3 Technological Literacies

When learning about technology for the classroom, there are three main literacies that are in effect: Computer Literacy, Information Literacy, and Integration Literacy.

Computer Literacy is a person's ability to use the computer, understand how it operates. Most students today come to school knowing how to operate a computer. In fact, many of them know how to do this better than you or I can.

Information Literacy gives us the tools to use and locate information on the internet and clearly organize this information. With this literacy, students can create their own webquests. The video Information Literacy uses the acronym DISCOVER to describe the process of information literacy:
D-define
I-inquire
S-search
C-collect
O-organize
V-verify
E-express
R-reflect

This acronym can be helpful to students when using the internet to find information and create their own projects. The teacher would first explain each step and what is expected of the students. Each step will have more than one component. For example: For Define, students must write who, what, why, where, or when. It may be easiest if the students were provided a chart with the acronym where they could write down their findings next to each word. Information Literacy is helpful to both the teacher and students because it allows them to look at what websites are of use to them. After the DISCOVER process has been completed, the students can create a webquest which would provide visuals, some text, and links to the useful websites about their given topic.

Integration Literacy is using technology to further enhance the learning of students. This literacy uses every form of technology possible where text can be created- including cell phones. Integration literacy is a student- based approach, meaning that the classroom teacher is not the only person leading the lessons. Students can help other students and serve as peer facilitators, or the computer can even provide students with much of their learning. Integration Literacy is geared to involve all learning styles- from visual to auditory to textile. It allows students to explore on their own or work collaboratively in groups, then discuss with the rest of the class what they have learned. Sometimes, students even surpass what the instructor already knew how to do and therefore can teach their teacher something new about technology.

I have heard people say that technological literacy is the literacy of tomorrow. Guess what...It's not. It's the literacy of now and today's teachers must know how to work with the literacies that are all around us. If the students know more about this topic than you do, that's okay. Give that student the opportunity to collaborate with and teach you. You learn just as much from you students as they do from you.

Until next time...