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Barton, D., Hamilton, M. and Ivanič, R. (2000) Situated literacies. London: Routledge.

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Type of Literacy:

Social Literacy

Reading & Writing

Numeracy

Digital Literacy

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Enrolling for a Long Course Weekend Event

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Enrolling for a Long Course Weekend Event

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LCW (Mallorca) Bike Course

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Type of Literacy:

Reading & Writing

Numeracy

Computer Literacy

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To maintain communication before and during the event, my fitness instructor established a WhatsApp group for friends and family (Barton et al., 2000, p.1). As Barton et al. posit, literacy is intricately connected to social institutions and power dynamics (See Appendix D), shaping individuals' literacy practices based on sociocultural norms and power relations. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for navigating literacies in diverse settings.

Leading up to the event, the instructor utilised the WhatsApp group to motivate participants in their training. Throughout the event (See Appendix E), the group was open to friends and family, allowing them to share encouraging messages with fellow participants. This approach fosters community and support (Prinsloo and Krause-Alzaidi, 2022, pp.13).

Prinsloo and Krause-Alzaidi's (2022, pp.13) research comprehensively examines multi-lingual literacy practices, particularly in migrants across various settings. The study focuses on the manifestation of these practices on digital communication platforms, specifically WhatsApp. As highlighted in their observations, WhatsApp's distinct communication purpose aligns with the diverse modes of communication witnessed on such platforms.

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Brice Heath, S. (1994) ‘What no bedtime story means: Narrative skills at home and school’, Language, Communication and Education, pp. 73–95. doi:10.4324/9780203975107-31.

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The description of the Long Course Weekend website suggests a form of literacy that involves navigating and understanding web-based information. Barton et al. (2000, p.10) acknowledge the diverse nature of literacy by considering using a webpage as another form of literacy. The website's visual design, including logo placement and rotating images, indicates a visual literacy component. The green "ENTER" tab, designed to stand out distinctly, serves as a navigational cue, contributing to a type of functional literacy required for online interactions.

The website also features a detailed introduction to the Long Course Weekend events, highlighting the location and the distances available. The website emphasises the location and distance by making them bold.

The text on the website is informative and presents information about the Long Course Weekend events clearly and invitingly. The font is easy to read, and the website's design is visually appealing and user-friendly.

Text Evaluation:

Clarity: The text is clear and provides detailed information about the event, including the date, location, and various disciplines offered.

Engagement: The text invites readers to join the unique sporting event using phrases like "truly unique" and "We will wait for you!" This adds a personal touch and encourages participation.

Informational Value: Purcell-Gates et al. (2021, p.399) highlight the importance of informational value in textual literacy. As exemplified in the LCW events context, the text effectively communicates specific details such as date, time, price, route (See Appendix A)and eligibility criteria, demonstrating a textual literacy element.

Font Evaluation:

Readability: Purcell-Gates et al. (2021, p.420) highlight the importance of incorporating authentic literacy practices that align with the interests of participants. In support of this, it is crucial to use a legible font that accommodates a diverse range of readers, including those with varying visual abilities and ages.

Grammar/Punctuation: The text predominantly uses complete sentences and employs boldness for presenting race distances, making the information easily digestible. Punctuation is appropriately used to separate sentences and clarify details.

Consistency: Font style consistency is crucial for a professional and cohesive look. Ensure the font throughout the text is uniform, contributing to a visually appealing presentation. Different sizes and boldness were used to emphasise important information.

Vocabulary/Symbols/Terms: The vocabulary mixes everyday terms and specialised terminology related to the sporting event (e.g., Marathon, Half Marathon, Kids race). The text balances providing clear information and creating an inclusive and accessible tone.

Alignment: Proper alignment is essential for visual aesthetics. The text should be well-aligned and spaced, enhancing the overall readability and presentation.

