Sponsored by: Adobe Systems, SJSU's College of Humanities & the Arts, SJSU's Department of English, SJSU's Digital Humanities Center, SJSU's Office of the Provost, & SJSU's Office of Research
Event Details at a Glance:
April 25, 2025
2:00-4:00PM
Digital Humanities Center, MLK Library, San José State University
FYW's Digital Literacy Showcase is open to all students, faculty, staff, administrators, families, community members, and anyone else who wants to see the amazing, interesting, and complex work students are developing in their first-year writing classes.
Purpose & Background
In Spring 2024, San José State University's First-Year Writing Program (FYW) launched a Digital Literacy Initiative with support from Adobe Systems and the Provost's Office. SJSU’s identity as Silicon Valley’s Public University demands that we be at the forefront of supporting students’ digital literacy. In FYW, we're particularly interested connecting evolutions in online and digital media with evolutions in writing, reading, & literacy.
Building on FYW's commitment to process over product, the SJSU FYW Digital Literacy Showcase spotlights students' digital works-in-progress. Showcase participants are selected from FYW's writing courses (ENGL 1AF/S, 1A, 1B, and 2) based on their articulation of their processes in relation to one project they're developing in their class. Students are writing and thinking about wildly diverse topics, from food to environmental activism to digital identity.
The goal of the Showcase is not to celebrate "the best" polished projects, though some of the projects are more developed than others. The goal, rather, is to showcase the process--the thought, care, and decision-making students bring to their projects as they develop writing, production, and analytical skills. To that end, we invite you to attend and ask students about their processes, including but not limited to the final product they have in mind. There are no formal presentations--visitors are invited to stop by at any time for as much or as little time as you want!
WHy Digital Literacy?
In a rapidly changing digital landscape, digital literacy equips college students with the skills needed for lifelong learning and adaptation. Digital literacy takes time and practice, but it has been shown to help students (and others) develop:
Academic Success: Digital literacy helps students effectively use technology to research, collaborate, and present their work. It goes beyond basic computer skills, involving the ability to critically evaluate online information, understand digital tools, and utilize multimedia content to enhance learning and communication. Mastering these skills is vital for writing papers, conducting research, and working on group projects.
Career Readiness: Most jobs today require some level of digital proficiency. Employers look for candidates who can navigate digital tools, manage online communication, and adapt to new technologies. Whether in marketing, healthcare, education, or any other field, digital literacy is a key competency. Being digitally literate makes students more competitive in the job market and better prepared to handle workplace tasks and challenges.
Informed Citizenship: Digital literacy is crucial for understanding the world, especially when it comes to consuming news and information online. It enables students to identify credible sources, avoid misinformation, and engage in informed discussions on social and political issues. This awareness is essential for participating in society as responsible citizens.
Personal Empowerment: Knowing how to use digital tools effectively can help students manage their personal lives, from budgeting with apps to staying connected with friends and family. It also enables them to use social media and online platforms to advocate for causes they care about, share ideas, and build networks.
Why Should You Attend?
Different people will have different reasons. Some of them might include:
- To see amazing students doing amazing work
- To see how you might develop digital literacy projects for your own classroom
- To see what kinds of projects future interns / employees are working on
- To identify potential recruits for internships and early-career opportunities
- To learn about developments in literacy, writing, and teaching
- To support students
- To see some fruits of SJSU's partnerships with industry leaders, including Adobe Systems
FYW's digital literacy initiative aligns with education outcomes at SJSU and the CSU, as well as best practices in the teaching of writing. These include:
- SJSU's GE Learning Outcomes
- CSU's Supported Pathways Initiative
- The Conference on College Composition & Communication's Principles for the Postsecondary Teaching of Writing
- The Council of Writing Program Administrator's Framework for Student Success
- The Council of Writing Program Administrator's Best Practices For Success in Post-Secondary Writing
- The National Council of Teachers of English's Best Practices in Media Education
Questions? Contact:
Ryan Skinnell, Director of First-Year Writing Programs (ryan.skinnell@sjsu.edu)
and/or
Amanda Smith, Assistant Director of First-Year Writing and Stretch Coordinator (amanda.smith@sjsu.edu)
showcase organizer team
We look forward to seeing you at the showcase!
Credits:
Created with an image by Sophie - "School student with VR headset using AI artificial intelligence technology & interactive technology in classroom." Other images courtesy of Bob Bain, University Photographer, SJSU Marketing and Communications