New Literacies: changing knowledge and classroom learning

Abstract

Literacy education continues to be dominated by a mindset that has passed its use-by date. Education has failed to take account of how much the world has changed during the information technology revolution. It proceeds as though the world is the same as before - just somewhat more technologized. This is the hallmark of an 'outsider' mindset. In fact, qualitatively new literacies and new kinds of knowledge associated with digitally saturated social practices abound. 'Insiders' understand this, 'outsiders' do not. Yet 'outsider' perspectives still dominate educational directions. Meanwhile, student 'insiders' endure learning experiences that mystify, bemuse, alienate and miseducate them. This book describes new social practices and new literacies, along with kinds of knowledge associated with them. It shows what is at stake between 'outsider' and 'insider' mindsets, argues that education requires a shift in mindset, and suggests how and where pursuit of progressive change might begin.