I found this article very interesting. The argument between traditionalists and modernists is not new. Modernists seek to embrace change and traditionalists, well, not so much. They find immense value in the way things are done and sometimes are distracted from the content. When I talk to my father, an avid film buff, he often talks down the new technology used in producing modern movies. I try to remind him, are you watching the movie for the movie or are you watching it for the content. In my response, I examine the functionality of both and offer a suggestion to value both mediums as they have different positives.
I also understand that traditionalists would argue that this can not be done because the digital medium takes away the skill of prolonged concentration necessary for reading. But why not try to find ways to amend the problem so that the medium doesn't take anything away from users but adds to their complete experience. Of course typing it is very easy but I think it is trivial to fight change the way some people are doing. The change is all around us and fighting it is a battle that will not be won.
So with the reading of this article, I found that literacy has come to include reading, writing, and the skills to operate efficiently online. Online work is cognitively challenging in capacities that are not present in reading a book and we need to fix issues to move forward to a more enriching future.
Ahhh the potential reality of the LUDDITE in the room. Yes the challenge is the balance of the two worlds. IS it possible? Who really knows but the attempt is what is important. I like the discussion about the literacy also including mastering the technology at some level. This is where we see the struggle between the generations and the philosophies!
ReplyDeleteErik and Susan, I agree with both of you in that literacy today must include the technical / digital side of things as well. Despite the fears and concerns of the naysayers, technology is here and it is moving forward at lightning pace. We have to make room for these advancements, regardless of personal feelings. If the fear is that attention and comprehension are suffering, educators must then come up with ways to combat the deficiencies, because it would be unrealistic to ignore the new forms of media and literacies in use today. That's why I think the MALET program is so exceptional. It can help educators find creative ways to ensure all literacies are being learned.
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