Emergent Digital Literacy

I am really fascinated by this unit - Emergent Digital Literacy. Jackie's report on two studies regarding children's media use illuminated my understanding of the concept. Digital literacy as defined by Merchant (2007) refers to those literacy practices and events that are mediated by new technologies. Jackie argues that young children engage in a myriad of literacy related activities from birth which are crucial in setting the foundation needed for later success in literacy. These activities revolve around media (such as books, magazines etc), popular culture (such as toys, games, artefacts etc) and new technologies (such as TV, films, computer, mobile phones, console/video games etc) Although I never thought about research in this area but having read this research report as well the one on Digital Beginnings, I recognize the need for educators to be adequately trained in the use of media and new technology to augment instruction and to meet the needs of young children in a rapidly burgeoning technological society. My interest in research pertaining to young children has grown stronger now that I have been introduced to research which focuses on young children's use of popular culture, media and new technologies and the implications this has for curriculum development for young children.

Memes

I find this one extremely fascinating.....





And even more humorous.....Yes, yes! This is Delcious!

Remixing as New Literacy Practice

The concept of remix as a new literacy practice is a fascinating one. Digital remix is a practice that has been receiving much attention. It inolves the mixing of digital images, texts, sounds and animation Lankshear & Knobel (2006) to create something new. The following series shows how memeticists have remixed digital images, content and graphics







And... what about this? Dog talking to me?

Memes

The concept of memes is a new yet interesting phenomenon to explore. The work of Richard Dawkins in 1976 was influential in helping us understand how memes are replicated. Check out the link on the left for a better understanding of memes.

New Module

This module- Media Culture and Digital Text seems to be quite an interesting area to explore. The readings and discussion on issues pertaining to popular culture have been so illuminating. I get the feeling that the pursuit for larger profit margins by manufacturing industries and consumerism appears to be at the helm of the production and consumption of children's popular cultural texts.