As teenagers’ scores on standardized reading tests have declined or stagnated, some argue that the hours spent prowling the Internet are the enemy of reading diminishing literacy, wrecking attention spans and destroying a precious common culture that exists only through the reading of books (Rich, 2008, pg.2).
In my literacy debate response paper, I wrote about how I feel as though digital literacy is a supplement, rather than a replacement for critical and developmental literacy. The following paragraph is directly from my paper.
"One example of digital literacy being supplementary to foundational literacy is debating online, whether through websites or social media. To have a healthy debate, rather than a dysfunctional argument, people must possess and practice skills such as critical thinking, understanding different viewpoints, summarizing, and asking questions. These are all skills that children build through reading books in school and for leisure. Therefore, reading and analyzing books and printed texts can help children build the knowledge and skills required to use technology as a form of communication and education."
I do believe that technology and digital literacy is evolving and valuable. We get to experience things we don't get from books, such as seeing multiple viewpoints on a single topic, communicating and debating with other people, combining text with videos to build comprehension of a topic, and reading from unpublished authors. We also get different versions of media such as blogs, podcasts, videos, and music. However, that does not diminish or replace the value of reading books and printed texts. With books, children not only learn strategies to decode words and develop vocabulary, but they develop the patience it takes to go along with a story instead of just getting all the answers at once. They also learn to contemplate and question ideas and thoughts as they read. They build their imagination and creativity as they read through the unknown journey in their books. They are also building a wide variety of background knowledge on various topics that could be beneficial when they are exposed to digital literacy and social media.
Literacy is not one-size-fits-all. There are many varieties of literacy, all of which can teach us in different ways. This is why I don't ignore technology in the classroom. I use it as a supplement and an extension of our learning. One simple way I achieve this is by having students handwrite rough drafts and type final drafts. Another way I currently am supplementing technology is by allowing my students to use their computers to find information for their biographies. However, they are still provided printed resources to use and write their information down by hand.
I agree with your statement is saying technology is supplement, rather than a replacement for critical and developmental literacy. I think technology should be incorporated and can be used to help readers and writers. It shouldn't be put in a categories where just digital learner is taking over critical and developmental literacy. Even taking a college online course we have to go out and purchase a textbook to read. Books are still relevant to learning we cant just only view articles online. I personal hate reading textbooks, books, extended articles online and it hurts my eyes. I also look at the students I had last year at district and in 5th grade they had a hard time writing because of how used to their were typing but this assignment was to be handwritten. I feel like students should be taught in multiple way but now since digital learning is so popular I see a lot of my follow teachers just teaching digitally. Which I don't agree with especially in elementary school and their not being taught how to write. Literacy has many components and should expand students minds not limit them to one idea. Especially in this article with Nadia only reading fan fictions where the story does not have a beginning, middle and end, can be changed and is filled with spelling and grammar mistakes. I believe this is good for creative writing but its shouldn't be the only literacy she is using. Nadia wants to be published one day but to be published you have to have certain aspects in your story, like themes or something that would engage a reader long enough to understand your point. There is loss in attention since digital learning and that should be made aware of.
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