Core 1

Molly Smith
ENC 1102
February 11, 2010

Core 1 Exploring Digital Literacy- a digital analysis

Have you ever wondered what people did without technology? We all would like to think that we aren’t dependent on technology but we are in an age where the answers to our problems are only a few mouse clicks away. According to Selber, “All too often computer technologies are touted as the solution to all our problems, an inclination deeply embedded in American culture” (4).

SELF EVALUATION
Present
This past winter I went camping with my family. The first few days in the wilderness were tranquil. By the third day, I was dying to check my email, go on Facebook, and check the ADPi (my sorority) message board. This showed me how reliant I was on technology.
Play oriented, I’m on Facebook daily. If I’m not around a computer to access it, I use my iPhone. By this I stay connected with my friends. Because of my busy schedule, I don’t have free time to spend playing games on the computer or Xbox. Because of this, when it comes to play oriented technology I am definitely not an expert, however have no desire to be.
Work oriented, I'm familiar with computer programs that I use for school like Aplia (for macroeconomics class) and Math Labs Plus (for all math classes). Before using these programs, a tutorial explains everything, which is very helpful. Other then knowing how to use these programs, not much more is asked of me as a student.
I feel that I am very familiar with the types of technology I use every day, which isn't a wide spectrum by any means. For now, I can easily get by with the set of technological skills I acquire. I feel comfortable but know I will need to broaden my skills for the future

Future
There are many areas I would like to become more technology savvy in. I am currently a social science education major and plan on pursuing a career in education administration. In the classroom, new technology is introduced every day. Many people would argue that too much technology is detrimental to children. However, the transformation into the technological society that we are today provides us with worlds of knowledge in the education aspect. My argument is that students will benefit more in a classroom that offers digital literacy if taught appropriately by skilled teachers. According to Selber, “Computers are indeed a fact of life in educational settings, yet too few teachers are prepared to organize learning environments that integrate technology meaningfully” (1).

DIGITAL LITERACY- IMPORTANCE IN THE CLASSROOM
Students will definitely benefit from having technology in the classroom. According to teacher Judi Heitz, working on the computer engages her students. “They were invested in their work and had fun doing it” (1).Not only does it make if more fun for the students to search the web rather than sit at a desk with an old, torn up textbook, the web has so much more to offer. Authors Olcott and Mahar argue 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”.
My first year of high school I attended an older school that did not offer many tools. here were older computers located only in the library, small TV’s in the corner of the classrooms, and a fuzzy intercom system. My next year, a new high school was built. We had at least ten computers in every classroom, projectors that showed film the size of the wall, and mini microphones that the teachers wore around their necks. From my own experience, I enjoyed the learning environment offered in the newer school. For the teachers however, they were forced to transform their teaching styles to a newer age.

Challenges as a future educator
According to Olcott and Mahar, “Teachers need to be sensitive to individual differences regarding out of school access. To avoid inadvertently disadvantaging students who have less exposure to and experience with the internet, teachers should allot additional in class computer time” (11).
Bolter argues that this change from print has redefined the voice and visual space of text. (13) Educators must teach not only how to work these new tools but also the meaning of the text they are accessing. “Simply understanding the mechanics of computing, will not prepare students and teachers for the challenges of literacy in the twenty-first century. (Selber 2)
Teachers should also stress the importance of searching valid websites and finding reliable information. Teaching students to use acceptable databases is fundamental for any student seeking information for projects. Anyone can alter material on certain websites. As a future educator, before using the computer for education purposes I will teach my students the correct way to go about finding reliable websites.

CONCLUSION
Technology in the classroom is very important. Those students who have access to computers have a leg up on students who don’t. Today, most kids are computer experts. Their expertise may even outshine those of their teachers who were taught from print sources only. Because teachers learned differently than their students are now, teachers have a hard time incorporating technology in their curriculum. Based on my analysis of my own technology skills, I would say I have a lot to learn about the computer before being able to teach my students. For students, having access to computers and being taught the right way to use them can be far more beneficial than the standard textbook. In today’s society having technology skills is a must for obtaining a good job and being competitive in the workplace.