An Analysis of the Theoretical Restructure of Literacy in Sindh from Custom to Contemporary Technology

Abstract

The word "Literacy" has stayed alive for decades with an unchanged meaning, connotation, use, orientation and objectives. Its definition largely rests upon the teaching and learning of two basic skills: reading and writing and a brief knowledge of arithmetic. The awe-inspiring emergence and rife existence of digital tools, screen literature and digital media has significantly reshaped the concept of learning and the definition of literacy, the academicians all over the world are attempting to examine and if need be, redefine the term literacy in view of digital technology. This study was undertaken to evaluate the scope, role and influence of technology in the context of Sindh. The data was collected from the students of Mass Communication studying at four universities of the province including University of Sindh Jamshoro, University of Karachi, Shaheed Benazir Bhutto University Nawabshah and Shah Abdul Latif University Khairpur by applying random sampling technique. The data was processed through descriptive and inferential statistics, and the results were drawn on the basis of achieved statistics. The results reveal that students of mass communication in all four varsities on in all are fast adopting digital technology mode/form of literacy. The findings show that more than 90% students use digital media. 80% students use digital tools for research and information. Only 10% students use technology for editing and proofreading. It was also learnt from the findings that despite overwhelming use of digital form of literacy by the individual youth population in Sindh, there is however; a significant need for the academic and other professional institutions also to adopt this innovative, current and popularly proliferating form of literacy.