Is reading Rich’s article “the
intellectual equivalent of empty calories”? (Rich) Absolutely not. In the
article, Literacy Debate: Online, R U
Really Reading?, literacy practices are plentiful. As the advantages or disadvantages
of online reading versus traditional reading are examined, the reader is fully
engaged. This article entices the reader to comprehend and analyze the two
different sides of the argument, develop their own thoughts, opinions, and
biases and encourages a response. Just because this article is being read in an
online platform, does not mean the content is somehow tainted or less than
printed articles. It does not take away from the literacy experience in the
least.
Multiliteracies
“Visual literacy, media literacy, critical literacy, computer
literacy, and other types of literacies are brought together under this
umbrella term to suggest the need to expand the concept of literacy beyond
reading and writing print-based texts.” (Serafini, pg.26)
As the article represents
two very distinct viewpoints, one side of the debate claims that reading on the
internet with its non-linear format has a negative impact on the development of
literacy skills and comprehension. This viewpoint is severely outdated as is
the purposely “R U” text speak in the title. Utilizing the internet is one of
many platforms. The platform is defined as the place in which the information
is accessed. There is an unlimited number of books, articles, journals, blogs,
posts, and more that can be found and read online. These texts could be
published by people of any age, demographic, or geographic location. Authors
may be top scholars in their fields, while others may be people inclined to
share their opinions. Many of these postings can be well written and do not
contain shorthand text speak. The level of literacy relies solely on the content
that is chosen and not on the internet platform.
While the “traditionalists” encourage the use
of offline printed books, they are overlooking the availability of these exact
same literary works in an online platform. In the online form of reading, users
are also able to extend their understanding further by seeking the viewpoints
of others in a virtual setting or online forum. This also brings in a social
element as they are learning from the perspectives of others. Perhaps they are
even tapping into other forms of literacy as mentioned above by seeking out
alternative forms or media regarding the topic they have been reading about
such as images or videos. “Even those who are most concerned about the preservation of
books acknowledge that children need a range of reading experiences.” (Rich) In
this age of new media, we have already expanded the scope of literacy practices
to include multiple “reading experiences” which extend far beyond printed text.
(Rich)
Least
Restrictive Reading
“The Internet has created a new kind
of reading, one that schools and society should not discount.” (Rich) Imagine
being a student that has dyslexia. The teacher gives you a reading assignment
and you open your hardcover printed book.
Upon opening the book, all of your focus goes to the font that is used
since it is difficult to decipher. It becomes increasingly frustrating as you
try to decode what is being said, you can only hope you are not called upon to
read aloud. “Some children with dyslexia or other learning difficulties,
like Hunter Gaudet, 16, of Somers, Conn., have found it far more comfortable to
search and read online.” (Rich) If this book were provided in an online
platform, it may be much easier for students with dyslexia to comprehend. In the online
version, the reader may be able to adjust the font type, the size, as well as
the spacing. This is something that cannot be done with a printed traditional
text.
The same concept can also apply to
English as a second language students or any second language learners. If
students were provided both print and online versions of a text, they may be
able to choose what is the most comfortable for them. Students may have a
deepened sense of understanding if they could quickly and easily translate
words and phrases they don’t understand using an online translation tool. They
may also find visual images or graphs to assist in their literacy development.
Mixed Media
“Web proponents believe that strong
readers on the Web may eventually surpass those who rely on books. Reading five
Web sites, an op-ed article and a blog post or two, experts say, can be more
enriching than reading one book.” (Rich) An online environment provides further
dimension because it holds mixed media such as text, imagery, videos, and more.
The emergence and development of the digital age has certainly brought about a
new wave of learning and literacy. Literacy skills should be consistently
practiced and developed on multiple platforms. “Some literacy experts say that
reading itself should be redefined.” (Rich) Instead of pinning one type of
platform versus the other, it is even more important to combine the two mediums
both print and online for a well-rounded literacy approach.
Reading
online is reading too.
Citation:
Rich, M. (2008). Literacy Debate: Online, R U Really
Reading? Retrieved September 22, 2016, from http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/27/books/27reading.html?pagewanted=all
Serafini, F. (n.d.). Reading
the visual: An introduction to teaching multimodal literacy.
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