SEMI-FINAL NOTES FOR EDUC 2

1. Differentiate literacy from the new literacies of the 21st century

- It defines traditional literacy as reading and writing using standard conventions, while
21st-century literacy requires skill like learning, unlearning, and relearning in a
changing digital world. .

2. Explain what is global participation

- Global participation refers to the involvement of individuals, organizations, or countries in

issues, events, or systems that transcend national borders. It's about working together to
address challenges and opportunities that affect us all on a global scale.

3. Explain what is social practice

- Social practice is a concept that goes beyond just actions or habits. It refers to the way
we do things in a social context, including the routines, materials, knowledge, and
meanings that shape those activities.

4. Explain what is adaptability in 21st-century education in terms of the digital

devices and technological tools as well.

- In 21st-century education, adaptability refers to the ability of students, teachers, and the
education system as a whole to thrive in a constantly evolving technological landscape.
This goes beyond just using digital devices; it's about embracing change and leveraging
technology effectively to enhance learning.

5. Explain what is multimodality

- Multimodality refers to the use of multiple communication channels, or "modes," to

convey information and create meaning. It's about going beyond just text and
incorporating various elements to enhance understanding and engagement .
The 7Cs are: Critical thinking, Creativity, Collaboration, Communication, information, and media
literacy, Computing and ICT literacy, Cross-cultural understanding, and Career and learning
self-reliance.

4 Components of Multiliteracies and Teaching:

The four components of multiliteracies and teaching, proposed by the New London Group, are
designed to equip students with the skills they need to navigate the complex information
landscape of the 21st century. Here's a breakdown of each component:

1. Situated Practice: This component emphasizes connecting classroom learning to real-

world contexts and students' lived experiences. It involves:
o Building on students' prior knowledge and cultural backgrounds.
o Designing tasks that require students to use literacy skills in authentic
situations.
 o Encouraging students to reflect on how literacy practices are used in
different communities.
2. Overt Instruction: This component focuses on explicitly teaching the "metalanguages"
of different communication modes. Metalanguages refer to the knowledge and skills
needed to understand and analyze a specific mode, like grammar for written text or
visual design principles for images. Overt instruction includes:
o Teaching students how to critically analyze different types of texts (written,
visual, audio, video).
o Providing explicit instruction on the technical aspects of using different
communication tools.
o Helping students develop the vocabulary to discuss and critique different
media forms.
3. Critical Framing: This component encourages students to develop a critical lens for
analyzing information and power structures. It involves:
o Questioning the assumptions and biases embedded in different texts and
media.
o Examining the purposes and intended audiences of different
communication forms.
o Understanding how literacy practices can be used to empower or
marginalize different groups.
4. Transformed Practice: This component focuses on applying the learned skills and
knowledge to create new meaning and participate actively in the world. It involves:
o Providing opportunities for students to use their literacy skills to create
their own multimodal texts.
o Encouraging students to advocate for themselves and their communities.
o Helping students develop the confidence to participate in online and offline
discourse.

These four components work together to create a well-rounded approach to literacy education in
the 21st century. By integrating these principles into their teaching, educators can empower
students to become critical thinkers, effective communicators, and lifelong learners who can
thrive in a globalized world.

The impact of new literacies and instruction on education is significant and multifaceted.
Here's a breakdown of some key positive effects:

Enhanced Learning and Engagement:

 Active Participation: New literacies go beyond passive consumption of information.

Students become active participants who can analyze, synthesize, and create using
multimedia tools. This fosters deeper understanding and engagement with learning
materials.
 Catering to Diverse Learners: Multimodal learning caters to different learning styles
and preferences. Students can access information through various channels (text, audio,
video) which makes learning more inclusive and effective.

Development of Critical Thinking Skills:

  Information Literacy: New literacies equip students with the skills to evaluate
information sources, identify bias, and discern fact from opinion. This is crucial in the age
of information overload and fake news.
 Problem-Solving Skills: New literacies encourage students to approach problems from
different angles and use technology to research, analyze, and generate creative
solutions.

Preparation for the 21st Century Workforce:

 Digital Fluency: In today's job market, strong digital literacy skills are essential. New
literacies instruction equips students with the ability to use technology effectively for
communication, collaboration, and productivity.
 Adaptability and Lifelong Learning: The digital landscape is constantly evolving. By
fostering a growth mindset and adaptability, new literacies prepare students to learn new
skills and technologies throughout their lives.

Increased Collaboration and Communication:

 Global Citizenship: New literacies equip students with the tools to collaborate and
communicate with people from different cultures and backgrounds. This fosters an
understanding of global issues and promotes responsible participation in a globalized
world.
 Multilingual Communication: New literacies can encompass the ability to navigate
information and communicate effectively in multiple languages. This can be valuable in
an increasingly interconnected world.

Challenges and Considerations:

 Equity and Access: Not all students have equal access to technology and high-quality
new literacies instruction. Educators need to find ways to bridge the digital divide and
ensure all students have the opportunity to develop these essential skills.
 Teacher Training: Integrating new literacies effectively requires ongoing professional
development for teachers. They need to be comfortable using new technologies and
adept at designing instruction that leverages these tools.

Overall, the impact of new literacies and instruction is overwhelmingly positive. By equipping
students with the skills to navigate the digital world critically and creatively, we prepare them to
be successful learners, responsible citizens, and adaptable workers in the 21st century.

Assessment of multiliteracies:

Assessing multiliteracies presents a unique challenge compared to traditional literacy

assessment. Here's why:

Traditional vs. Multiliteracies Assessment:

 Traditional: Often focuses on discrete skills like grammar, vocabulary, and reading
comprehension measured through standardized tests.
  Multiliteracies: Emphasizes a broader range of skills, including critical thinking,
information evaluation, technology use, and communication in various modes (text,
image, audio, video).

Challenges of Multiliteracy Assessment:

 Subjectivity: The evaluation of creative projects and multimodal compositions can be

subjective and depend on the rater's perspective.
 Process vs. Product: Multiliteracy learning involves the entire process of creating
meaning, not just the final product. Capturing this process can be challenging.
 Integration: Multiliteracy skills are often used in an integrated way. It can be difficult to
isolate and assess specific skills in isolation.

Effective Multiliteracy Assessment Strategies:

 Performance-based Assessment: Students demonstrate their skills by creating

presentations, multimedia projects, or simulations that reflect real-world applications.
 Portfolios: Students collect samples of their work over time, showcasing their progress
and development of multiliteracy skills.
 Observation: Teachers observe students engaged in learning activities to assess their
critical thinking, collaboration, and problem-solving skills in a digital environment.
 Self-reflection: Students reflect on their learning process, identifying their strengths and
areas for improvement in using different communication modes.
 Rubrics with Clear Criteria: Developing rubrics that outline specific criteria for
evaluating different aspects of a project, like content, creativity, and use of technology.

Benefits of Effective Multiliteracy Assessment:

 Provides a more holistic picture: Goes beyond just testing knowledge to assess the
application of skills in real-world contexts.
 Empowers student ownership: Encourages student reflection and self-assessment,
fostering a sense of ownership over their learning.
 Informs Instruction: Provides valuable data for teachers to adjust their instruction and
better meet the individual needs of their students.

Overall, assessing multiliteracies requires a shift from standardized tests to a more

multifaceted approach. By using a combination of strategies and focusing on the
application of skills, educators can gain valuable insights into student learning and
ensure they are developing the critical competencies needed to thrive in the 21st
century.