Kiera Dean 14436084

Valuing Language 311274

Assessment 3, task 5
Task 5 Multiliteracies and technology in diverse contexts

In todays society, students need the skills to manipulate and understand the uses of
technology. Technology and its many useful, if not, essential tools of the 21st century
requires users understanding of the multiliteracies that come with it. Schools teach students
at a young age about the different types of technologies and what forms they come in such
as iPads, laptops, computers, smart boards and interactive whiteboards. Information
Communication Technology (ICT) allows for students to constantly learn at school or home
through the internet content that can be accessed 24/7. Technology has changed the
traditional ways of education in a big way (aitsl. 2012). It means learning is more flexible as
information can be accessed and stored (Ljungdahl. 2010). Information in multimodal ways
such as videos, images, voice recordings, texts, hyperlinked information related to topics
and social networking have become a contributing factor as to how we learn in the 21st
century (Ljungdahl. 2012). Technology enables students the skills to become lifelong
learners and better communicators (aitsl. 2012). Australia has a new curriculum online,
which is structured around the students to meet the needs of 21st century learners (aitsl.
2012). However, not everyone has the privileges of learning about and through technology.
People who are considered to be living in a low economic status and the elderly are more
likely to not have privileges of being exposed to, and therefore, not understanding
technology and its benefits. This is called a global divide (Ljungdahl. 2012). Schools, if well
resourced, can be a place where the global divide is bridged (Ljungdahl. 2012).
In schools, students may benefit from the use of technology in the classroom, however
Ljungdahl (2010) states A knowledgeable teacher is the key factor in how computer
resources are used in the classroom (Ljungdahl, 2010, p.401). This suggests teachers need
a great pedagogical knowledge of ICT in the classroom in which needs updating as new
technologies and software are updated, how to monitor students on the internet, safety
measures, reliable content and websites copyright and legal issues also (Ljungdahl. 2012)
.Hence, the idea of constantly learning.

ICT can be beneficial in teaching students about literacy, and multiliteracies. Ljungdahl
(2010) states As educators of the 21st century, we need to accommodate the new
information and communication technologies in the context of literacy education (Ljungdahl,
2010, p.399). Teachers need to work with schools in resourcing ICT which includes a
supporting staff, financial funding and competency of teachers with ICT skills. Students

Kiera Dean 14436084

Valuing Language 311274
Assessment 3, task 5
benefit from ICT in numerous way, some of which include developing understanding of text
structures, ability to store information and retrieve it, motivates and encourages students to
write, students are able to self-teach through trial and error and have accessibility to
information on the internet (Ljungdahl. 2012).

Ljungdahl (2012) states Integrating the internet into the curriculum is a major step that
teachers can take to provide their students with opportunities to develop literacy skills.
(Ljungdahl, 2012, p.400). This can be done through activities such as researching
information for projects or writing to an e-pal, which students are encouraged and more
motivated to write (Ljungdahl. 2012). A pre-requisite in using ICT to develop students
literacy, they need to know about the concepts of print, alphabetical knowledge, upper and
lower case letters, understand their writing and computer proficiency. Ljungdahl (2012)
states students may be distracted from paying attention to the quality of their writing and the
need for revision by a word-processed text that gives the appearance of excellence.
(Ljungdahl, 2012, p.401), this highlights the importance of draft writing and editing of their
own work before writing on the computer.

Technology in schools will help to bridge the global divide as students from diverse contexts
will have the opportunities to experience and learn about technologies. Students from all
socio-economic statuses and cultural backgrounds have a chance to manipulate ICT and
technological devices. ICT caters and promotes communication and collaboration between
cultures and many diverse contexts. Teachers need the pedagogical knowledge in selecting
developmentally appropriate materials, resources and content for their students so that it
does not discourage their confidence in developing their skills which will enable them to be
successful and accepted citizens of a technological society if the 21st century.

Kiera Dean 14436084

Valuing Language 311274
Assessment 3, task 5

References

AITSL. (2012). [video file]. 21st century living. Retrieved from

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nA1Aqp0sPQo

Ljungdahl, L. (2010). Literacy 4th ed.

Melbourne: Oxford University Press