NEW LITERACIESLauren ZoerhoffEduc W531

OVERVIEWMy diagram of new literacies was set up to show how the definition of “literacy” has changed over time. The timeline indicates that the farther right you move, the more modern the type of literacy becomes. The colors used indicate how specific that form of literacy is. The colors in order from broadest to most specific are as follows: red, blue/orange, purple, yellow. Information Literacy was my starting point because I think that this is the broadest definition of literacy which encompasses any kind of information encoding or decoding. The diagram then branches off to separate pre-21st century and 21st century definitions of literacy. Prior to the 21st century, literacy was solely defined as the ability to read and write; however, the more modern, 21st century, view of literacy encompasses the wide array of media that people use to process information. I had a difficult time separating 21st century literacy and media literacy, so I have these terms as being interchangeable. The diagram then separates media literacy into three types- music literacy, visual literacy, and digital literacy. Digital literacy is then further divided into computer literacy and social media literacy. I also wanted to include other forms of literacy such as science, math, mechanical and cultural literacy, but with these being very specific and not necessarily forms of digital literacy, I categorized them as forms of information literacy.

DEFINITIONSInformation Literacy The ability to find, evaluate, and use

information.Pre 21st Century Literacy The ability to find, evaluate, and use

information through reading and writing.21st Century Literacy The ability to find, evaluate, and use

information in ways beyond just reading and writing.

Media Literacy The ability to interpret, create, and communicate messages using a variety of media such as print, film, imagery, music, and digital technology.

Visual Literacy The ability to use sensory experiences to interpret, create, and communicate messages in a variety of visual forms such as pictures, designs, or models.

Musical Literacy The ability to use sensory experiences to interpret, create, and communicate messages in a variety of musical forms.

Digital Literacy The ability to locate and analyze information using digital technology.

Computer Literacy The ability to efficiently locate and analyze information using computers and different types of computer software.

Social Media Literacy The ability to locate and analyze information responsibly using mobile technology and social networking media.

Science Literacy The ability to interpret and analyze scientific data, use scientific equipment, and comprehend scientific language.

Math Literacy The ability to interpret and analyze simple mathematical data, use mathematical equipment, and perform basic mathematical calculations.

Cultural Literacy The ability to compare and contrast the customs, values, and beliefs of different cultures.

EXAMPLESPre 21st Century Literacy Having students read a chapter from their

textbook and then fill out a worksheet about what they read.

Media Literacy Any of the examples listed below.Visual Literacy Having students create a digital story about

how to classify and identify rocks using various picture examples with voice narration.

Musical Literacy Having students create a song or rap about how to classify and identify rocks then perform it for the class.

Digital Literacy Students find 10 rock samples of their own, take pictures of the rocks and create a slideshow that takes the viewer through the classification process.

Computer Literacy Having students create a concept map in Microsoft Word outlining the process of classifying and identifying rocks.

Social Media Literacy Students are given various rock samples and they must go through the classification process with a small group via a group chat online.

SUPPORT RESOURCES

http://animoto.com/Animoto is a free tool (more advanced options come at a cost) where students can create videos and slideshows with photos, video clips, music, and narration. Upon creating the videos, they can be shared just about anywhere (youtube, facebook, blog etc..). This tool could be used in the classroom for students to expand on their digital literacy media literacy, musical literacy, visual literacy, or even social media literacy.

http://www.boolify.org/Boolify is a free tool that helps students learn the proper steps to conducting computer research and improving information literacy. It operates as a search engine that allows students to visual build their search using keywords, AND, OR, and NOT functions. It is secure and easy for kids to use. This would be a good tool for students to build their information literacy, computer literacy, and visual literacy skills.