Author:
I believe that in the 21st century, people still need to learn essay writing because it is the most essential skill to teach people to express themselves reasonably. Although AI has been able to help people write essays, AI has not been popularized in every corner of the world. For example, in China, there are still remote areas that do not have a stable Internet or enough computers for students to learn, so traditional language learning is still the main way of learning. In big cities, AI has been commonly used, but I think traditional essay writing and literacy teaching are still necessary because people can’t fully rely on AI. From my point of view, traditional literacy teaching is an important aspect of cultural transmission, which is essential for the inheritance of culture and the continuation of civilization. It is also one of the most significant ways to help students develop critical thinking.
In addition, the teaching of literacy in the twenty-first century should be supplemented by new literacy instruction that responds to the new circumstances of the new century. In the 21st century, as Hazard (2019) stated: “A multiliteracies approach can therefore help to provide a framework for overlap between traditional literacy, digital literacy, media literacy, and critical literacy.” In the 21st century, the teaching of literacy has changed from traditional literacy. It also includes digital literacy, media literacy and critical literacy. These new literacies will need to be taught in new forms. In the School of Communication, where I used to work, there was a journalism program, and one of the important courses in that program was New Media Literacy. The School had established a strong teaching team and set up a laboratory for teaching.
Hazard, R. (2019, July). Supporting 21st Century Skills in Language and Literacy Classrooms with a Multiliteracies Approach. ResearchGate.https://www.researchgate.net/publication/346187182_Supporting_21_st_Century_Skills_in_Language_and_Literacy_Classrooms_with_a_Multiliteracies_Approach.
Your viewpoint regarding the continued importance of traditional essay writing skills amidst the rise of AI technology is well-considered. You rightly highlight the global disparity in access to technology, emphasizing the ongoing relevance of traditional literacy teaching, particularly in areas lacking widespread AI integration. Your recognition of essay writing’s role in fostering critical thinking and cultural transmission underscores its enduring value in education. Furthermore, your advocacy for a multiliteracies approach, incorporating digital, media, and critical literacy alongside traditional literacy, reflects a nuanced understanding of contemporary educational needs. Your mention of the journalism program’s focus on New Media Literacy exemplifies proactive adaptation to evolving literacy demands. Overall, your feedback adeptly acknowledges the coexistence of traditional and new literacies, advocating for a balanced approach to literacy education in the 21st century.
I think that this is a well-articulated response written by you that effectively captures the importance of traditional essay writing alongside the integration of new literacies in the 21st century. The argument is balanced, and as you are acknowledging the advancements in AI while highlighting the continued relevance of foundational skills it looks impressive. I liked the way you wrote about the need to still learn essay writing. The mention of critical thinking as a pivotal aspect, and the example of a journalism program incorporating new media literacy, adds depth to the discussion. Overall, it is a comprehensive and insightful perspective on the evolving landscape of literacy education.”