Research in the Teaching of English, Vol. 43, No. 4, May 2009

Table of Contents

• Editors’ Introduction: Adolescents’ Literacy and the Promises of Digital Technology

  Mark Dressman, Sarah McCarthey, and Paul Prior

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  Abstract: The editors introduce the three research studies and the Standpoints essay in this issue, all of which deal with the relations between digital technology and the development of adolescent literacy.

  Keywords: College

• Standpoints: A Call for New Research on New and Multi-Literacies

  Elizabeth Birr Moje

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  Abstract: Elizabeth Birr Moje argues for a nuanced and reflective appraoch to the study of adolexcents' use of digital technology.

  Keywords: College

• Changing Conceptions and Uses of Computer Technologies in the Everyday: Literacy Practices of Sixth and Seventh Graders

  Jane Agee and Jeanette Altarriba

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  Abstract: Changing Conceptions and Uses of Computer Technologies in the Everyday: This study focused on 189 sixth and seventh graders in two large suburban schools and their use of computer technologies as part of their everyday literacy practices. We were especially interested in the students’ conceptions of computer technologies and how computer use varied across grade and reading levels. Findings showed that many students, especially sixth graders, were far less interested in computer technologies than is suggested by common conceptions. Findings also showed an important shift between sixth and seventh graders toward more interest in practices that provided social interaction or entertainment.

  Keywords: College

• Online Fan Fiction, Global Identities, and Imagination

  Rebecca W. Black

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  Abstract: Based on longitudinal data from a three-year ethnographic study, this article uses discourse analytic methods to explore the literacy and social practices of three adolescent English language learners writing in an online fan fiction community. Findings suggest that through their participation in online fan-related activities, these three youth are using language and other representational resources to enact cosmopolitan identities, make transnational social connections, and experiment with new genres and formats for composing.

  Keywords: College

• Writing with Visual Images: Examining the Video Composition Processes of High School Students

  David L. Bruce

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  Abstract: This teacher-researcher study explored the manner in which students created video compositions in a secondary English language arts media studies program. The study found that video composition is a complex, recursive process that allows for sequential multimodal representation of thoughts and ideas. Four areas are addressed: video allows for the expansion of compositional choices, demonstrates the verisimilitude of students’ initial concept to videotaped image, highlights the visuality in students’ re-presentations of ideas, and provides research methodological considerations.

  Keywords: College

• Announcements

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  Keywords: College

• Guest Reviewers

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  Keywords: College

• Indexes

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  Keywords: College

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