are impacted by changes in technology, the influence of media, geopolitics in a shrinking global village, psycho-social issues, and socioeconomic factors. As their world continues to change, so should the curriculum and expectations of students."
Though I did not focus on curriculum development and reform, something I felt strongly about was minimizing the digital divide, and critical media literacy/ critical thinking. These are two aspects of digital literacy are the focus for my reflections in Principles of Learning, Critical Media Literacy, and Educational Technology and Communication. I will share a great deal of what I learned and list my goals to implement this knowledge in positions of influence I potentially may have in the future.
As important as concepts like digital citizenship, digital immigrants and natives are to the concept of digital literacy, the following links will focus primarily on:
- Minimizing the Digital Divide
- Critical Thinking & Critical Media Literacy