GED3809

Literacy and technology

Dr I A Snyder

12 points - 3 hours per week - Second semester - Clayton

Objectives Upon successful completion of this subject, students should have understanding of the research literature; the complications involved in the effective integration of technology into a literacy curriculum; the advantages and limitations of the use of electronic technologies for learners and teachers; the cognitive, cultural and social influences of the new technologies; the needs of beginning, novice and experienced writers when the new technologies are used. Students should have developed skills in using different kinds of applications including word processing, conferencing software and hypertext as well as facilities such as email and the Internet. They should also have developed skills in using these technologies for a range of literacy purposes.

Synopsis This subject examines the use of electronic writing technologies in a literacy curriculum. It also considers their use for literacy purposes in other core areas of the curriculum. It explores the effects of the use of the new technologies by considering writers, texts and different teaching and learning contexts. The subject critically reviews both the literacy and the technology-mediated literacy research literature. It considers how the new technologies can be integrated effectively into a literacy curriculum. Further, it encourages thinking about possible research in the area of literacy and technology. The subject provides opportunities to discuss the cognitive, cultural and social impact of the new technologies. It also examines the needs of beginning, novice and experienced writers in technology-mediated literacy contexts. It gives students the opportunity to use the new technologies for a range of literacy purposes including an electronic journal in which students record responses to the prescribed readings and to the experience of electronic writing. Topics include: literacy theory and research, technology-mediated literacy research, the new technologies and classroom culture, issues in technology-mediated literacy, the establishment of effective technology-mediated teaching and learning environments, and using the new technologies in L2.

Assessment Two assignments (1000 words) 20% and (5000 words): 80% - Presentation of assignments to class for discussion

Prescribed texts

Snyder I Hyptertext: The electronic labyrinth MUP, 1996
Snyder I (ed.) Page to screen: Taking literacy into the electronic era Allen and Unwin, 1997

Recommended texts

Selfe C L and Hilligoss S (eds) Literacy and computers: The complications of teaching and learning with technology Modern Language Association of America, 1994

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