Digital Media Effects on Conventional Reading and Writing Practices

DOES DIGITAL MEDIA MAKE US BAD WRITERS?

                Quote: “…the writing we produce is not getting worse. Instead, it is simply adapting to the modern world.”

                This is an accurate picture when it comes to writing in today’s society.  Humans tend to adapt to their environment.  Overtime, the adaptation can lead to evolving from the past.  Writing is no different.  As technology grows, our writing adapts and evolves.  One thing that is becoming extinct is Cursive Handwriting.  I learned it, but now it is not being taught.  This change has occurred within years. 

LITERACY DEBATE: ONLINE, R U REALLY READING?

                Quote: “Some Web evangelists say children should be evaluated for their proficiency on the Internet just as they are tested on their print reading comprehension.”

                I agree.  With times changing and our human race adapting, our critiques and assessments should change as well.  If we change the way we teach our kids, then we need to change the way we assess their understanding of the knowledge.  I know the information hasn’t “changed” but it is has evolved.  To expect kids to learn the same way people did a long time ago is covering up the fact that we have changed overtime. 

                Overall, I believe I would be more of a Web Evangelist.  However, there can be good views from the other side as well.  As I mentioned earlier, we as humans adapt to our surroundings of technology.  If we adapt in a positive way, then the way we read and write should evolve in a positive trend.  However, experience can support the idea that children are losing the ability to read and write. 

Supporting Source: Reading in a Whole New Way by Kevin Kelly

The beginning of the article describes the history of how writing has changed, evolved, overtime.  This is a perfect source to support that Technology has changed the way people read and write.  The author continues to say that we are now a “Screen Culture.”  We as humans are starting to read and write using screens rather than pen/paper. 

Click HERE to go to the article.

Resources:

Karp, J. (2010, January). Does digital media make us bad writers?. Retrieved from http://spotlight.macfound.org/featured-stories/entry/does-digital-media-make-us-bad-writers

Rich, M. (2008, July). Literacy debate: Online, r u really reading? . Retrieved from http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/27/books/27reading.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0

Kevin, K. (2010, July). Reading in a whole new way . Retrieved from http://www.smithsonianmag.com/specialsections/40th-anniversary/Reading-in-a-Whole-New-Way.html

Introductor Post

• I am from Marion County WV.  I went to North Marion High School and graduated in 2008.  I am currently teaching at Barrackville Middle, 7th/8th Grade Math. I also work on the weekends at Colasessano's as a Manager.  I am very active in my church, specifically youth. 
• Here is a short youtube video that would highlight some key features of Literacy in the 21st century.

 

 

 

 

Here is an interesting clip I found when I googled "jokes about literacy"

• I want to gain useful knowledge about using digital tools in the classroom.  I would like to use the tools provided to be able to teach Math to students in different ways that can address the multiple learning needs. 

Citation:

Learoyd, P. (Photographer). (2011, DEC 30). Mississippi literacy program iss lacking [Print Photo]. Retrieved from http://www.mytypohumour.com/2011/12/mississippi-literacy-program-iss.html