Understanding new literacies for new times: Pedagogy in action

Abstract: The emergence of new literacies within the 21st Century Standards, and the need to construct environments in the classroom which address students’ life experiences outside the school, are daunting issues for teachers. As reported in eSchool News (May 2010), schools are experiencing serious budget shortfalls and 57% of administrators in a survey reported they plan to delay technology purchases in public schools. More importantly, the current emphasis on standardized testing is viewed by some educators as problematic as they try to implement the new National Education Technology Plan (NETP, March 2010) that proposes critical thinking, complex problem solving, collaboration, and multimedia communication. Even with a shortage of resources within schools, and the present focus on standardized testing, teachers are engaging students in literacy practices, which include the use of digital media and online environments to meet the 21st Century Standards. This paper highlights the pedagogical practices of two such teachers.

Understanding new literacies for new times: Pedagogy in action Academic Article