Literacy and Technology Linked

Selfe (1999) “Literacy and Technology Linked”

The third page, (7)

First full paragraph on the right.

“In these terms, then, the national project to expand technological literacy has not resulted in a better life or more democratic opportunities or an enriched educational experience for all Americans, as most of us might wish. Rather it has served to improve the education only for some Americans. This specific project—and the more general social forces and formations that sustain it—substitutes a value on competition and consumerism for a commitment to equal opportunity, democratic cooperation, and a public education that serves the common good of this country’s peoples.”

I understand the first part of this paragraph. Selfe is saying that teaching technology to a large group of people, especially through mediums like computers is a difficult feat to master. While everyone wishes that all American people, regardless of any stereotype, could be taught technology to better their lives it is very hard to do. The poorer people don’t have access to the technologies and billions of dollars have been spent to teach the wealthier people about the technologies. While this system isn’t fair, I think it was ridiculous to assume that the plan could work. It should have been obvious from the beginning that a whole entire society of people can not be taught the same thing. That’s like saying poverty in America can be completely eliminated. Our society wouldn’t work without poverty. The article mentions that people who are not “literate” are forced to do jobs that “literate” people would never desire, or be forced to do. However, someone has to do those jobs, and the least educated people are always going to be forced into them.

What I don’t understand is the second half of this paragraph. I guess the author is trying to say that the idea of teaching all American students how to use and appreciate technology, and the teachers behind the idea, are somehow realizing that competition and consumerism are going to have to be overlooked. That in order for the process to work, the values placed on everything our democracy relies on need to be taken into consideration and worked around.

My question: “A: What exactly is the second half of this paragraph trying to say? B: What do you think is the best solution the government can create to at least try and do a better job of teaching all students how to be technologically literate? ( I really don’t think it’s possible).

“Information Ecologies”

            I found it interesting that in “information Ecologies” by Bonnie A. Nardi and Vicki L. O’Day, they stated “Even when tools remained fixed for a time, the craft of using tools with expertise and creativity continues to evolve.  The social and technical aspects of an environment coevolve.  People’s activities and tools adjust and are adjusted in relation to each other, always attempting and never quite achieving a perfect fit.  This is part of the dynamic balance achieved in healthy ecologies-a balance found in motion, not stillness.”(page 53)

            We have been discussing the many tools used throughout history to record written information as well as aspects of literacy.  Each advance has taken from its predecessor and improved on that method.  According to Nardi and O’Day this demonstrates balance in a healthy ecology.  It is the idea of motion and not stillness.

            However, there are people in our society who do not evolve with the new trend or movement.  This can happen because of a person’s lower socioeconomic class, cultural or personal beliefs, or lack of education.  We continually hear about culture diversity and the aspect it plays on our education, economics and certainly technology.  It has been said that by the year 2100, 90% of the world’s languages will be extinct.  These statistics made me think about some of the reason’s why society has been unsuccessful at preserving cultural heritage and diversity.   In addition, I wondered why people would not want to technologically evolve and progress.  

            This passage made me think about my classroom ecology.  As an Education major I am concerned with providing my children with the tools and instruction necessary to be successful. It is important to me that even those who may have different cultural backgrounds, educational needs or different socio-economic status have the chance to evolve and progress.  Does anyone else share this concern?