Thank you for visiting my blog that is focused on exploring the concepts and ideas that make up the area of study called multigenre literacy. My name is Nicholas and I am a graduating senior at CSUN in Southern California. When looking at literacy from a global perspective, one has to address the issue of the always evolving media technology and how it relates to the field of literacy. While I understand why electronic devices have gained a bad rap due to their ability of distraction and anti-socializing the average person on a social networking site, we cannot deny that they are becoming more prominent in our culture to the extent that many joke about our smart phones as being "Life Support". I truly believe that technology needs to be grasped and utilized in teaching literacy since it is in fact a legitimate form of communication. At one point, the ability to print was the newest technology and provided a way for people to communicate ideas on a mass scale. Now, although the internet is quite convoluted and considered the "new wild west", it has the ability to reach people on a global scale.
The globality of the internet allows us to reach people on far opposite ends of the earth with a mere click of a mouse button. If this kind of technology is utilized properly, we can promote literacy to the global masses and allow everyone to have access to a literate future. Obviously there are a lot of kinks and issues in trying to introduce literacy on a global scale via modern day media with differing political and social views, but none the less, the idea is the seed necessary to grow the idea. I believe that as a society we need to find ways to unite education and technology into one package that is more relevant to the new generations.
You are absolutely right Nick, our cell phones have become the bane of our existence. I don't think I can ever sit in a classroom without peering over my shoulder to see someone twiddling on their phone or someone stalking an ex on Facebook. It's ridiculous. Do we need to socialize with other human beings this much? And I think this joke was made on 30 Rock but it still rings true, "Bush is a war criminal! There's so much texting going on these days and no communicating. Carbon tax!"
ReplyDeleteYou also made a good point, technology is here to stay. To echo the point you just made, this is the case for any newer technologies, the assimilation is inevitable. I can't imagine paying my bills with an envelope and a stamp. As long as we can moderate our use of technology, it can stand to be an effective tool not only in a classroom but in society as well.