In conclusion, the text on the Long Course Weekend events website effectively conveys the essential details of the event in an engaging and informative way. Barton et al. (2000, p.9) emphasised that some events are linked into routine sequences, which may be part of social institutions' informal procedures and expectations like workplaces, schools and agencies.

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Type of Literacy:

Reading & Writing

Numeracy

Digital Literacy

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Carraher, T.N., Carraher, D.W. and Schliemann, A.D. (1985) ‘Mathematics in the streets and in schools’, British Journal of Developmental Psychology, 3(1), pp. 21–29. doi:10.1111/j.2044-835x.1985.tb00951.x.

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The description of the Long Course Weekend registration process involves various forms of literacy, encompassing textual and numerical elements. Barton et al. (2000, p.10) consider using a webpage as another form of literacy; in this context, the website guides users through a multi-layered literacy experience.

Text Evaluation:

1. Clarity and Engagement: The text is clear and concise, providing essential details about the LCW events. However, there is room for enhanced engagement by providing additional context or brief descriptions, aligning with the notion of informative and engaging literacy events.

2. Informational Value: The text effectively communicates the specifics of the LCW events, including date, time, price, and eligibility criteria, reflecting a textual literacy element.

Font Evaluation:

1. Readability: Using a white background and bolding event details demonstrates an awareness of readability, aligning with Barton et al.'s perspective on the importance of clear and readable presentations in literacy events.

2. Consistency and Alignment: The consideration of font style, size, and alignment is crucial for a cohesive presentation, contributing to a visually pleasing and well-organized literacy experience.

Numeracy Evaluation:

1. Checkout Process: The numeracy aspect comes into play during checkout, where participants must input bank card information. This involves a form of numeracy literacy, as users must understand and engage with numerical data for payment.

2. Currency Exchange Consideration: Considering the exchange rate from euros to pounds emphasises the importance of numerical literacy, particularly when making financial transactions in different currencies.

In summary, the Long Course Weekend registration process encompasses various literacy aspects, including textual literacy for understanding event details, visual literacy for navigating the website, and numeracy literacy for financial transactions. The design considerations align with the broader concept of literacy events, acknowledging the diverse skills required for effective engagement.

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Drawing insights from Oughton's  (2018, pp.6-8) work on social practice theories of adult numeracy and Carraher et al.'s (1985, pp. 21–29) perspectives, the literacy and numeracy analyses of both the 12-Week Advanced Cycling Training Plan from CSS Fitness (See Appendix B) and the Cancer Research UK - 50 Mile Cycle Intermediate Training plan (See Appendix C) are integral to assessing their effectiveness. Informed by Oughton's principles, the literacy analysis focuses on the clarity of instructions and coherence in presenting the advanced plan to individuals with a reasonable fitness background. It emphasises the heightened literacy value when the plan is communicated understandably, aligning with Oughton's principles.

In my analysis, I have followed the methodology proposed by Carraher et al. (1985, pp.21-24) to determine the social status of participants (i.e. intermediate and professional) based on specific quantitative details in their fitness plans. These details include intervals, target heart rates, power zones, and time durations for each session. For a plan to be classified as advanced, it should feature well-defined numerical parameters that guide cyclists in measuring and progressing their performance based on numerical indicators. Similarly, when assessing the Cancer Research UK plan, I have looked at its logical progression in intensity and duration and incorporated various session types to provide comprehensive fitness preparation.

This evaluation considers insights from Roberts et al.'s report on embedded teaching and learning in adult literacy, numeracy, and ESOL (2005, pp.28 & 64). Factors such as the credibility of the providers, adaptability to varying fitness levels and schedules, and the logical progression of the plans are critical in determining their effectiveness. The intertwining of numeracy and literacy is evident in the emphasis on clear communication and numerical guidance, aligning with scholarly perspectives, for optimal benefits in these training regimes. Both plans contribute to cyclists' ability to comprehend and apply the provided information, showcasing the fundamental role of literacy and numeracy in their effectiveness.

