New Literacies

New literacies are theories formed to recognize the internet as a literacy issue, not just technology. New literacies are the ways to read and write using technology. This theory of new literacies is not one set of standards or rules. It is constantly evolving, just as technology is constantly changing and evolving (Leu). Although new literacies are defined in different ways , key points include:

• teaching students how to search for, question, and evaluate information (Leu)



• understanding how they are a part of global community (Leu, O'Byrne, Zawilinski, McVerry, & Everett-Capocado, 2009)



• looking at information from multiple perspectives (Leu et al., 2009)



• communication skills in multiple formats (Zawilinski & Leu)

The International Society for Technology in Education (2007) has identified the skills students need to use new literacies effectively. These skills include:

• demonstrate creativity and innovation



• communicate and collaborate



• conduct research and use information



• think critically, solve problems, and make decisions



• use technology effectively and productively

When thinking about how to develop these skills in my classroom, I want to first think about lesson that I have already been doing and am familiar with, then think about how to integrate technology into them, as advised by the video Integration of New Literacies (Leu). My class publishes a piece of writing each month. We start the year writing our published pieces and as they practice their typing skills during Computer class, we later type and print our published pieces. Instead of printing, I would love to have my students type and post their writing to a class website where students can easily access, read, and comment on each other's work. Perhaps writing partners could help edit each other's pieces through a program like Google Docs or a Wiki. This would not only give students experience with technology, but more importantly improve their writing.