Thinking Through New Literacies for Primary and Early Years is an accessible text that encourages readers to consider deeply what is meant by ′literacy′ today. It explores the many different ways in which teachers and children develop their own literacy. Specifically written for education students in the later years of their course, the text draws on research and practice to explore the challenges and opportunities involved, while helping to develop the reader′s own critical thinking skills.

The book begins by asking ′what′s new about new literacies?′ and goes on to explore some technological innovations designed to support the emergent reader and writer. It considers verbal literacy, speaking and listening, and visual literacy. Readers are encourages to think through the issues surrounding inclusion and the legal and ethical issues raised by this post-typographic age. Throughout, practical guidance runs alongside structured critical thinking exercises to help the reader reflect on both theory and practice.

About the Thinking Through Education Series
Thinking Through Education is a series of texts designed and written specifically for those education students entering the second or final phase of their degree course. Structured around sets of specific ′skills′, each chapter uses critical thinking and reflective exercises to develop greater subject knowledge and critical awareness. Each book contains links to the Teachers′ Standards providing students with a clear transition from study to practice.

Jayne Metcalfe is a senior lecturer in the Faculty of Education at the University of Cumbria. Jayne is involved in e-safety training of student teachers.

Debbie Simpson is a senior lecturer in the Faculty of Education at the University of Cumbria. She is currently the acting Programme Leader for the Primary PGCE course.

Ian Todd is a senior lecturer in the Faculty of Education at the University of Cumbria, with a specialism in English and an interest in the teaching of ICT.

Mike Toyn is a senior lecturer in the Faculty of Education at the University of Cumbria where he also coordinates the teaching of primary ICT.

About the Authors

Jayne Metcalfe is a Senior Lecturer in the Faculty of Education at the University of Cumbria where she specialises in ICT Education. She works with undergraduate and postgraduate students on both Primary and Early Years programmes. Before moving to Higher Education Jayne worked for many years as a primary school teacher with children from 4-11 years, she also held the role of ICT coordinator. Her main interests are Primary ICT and ICT in the Early Years.

Debbie Simpson is Senior Lecturer in the Faculty of Education, University of Cumbria with a specialism in ICT. Her Masters research was on the educational potential of learning technologies. She is currently researching the impact of the introduction of Virtual Learning Environments in Primary Schools for her PhD. Prior to joining the University she taught both Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 in Primary Schools in Lancashire, and was coordinator for a project supporting ICT innovation in small rural schools.

Ian Todd is a senior lecturer in primary education at the University of Cumbria. He joined the university in January 2010 after spending several years in primary schools, both teaching ICT and coordinating it as a subject area. He works with both undergraduate and post-graduate students, specialising in ICT and the teaching of English.

Mike Toyn is a senior lecturer in the Faculty of Education at the University of Cumbria where he also coordinates the teaching of primary ICT. His Masters research is into the use of digital technologies in education. His teaching interests are in the use of digital media to promote creative learning and using ICT to support interaction between learners. Prior to joining the university he worked as a primary teacher and held the role of ICT coordinator.

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