Technology is changing how literacy is defined. I think this is universally agreed upon by all. We all understand that literacy today means more than just reading and writing text. Nowadays you must computer literate. Shane and I mentioned how in the past we were both looking for information through countless books. That seems absurd now. Using the internet is both faster and offers more information. Shane wrote: “In comparison, today I can sit at home on my computer and with a few clicks of the mouse have an infamous amount of information. At times I feel that I was cheated by not have the internet my entire life. It has been around a short time and has only gotten better with time. But, I also feel fortunate that I had the opportunity to value a book and understand the importance of a library.”
But we must not forget about the traditional forms of literacy. From Dan: “The push for technology though still should not supersede the traditional forms of reading and writing. Being able to read and write words is still more important that using the computer. Learning technology and learning the basics of literacy are not mutually exclusive. It is very possible to teach someone to read and write using technology.” From Shane: “A student that had difficulty in reading had few options. Now, a student can put on headphones and work with an interactive book on the computer. They have a super modern, customized Sesame Street. They can go online or play interactive reading games to help improve and enhance their reading skills.”
Therefore, our responsibilities as teachers are to incorporate the entirety of literacy, both the traditional forms, the current forms, and whatever else may come our way. Dan wrote: “Teaching students how to search for a certain piece of information and using email is all part of literacy. Because of the vast size of the web, being able to find that piece of information that you are looking for is sometimes tricky.” Shane added: “Once reading was the only concern but today education demands a lot more from each student. As teachers we must help them shuffle through the infamous amount of information and guide them to success.”
Nadine focused on on the inequities and access issues of technology. She wrote: "The authors argued the impact of technology on our society in the book Toward a Theory of New Literacies. They declared, "We believe that the appearance of the Internet in the workplace as well as in home and school contexts is one of the most powerful social revolutions taking place today. At the heart of this revolution are the new literacy skills and strategies demanded by the Internet and other ITCs" (pg. 1579). Research has proven that technology has given all types of families' access to information that was once not accessible. Technology has "redefine[d] literacy practices," that many Americans take part in on a daily basis, replacing once traditional practices such as printed materials and the use of paper and pencil. Technology has also required us to adopt new ways to communicate.
Although technology has brought new opportunities for many families, it has also contributed to issues of inequity and access for minorities and lower economic groups. Even though the number of families with computers and internet access are doubling each year, economic disparities between racial groups limit the educational opportunities acquired through the use of the Internet and other ITCs. More specifically, the extent of these economic disadvantages continues to affect the educational experiences and outcomes of African Americans and Latino children at school and in the workplace. Because African American and Latino students are less likely than other racial groups (such as Caucasian and Asian Americans) to own a computer or have access to the internet, they are also less likely to have the same educational opportunities that technology has provided.
Technology's revolutionary affect has the power to improve professional development of teachers, increase parent and teacher communication, increase student achievement, and prepare students for the future by equipping them with a resource prevalent in today's job market. Like the achievement gap in American, some students and teachers will not have the same opportunities as those with access."
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