“Reading Mediators in Library Diversity”: way to reading competence through digital technologies

Abstract

Reading is a process that follows the human being evolution since the earliest civilization. Tomasello (2003) looks for an anthropological view, to place the human culture as one of evolving strategies and Buckinghan (2008) says that current Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) promote another forms of using old media withouth replacing them. Neves (2007) shows the indissociability between reading and writing. Silva (1991) points out, among reading functions, the discovery and the interaction. Zilberman (1989) agrees, emphasizing the critical view and the learning resulting from reading practices. Santaella (2004, p. 33) brings the evolution of the reading human being through the ages, showing us three kinds of readers: contemplative, moving and immersive. This experience report presents the Extension Course “Reading Mediators in Library Diversity” (2010/2011), done through Open and Distance Learning (ODL) on a partnership between Library and Communication School (UFRGS) and by Attendance Supporting Poles of Brasil Open University located in several cities of Rio Grande do Sul state. One way to digital inclusion may become more viable through ODL. Then, it is shown the path made and built by the course participants, many times without familiarity with technologies, and how far they can go in terms of digital fluency and textual production in new ICT.