Topic: Digital Literacies

10-second review: Definition of “digital literacies.”

Title: “Digital Literacies Go to School: Potholes and Possibilities.” D O’Brien and C Scharber. Journal of Adolescent and Adult Literacies (JAAL) (September 2008), 66. A publication of the International Reading Association (IRA).

Summary/Quote: “State and national education standards in the United States define digital literacies with phrases such as 'using computers,' 'critically reading Web pages,' and 'understanding how to view digital images.' ”

Comment: I look forward to future columns in the Journal of Adolescent and Adult Literacy on the topic of digital literacies. The authors have defined “digital literacies” in a very general way. However, I have already started to think about what the term means in education, particularly in my teaching. “Using computers” is a very broad term. “Critically reading of Web pages” puts a frown on my face. What exactly does that mean? And “understanding how to view digital images” means absolutely nothing to me. I look forward to clarification of these three components of digital literacies by the authors and others. RayS.

This blog, English Updates, reviews selected articles from current (2008-2009) professional English education journals.