Reading and discussion week #11

“The myth of the outdistanced teacher…. Although some teachers are reluctant to use computers in class, many things the students value about using computers are things they have learned from teachers in school.” (  Avila & Pandya 2013)

I am learning to believe that there are teachers passionate about the digital classroom and promote the possibilities as a way of inspiring students and enhance learning. I am learning about the positive effects of digital media and students’ ability to use computers in new and improved ways. I am learning that social media isn’t all bad but users need to be taught to be responsible.

Avila, J. , Pandya ,J.(2013). Critical digital literacies as social praxis. NY, New York: Peter Lang

I choose this picture because teachers are getting connected and passing this on to their students.

http://www.cabletechtalk.com/public-policy/schools-and-education/cable-in-the-classroom-whos-teaching-digital-citizenship/

1.     What is the difference between an "essentialist" "traditionalist" or "autonomous" "perspective of technology and literacy and a New Literacy Studies ot "ideological"perspective on technology and literacy? Which perspective do you adhere to? Why? 

The essentialist says - this digital media and these are the programs that you will learn. Hopefully you will be able to use these skills in the real world. A tradionalist says – this is a digital media these are the programs were chosen to be in the curriculum. You will learn these programs to graduate. Autonomous teaching is independent to the student. Students learn their skills and concepts  but these are tied to the students’ socioculture, intellectual and actual settings of the classroom.

2.     Give three concrete examples of how the teacher in the chapter supported "new literacy" or "critical digital literacies" practices with blogging.

1. Anne used the computer as tool for production, sharing and making the students’ activities matter.

2. Anne enabled her students to develop their own ‘ voices’ to participate out in the open and share thoughts and ideas.

3. Literacy practices  enabled and empowered the students to be critically aware of language and technology in an intelligent manner in the public arenas.