New Literacies, New Times: Developments in Literacy Studies

Abstract

This chapter attempts to survey briefly some of the new directions evident in literacy studies. I begin with an outline of the current theoretical frameworks in particular work in New Literacy studies, in multimodality, and in theories of technology and artifact before considering some of the educational responses evident in different countries as they come to terms with the challenges posed by new literacies. I also make some suggestions as to why it is that policy in some countries-notably the USA and UK-seems to be facing in the opposite direction to that which this research base tells us is needed.