Conversation 3

Christy Alvarado                                                                                       September 29, 2023

ACL 150

Prof. Barnes

What did you learn about new literacies from this week’s video “The essential elements of digital literacies” and from the reading “Dawn of new literacies”?

Video: “The Essential Elements of Digital Literacies”

The video emphasized the importance of digital literacies and their multifaceted nature, presenting eight essential elements: cognitive, constructive, communicative, civic, critical, creative, confidence, and cultural.

It highlighted the significance of remix culture, where individuals not only consume but also creatively modify and share content, engaging in digital practices that are dynamic and context-dependent.

Reading: “Dawn of New Literacies”

This reading shed light on the evolving nature of reading and writing in a digital age, where traditional literacy practices are being transformed by the interactive and participatory nature of online platforms.

The gap between reading and writing is closing, with individuals engaging in active annotation, layering, and remixing of content, necessitating a rethinking of literacy education to align with these changing practices.

New Literacies Example:

One surprising new literacy is the practice of “meme literacy”. Understanding, creating, and effectively sharing memes involves not only technical skills but also cultural and communicative competencies. It might seem trivial but is indeed a significant form of digital expression and communication in today’s online culture.

Application of Szwed’s and Baker’s Definitions:

Szwed’s definition highlights literacy as a set of social practices, which aligns well with the understanding of new literacies as not merely technical skills but also social practices embedded in specific contexts.

Baker’s emphasis on the functional aspect of literacy can be applied to understand how new literacies enable individuals to perform various functions and participate actively in digital spaces.

What are some “new literacies” that have helped you with your schooling? Explain.

Information literacy, media literacy, and digital communication are vital skills for high school seniors. These new literacies are essential as they help students navigate online resources, critically assess information, and participate effectively in virtual learning environments. 

Have you ever had to help someone with technology (new literacies) who was not tech savvy? What was that experience like? 

I wanted Grandpa to use Skype to talk to family. He was scared of using it at first because it looked hard. I told him it’s a cool way to see and talk to us, and I’d help him learn.

First, I put Skype on his tablet and helped him make an account. I showed him how to use each button and what it does. He practiced calling me and changing settings while I watched and helped. I wrote down easy steps for him to follow when making calls, in case he forgets.

Every week, I called to answer questions and help more if he needed. Soon, Grandpa got good at Skype and was happy to video call with family. Helping him felt great, and now he can use technology to feel close to us, even when we’re far away.

Indispensable New Literacy:

For many, one new literacy might be information literacy. In an age of information overload, being able to critically evaluate, interpret, and use information found online is crucial for academic, professional, and personal purposes.

Explain your personality using ONLY three emojis – what would they be?.

Defining my quirky and humorous personality, I’d pick 🤪, 🎃, and 🎥. The 🤪 perfectly encapsulates my silly and unpredictable sense of humor, always keeping people around me on their toes and filling rooms with laughter. With a deep fascination for the spooky and mysterious, the 🎃 represents my love for scary movies; I adore the thrill and excitement that come with the chilling tales and jump scares, especially when they are shared in good company. Lastly, the 🎥 signifies my appreciation for documentaries. There’s something incredibly satisfying and enlightening about delving deep into real stories, historical events, or groundbreaking discoveries, providing me not just entertainment, but also valuable knowledge and insights about the world we live in.