Martin-Jones (2009, pp.56) studied bilingual literacy practices among young Welsh speakers. The study emphasised the emergence of diverse language skills among these individuals across different life aspects, showcasing their proficiency in Welsh in various community settings. Additionally, when examining cyclist language and text, there are subtle differences in the terminologies and numeracy used among beginner, intermediate, and professional cyclists.

Detailed instructions for each session, consistent terminology, and a motivational segment aligned with practical communication principles contribute to the plan's effectiveness. The numeracy analysis highlights specific time durations, a logical progression, and varied session types catering to different fitness facets. While the plan acknowledges adaptability and emphasises a personalised approach, there's room for improvement in the detailed coverage of nutrition, suggesting enhanced effectiveness through comprehensive nutritional emphasis throughout the plan.

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Martin-Jones, M., Hughes, B. and Williams, A. (2009) ‘Bilingual literacy in and for working lives on the land: Case studies of young welsh speakers in North Wales’, International Journal of the Sociology of Language, 2009(195), pp. 45–62. doi:10.1515/ijsl.2009.005.

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At a young age, I discovered my love for fantasy literature. Something is captivating about being transported to a new world of magic and wonder, and I wanted to share that feeling with others. My journey began with the Griffin Pirate Stories series - I was hooked right from the first page! The characters, like Roderick the Red, Gregory the Green, and Benjamin, the Blue Pirate, became my friends, and I couldn't wait to see what adventures they would go on next.

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Oughton, H. (2018) ‘Disrupting dominant discourses: A (re)introduction to social practice theories of adult numeracy’, Numeracy, 11(1). doi:10.5038/1936-4660.11.1.2.

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Prinsloo, M. and Krause-Alzaidi, L.-S. (2022) ‘Culture and literacy: Situated social literacies’, Early draft of an entry in the International Encyclopedia of Education, forthcoming in 2022, pp. 1–29. doi:10.1016/b978-0-12-818630-5.07016-0.

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Purcell-Gates, V. et al. (2021) ‘Measuring situated literacy activity’, Measuring Situated Literacy Activity: Challenges and Promises, 44(4), pp. 396–425. doi:10.1177/1086296x12457167.

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Roberts, C. et al. (2005) Embedded teaching and learning of Adult Literacy, numeracy and ESOL: Seven case studies, Digital Education Resource Archive (DERA). Available at: https://dera.ioe.ac.uk/29832/ (Accessed: 19 January 2024).

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After registering for the event, I received a formal confirmation message containing all the relevant details, such as the date, location, and time. This emphasises the importance of clear communication in organising events. They offer calendar invites and electronic tickets, which you can download if you don't have an Apple device. They offered a QR code to take to registration information.

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But I didn't stop there. As I got older and my reading skills improved, I dove headfirst into the works of other incredible authors like David Eddings and J.R.R. Tolkien. The first book of The Lord of the Rings trilogy, The Fellowship of the Ring, was challenging for me. But I refused to give up and ended up completing the entire series

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Smith, J. (2005) ‘Mobilising everyday literacy practices within the curricula’, Journal of Vocational Education &amp; Training, 57(3), pp. 319–334. doi:10.1080/13636820500200289.

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12-Week Advanced Cycling Training Plan No matter your experience, sometimes you need a nudge in the right direction. Cycling is an excellent form of exercise and cyclists are fortunate to have so much diversity and opportunity to push our bodies to

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Those childhood reading experiences had a profound impact on me. They inspired me to pursue knowledge and ultimately led me to a career in the Armed Forces. I served my country with pride and then transitioned to the steel industry as an industry firefighter.

And let's not forget about my love for numbers! Even as a kid, I was fascinated by breaking down my weekly pocket money (25p) into smaller coins. It made me feel rich! This habit helped me sharpen my numerical abilities and understand basic arithmetic concepts better.

I'm grateful for those early experiences, as they helped shape the person I am today.

