A New Literacy Landscape – Multiple Literacies vs. the Narrow Agenda and Wal-Mart Curriculum

By Jamie Mackenzie

In a decade characterized by narrow definitions of curriculum and literacy, Jamie builds a case for a dozen different literacies, suggesting that the health of a democracy depends upon the development of a citizenry that can do more than read and calculate. He challenges the audience to consider how schools might attend to cultural, social, artistic, natural, visual and ethical literacies

MAIN IDEAS

“Literacy must be re-defined to include all mediums and it is the responsibility of all teaches to teach it”

E-Literacy? – Does it exist ? Should it be given the same importance and put on the same level as “Literacy”

Do we have have a broad definition of literacy or do we give in to marketing pressure and label it “digital”
The Purpose of Schooling ?

Questioning
Understanding
Inventing
Finding meaning

We are creating school cultures where students assemble and collect information but we do not encourage original thought, invention or synthesis.

We can encourage original thought by using juxtaposition and getting students to compare and make judgments for themselves.

“synthesis is critical missing component to elite education”

Media  Literacy – The lines of  truth have been blurred.

Digital natives are “Digital Captives” – They are not aware of the difference between news and entertainment.

 Musical Literacy – How does music change the way we view life?

Cultural Literacy – The differences between people, places and culture

Ethical Literacy -  What should we do? Knowing right from wrong.
Looking and working past bandwagons !

All of this technology  is for naught if we don’t focus on the important skills.

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