New Literacies: Domains of Expertise in the Integration of Technology and Literacy
A Connecticut Association for Reading Research Investigation
This study is conducted on behalf of the Connecticut Association for Reading Research (CARR) and it focuses on the instruction and integration of new literacies (reading and writing on the Internet) at the high school level (grades 9-12) in the state of Connecticut. In particular, the study examines teacher understanding, value for, proficiency, and preparation and needs in teaching new literacies. The major objective is to inform public policy and support Connecticut’s agenda to prepare high school students in an informational age.
HOW DO SCHOLARS IN THE LITERACY FIELD DEFINE THE NEW LITERACIES?
New literacies, as defined by Leu, Kinzer, Coiro, and Cammack (2004), are “the skills, strategies, and dispositions necessary to successfully use and adapt to the rapidly changing information and communication technologies and contexts that continuously emerge in our world and influence all areas of our personal and professional lives”(p.2). The new literacies include skills that allow those who use the Internet and other technologies to identify important questions, navigate and locate relevant information, critically evaluate that information, synthesize information to answer those questions, and then communicate the answers to others (Leu et al., 2004; Leu, Leu, & Coiro, 2004). For example, new literacies are needed when we send or receive an email, use a word processor, use an appropriate search engine, and navigate a web site looking for specific information.
References
Leu, D. J. Jr., Kinzer, C. K., Coiro, J., & Cammack, D. (2004). Toward a theory of new
literacies emerging from the Internet and other Information and Communication
Technologies. Retrieved February 26, 2005, from http://www.readingonline.org/newliteracies/lit_index.asp?HREF=/newliteracies/leu
Leu, D. J., Jr., Leu, D. D., & Coiro, J. (2004). Teaching with the InternetK-12: New
literacies for new times (4th ed.).Norwood, MA: Christopher-Gordon.
The data is collected via this survey from a randomly selected
sample of high school teachers across educational reference groups, who teach in
the content areas of the English Language Arts, Social Studies, Educational
Technology, Media and Reading within the state of Connecticut. The participating
teachers in grades 9-12 are asked to complete this survey online within the
first two weeks of March 2006. Participants also have the option to complete a
paper version of the survey, if preferred, or if online access to the survey is
not possible. The survey should take approximately 20 minutes to complete.
INCENTIVE
As an
incentive and in appreciation for your participation in the CARR new literacies
survey, you will have the opportunity to enter your name into a
drawing for an iPOD upon full completion of this survey. You may only
complete this survey once and you must complete all fields of information as
they apply to you to be eligible. The drawing will take place on May 20,
2006 at the
Annual CARR Breakfast Meeting at Angelo's on Main in West Hartford, CT.
You do not have to be present to win.
BEFORE YOU PARTICIPATE IN THE SURVEY, PLEASE READ THE PERMISSION LETTER BELOW:
I was asked to participate in the study on the New Literacies conducted by CARR and:
- I understand that names of districts, schools and participants will be coded and will be reported anonymously. I understand that I will not be identified individually in any way as a result of my participation in this research. The data collected, however, may be used as part of publications related to the focus of the investigation.
- I understand that I may refuse to participate in this research and that such refusal will not have any negative consequences for me.
- I understand that, once I begin participation in this research, I may, at any time, for any reason, discontinue my participation without any negative consequences.
- There are no risks involved in this study.
By linking on
I agree on the survey I indicate that I understand the
purposes of the study and give permission to the CARR researchers to use the
data from my participation in order to meet the objectives of the study.
Questions and concerns can be directed to Dr. Catherine Kurkjian, Department of Reading and Language Arts at Central Connecticut State University at kurkjian@ccsu.edu
or Dr. Julia Kara-Soteriou, School of Education, University of Bridgeport, at ikarasot@bridgeport.edu