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What App Group

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After conducting internet research, I have decided to use the Cancer Research UK - 50 Mile Cycle Intermediate Training plan (See Appendix C) as a guide for my upcoming race. The plan is well-structured and gradually increases in both intensity and duration. It includes cycling, flexibility exercises, and gym workouts to ensure comprehensive preparation.

In Martin-Jones's (2009) exploration of bilingual literacy practices among young Welsh speakers, the emphasis is on leveraging diverse language skills across different aspects of life. Similarly, within cycling, literacy extends beyond conventional reading and writing skills. The plan's proficiency can be classified through an analysis of literacy and numeracy. Detailed instructions for each session, covering training types, durations, and additional notes, ensure users can grasp and adhere to the plan effectively. Consistent use of terminology, such as "easy ride," "steady pace," and "fartlek," aligns with practical communication principles, conveying the precise nature of each training session. The motivational segment incorporates quotes and tips inspired by motivational theories, injecting a positive dimension into the plan and fostering user encouragement throughout their fitness journey.

Regarding numeracy analysis, the plan incorporates specific time durations for each training session, which clarifies the required time commitment. The plan exhibits a logical progression in intensity and duration over the weeks, ensuring a structured and gradual increase in difficulty. Including various session types, such as cycling, flexibility, gym workouts, and rest, introduces variety into the training, catering to different facets of fitness. The plan acknowledges adaptability and emphasises a personalised approach for individuals with prior training.

However, there is room for improvement in the detailed coverage of nutrition. While some mention is made, a more comprehensive emphasis on nutrition throughout the plan would enhance its effectiveness.

In conclusion, the Cancer Research UK - 50 Mile Cycle Intermediate Training plan showcases commendable literacy and numeracy qualities. It provides clear instructions, logical progression, motivational elements, and adaptability, making it a valuable tool for preparing for a cycling challenge.

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Cycling GPS Computer Data

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The literacy and symbolic elements within your WhatsApp group, inspired by the work of Smith (2005, pp.332) and guided by a communicative approach influenced by everyday literacy practices, reflect a deliberate effort to engage friends and family in a meaningful and accessible way.

Communicative Approach and Everyday Literacy Practices:

As per Smith's influence (2005, pp.319), adopting a communicative approach suggests focusing on practical and interactive communication rather than merely conveying information. This aligns with the ethos of everyday literacy practices, emphasising communication as a social activity embedded in daily life.

WhatsApp Group as a Platform for Information and Support:

Creating a WhatsApp group (referenced in Appendix E) is a practical choice for informing friends and family about your training status and providing a platform for mutual support. This aligns with utilising digital platforms for real-time updates, fostering a sense of community.

Incorporation of Emojis and Pictures:

Following the principles highlighted by Heath (1994, pp.51, 55), who emphasised the importance of different literacy practices in various contexts, the group embraced a more friendly and informal tone. Emojis and pictures enhance the narrative, making the communication more expressive, engaging, and in line with the ethnography of communication.

Alignment with Ethnography of Communication:

The adoption of a friendly and informal tone, along with the use of emojis and pictures, aligns with the ethnography of communication. This approach recognises effective communication's cultural context and social dynamics, creating a more inclusive and relatable space for friends and family to follow your progress.

In summary, your WhatsApp group demonstrates a thoughtful integration of literacy practices, symbols, and communication strategies influenced by academic insights (Smith, 2005, pp.319 & 332 & Heath, 1994, pp.51, 55) and the practical application of these principles. This approach keeps your audience informed about training and fosters a sense of community and engagement through a communicative and inclusive style.

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When I analysed the confirmation email, I found the email to be:

Content:

Clarity: The email is clear and provides essential information about the registration, including the event details, registration ID, participant name (Pete Bland), date, location, and registration category.

Confirmation and Congratulation: "Congratulations!" adds a joyous and celebratory tone to the email, making the participant feel acknowledged and excited about their registration.

