CONCEPTUAL UNDERSTANDING
My conceptual understanding of
literacy has changed and evolved since the beginning of this class. I've learned through class readings, discussions, videos and projects that each
literacy type has more dimensions then you first might think. From reading a
classmates project about visual literacy I've discovered that literacy is more
than just viewing pictures, videos but how those materials are presented such
as colors, shapes and clarity as well as how those images are viewed due to
these detailed differences.
This thinking was also seen when researching
about Geo-Literacy. I learned that it’s more than just viewing a map and pictures
but connecting the picture with a place and how inter connected and diverse the
world is depending upon where you live. Geo-literacy
is extremely important because it’s helping students think outside themselves and
their place in the world but how they affect those around the world and vice
versa. Also students start to realize that each of their classmates are unique
individuals that may have had different experiences/ lived in a variety of
places become coming to their specific class. When you teach using Geo-Literacy
it doesn't mean you have to connect the activity to geography but relating the information
such as a story from a book to other children’s lives around the world.
Using my digital literacy of
Flickr has also informed my understanding of technology and how extensive a
tool such as Flickr can be. There are so many variations to use when opening up
to the use of technology. You have to make the decisions of how much is enough
such as use in the classroom and for class projects. My literacy group talked a
bunch about using our Geo Map for posting photos for a homework assignment as
well as the teacher using the site to organize a unit of study and all the
pictures that visually show the children the places. Flickr has many
applications that we didn't get to use such as video use and adding comments to
the pictures. I've learned that the teacher needs to have explicit clearly
defined directions when using a form of technology to insure proper and
productive use.
Classroom Implications
As
I said up above to provide effective instruction the teacher needs to clearly
explore and discuss the technology with the entire class. Have the students ask
questions and explore the literacy and technology before assigning the
assignment of posting photos on the site. Teach the children about safe
internet use, what is appropriate and expected depending upon their grade. Show
examples to the class, model the use etc. Through these repeated practices and exposure
students will become educated, responsible when using technology and will be
set up to explore new topics and enhance their literacy. Students will also
need support in the various subject areas in order to be successful. For my
literacy project I researched the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. In order
to use this topic for class students will have had to have previous exposure,
lessons discussing this topic or understand what a map is for posting photos.
There needs to be some prior understanding of Geography and the world in a general
sense before adding more material. I would slowly scaffold the children before
assigning use of Flickr. I would first provide in class activities that
introduce the new strategies of presenting the information in a map format with
pictures then giving the students a chance to make their own versions. If students just read a story in class about one of the natural wonders scaffolding and introducing the other six wonders would be a good way to connect the new and old information in one assignment.
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