Chapter 12: The New Literacies: The World of Online Children's Literature

Technology defines our culture, especially the young generations. Today children are consider "digital natives", 93% of children ages 8-18 spend an average of 90 minutes per day using a computer at home. Incorporating technology into literacy instruction seems to be the natural way to keep up with students interests and combine literacy with something very familiar. Digital texts are rapidly becoming the most predominant way that people are reading and communicating. 

Digital texts can be manipulated in ways that traditional text cannot. Students have the ability to change the color and size o the font as well as use interactive links that are embedded in the text to enhance the reading experience such as supporting websites, videos, and even games. 

New Literacies 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". It is critical for students to acquire the skills and strategies of the new literacies.

Using new literacies as a future teacher:

• Online Read Alouds and Interactive Storybooks: Sites that have stories that are interactive, including videos, music, and the text read aloud.  ex:http://www.storybookonline.net and http://libriivox.org
• Online Books: Build your library using technology for a very small price. Many books can be found online for free! ex:http://www.childrensbooksonline.org
• Virtual Meet the Author: Stream video chat or email an author with the entire class. This is a way to have more interaction with authors than is allowed with traditional visits due to time and financial constraints. ex:http://skypeanauthor.wetpaint.com
• Use author websites to get to know the author that wrote the books the class will be reading.
• Research topics that are read about online and teach the SEARCH method of researching (Set a purpose for searching, Employ effective search strategies, Analyze search engine results, Read critically and synthesize information, Cite your sources, How successful was your search?)
• Webquests: lead children through an assignment online. Provide the appropriate links and a worksheet or assignment to be completed through the use of those links.
• Remember to use caution when using the internet with your class. Use only approved sites, and review content before allowing students to log on.

Be sure to check the links on the sidebar that go along with this chapter: Top 10 Children's Literature Websites, and Building Your Classroom Library.