Connecting the Digital Dots: Literacy of the 21st Century - Coursework Example

Writing As Critical Thinking Assessment Connecting the Digital Dots: Literacy of the 21st Century Part-I The main purpose of this article is: The key idea behind the article relates to the importance of digital and visual literacy. The article has a specific theme and the whole write up hovers around that idea. The idea indicated here is that earlier literacy was just about simple education and knowing about reading and writing, but today it comprises essentially knowing of the digitization and being able to read, comprehend and interpret images. The emphasis is on why this is inevitable and several advantages of the same are brought out to substantiate the purpose and the chief theme. The article has a clear rationale pointing out the reasons that enhance the importance of digital and visual literacy. The secondary purpose is to indicate the lack of usage of the same to support the teaching part in the education system with digital literacy. 2. The key question that the author is addressing is: The question that the authors are addressing is that what is it that defines literacy correctly in today’s scenario, in a world where children are highly technology savvy. The question also addressed by the authors very precisely and lucidly is that what is the tool or manner which helps us have an ability to recognize whatever we witness, and infer correctly from what we experience. Yes the answer is digital as well as visual literacy. 3. The most important information in this article is: Some of the important facts and data that the authors have used to substantiate their conclusion are: Unlike earlier times when overhead projector, handmade slides and chalk boards were used, these days, new media literacy technical skills are used in education like real time audio video interface, use of internet links for direct access, power point presentations, streaming videos etc. The present as well as future health of 21st century economy in U.S.A. is directly dependent on how deeply and broadly the Americans arrive at a new level of literacy. In any way, literacy improves an individual’s ability to competently and ingeniously utilize and commune information. 4. The main inferences in this article are: The authors have inferred several ideas and points to drive home and make their message clear. Some of these include. Digital and visual literacy happen to be the coming wave of communication specialization. Lack of education related to the visual as well as digital literacy is problematic. Visually literate individuals possess a sense of design and they have an ability to imagine, generate, alter as well as reproduce images in an alterable manner. If a person is not considered as equipped with digital and visual literacy, he shall be left out in the society and would feel out of place. 5. The key concept(s) we need to understand in this article is (are): 57 While understanding and reading this article one is required to understand the following concepts: Digital Literacy: Ability of a person to work efficiently in a digital environment where data is in numeric form or generally in a form that can be used by computers. Visual Literacy: Ability to see and interpret symbols or pictures and reproduce images. 6. The main assumption(s) underlying the author’s thinking is (are): 42 The authors have assumed their description of usage of digital tools in educational information to promote visual and digital literacy. This can be very well questioned as today educational institutions have are far more advanced than the view presented in the article. 7. a. If we take this line of reasoning seriously, the implications are: 36 The reasoning of the authors supports the digital as well as visual literacy and its usage in today’s competitive world and the reasoning is well supported by proofs which make a stronger case for better implications. 7. b. If we fail to take this line of reasoning seriously, the implications are: 30 If the authors’ reasoning is not taken seriously, people would still continue to live in the bleak world which does not understand the usage of this modern form of literacy. 8. The main point(s) of view presented in this article is (are): 49 The main view presented in the article talks about the change in the meaning of literacy these days, how this literacy is important and what role does it play in today’s scenario. It also presents a view about the lack of digitization in educational organizations and in teaching methodologies. Part II 1. Does the author clearly state his or her meaning, or is the text vague, confused, or muddled in some way? The point that the author is trying to bring home is very much visible in the writing, but the description is not logically presented to bring out the core of the article separately. All the thoughts are put forth but a clear distinction is not marked. 2. Is the author accurate in what he or she claims? Here the authors are accurate while they claim about the inevitability of the latest form of literacy. However, the article has been weak in justifying the usability of such literacy in the teaching methodologies in educations system today. 3. Is the author sufficiently precise in providing details and specifics when specifics are relevant? The author has tried to support the claims with data which is listed above. However, there is high scope for better presentation and clarity as a lay man would not get a full understanding of what the author is primarily trying to point out. 4. Does the author introduce irrelevant material, thereby wandering from his or her purpose? No, the material included in the article has immense relevance. But more relevant data could have been a stronger support for the views of the authors. 5. Does the author take us into the important complexities (depth) inherent in the subject, or is the writing superficial? The article lacks depth as the idea brought out is clear and the logic provided is acceptable. But, the discussion has happened in a superficial manner as there is support of data, but it is not adequate to give a strong fortification to the views. 6. Does the author consider other relevant points of view (breadth), or is the writing overly narrow in its perspective? The authors have a broader perspective while writing and consider several aspects related to the study. These are indicated from the start to the end in various headings and are brought out logically. But, this has resulted in an overview kind of description rather than having depth about the topic. 7. Is the text internally consistent (logic) or does the text contain unexplained contradictions? There are no internal contradictions as the sequencing is perfect and synchronizes with the theme of the article. The discussion starts with the scenario in the past and there is a description of current scenario too. After the total background is prepared for discussion, light is thrown on the principal idea of the authors. 8. Is the text significant or is the subject dealt with in a trivial manner? The text is significant and the subject is an important topic of discussion today. It holds a lot of importance and the idea of digital and visual literacy is amongst the recent areas of study. 9. Does the author display fairness or does the author take a one-sided, narrow approach? The authors have tried to present a fair view. The article does not depict any kind of bias except that the point on usage of the new kind of literacy used in the teaching methods, does not sound to be well researched and contradicting with the actual scenario in present world. The approach of the authors has a wider view. Reference Paul, R., & Elder, L. (2006). The international critical thinking, reading, & writing test. Dillon Beach, CA: Foundation for Critical Thinking. Repurposed with permission. Read More