In this final chapter, Lewis discusses three important dimension of practice: agency, performativity, and circulation. Of the three dimensions discussed in the chapter, I thought the perfomativity one was very interesting. Peformativity is not a word that is used very often in daily vocabulary but it has a major significance in the new literacies presented in this book. Lewis defines peformativity as "the individual and group identities that are constructed through repeated performances of self and in anticipation of the expectations, social codes, and discourses available within a given context (p. 231)." Changing interact worlds and role within cyberspace, there is a constant need for the changing and shifting of identities in order to keep up with changes as well as shape a new identity according to the new setting. An example Lewis uses is memes. Memes are constantly being reconstructed repeatedly due to changes in a social aspect of a person's life. Performativity can be used in many aspects of technology but I thought it was important to see how it relates back to the specific examples that were used in the book throughout.
I think the information in this chapter does apply to teachers. It is important to understand and connect with the new technologies that are constantly being invented and used throughout the web. Teachers need to be on the know with the up and coming technologies so they are able to apply them in their classrooms.
I think they most apt statement in your post is that teachers need to both understand and connect. However, I value the understanding more. Too many teachers think they understand the technology, but they are only using it as a tool. They are not embracing the culture or identity creation behind the technology. Until teachers can do this, they need to stick with "tools" they understand.
ReplyDeleteI really like your post because I think it is important as teachers to be able to be current with our students. Sometimes we get lost in doing the same routine because it is easier instead of trying to relate things to the students. Good post!
ReplyDelete