The first article Does Digital Media Make Us Bad Writers? By Karp brought up some interesting points. The one point that I noticed in particular was a comment by an English professor at Stanford University. Lundsford, as quoted in Karp (2010) states, “Writing is a plastic art. Writing always changes given the context. It molds itself to the changes” (p. 1). I agree with this quote because even in my short time on Earth, I have heard many different words to describe others, institutions, and emphatic remarks. For example, in the time of my grandparents, the saying “by golly” was used to emphasize a statement or idea. Then the phrase changed to “totally” around the 1980s and now it has changed again to “literally” in the current age. Although the terms have changed, the overall meaning has remained the same. I think that all forms of communication have similar meanings, and just the form or wording has changed. Even with generational ways to describe “cool” changed from “groovy”, to “totally”, to “grungy”, and now “seriously.”
The second article Literacy Debate: Online, R U Really Reading? By Rich also had some interesting points. According to Rich (2008), “Some Web evangelists say children should be evaluated for their proficiency on the Internet just as they are tested on their print reading comprehension,” (p. 2). I thought this was a strong comment because testing is moving to be all online. Just this past year, my students took the WESTEST all online and this was their first experience with a standardized computer based assessment. The students had to become acquainted with the testing feature tools such as an online highlighter and a text blocking tool. I also think that schools are developing aides and software based online to meet some new 21st century goals from the state superintendent. For instance, the weekly tests in Reading class are all taken online, and the math chapter tests are also taken fully online. The skill of Internet navigability and proficiency may be something educators and students see in the very near future as another evaluation to complete during the school year.
As far as my stance toward the subject of digital media Web Evangelist and Traditionalist, I would say I am in the middle. I do believe students need to know how to write correctly, with strongly developed ideas and expressive writing. However, I do see the need to teach digital media communication tools and writing as another form of communication. Rich (2008), states that some children with special needs or other learning difficulties have found using online resources far more comfortable to search and read online, than to search and read through books (p. 1). Additionally, the opportunities that the Internet can provide for students who do not like to read length books is also something to take into serious consideration. Karp (2010) expands digital literacy to include marriages between text and other media in ways that can often help students provide greater depth and texture to what they are trying to communicate (p.1). Even though online sources have become popular sources for information, I also believe books will always be around for students to read, engage, and use as resources. I believe that the true goal in education is to prepare students to become proficient, educated adults that can think, communicate, and discuss their points of view or views of others to develop a full understanding of a topic.
Next, the Ted Talks video by John McWhorter: Txtng is killing language. JK!!! Describes language as a way to communicate in informal ways and not in formal, written formats. I found it interesting that McWhorter referred to language as always evolving and being a way to communicate. According to the video, formal writing is just a way to document events and not to communicate in informal ways (John McWhorter, n.d.).
In summary, texting can be seen as a benefit or detriment to literacy and depending on your personal experiences and beliefs, you could be a Wen Evangelist who supports new emergent communication methods or you could be a traditionalist who believes texting and informal communication methods are destroying literacy skills.
References:
Karp, J. (2010, January 26). Does Digital Media Make Us Bad Writers? | Spotlight on Digital Media and Learning. Does Digital Media Make Us Bad Writers?. Retrieved May 26, 2014, from http://spotlight.macfound.org/featured-stories/entry/does-digital-media-make-us-bad-writers
Rich, M. (2008, July 27). Literacy Debate: Online, R U Really Reading?. The New York Times. Retrieved May 26, 2014, from http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/27/books/27reading.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0
TEDTalk. (Producer). John McWhorter: Txtng is killing language. JK!!! [Web Video]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UmvOgW6iV2s
Gina-
ReplyDeleteYour post made me think about a comment that was made last semester in another technology course I took. A student in my class said that yes, it was important that we allow our students to use technology because the country is becoming more and more technologically advanced. However, they need to be taught how to properly use technology and the importance of different programs. Texting, using social-media sites, video games, etc. does not count as "powering up" our students. I agree that they need to be taught the mechanics of technology and how it can PROPERLY benefit them. Great post!
Gina,
ReplyDeleteWhen I read your post I was amazed at how closely we think. I do believe that language is follows trends and people adapt with change as times change. I always find it interesting that my children revert back to my 1980s music and think it's so incredible despite the new renditions. Your point about how language changes and the meaning stays the same is extremely relevant when speaking of language whether writing or spoken. I also believe that we have to move forward with this new digital age to exist in our world today. We are best to prepare to teach technology and not resist change. The best thing to do is educate on the benefits of digital media and focus on the blessings it brings.