M2 Assignment: Blog Post 1 - Defining New Literacies and Why They Matter
When I think about new literacies, I immediately connect them to both my classroom and my everyday life. Knobel and Lankshear (2007) remind us that literacy isn’t just decoding print, but “socially recognized ways of generating, communicating and negotiating meaningful content” (p. 24). In my classroom, that looks like visuals, icons, AAC tools, and interactive slides—valid literacies that give my students access to meaning. Personally, I see the same dynamic in memes, reels, and voice notes, which all function as ways of participating in community.
The problem is that schools often shrink literacy down to “reading and writing academic English.” That narrow view silences students who bring rich cultural and digital literacies into the classroom. A child fluent in Spanish, AAVE, or video-based expression may be labeled “behind” when in reality they are operating in sophisticated literacies that simply don’t fit the old mold. This creates barriers for multilingual learners, students with disabilities, and kids from marginalized communities.
Here’s my hot take: marginalized students aren’t disconnected from technology—they’re overexposed. Pew Research reports that 95% of U.S. teens own a smartphone, and Hispanic (58%) and Black (53%) teens are online “almost constantly,” compared with 37% of White teens (Auxier et al., 2023). Meanwhile, research shows that short-form video consumption like TikTok and YouTube Shorts erodes executive control and attention (Yan et al., 2024; Zhao et al., 2024) and undermines memory and cognitive control (Singh, 2025). Vox (2025) even warns these feeds are “cooking our brains.” I’ve seen this in my own classroom, where attention is fleeting, but I also notice it on social media among educators. Teachers are making TikToks decoding “brainrot” slang or acting out funny classroom situations—reminding us that media isn’t just shaping students, it’s shaping us too. Our teaching hasn’t adapted to this reality. As a result, students—especially in marginalized communities—struggle in classrooms designed for another era.
Expanding literacy to include new literacies is about equity. When we validate TikTok storytelling, AAC devices, or graphic novels alongside print, we tell students: your way of making meaning matters. That is the first step toward building learning spaces that are inclusive, responsive, and real.
References
Auxier, B., Vogels, E. A., & Anderson, M. (2023, December 11). Teens, social media and technology 2023. Pew Research Center. https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2023/12/11/teens-social-media-and-technology-2023/
Knobel, M., & Lankshear, C. (2007). A new literacies sampler. Peter Lang.
Singh, N. (2025). Social media use and attention span: A literature review. Psychology, 16(5), 719–734. https://doi.org/10.4236/psych.2025.165043
Vox. (2025, July 24). AI, TikTok, YouTube Shorts, and Instagram Reels are shrinking our attention spans. Vox Media. https://www.vox.com/technology/419430/ai-tiktok-youtube-shorts-instagram-reels
Yan, J., Zhang, S., & Li, H. (2024). Mobile phone short video addiction and executive control: An ERP study. Frontiers in Psychology, 15, 11236742. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2024.11236742
Zhao, Q., Wang, L., & Chen, M. (2024). Short-form video consumption and inattentive behaviors in adolescents. Journal of Behavioral Addictions, 13(2), 528–540. https://doi.org/10.1556/2006.2024.12230358
Hi Sasha!
ReplyDeleteI really liked that you said and agree with a lot of it. To me students are on some type of media most of the day when they are home, I've seen it first hand from friends of mine with children. Going out to dinner or sitting at a table they are handed an iPad or phone so they do not get riled up. When students are in school I've seen teachers not knowing what to do or finish early and have their students go on the iPad and do iReady or play games until it is time to start the next lesson. To me educators need to be educated on these things and be reminded about how school use to be before technology and find a balance between the two. Technology and new media can be such helpful tool in school but teachers are taking advantage of them for the wrong reasons.
Hi!
ReplyDeleteFirst off, I would like to share how I adore the way you write! This post was truly so engaging for me just because of your ability to inject your voice into it. Totally inspiring! Perhaps I will take a page out of your book for Blog Post 2.
Anyways, you have consistently found ways to connect the text to your personal life and current events/trends on a deep, extremely relatable level. I commend you! I enjoyed your point on how students can be labeled as "behind" (like our beloved ELL's and students with special needs) however some fail to acknowledge the strengths and powerful perspectives they bring to the table. I agree this can definitely put barriers on students. In an art classroom, I am grateful to say I am able to allow the perspectives of all kinds of learners to flourish, and it fosters so much community.
I also love your closing point of VALIDATING STUDENTS!! I agree this is so important, and one of the main reasons I allow for a significant amount of choice in my art room. Their way of making meaning matters - and this builds up their confidence!!
Hi there Sasha- first of all, I have to compliment you on such a relevant and neat looking Blog site. I love that it immediately felt comfortable as someone who grew up with that vibe.
ReplyDeleteYou mention that our marginalized students are actually overly exposed, and I hadn't even thought about that perspective even though I see it regularly. I have noticed that sometimes when all else seems to fail, I can put on a Brain Break video or a video from just about anything, and it immediately captures the students' attention. You're right- we haven't quite figured out how to teach to that changing attention span that we're experiencing. In New York State, we have a cell phone ban during school hours which may help students' attention spans improve- particularly with our older students. I haven't quite figured out with the younger ones how to work on that situation.
I do think that there are ways that we can honor our students and what their literacy reality is. One of my favorite projects that has students super engaged is making Spotify playlists to hang up in the music room. Students can share a lot about themselves through the music they listen to and Spotify is a form of new literacy for them. I myself love Spotify too and it helps us to connect and is relevant to their lives. They were so excited for this project and helps them to make meaning not only of music class but also of the world around them.