According to Hockly (2013) digital literacies refer not only to “the
ability to effectively make use of the technologies at our disposal […] but
also the social practices that surround the use of the new media” (What are digital literacies? para. 2). So,
apart from knowing how to use the technology, it is also important to know how
to communicate and navigate through the different digital environments
(University of Derby; 2014).
How can Digital Literacies be introduced in the language
classroom? Researchers have found that these can be divided into four main areas:
·
Those with a focus on language: they have to do
with the importance of including not only print literacies but also texting
literacies. “Whilst print literacy is a familiar typology, texting literacy
remains the domain of regular mobile phone users and is much maligned in
educational circles for the supposedly negative effect it is having on literacy”
(Hockly, 2013, para. 5).
·
Those with a focus in connections: it has to do
with raising awareness on our students about the use of the different social
media and how to communicate appropriately. It is important because “In such
spaces users not only write about themselves and their lives, but also
participate in wide social groupings which transcend geographical, religious
and ethnic boundaries” (Hockly, 2013, para. 6).
·
Those with a focus on information: it has to do
with the ability of finding information and also to recognise sites and sources
that are reliable.
·
Those with a focus on (re)design: it has to do
with how to transform and create something new with the content that social
media offers.
For English teachers it is important to acknowledge and
apply this information to our teaching practices because English is the language
of global communication. Also it is important to remember that technology is
involved in every aspect of students’ life and it would be very beneficial if teachers
care about their interests when planning the language lessons.
At the bottom of the post it can be found a short and
explanatory video:
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References:
- Hockly, N. (2013) "Digital Literacies: What are they and why should we care" Retrieved from https://www.teachingenglish.org.uk/article/digital-literacies-what-are-they-why-should-we-care
-University of Derby (2014, November 5) "Digital literacy and why it matters" Retrieved from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p2k3C-iB88w
