Cat box literacy: read on for details!

In “Literacy Debate: R U Really Reading”, M. Rich explores two sides to the argument of whether or not reading on the internet is degrading our culture or enhancing it. Most of the examples of young people listed in this article appear to be positive examples of how the Internet can reach those who are unreachable, engage those who are otherwise aloof, or teach those who require unconventional assistance. D. Wilbur (2010) states: "The field of new literacies focuses on how language and literacies are shaped by the ongoing development of new tools and technologies and their roles in daily life" (p. 1). Although "New Literacies" offer researchers of language and literacy an exciting new frontier by which to study the development of language and understanding in real time, its ephemeral quality can also be used as a cautionary tale when examined through the lens of critical literacy.

The painter Renee Magritte's famous work "The Treachery of Words" illustrates this message succinctly.

By reminding the viewer of the painting "This is not a pipe", Magritte was pointing out a poignant fact that is often lost on readers of all ages. When something is written, it is not the truth. The Internet gives us a veritable smorgasbord of information to sift through, but like cats in public sandbox, we have to know what we've got on our paws. Our responsibility as teachers, I feel, is to guide our students in looking past what is written to the writers themselves. This is a basic tenet of critical literacy that can be a valuable tool for us to discuss with our students.

M. Rich (2008) observes: “Web readers are persistently weak at judging whether information is trustworthy” (p. 8). The importance of the internet might not only be its wealth of information, displayed in as accessible and equitable a way as possible. Its importance might be in the ease with which anyone who has access to electricity can add to it. A powerful tool for communication and a priceless field in which to practice discernment.

References:

Rich, M. (2008). Literacy debate: online r u really reading? New York Times.  https://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/27/books/27reading.html  

Wilber, D.J. (2010). Special themed issue: Beyond ʻnewʼ literacies. Digital Culture & Education, 2(1), pp. 1-6.