read, write, think, speak

To me literacy is the ability to understand the world around us through the English language in  different mediums, whether that be thought, speech, writing, hand signals, whatever.

Literacy as an FSU student in the 21st century falls far beyond what literacy would have mean to a student in the 18th and 19th centuries. Back then the English language did not encompass as many words, nor were there many means of communication. Today not only do we have to understand the English language, but also its slang counterpart in instant messaging. Literacy means that I need to be able to process many different ways of conveying the English language. Also, literacy now not only means understanding the English language but understanding how other things work. For example, today if we understand how to use a computer, we are considered computer literate. I strongly believe that the English classroom should definitely take a look at different forms of composition. If we have to give an oral presentation, maybe we could make a youtube clip about it, with typography. We should take a look at audio pieces, not only on tapes but also in person. Instead of reading plays, we should see them performed, the emotion is conveyed much better than way. Instead of writing a paper, maybe we should write a screenplay. We should try to focus on more creative types of expression of literacy, even for "stuffy" research papers. Show that we fully understand our language. The English classroom is probably not the best place to experiment with some alternative composition forms. For example, if we wanted to show our literacy and understanding of the emotion of one of Shakespeare's plays through acting, an English professor lacking background in drama would not be able to assist us in "blossoming to our full potential". Same goes for making a film. But, the English classroom is the best place to help us understand the English language, which would enable us to understand the raw emotions that go on in a story line.