Chapter 3: Literacy in a Changing World

The view of literacy held in 1950s:

• The ability to read and write

• The process of using reading, writing, and oral language to extract, construct, integrate, and critique meaning

• A characteristic acquired by individuals in varying degrees

• The essential knowledge and skills which enable individuals to engage in all activities in which literacy

According to the New Literacies theory, what is the defining technology for literacy and learning in our global community?

• The modern inventions

• The literacy practices

• The social practices

• The Internet

What is the difference between new literacies and New Literacies?

• new literacies are specific emerging literacies, while New Literacies refer to patterns found among lowercase new literacies.

• new literacies are new technologies, while New Literacies are new literacy practices.

• new literacies are specific to one culture, while New Literacies are universal.

• new literacies are focused on reading and writing, while New Literacies are focused on visual and spatial modes.

Which statement closely aligns with the the concept of Multiliteracies?

• Literacy is multimodal in nature and is in multiple forms as societies and cultures change the contexts in which literacy is practiced.

• Literacy as the ability to read and write, as well as the ability to feel, see, hear, and make meaningful gestures.

• Literacy as a characteristic acquired by individuals in varying degrees from just above none to an indeterminate upper level.

• Literacy as the process of using reading and writing to extract, construct, integrate, and critique meaning through involvement with multimodal texts.

What does it mean to be multiliterate?

• To be able to engage with all five semiotic systems

• To be able to speak multiple languages fluently

• To be able to write and read at a high level

• To be able to communicate effectively using any mode of communication

What is a basic convention for the visual semiotic system?

• The way in which individuals move through a physical space.

• The way in which images are arranged on a page or screen.

• The choice of words used in language.

• The correct spelling of words and correct grammar in sentences

What is the difference between producing and consuming multimodal texts?

• Producing involves interaction with others to achieve a purpose, while consuming involves the design of a multimodal text.

• Producing involves the selection of means of dissemination, while consuming involves the creation of a multimodal text.

• Producing involves the design of a multimodal text, while consuming involves making meaning with multimodal texts to fulfill a purpose.

• Producing involves collaboration with others to access expertise, while consuming involves dissemination of a multimodal text via technologies.

What is the purpose of the New Literacies theory?

• To emphasize the importance of traditional literacy skills

• To explore the impact of technology on literacy and learning

• To promote the use of paper-based texts

• To discourage the use of new technologies in education

What are multimodal texts?

•  Texts that use semiotic systems to effectively create meaning.

• Texts that are written in a culturally sensitive manner.

• Texts that use traditional literacy skills exclusively.

• Texts that use a semiotic system in an efficient and effective manner.

What is the gestural semiotic system?

• Signs and symbols used to create and interpret meaning through the organization of physical space

• Signs and symbols used to create and interpret meaning through body language and non-verbal communication

• Signs and symbols used to create and interpret meaning through sound and music

• Signs and symbols used to create and interpret meaning through visual elements