New literacy versus old literacy

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NEW LITERACY VERSUS OLD LITERACY

To begin with, literacy is the ability to read, evaluate and interpret information critically. Literacy is classified in two-folds, that is new and old literacy. New literacy involves the ability to evaluate and interpret information in multiple formats, a phenomenon commonly possible with computers. Old literacy on the other hand is being able to understand and interpret information in single formats (Pool, Carolyn R 1997).

It is very true that old literacy involves only the ability to read and write while new literacy is more than that. This is true in the sense that in the old days, the pupils especially at the elementary level of education were regarded literate if they were in a position to read and write their names, the names of objects, animals and even write numerals. Secondly, a pupil is also said to be literate in the old ages when they can understand at least one second language. On the contrary, with technological advancement and invention of computers, literacy is nowadays defined digitally as discussed below.

One is said to be literate if he or she is able to understand and use computers well in the current age. In my opinion, the argument in question is very true since to be literate in the digital era involves being able to do calculations using computers rather than manually as in the old analogue age. Similarly, being able to write using computers and not by using pens and pencils as in those days is part of new literacy. Several people of late use virtual library to do their work including research, data analysis and presentation using computers rather than having to read from actual library. Similarly, teaching is nowadays supplemented by computers. The work of teachers has been made easier with the digital age as they don’t have to use chalks and boards while teaching. They instead use computers (McDonald, David S. 2004).

In a nut shell, the argument that new literacy entails basic computer skills while old literacy concerns ability to read and write is factual and there is no doubt about this as discussed in this excerpt.

References

Pool, Carolyn R. “A new digital literacy a conversation with Paul Gilster.” Educational Leadership 55 (1997)

McDonald, David S. “Computer literacy skills for computer information systems majors: A case study.” Journal of Information Systems Education 15.1 (2004)