A Reflection on Principles of New Literacies

Running Head: Principles Paper

A Reflection on Principles of New Literacies

Malorie Freeman

Walden University

Abstract

Dr. Donald Leu(2002) shares important insight on the changing face of literacy. He shares the ten principles that explain the new literacies that affect our day-to-day teaching practices. The following is an explanation of those principles, as well as a closer look at two principles that stand out on a personal note. Discussion also is made on behalf of personal implementation and barriers that may arise.

Introduction

This week’s resources introduce Dr. Donald Leu, an important figure in the changing of the face of literacy. In 1999, he became the John and Maria Neag Chair in Literacy and Technology at the University of Connecticut. Since then, the New Literacies Research Team has received over 8 million dollars in support for continued research, professional development, assessment, and curriculum development concerning literacy and technology. Under Leu’s direction, the team operates with ten principles that Dr. Leu (2002) shares in his New Literacies interview. These principles explain the changes that are taking place in literacy and help educators understand how they can use those changes to each child’s benefit. The principles are as follows:

* Changes taking place in the workplace need to be reflected in our classroom

* Convergence – what takes place with literacy and literacy instruction are beginning to converge with internet technologies.

* New literacies are deictic. Our limited focus on traditional literacy must change.

* New literacies build upon, instead of replace, traditional literacies.

* Reading and writing are more important for our future than they are today.

* The epistemology (attaining knowledge) is changing.

* Social learning skills help students develop new skills in new literacies.

* Speed counts in important ways within the new literacies.

* Learning often is...