1. What is the difference between an
"essentialist" "traditionalist" or "autonomous"
"perspective of technology and literacy and a New Literacy Studies of
"Ideological perspective” on technology and literacy? Which perspective do
you adhere to? Why?
There is a large difference between the “essentialist,”
“traditionalist,” or “autonomous” perspective of technology and literacy and
the “Ideological perspective” on technology and literacy. The first perspective
focuses around technology “focusing chiefly on abilities in the medium in
itself, without paying attention to the actual settings in which the
technologies are used” (Avila & Pandya, 2013, p. 88). Similar to that
approach, the autonomous approach examines literacy as a set of skills tied to
the individual’s intellectual makeup.
The “Ideological Perspective” views
literacy as being affected by social factors, including political and economic
conditions. Whereas the first three perspectives do not focus on the individual’s
“conditions” the Ideological perspective is based mainly around this. In my
opinion, I agree with this approach. I do not feel that literacy skills are rooted
in an individual, I feel that their surroundings affect the way in which they
develop. I was not born with literacy and technology skills. I was raised in a
family that finds education important, and therefore they worked with me at a
young age. My surroundings made me realize that education was of value so I
always took school seriously and in turn, developed the skills that I have
today.
Examples of how Anne supported “new literacy” through
blogging can be explained through the fact that she actively participated with
her class via blogs. She highlights student work by posting a “Photo of the
Week,” for all students to see. This allows students to see highlighted work,
get ideas from it, and post their own opinions also. She shares quotes and work
that inspires her. In doing this, students have access to literacies other than
just the class blogs. They can examine work all around the world and critique
it for this class. Anne also simply posts the assignments on her blog. In doing
this, students are developing new ways of finding, creating, and submitting
their assignments. Using the blogging tool for assignments vastly differs from
the traditional school technique. “Her
personal blog performed several functions in this class: linking to students’
blogs, discussing different matters relating to the subject, linking to
interesting articles or inspirational websites, and posting assignments for
students” (Avila & Pandya, 2013, p. 97). As you can tell in this
explanation, Anne actively communicated through her blogging on a regular
basis, thus supporting the “new literacy” age.
“Technology plays an important role, not alone but as a
constantly changing set of socially situated tools for literacy, for making
sense of the world and ourselves.” (Avila & Pandya, 2013, p. 104)
I selected this quote because it is of the utmost truth in
this new age that we live in. Of course, pencil and paper still need to be
used, but technology is taking over the world. Some people think they can deny
this, and continue using the traditional approach to teaching. Yes, they can,
and yes, their students will still learn. Will they be engaged though? Will
they be prepared for the real world? Will they be critical consumers and
producers of media? Unless they embrace the new age of technology, then
unfortunately, the answer is no.
I selected this image because it can encourage those who are
wondering whether or not to embrace this new technology age. In seeing this
Critical Literacy poster, it is evident as to how many new skills and
approaches students can learn. Those who think this new age is a bad shift can
now recognize the many strengths that the digital age has in our world.
Avila, J., & Pandya, J. (2013). Critical digital
literacies as social praxis. (Vol. 54). New York: NY: Peter Lang Publishing
Inc.
Books and Beyond. (2009). Browsing literacy links. Retrieved from http://partners.hpedsb.on.ca/bagfullofbooks/?cat=57
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