The argument and continuous debate regarding students reading on line or the linear written word in books, is one that can't be resolved. As unfortunate as some people feel, it is something that has to be accepted. Since the change of the century, the on line world has evolved. Rich even points out how kids usage climbed up in just 8 years. Rather than debate whether the new digital literacy is better for kids or not, we need to learn how to maximize its advantages for kids. The fact that reading on line is changing the way kids are processing information is part of the concern but truthfully kids need to learn how to process like that in order to keep up and meet the expectations of this new era. That proof rests on the fact that even on line assessments such as the PARCC assessment can only be administered on line. No longer are assessments given in paper and pencil form.
I have heard many of parents say, "at least my kid is reading and engaging in mind stimulating reading and shows an interest in something." My son's 4th grade teacher last year said to read 30 minutes a night and it didn't matter what type of reading; comics, on line, news paper or books. She would say "so long as the kids are reading." His 5th grade teacher on the other hand doesn't feel that way. She told us at our Parents as Partners night that the kids have to read 20 minutes from a book each night. Her belief is that reading text allows the imagination to be stimulated and work which she believes makes for a more critical thinker. I find some truth to that but when a student doesn't want to read a book, any parent should promote any type of reading.
I find that the debate on ADHD can fall in line with this debacle. With the internet having many different things on one screen and little stories here and there, kids become hardwired to multi task and jump around. This is probably not the best for students who need to read and analyze literature in class especially with the new standards. What can we do to help this issue? I feel that we need to find ways to use this as an advantage since kids are interested enough to seek out different types of literacy on line. Educators need to find ways to promote literacy while finding ways to compensate when reading a document in the written word. Perhaps it is shown that the written word will have a deeper understanding and will enrich different parts of our children's minds, but we need to help this generation so that they have the same level of understanding when they are on line.
According to Rich, there are companies that are trying to find ways to help students develop a more critical way of thinking and ways for them to synthesize the information. However, we all have to find ways to work with the new technology for the greater good of education as a whole.
I personally feel that we are wasting our time trying to debate what is better to read the written word or digital literacy. The era of technology is not going to absolve it is only going to magnify.
I love all of the examples you pulled in! It really helps to bring in some real life experience. I think that I agree with the 5th grade teacher when she said, "reading text allows the imagination to be stimulated and work which she believes makes for a more critical thinker." I think that text without pictures DOES allow the imagination to be stimulated more. Maybe a compromise with the child can happen, three out of five nights from a book and two nights a week they can choose to read what they want. I think that variety is key here. When kids read only one type of medium they become resistant to reading anything else. Or if they used to read books, and begin to read other things they lose those skills. I see it everyday. Once they hit middle school they lose those skills because they aren't required to read outside of the regular classroom. Sure, we read a few books over the course of the year, but it isn't leisure reading it is assignment focused for them. Read enough to get the job done. They're not bonding with it or making personal connections with it. But like you said, "Rather than debate whether the new digital literacy is better for kids or not, we need to learn how to maximize its advantages for kids" we have to accept it and move forward with what we've got.
ReplyDeleteI tend to side with your son's 4th grade teacher - just read something! And you're right - technology isn't going away so why the debate remains to include those types of literacies made possible because of technology seems foolish. New literacies practitioners do not argue for getting rid of print books; they argue that we read and write in multiple modes (and always have). It's just that technology has brought the possibilities to the masses like no other time in history.
ReplyDeleteDenise,
ReplyDeleteI absolutely agree with you. the more I read about the controversies which surround new literacies and media, the more I realize that the primary issue is whether the 'written word' will remain the formal means for communication in society. I really do not feel that the digital era will replace the written word, I feel that it will be another mode of communication in the era of advancement. We need to worry when there is a formal letter written from our President of the US saying "IDK what is up w the Middle East, but we aint got time 4 this.... BRB GTG ! " :-)