Chapter 2: Theoretical Frameworks: New Literacies and Constructivism

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Recommended: Impact of computer technology on education

In order to understand how computer technology can be applied in the classroom to enhance literacy instruction, it is necessary to take a broader look at the influence of computer technology in our culture and the shifting paradigms of educational theory. When viewed through the complementary lenses of New Literacies/Multiple Literacies and Educational Constructivism, computer technology as an educational tool becomes essential to the future of literacy instruction. These theoretical frameworks can help us understand how changing literacy needs can be addressed through new models of classroom instruction. The paradigm shift from behaviorism as an educational model towards a more Dewy-based constructivist pedagogy works in conjunction with the need for students to engage in our new media culture in order to inform their own learning and be discerning about the information presented to them (Kellner, 2004). In the following sections I will describe the frameworks of New Literacies/Multiple Literacies and Cognitive/Social Constructivist theories and explain why these theories provide a much needed perspective for viewing technology in literacy instruction.

Multiple literacies and new literacies

Multiple literacies encompass the different areas in our lives in which we must be literate in order to function successfully in society. Kellner (1998) describes multiple literacies as incorporating social, cultural, and ecoliteracy as well as media and multimedia literacy. New Literacies theory is an emerging framework that has grown out of the Multiple Literacies framework. According to Leu, Kinzer, Coiro, and Commack (2004), new literacies include skills and strategies needed to successfully incorporate the Internet and other informatio...

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...cational Theory, 48(1), 103. Retrieved from EBSCOhost.

Kellner, D. (2004). Technological transformation, multiple literacies, and the re-visioning of education. E–Learning, 1(1), http://www.wwwords.co.uk/pdf/validate.asp?j=elea&vol=1&issue=1&year=2004&article=2_Kellner_ELEA_1_1_web

Leu, J. J., Kinzer, C. K., Coiro, J. L., & Cammack, D. W. (2004). Toward a Theory of New Literacies Emerging From the Internet and Other Information and Communication Technologies. Reading Online, 43-79. Retrieved from EBSCOhost.

Powell, K. C., & Kalina, C. J. (2009). Cognitive and social constructivism: Developing tools for an iEffective classroom. Education, 130(2), 241-250. Retrieved from EBSCOhost.

Sutinen, A. (2008). Constructivism and education: education as an interpretative transformational process. Studies in Philosophy & Education, 27(1), 1-14. doi:10.1007/s11217-007-9043-5

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