Reading Prompt #2

Readings: Egbert Ch. 2, Cummins Ch. 2, Richardson Ch. 3
What are "multiliteracies" as described by Cummins et al.? How does this relate to Egbert's assertions about the need for authentic materials to support ELL students' reading and writing? Discuss
how blogs and blogging can be a tool for achieving these ideals with ELL students. Finally, describe your own experience creating your blog this week. Was it harder than you thought? What ideas do you have about the kind of stuff you want to blog about (besides what is required for this course)?




The concept of “Mulitliteracies” is considering the skill of reading and writing from a new prospective. Traditionally literacy was considered, as Cummins puts it, a paper and pencil issue. In this sense, the ability of reading and writing solely meant reading and writing. The concept of multiliteracies goes beyond this tradition and extends reading and writing to a more comprehensive set of skills.
The idea of multiliteracies generated from recent societal changes, namely globalization and technological change. This new societal environment is diverse in nature – diverse cultures, languages, personalities, skills, learning styles, choices, etc.
Egbert reinforces Cummins’ thought in that the concept of one fits all is no longer an option in education – or at least it shouldn’t be. And it doesn’t need to be. If we combine the phenomena of globalization and technological changes that is, diversity with new choices via technology, we realize that we have the option of supporting individual needs and intelligences.
I like the way Egbert questions the authenticity of authentic materials. It is relative what we consider authentic. I can clearly see the connection between multiliteracies and authenticity. I think it’s naïve to assume that let’s say an ELL living in San Antonio will eventually only interact with reading and writing materials originated from Texas. I think students should be exposed to different sources.
And that brings me to my blog. What an exciting way of interacting, sharing, and discussing information about teaching ESL! I found it pretty easy to set up my blog. However, I had some difficulties logging in for the first time. I am really hoping that my blog will be a good way of sharing my ESL experiences with my friends and relatives who are current ELLs. I plan on using my blog as a forum to share and discuss web-based ESL sources.