Throughout modern time the way children learn to read and write has drastically changed. As I write this I ask myself how has technology in comparison to older generations ultimately impacted the learning process for children. More importantly what I should ask is if modern technology has actually granted us an advantage to our older counterparts? Even more specifically have we began to interfere negatively with the learning process through technological advances and our ultimate dependency on electronic devices? I have some doubts but, I do believe that technology has vastly hindered the proficiency in which children learn to read. The process of pen to paper, page to eye(s), is the most crucial aspect of learning to read and write.
Dennis Baron, a linguist who has studied literacy, and communication technologies once wrote “the computer, the latest development in writing technology, promises, or threatens, to change literary practices for better or worse, depending on your point of view” (qtd. in Writing about Writing 633). This quote has great significance to me in how one determines
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Because of this it easy to assume that using technology is the most advantageous technique for teaching young children. As a parent you can make online learning so quickly, and easily accessible to your child. Apps on smartphones, and iPads such as homer, and monkey junior can literally enable a child the luxury to learn on their own by themselves. Theoretically speaking with so much information available at a fingertip one could be led to believe learning to read can be done quicker today. Phonics has been proven to be “the most effective way of teaching early reading” (Joyce). Granted with the use of headphones, and electronic devices phonics have never been so readily available to learn before. Equating sounds to symbols (words) is extremely efficient in “sticking” with the
Technology,” by discussing the ways the invention of the computer changed literacy practices. The computer was seen as a “gateway to literacy,” causing Baron to reflect on the technologies before the computer that led to literacy. Throughout his article, he questions “where literacy began” and “how we got to where we are” present day in our literacy practices. With his article, Baron’s goal is to get his audience to recognize that writing itself is technology. Baron discusses the stages, evolution, and impact of literacy technologies over time.
Technology opens the door to opportunities that past generations didn't have and that have expanded our abilities over a period of time . Andrea Lunsford , also a professor at a university , is quoted in Clive Thompsons article (source7) “The new literacy”saying that we
Technology is not killing our ability to write, but it is reviving it and pushing our literacy to new directions. Andrea Lunsford, from Stanford University, conducted an experiment to scrutinize college students way of writing. Her results were alarming, "I think we are in the midst of a literacy revolution the likes of which we haven't seen since Greek civilization." Lunsford discovered that only 38% of students writing occurred within the classroom, the rest was written in their own free time. Most of our socializing now takes place online and always involves text or writing. Before the Internet, most of our communication was verbal. The only time Americans wrote was for a school assignment and if their job required writing. Otherwise most people didn't write another paragraph once they left
While preparing for one of his college lectures, Dennis Baron, a professor and linguistics at the University of Illinois, began playing with the idea of how writing has changed the world we lived in and materials and tools we use in everyday life. This lecture slowly transitioned into “Should Everybody Write?” An article that has made many wonder if technology has made writing too easy for anyone to use or strengthens a writer's ability to learn and communicate their ideas. Baron uses rhetorical strategies in his article to portray to his audience his positive tone, the contrast and comparison of context and his logical purpose.
However, think about the evolution of literacy and the different ways in which children and people learn and retrieve information; this definition could also include interaction with the digital text. There is a wide range as to what counts as literacy such as blogging, social networking, emailing, digital storytelling, online chats and even shopping online just to name a few. Not everyone will agree with what counts as literacy, but if students are not enlightened on the many aspects of what could make them valuable assets in the future; that would be negligent. In Rich’s article digital literacy is being discussed which is the topic this response will focus on. Learning is not restricted only to the classroom. Just like books, the Internet can take you places, on advantages without having to leave home. Digital literacy can be beneficial with the proper guidance of teachers, educators and
McClanahan , B., Williams, K., & Tate , S. (2012). A breakthrough for josh: How use of an ipad facilitated reading improvement. TechTrends, 56(3), 20-28. doi: 10.1007/s11528-012-0572-6
What happened to the pen and paper quality of literacy? Traditional elements such as the pen and paper method has been changed due to the advancement of technology the quality of learning has been digitized to fit this day and age. “Just as the nature of and expectation for literacy has changed in the past century and a half, so has the nature of writing. Much of that change has been due to technological developments from pen and paper, to typewriter, to word processor to network computer, to design software capable of com...
