New Literacies in Schools

By, Allie RobbinsCole Campi

James Thomas

iPadIn 2011, the University of Arizona created a scholarship program where incoming Freshman who were taking a

minimum of 12 credits could receive a free iPad. The program became a huge success at U of A. You can tell this new “literacy” is becoming more popular each year by observing the growing amount of people that use iPads in class.

_____________________________________________________________________________________

iPads allow students to: • Take Notes • Easily Access D2L• Read the Syllabus • Research Information • Stay Organized

Students can have as much information as they could have on their computer, but on a device that is only half the size and more than half the cost. The long run cost of the school giving away iPads is cheaper and the whole process is more environmentally friendly.

Students call iPad program a successWildcat Mac Scholarship Award

Online Discussions• Online discussion boards are a “new literacy” that force students to

interact with others in ways that benefit everyone involved. They allow students to get a different perspective on a topic or idea and makes them respond with insight. It lets people share their opinion without criticism and feel comfortable with their input while at the same time keeping them involved and up-to-date on class subjects.

• We are most familiar with online discussions through D2L, but they can also be found in blogs, social media, and medical websites.

LRC D2L Discussion Page Health Boards

Laptop ComputersLaptop computers; Macs, PCs, etc.., have been one of the main note taking “new literacies” in recent years of college campuses, and now some high schools as well. Over the years, teachers have been more lenient in allowing laptops in class because it allows students to note take quicker and follow along with lectures that are posted online. It is easy access to all online resources, the internet for quick questions and d2l.

The University of Arizona used to give out laptops to students rather than scholarship money, but now they give out iPads.

Computers in the Classroom

Online BooksMany teachers now use online books rather than making students buy $100+ books. This is a new literacy that is quickly becoming more popular. Students are more likely to be successful with a book that is such easy access online or posted on d2l. Students also can find online books in different areas on the internet other than just d2l, by just googling the title of a book. Not only are they just on the internet, but on an iPad or iPhone the newstand application allows many online books to be downloaded. Along with the Kindle, that allows many books to be downloaded rather than buying big textbooks.

Online Books

Online QuizzesOnline quizzes are a new literacy being used in many different types of classes and over many grade levels. They can be particularly important in online classes but can also be convenient in regular classes. Online quizzes can be used on many websites including school websites with class homepages such as D2L or Blackboard. Online quizzes can be used for take home quizzes, homework assignments, surveys, and take home tests. Online quizzes are convenient for teachers because they can set their home page up so that the grades go directly into the gradebook instead of having to input each quiz themselves. Students enjoy online quizzes because they are easy to use and provide instant feedback.

Benefits of using quizzes on BlackboardUniversity of Arizona D2L site

ClickersThe use of clickers in classrooms Is a “new literacy” that is being implemented in various grade levels. They are particularly effective in larger classes where it is difficult to have a discussion because many students find it hard to participate.Clickers make it easier for teachers to:• take attendance• record participation in class• quiz students.Teachers can even have their class record test answers on their clickers for easier and faster grading. Teachers also use clickers to poll students to see how they feel as a group about certain subjects.

Examples of how clickers are being usedTurning Technologies

Many teachers at the University of Arizona

require students to use clickers in class.

iPhones/iPodsiPhones and iPods are a new literacy that are used in many classrooms for different reasons. They can be used to download online books, used as clickers in classrooms or for many other things. They can be easily accessed and people can quickly download applications if a teacher were to ask them to. There are many free apps that have educational uses as well. There is a calculator and a timer that are automatically on the iPhone or iPod. Teachers use it for many different reasons too, not just the students. Ways teachers Use iPhones

iPhones/iPods in the Classroom