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Defining Literacy in a Digital World

While students interact with a range of print, visual, and sound texts, they do not always recognize that these many documents are texts. By creating an inventory of personal texts, students begin to consciously recognize the many literacy demands in contemporary society. (from site) Students will explore and expand their definitions of texts in this assignment. u2028First, they will identify different kinds of texts, ranging from print to visual to audio texts, followed by compiling a list of strategies and processes needed to read and write these texts. Note: Graphic organizers are provided to the students as they critique the different kinds of texts.

Weblink address (URL): 
Defining Literacy in a Digital World

Standards & Objectives

Learning objectives: 

Students will:

  • explore and expand their definitions of texts. 
  • identify different kinds of texts, ranging from print to visual to audio texts. 
  • compile a list of strategies and processes needed to read and write these texts.
  • develop and continue to refine a definition of literacy.

Lesson Variations

Blooms taxonomy level: 
Understanding
Extension suggestions: 
  • Collect definitions of literacy from a variety of resources—reference books, news articles, government reports. Online resources such as the Wikipedia definition of literacy can also be used. Arrange students in small groups, and ask each group to compare details on literacy from one (or more) of the resources to the class definition. Have groups present their findings to the whole class. At the end of the session, make any additions or changes to the class definition of literacy.
  • Using the information that students have already gathered in this lesson, complete the Paying Attention to Technology: Writing Technology Autobiographies lesson plan, which asks students to compose narratives of their most significant interactions with technology. During the project, ask students to revisit the class definition of literacy, adapting the definition as necessary.

Helpful Hints

Materials:

  • Website Analysis Worksheet Printout
  • Defining Literacy in a Digital World Website
  • Uncle Sam Poster
  • 21st Century Literacies
     

References

Contributors: 
David Sneed
Originator: 
Ayers Institute for Learning & Innovation