What is Literacy?

The illiterate of the twenty-first century will not be those who cannot read and write, but those who cannot learn, unlearn and relearn - Alvin Toffler


I like to use wikipedia for definitions because it is based on current knowledge and not just the academics.
 
According to Wikipedia
The traditional definition of literacy is considered to be the ability to read and write, or the ability to use language to read, write, listen, and speak. In modern contexts, the word refers to reading and writing at a level adequate for communication, or at a level that lets one understand and communicate ideas in a literate society, so as to take part in that society.
 
The last phrase is crucial - to take part in that society.  We have new norms of society.  Many schools are moving to reduced paper.  Regular communication is done electronically and face2face.  The paper reminders, agendas, and meeting minutes are disappearing.  (Although some have found comfort in being able to print out emails and file them in the same old ways.)
 
We want our students to take part in their society.  I was born just as the internet was invented.  It took almost 20 years for the internet to become a powerful learning tool available to the public.  Now the power of the internet is in every school in British Columbia.  Families used to buy encyclopedia sets for their children.  (My parents included.)  I haven’t heard of an encyclopedia salesperson in years.  While I try and hold my head above water, I am not a Digital Native, as Mark Prensky refers to those born after 1988.  The society of Digital Natives have different expectations for participation.  We need to empower ALL students to take part in their society, not their parents.  (I recognize the value of communication between generations; however, we can’t just teach the old ways.)