Websites as civic tools for advocacy: An examination of two Canadian adult literacy sites

Authors

  • Catherine McGregor University of Victoria
  • Jason Price University of Victoria

Abstract

This research study explores how web-based technologies might enhance the ways in which not-for-profit adult education organizations engage in advocacy practices in the field of literacy education. Using postmodern policy analysis as a framework, it examines the affordances and limitations of the web-based tools used by two national literacy organizations in Canada, considering how civic agency and advocacy are represented, mediated, and discursively constructed. Discussion of narrative framing, persuasive technologies, and policy tactics offers potential insights into conceiving of how knowledge-dissemination and civic participation can be advanced in new ways. The paper concludes by exploring how particular online engagement strategies might advance the advocacy and policy work of these organizations, and more effectively realize literacy education goals.

Résumé

Cette étude de recherche explore comment les technologies à base de web pourraient améliorer les voies dont les organisations sans but lucratif de lʼeducation des adultes se livrent aux pratiques de plaidoyer dans le domaine de alphabetisation des adultes. En utilisant lʼanalyse de politique post-moderne comme un cadre, il examine lʼ’affordances et des restrictions des instruments à base de web utilisés par deux organisations Canadien de alphabétisation, en réfléchissant comment lʼagence civique et le plaidoyer sont représentés, négociés et construits discursivement. La discussion d’histoire que les technologies encadrantes, persuasives et la tactique de politique offrent des pénétrations potentielles dans le fait de concevoir de comment la diffusion de connaissance et la participation civique peuvent être avancés de nouvelles façons. Le papier se termine en explorant comment les stratégies dʼ’engagement en ligne particulières pourraient avancer le plaidoyer et le travail de politique de ces organisations et réaliser plus efficacement des buts de alphabétisation.

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Published

2010-04-04

How to Cite

McGregor, C., & Price, J. (2010). Websites as civic tools for advocacy: An examination of two Canadian adult literacy sites. Canadian Journal for the Study of Adult Education, 22(2), 27–46. Retrieved from https://cjsae.library.dal.ca/index.php/cjsae/article/view/970

Issue

Vol. 22 No. 2 (2010): Staying the course

Section

Articles

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