After the lesson, I understood literacy better. It's not just about reading and writing. It's about how people have grown and changed together with society. If we think about it over all of human history, most of the time people talked to each other. They shared stories, used symbols, and learned from doing things together. Then, people started writing things down, and later, we got the printing press. This changed how information was shared and who could get it. Now, we're seeing another big change with computers and social media.

As a college student and future teacher, I reflect on how quickly the world is changing and what impact I need to make as a teacher to inspire students. One thing is certain: social media is everywhere in everything we do. It is not just for posting photos, text, and videos—it is a new form of communication, and it shapes how young people and other users understand the world and current events. Think about TikTok, a popular social media app. At first, it seems simple – just watching short videos, listening to music, or reading posts. However, it is a dynamic language where content is carefully think to gain attention and build connections. Likes, comments, shares, collaborations, and duets are all part of the conversation, creating a feedback loop that influences what we create and how we see ourselves and others. As future teachers, we must understand this "literacy of trends." It involves more than just comprehending written text; we need to interpret visual and auditory elements and recognize how people engage with content.

For me, as someone who aspires to teach, one of the most significant implications for literacy pedagogy is the need to teach media literacy. We cannot let students passively consume content—we must equip them with skills to analyze, evaluate, and create content responsibly. This means teaching them to recognize misinformation, identify bias, and understand power dynamics. For example, during my demonstration teaching for Technology for Teaching and Learning, I had students analyze a viral TikTok video by examining its visuals, audio, captions, and comments, then discuss their interpretations and the message conveyed. Another key aspect is encouraging students to be creators, not just consumers. Instead of writing essays, they could create short videos to explain or share information about their lessons. This develops their communication skills and empowers them to use social media for positive change.

Lastly, embracing social media literacy is not about abandoning traditional literacy but expanding it. Literacy has always adapted to human needs—from oral traditions to print culture to digital platforms. As future teachers, we must embrace these new forms of literacy. Social media is here to help, and our role is to help students use it wisely and ethically. By integrating media literacy into teaching, we can empower them to become informed, engaged, and responsible digital citizens. It is about equity – giving all learners the opportunity to succeed in our ever-changing world.

Creating, Not Just Consuming