Reflection on Foundational Print Literacy and "New Literacies"

Reflection on Foundational Print Literacy and “New Literacies”

            Foundational print literacy and “new literacies” are both important in this technologically evolving world.  Foundational print literacy, traditionally, played a major role in education and the ELA classroom.   From printed materials, students would read poems, books, and informational text.  The purpose of ELA is to develop students’ abilities to communicate orally and literally and prepare them for the job force.

Foundational print played an important role in education because that was type of media that was available.  However, the needs of society have changed due to the development of technology.      As the world continued to develop technologically, ELA classroom and education has changed dramatically.  Students needs have changed.  Currently, they need to be able to become literate with not only the foundational print literacy but also the technological components. With the development of the internet, the world has become dependent on technology and continues to engulf its self with it. 

            Today’s students have the luck to be surrounded with such a diverse literate environment and are able to produce and publish their work through many different types of medians.  For example, they have the ability to blog, create movies, write/publish online books, and so much more.  The possibilities are endless!