English professor recognized with Fry Book Award

JuliAnna Ávila, assistant professor of English, is the co-recipient of the prestigious Edward Fry Book Award for “Critical Digital Literacies as Social Praxis: Intersections and Challenges.”

Presented by the Literacy Research Association, the Fry Book Award is given to members who have written or co-authored a book within the last five years that advances knowledge about literacy; displays inquiry into literacy; and shows responsible, intellectual risk-taking. Ávila and co-editor Zacher Pandya received the award at the association’s annual conference in December 2014. Pandya is chair of the Liberal Studies Department and associate professor in the Departments of Teacher Education and Liberal Studies at California State University, Long Beach.

“Critical Digital Literacies as Social Praxis: Intersections and Challenges” examines the simultaneous implementation of critical and digital literacies and explores ramifications for the development and assessment of critical digital literacy curricula. The book asks readers to consider: How has the increasing ubiquity of digital literacies in and out of school affected the definitions of critical literacies? How have the ever-changing perceptions of critical literacies affected how people define, teach, and engage in digital literacies?

English Department Chair Mark West said, “This national award represents a significant recognition of Dr. Ávila’s work. This book is important in moving us forward in understanding how the intersection of critical and digital literacies can affect students and teachers. What is gained, and what is potentially lost at this intersection? This book helps us think more deeply about implications.”

Ávila earned her Ph.D. from the University of California at Berkeley. She was appointed in 2010 to her current position at UNC Charlotte, where she teaches graduate and undergraduate courses in English education.