New Literacies and the NETS

As a teacher, I naturally feel compelled to be on one side of “literacy” while my students occupy the other. This means that I ma knowledgeable and they are still learning. After this week’s readings, I have become increasingly convinced that both my students and I are standing on the same side of emerging literacies. Such new literacies are not limited to the Internet for the sake of research. Literacy in newer media means achieving a particular savvy through efficient use of social networking. Literacy means effective sharing of resources, whether these are poignant (albeit hilarious) viral videos or simply information on the best resources for the more traditional pieces of our curricula that will always be in style. In short, “literacy” is the savvy of sharing.

The National Education Technology Standards (NETS) for Teachers and Students are measures against which we assess whether our approaches to technology remain meaningful and efficient. These standards remind us that simply sitting in front of a computer or assigning an Internet-research paper are not necessarily effective uses of technology. The standards remind us of the larger goals and responsibilities that accompany the integration of technology in the classroom.

Not too long ago, I remember when graphic novels became educationally embraced forms of legitimate reading for students. While I have never felt an affinity to such literature, I have seen how inclusive the movement has become, how it has created readers from a pool of students already unlikely to read. The natural consequence, I feel, must be the use of technology by which students create and/or illustrate their own writing and ideas. Even the shortest comics can contain the most salient of messages. Take a look here.

Incorporating the NETS can be as simple as developing a rubric by which both students and teachers cling faithfully, a rubric consulted regularly to ensure effective use of time and talents.