NLP Final Post

When looking back at the definition of literacy I posted on February 11^th, I can clearly see how Cultural Literacy fits in.  A part of my first definition stated, “Literacy has always been a collection of cultural and communicative practices shared among members of particular groups.  As society and technology change, so does literacy”.  I remember when I first found that definition how much I liked the second sentence.  And after exploring my classmate’s projects and learning about Cultural Literacy myself, I have come to love the definition even more.  I truly believe that literacy changes with time, and it is our job as future educators, to keep up with it! Like I stated previously, I did not know a tool like Popplet existed before searching for technologies to use for this project.  If I wanted my students to create a concept map or web, I would have asked them to stay seated at their desks, pull out a piece of paper and pencil, and create a web by hand.  Now, I have found a resource to accomplish the same goals, but in a much more engaging and I believe, effective way.  Since times are changing, it is very important that we change as well in order to teach our students in a way that they can relate to, have fun with, and learn a lot from. 

From this project, I have not only learned more about different technologies, but a lot about different literacies as well.  When we first started talking about the project, I was wondering what a “new literacy” meant.  I had a preconceived definition of literacy in my head, and did not think it could be much more than reading and writing.  However, I have learned so much.  I had no idea how many different kinds of literacies there are, and how important they all are to bring into the classroom.  From exploring Cultural Literacy deeply, I have learned how important it is to be culturally literate and how to incorporate cultural literacy into my classroom.

To provide “effective literacy instruction” means to give your students many choices.  As teachers, we need to give our students opportunities to learn in numerous ways, some in which we may be unfamiliar with.  Our students are growing up in the age of technology, where they are constantly surrounded with educational TV shows, interactive websites, hands-on items such as iPads and iPods, social media websites and YouTube.  Because our students spend a great deal of time with these technologies outside of the class, I do not see why we should not bring them into the classroom.  Also, every student is different, and therefore a different learner.  I can speak from a personal example that technology is a very effective way to learn.  My brother has always been a very tech-savvy person, if you have any questions about anything concerning any technology, he will have the answer.  He struggled in elementary school because he was not given the opportunity to be hands on, or engaged in a way that suited his learning style.  In order to meet the needs of diverse learners, technological learners cannot be forgotten. 

As a teacher, you will constantly be learning, and I think it is important to remember that students can be teachers too.  Since technology is constantly changing, teachers need to be open-minded and not glued to traditional pen and paper activities.  Using Popplet for this project has made me realize how easy it is to incorporate technology into an assignment, and it made me excited to search for more tools that I can use in the future.  It is our responsibility to provide our students with different choices, such as different technologies and literacies.  Students need to not only know about what is available to them on the web, but how to use these resources effectively.  Teachers need to show students how to use the technology they want their students to use, before just telling students to “create a website” or “post on a blog”.  Although many students may be familiar with different technologies, some may not be, which is another reason to give them the chance in that classroom!  I am excited to take what I have learned from both new literacies and technologies and use that information in my future classroom.