Actionable Information: The email encourages participants to check the event's website for updates, reinforcing the importance of staying informed. It also emphasises the need to bring the confirmation email and personal ID for race number pick-up.

Digital Accessibility: The email lets participants download the race tickets and calendar invitations and provide a QR code to access registration information.

Contact Information: The inclusion of contact information (Info@lcwmallorca.com) allows participants to reach out for any inquiries or concerns, fostering effective communication.

Formatting:

Organisation: The information is well-organised, making it easy for the participant to locate and understand their registration details.

Font and Readability: The font appears clear and easily readable. The bold headings help separate different sections, contributing to a well-structured layout.

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When I analysed the training regime, I found the document to be:

Text Evaluation:

Clarity: The text is clear and provides detailed information about the training regime, including information on safety, equipment needed, nutrition and training plan. It also provided a chapter on motivation.

Engagement: The text invites readers to join the unique sporting event using phrases like "truly unique" and "We will wait for you!" This adds a personal touch and encourages participation.

Informational Value: Purcell-Gates et al. (2021, p.404) emphasise the importance of informational value in textual literacy. They illustrate that a gradual approach to training cyclists for a specific event demonstrates a textual literacy element.

Font Evaluation:

Readability: Purcell-Gates et al. (2021, p.420) emphasise the significance of including genuine literacy practices that match participants' preferences. In line with this, utilising a readable font that caters to a diverse readership, including those with different visual abilities and ages, is crucial.

Grammar/Punctuation: The text predominantly uses complete sentences and employs boldness to emphasise relevant information, making the information easily digestible. Punctuation is appropriately used to separate sentences and clarify details.

Consistency: Font style consistency is crucial for a professional and cohesive look. Ensure the font throughout the text is uniform, contributing to a visually appealing presentation. Different sizes and boldness were used to emphasise important information.

Vocabulary/Symbols/Terms: The vocabulary mixes everyday terms and specialised terminology related to the sporting event (e.g., "fartlek," "cadence," and "back-to-back"). The text balances providing clear information and creating an inclusive and accessible tone.

Alignment: Proper alignment is essential for visual aesthetics. The text should be well-aligned and spaced, enhancing the overall readability and presentation.

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White, D.S. and Le Cornu, A. (2011) View of visitors and residents: A new typology for online engagement: First Monday, View of Visitors and Residents: A new typology for online engagement | First Monday. Available at: https://firstmonday.org/ojs/index.php/fm/article/view/3171/3049 (Accessed: 13 January 2024).

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I learned that an event that involves written communication as a significant part of the participants' interactions and interpretation processes is known as a literacy event (Health, 1982, pp.55). Writing plays a crucial role in such events as it is present and influences communication. "writing" encompasses various forms of written communication, including electronic messages, text messages, social media posts, emails, memos, and reports. I understand that writing holds a vital position in these events, and it is necessary to have a thorough understanding of its role in communication and interpretation.

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Moving to South Wales was a significant change for me, but luckily, I found a fitness group led by an exceptional personal fitness instructor. We're not your average workout buddies - we're a team of goal-oriented individuals who love to push ourselves to the limit. Every year, we choose a challenging event to train for, and we've tackled everything from gruelling marathons to intense obstacle courses. This year, we're taking on our biggest challenge: the Long Course Weekend in Mallorca. It's an international-level endurance event that will test our skills and determination. But with our tight-knit group and our excellent trainer leading the way, I know we will crush it!

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I've divided the Long Course Weekend event into three parts. Firstly, I'll go through the process of enrolling for the event, evaluate the webpage, and consider different literacy types. In the second part, I'll focus on two types of training regimes, analyse various levels of literacy and numeracy, and compare them. Lastly, in the third part, I plan to explore the role of WhatsApp in communicating and supporting the event, both before and after, and observe how my literacy changes across different modes of communication.