Digital Literacies and the importance for EFL teachers.

   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:

_________________________________________________

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