Part 1: Prepare

Today, the amounts of technological information out there is endless. Everyday I turn on the TV or open the newspaper and see ads for new types of technology coming out. I feel that I am very familiar with the types of technology I use everyday, which isn't a wide spectrum by any means. Play oriented, I can work an X-box and most types of video games. I'm definitely not a "gamer" but I've been around enough people and played enough to know what I'm doing. Work oriented, I'm very familiar with computer programs that I use for school like Aplia and Math Labs Plus. Before using the programs, you have to read a tutorial that explains everything, which is very helpful. Other types of technology that I use daily are things like TV, DVD players, and cameras. Most are pretty easy to understand and if not, I'm a good direction follower.

There are many areas I would like to become more technology savy in. Programs that I dont use now but will be inevitable in the future like Microsoft Excel. I have no clue how to make charts and form graphs in Excel. I'm actually looking forward to taking the CGS class that will teach me how to do these things. As of now, I'm set on being a teacher so different electronics in the classroom will be vital for me to learn as well. I feel comfortable with my technology skills for now but know I will definitely need to broaden my skills as time goes on.

Assignment for Tue 1/26

My article, “Considering genre in the digital literacy classroom”, explains how genre is affected by technology, specifically the World Wide Web. Authors Olcott and Mahar explain how, what is advertised on a webpage leads readers into their own discourse communities. Being able to prove this, Olcott and Mahar followed people who viewed certain websites. One of their studies observed followers of a New York Yankee sit . The website itself had lots of hyperlinks and options that lead readers to all sorts of information dealing with the Yankees and major league baseball.

The authors are arguing that, exploring genre digitally offers much more information then print. When searching for specific information on the web, you don’t get just one result. Numerous options are available offering all types of views and ideas on your topic. With print you only get what you have in front of you. For students to maximize their learning potential, digital literacy is a must. However teachers and students will need to collaborate for effectiveness. This article is directed to teachers and students. What Olcott and Mahar want to achieve is for students to become technology scholars rather than experts at technology. In other words, they want students to be able to use these resources and understand the meaning of the text as well.