Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Blog Literacy Thoughts
After reviewing both readings for this week's blog, it was clear that the term literacy is changing just like the photographs of the classrooms have changed and Langwitche's Blog. In the past, literacy represented one's ability to read and write. The computer has presented an opportunity for the greater majority to access information and author text easier than ever before. This process has widened the technology gap between those that use technology and those that do not.
Therefore, it can be seen that there is a need to include computer/technology literacy in our general definition of literate. It's interesting that we're discussing this concept, because I was just at a meeting where we were addressing the need for a computer literacy entrance exam for students registering for online courses. This educator has experienced a correlation between lower computer literacy skills and lower online course grades. I would like to see more research conducted in this area.
In the "Looking from the Inside Out: Academic Blogging as New Literacy", the author categorizes blogs as follows: 1.) Self publishing 2.) Texts and 3.) Social networks. The access to these blogs is contributing to the change in the evolution of text as we know it and how we access it. Is a blog the new 'discussion board' for online classes?
The reflection of 'Private Lives in Public Spaces' was an interesting reflection of identity. Is it possible for us to hide behind technology? Do we push the boundaries of our identities to separate ourselves into our online self and personal self? Where will this splitting of one's identity take us? I am not sure I even want to open that discussion.
As I am new to blogging, my first thought was to go to the Internet to find information about blogging. My computer literacy made this new adventure much easier. I posted a couple of helpful videos to my blog right away. This was a 'social' act. My computer literacy has been a wonderful resource throughout my life and I can't imagine not using it. However, there are times when we can't ever get away from it. What impact will that have on future generations?
Is this computer literacy making us more literate or less literate when it comes to the more traditional meaning? I am certain there are interesting debates for both sides.
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Amy,
ReplyDeleteI know there are very valid discussions for both side of your last question, I personally feel that computer (or even a broader "technological" literacy has definitely increased my scope of knowledge and ability to absorb new ideas.
The Web exposes its users to many different perspectives and concepts that wouldn't be available to us if we weren't online. I think this is for the better...as long as we know how to use that knowledge appropriately.
The questions you've asked in your post are good ones. I hope you continue to explore answers to those as the semester progresses.
ReplyDeleteOne thing that stuck out to me in this post, though, was your discussion of the "correlation between lower computer literacy skills and lower online course grades." The optional reading, "Why Heather Can Write," might extend your thoughts on this, although I agree that more quantitative reports should be compiled on this matter, especially in schools.
"I was just at a meeting where we were addressing the need for a computer literacy entrance exam for students registering for online courses. This educator has experienced a correlation between lower computer literacy skills and lower online course grades."
ReplyDeleteAs a Level II Support analyst, I wish the company I worked for would require a computer literacy exam for employment. On a daily basis I work with people who literally do not know how to turn off a computer or know how important it is to secure passwords. This is not unique to education, it is a problem in the business world as well. While this problem keeps me gainfully employed, I would rather concentrate on improving the systems I work on, instead of taking an hour out of my day to explain to someone how to reset a password.
Amy,
ReplyDeleteYou might want to include a little more white space and/or a little less text as Dr. Pignetti suggested. Perhaps it's just me, but I had difficulty following along. Maybe use headings. Or do three different posts?
Mark,
ReplyDeleteI very comfortable with technology, but there are times when I am stumped with an issue that may seem easy-peasy to the IT guy. Sometimes I think it is due to the fact that the people creating the IT, don't consider who will be using it and it's not super intuitive.
I'm sure there are areas that you don't excel in that you may need help with. So you might want to cut them a break.
Kelly,
ReplyDeleteThose are not the types of issues I am talking about. There are people in corporate environments that barely know how to turn a computer. I know that software is not user intuitive, I work on some applications that stump me on a daily basis.
If you ever get a chance, sit in at help desk, listen to the incoming calls, you would be amazed at the lack of computer literacy...I am talking about stuff that everyone should know...how to turn on a PC, how to log off, how to shut down, how to turn on a monitor.
Also, as I work with users on a national level, I have found that users in the rural south have the least skills, whereas users in the northeast and mid-west are the most skilled.
I like your discussion of self. I was somewhat skeptical first about blogging, but it really is no different than a conversation. We have to remember the purpose of our blogs. If it is a professional blog, then the writer should present material in a professional manner. If it is personal blog to share interests, then the writer has to decide how much of the self is safe to reveal.
ReplyDelete