Cycle 6: Tech Tools for Expression and Social Change

"...This idea of broadening the definition of language and text made me think about just how much discourse patterns and rhetoric differ globally, and how students who use anything other than American Standardized English in their speech and writing are disadvantaged and invalidated, harming their literacy development..." -- Sarah Balian

"...literacy does not just mean being competent in reading and writing to complete assessments. Digital media literacy can provide opportunities and skills that can lead to civic engagement. I had never really heard of digital literacy as part of a school curriculum...." -- Brandon Martin

"...Combining elements from academic and critical literacies would transform the idea of literacy in such a great way. I believe it is essential for students to examine power structures in society and to be aware of important issues in their community so that they are able to take civic action against these issues. Being able to practice this civic engagement while also being involved in academic literacies such as reading or writing is extremely valuable to students' learning and is inclusive of all students in the classroom. I hope that one day, the ideas of critical literacy and traditional academic literacies that are often seen in schools today will not be seen as separate, but rather, will join together to create a kind of literacy that is transformative and recognizes all learners' backgrounds and cultures...." -- Julia Gabriel

"The power of the diaolgical methods prescribed by Paulo Freiere is that they give people a voice who are often ignored. This approach uses literacy as a tool for social justice, which gives life and meaning to learning when compared to the hollow purpose of attaining a score on a test. This methodology also would seem to improve intrinsic motivation in students by providing a relevant context within which they can develop literacy skills while also empowering themselves to make positive changes in their world." -- Nicholas Dowd