In this paper we examine competing discourses of established and emerging practices in literacy education in relation to technology. Our intention is to highlight contextual and relational aspects, which are largely absent in discussion concerning education when the aim is to find effective, best practice solutions. Grounded on empirical research findings, we strive to expand the current discussion by problematizing the relation between technology and literacy in a subject culture in motion. As classroom practices are made up of many different and often competing discourses this paper attends to the historical development of L1 and discusses tensions at classroom and system levels (Bernstein, 2000; Engeström, 2009). We demonstrate how the conditions and role of technology in the classroom tends to move from a focus on the effective use of technology, which separates the digital from L1-education, towards discourses including social practices and socio-political aspects (Ivanic, 2004). Moreover, the need for a meta-awareness addressing the multiplicity and diversity of communication channels and media will be problematized in regard to teachers’ professional development, changes in curricula and the boundary between the L1-subject and aesthetics.