During this process I used a variety of literacy skills such as:

• Literacy - language, reading, writing, speaking and body language.

• Numeracy - in regards to pricing up holidays and different exchange rates and currency.

• Digital literacy - Snapchat, calendar apps, Tik Tok, google, Trip advisor, power point and more.

Analysis

The use of Snapchat was beneficial to us as we regularly use this app from day to day. We were already in a group chat with each other. The messages exchanged through the app are all informal, as a result of this I tend not to worry about grammar or punctuation whilst in casual conversation. Abbreviated 'text talk' is also used such as 'btw - by the way' as it saves time and I am aware each participant in the conversation knows the meanings of the abbreviations used. I predominantly use colloquial terms in my text such as 'lush' or 'banging' in response to messages which shows my enthusiasm towards what has been said. I also use chat reactions, such as love hearting, giving thumbs up or laughing to a message to acknowledge I have read it but no need for a written reply.

Analysis

This app was beneficial to us as we are all best friends that are comfortable sharing our monthly plans with each other. I wouldn't share my full calendar with people I do not trust, therefore do not use this app with many people. Text within the calendar is informal and abbreviated a lot, as only I really needed to understand what each of my bookings consist of there was no need to ensure that others understood. As a result I use a lot of initialisms when inputting activities as there is no need to put the full word, saving time. Each member has a different color text when inputting their schedules e.g. mine is pink, another is blue and another is yellow. The use of color allows us to see clearly when there is a day with no color banner in at all, showing us we are all available, without the need for written text back and forth.

Analysis

We decided to use this method as it allowed us to gather the information relevant to us all in one location. While creating my presentation I considered visual literacy as I ensured my slides were easy to read and had all the information available. The incorporation of images, graphs, and other visual elements to complement the textual content. Information literacy is key in creating an effective PowerPoint as I had to to gather, evaluate, and synthesize relevant content to create a cohesive narrative. Thus the use of organizational literacy and digital literacy is evident with my finished presentation.

Analysis

The literacy forms on Tik Tok does differ dependent on the creator that has made the content. Some videos use more formal language where as others create videos that replicate a casual conversation with friends with the use of abbreviations. Tik Tok does rely heavily on visual literacy, and I have found that the more well informed videos have more appealing imagery and video clips persuading the viewer to stay engaged. As the videos on the platform are only for a short period of time majority of the clips included bullet points of information without too much depth. This allowed myself to consume the information I was looking for in highlighted sections, getting straight to the point. Although short clips were beneficial at times I needed to pause to be able to look at the imagery and read everything properly. The diversity on the platform also made me need to use subtitles at times, some information was in different languages where as others had strong accents that I found challenging to understand. This meant at times I had to read and listen at times.

The introduction of literacy events by Barton (2012) emphasizes the different situations in which literacy is practiced. My Paddlet reflects the various different ways in which literacies can be used in a social settings. The use of literacy in a more formal context in regards to numeracy and money compared to a facetime call outlines how quickly one will change the literacy practice used in order to comply with the social expectation of the type of literacy that is required in specific settings (Ivanic, 2009).

The use of Tik Tok as my main research tool is supported by Barton's (2012) changing literacy practices. As Barton states, technological advancements will impact local literacies over time (2012). If I was planning this holiday 3-4 years ago Google would have been my main provider of information. The shift in how information is provided and the societal importance put on to new technology such as Tik Tok has completely changed the way in which local literacy

is used and received. This is supported by Lankshear (2008) stating the power in context of digital literacies and communication moving forward.

Mace (2005) stated about the exchange of literacy from verbal to written. This was used within my holiday planning through spoken literacy on face time to putting down a plan on our presentations. This literacy practice worked well with friends as there is an established trusting relationship. Social Literacy now would air on the side of caution in terms of verbal agreements as they can be changed.

Over all, after evaluating the literacy practices I use in my day to day life I can see the importance of being able to change the type of literacy used in order to meet social exception. The way in which professional and social literacies are followed shows that we all comply to a non spoken literacy agreeing to differentiate between the both.

Barton, D. and Hamilton, M (2012) Local Literacies: reading and writing in the community 2nd Edition Oxon: Routledge

Ivanic, R., Edwards, R., Barton, D., Martin-Jones, M., Fowler, Z., Hughes, B., Mannion, G., Miller, K., Satchwell, C., and Smith, J. (2009) Imprroving learning in college: rethinking literacies accross the curriculum. London: Routledge

Lankshear, C., & Knobel, M. (Eds.). (2008). Digital Literacies: Concepts, Policies and Practices. New York, NY: Peter Lang.

Analysis

Facetime was used to discuss this as, its ease to use. We all regularly use facetime and was natural for us to do so. It is a more informal way of video chatting as a pose to teams or skype, but perfect for the quick 10 minute conversation needed. We were all able to join the call from different locations with ease, not needing to schedule time to be near a laptop or in a quiet location. Body language and facial expressions are used through this form of literacy, the non-verbal cues contributes to better comprehension and expression of ideas. Conversational language was used on facetime, casual literacy including colloquial terms such as 'sound' 'sorted' and 'class'. As this form of communication is so casual no literacy rules have been applied as body language and casual terminology was understood by all.

Analysis

Whilst researching holiday prices I had to critically think by analyzing numerical data, identifying differences and make an informed decision on what the best deal was. Also researching exchange exchange rates o see if value for money would be achieved on this trip. This literacy supported my consumer awareness whilst planning my holiday. The numerical literacy supported my other literacy practices well such as my presentation as the numeracy provided a factual basis in which other literacy forms such as talking were then based upon.

Analysis

The presentations started off fairly formal, with the use of professional terminology while describing location and activities. As the evening progressed we moved on to casual conversation, discussing each presentation. The face to face contact utilized many personal literacy skills such as reading the PowerPoint, listening to the presentation and conversing with each other. No one during the face to face meeting felt the need to overpower or take lead in the conversation, each was treated as an equal and respected each others time to talk. This was easy as friends but can be more challenging with others that do not have the respect or patience for one another. After deciding on a location and moving on to booking the holiday the literacy returned to a more formal method whilst discussing numeracy, flight date and times and organizing the itinerary for the holiday.