Many people have a wide range of opinions on whether technology is having a positive influence on our children or a negative, there is a vast amount of evidence to support both of these arguments. Technology can refer to so many things, but there are three main parts of technology that have the greatest effect on our children: video games, television/media, and computers. The modern technologies we have today are so powerful because they attract our genetic biases, that the human brain has a tremendous love for visually presented information. Video games, television, movies and computer programs are all very visually oriented and therefore they attract and keep the attention of children easily. By far the largest concern of technology today is video games.
...ating technology provides students with opportunities to succeed in reading and writing. As an educator, and possibly a future literacy educator it is vital to teach students that learning is not something that only happens in school. Learning will happen every day for as long as one lives. Learning happens at school, at home, at a sporting event, at the mall, or on the computer. Learning happens everywhere. It is also important to teach students reading is everywhere and it will follow them the rest of their life. As educators, we need to help students enjoy reading and develop a love for it that will last forever. It is our role to therefore provide the best instruction possible and use assessment that allows children to succeed. Most importantly, as life long learners ourselves, we need to strive to make sure that our students become and stay life long learners.
Observation of children using an increased amount of technology showed a loss of social skills such as sharing and interaction with other children or adults, and also showing increased aggressiveness. In comparison, children who used a more traditional hands on approach seemed to be more creative, active and a greater sense of social skills. All this can contribute to successful literacy learning. (Institute of Medicine of the National Academics,
As everyone has heard many times before, the Internet has greatly changed how we view our world. In particular, it has changed how we receive our information. In the past, it has always been through reading, but with technology, that isn’t always true anymore. Reading just isn’t the best way to learn for everyone. I’ve always loved reading since I learned how.
This article addresses how children have mastered the art of technology from a very early age. The internet allows for faster learning than textbooks because it helps children choose an avenue of learning that suits them best. Research has proven that vocabulary expands at a quicker rate with the use of technology. This article provides information from a variety of news sources and a professional writer. Harsh Wardhan Dave is a media and communications specialist. Harsh Wardhan has a passion for finding the right blend of technology and creativity in his writings. This source is relevant to the thesis statement because it also validates that we need to make the most of technology and the internet while still providing a healthy balance as well as ensuring a safe environment so that we can provide our children the best of both worlds.
Almost every child between the ages of eight and twelve are getting cell phones. The average home in America has as many televisions as they do people. Only 20% of American homes do not have a computer. Technology is quickly becoming a new way of life. The amount of time people are on their devices is growing rapidly. According to The Huffington Post, people are on their devices for on average about eleven hours and fifty-two minutes a day. That is almost half a day and a lot longer than most people sleep or work. People have not realized yet how they or their families are being affected by this constant use of technology. As a result of technology increasing, children are experiencing health problems, school issues, and social problems.
Our readings reference many previously researched benefits of Interactive Reading which include (but certainly are not limited to) developing children's joy of learning, art of listening, vocabulary, concepts of print, patterns and structures of written language, understanding of different genres, oral language expression, and understanding of the components, structure, and function of narrative discourse, connection with others and the world. (Fisher et all, 2006, p. 8-16).
In today’s world, people are no longer confined to reading print books. Many people are embracing the digital world they live in by accessing reading materials through electronic devices. Over the last couple of years, e-reading capabilities have shifted to become available through devices like smart phones, tablets, computers, and e-book readers. While many individuals have noted the physical differences between reading print versus reading electronically, few have studied if the use of e-readers alters the manner in which material is read. Without the consideration of these effects, many schools have begun using electronic reading devices in the classroom as a substitute for print books. Therefore, it is important that the effects of e-reader usage on their ability to understand or comprehend literature be studied, in order to afford today’s children, the internet generation, the best opportunities for success in literacy.