Teaching Digital Literacy Composing Concepts: Focusing on the Layers of Augmented Reality in an Era of Changing Technology

Abstract

Abstract In an era of rapidly changing software and hardware technologies, I posit the importance of teaching theoretical composing concepts, such as the “layer,” in preparing students to become communicators capable of composing in multiple media, those present and those yet to emerge. Digital literacy instructors face the challenge of teaching students to compose in the technologies currently available, while also supporting students’ future literacy acquisition in technologies that do not yet exist. Focusing on broad digital composing processes and theoretical concepts such as the layer provides a means of preparing students to consider composing for wearable devices and other technologies that continue to emerge. In this article, I explore the use of one Augmented Reality (AR) software as a means of supporting students composing AR, as well as becoming familiar with concepts relevant to other composing occasions. I present a scaffolded process involving analysis and composition, focusing instruction and discussion on the composing concept of the layer. Throughout I emphasize how the concept of the layer extends beyond the visual layers of AR to a composing strategy and thus supports composers developing critical media awareness and adaptability for approaching multiple, potentially unfamiliar, media in current and future contexts.