Digital Media and Discourses of Power in Adolescent Literacy Instruction: From Resistance to Readiness

Session Submission Type: Symposium

Abstract

Papers in this session will explore the use of digital media in adolescent literacy learning, including issues relating to identity, performance, resistance, and discourses of power. As educators seek to incorporate students’ out-of-school literacy practices, assumptions may be made about how adolescents use and conceive language and technology. Compounding this, teachers may not be aware of the impact and complexity of identity creation that accompanies digital authoring, the features of digital media that are true ‘mindtools’ (Jonassen, 2000), or the possibility of resistance by some students. The papers use case study material including digital texts produced by students or teacher candidates, participant reflections, and interviews to identify and explore issues of digital media use in the classroom.

Sub Unit

• Division C - Learning and Instruction / Section 7: Technology Research

Chair

• Deborah P. Berrill, Trent University

Papers

• Bringing the Bard to Life Through Digital Media - Janette Michelle Hughes, University of Ontario Institute of Technology

• A Renaissance of Text: Adolescent Digital Authoring in the Classroom Virtual Space - Anne Michelle Burke, Memorial University

• Digital Writing: A Portal Into Literacy Engagement and Success for Adolescents Who Are Struggling Readers - Deborah P. Berrill, Trent University