After a really interesting conversation in my literacy class we were trying to come up with a collaborative definition for literacy. We asked questions like what components make up literacy? And when is literacy met? I have realized how broad a question this is because in all actuality there could me a million and one definitions for literacy. Reading, writing, speaking, listening and communication are some components to name a few but then what about the use of technology in this definition. With technology expanding day to day pretty soon we may be adding the use of computers to our literacy definition. I find it amazing that books can even be found online and I know that the brain does not process reading from a book the same as reading on computers. I was wondering what your beliefs were. Do you think that having all of these books available online is hindering or enhancing the idea of literacy. I love to pick up a good book and it is scary to think that books are being replaced by a computer screen.
Thoughts...?
Sarah,
ReplyDeleteAs I told you in my last comment, my class also had a 'literacy definitions' discussion. You bring up a good point about how many books can be found online now. I think it can be both hindering and enhancing, depending upon the situation. I, personally, love to pick up a great book to read. However, for school it may be a different story. It could be cheaper to read texts online and do research this way. Overall, I guess I am indifferent.
Sarah!
ReplyDeleteYour post is super interesting. It's funny how you talk about literacy and technology because in my TE 401 class we actually had a discussion on what it means to be "technology literate" or for that matter "technology illiterate". After this lesson I found myself to be technology illiterate because I was unfamiliar with the many different technologies that have been created for our us.
I do believe that we are now in an era where literacy and technology go together. Children and adults need to be technology literate in our society today because of how much our world is connected to the use of computers.
What I mean by "technology literate" is being able to use a computer, knowing its functions, knowing and understanding how to explore the internet, being able to read or skim websites, and knowing what a creditable website is, and familiarizing yourself with the different technologies that are out there.