My definition of new literacies

The pace of technology evolution and advancement is mind-blowing! The birth of the worldwide web was impressive, yet today we are in a new phase which marks the shift from Web 1.0 "understood as showing" to Web 2.0 noted for its "sharing" approach (Callow, 2008; pg 13). The new literacies relate to new practices where students (teachers and members of our society) share ideas collaboratively with the aim of growing and developing our knowledge together (Knobel &Lankshear, 2006). The wealth of information available to suit all tastes and interests implies (if not proves) that the Web2.0 phase has been fully embraced by the world, it is certainly not just 'emperor's new clothes'. Teachers need to open minded in allowing students to explore and share information within the safe limits of appropriateness of contents and relevance to the broader curriculum.