Literacy: Do we really know it?

By Pratibha

Hello guys, welcome back to another blog.

This time, I am actually trying something new, which is out of my comfort zone. This semester, I am taking this class, which actually was quite interesting to me, and I thought that maybe I should share this knowledge through this platform…

We more or less know the definition of Literacy. Traditionally, it is the ability to read or write. However, do you guys think it is enough in this world today to just know how to read and write? Does understanding and implementing that in real-life situations also count as a form of literacy?

As the world is developing and we are evolving, there are new forms of literacies that are coming out which are more relevant in today’s world. A very simple and prominent example is online media literacy. We consume social media every single day, and the amount of information we consume is endless. However, how much of that information is correct or reliable?

With the rise of AI and social media, the spread of fake news is very easy and not easy to detect. Most of the time, we consume the wrong information and believe that. So, can we consider this a new form of literacy to understand and be able to detect or critically think of this fake news in this online world?

Well, I know it’s overwhelming, but I think it is important to ponder on this question of new literacies that are being added to the traditional or orthodox literacy. I would actually like to suggest this one article by David Buckingham on the idea of new literacies.

Defining digital literacy – What do young people need to know about digital media?

[Source: Teachmestats Supporting Digital Literacy – Donnah Anderson’s Blog]

The most prominent type of literacy among these new literacies is the digital literacy that I just talked about. With it being so prominent, it is our duty to adapt to such new learnings and increase our understanding. Especially children, we need to expose them to such new literacies. They are also part of the consumption group, even if parents try to restrict it or not. Hence, a useful guide, whether it’s school or home, needs to be in place for these innocent beings to develop this ability to read, write, think (critical and active, not passive), understand, and implement.

Please access this link above and read this article. If you guys feel interested in such type of content, then I can write more of these contents in the future along with my general recommendation blogs.

Please enjoy the cherry blossom, it is the peak time for that. Also, as the weather is starting to get warmer, I hope you also embrace new opportunities and this life ahead with an open heart.

Till then, stay safe and enjoy… Byeeeee…..👋