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).
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November 13, 2007 at 9:50 pm
geetch
I don’t think that there’s necessarily a whole lot the government can do to solve the problem wholesale, short of waving a magic wand o’er the land. Some of the reasons people are not technologically literate go beyond just the basic economic factors; there are cultural factors as well, such as a lack of language skills found in areas with a high number of immigrants, or the belief that computers are a waste of time because there’s no way anyone will become upwardly-mobile enough to have a job that requires them. But although these might be the majority opinions in some areas (definitely not all), there should still be a push to educate those who are interested through government sponsored programs in school and community centers. It’s not a panacea; there are always be those who remain “technology illiterate” by accident and by choice (especially as our society’s definition continues to change) but it’s not fair to deny what has become a basic life skill to those with an interest and aptitude but few resources.
November 14, 2007 at 1:13 am
vanpelts
I think the author is saying that our country needs to make a commitment to providing an equal opportunity for all, through public education. That being said, I think we can raise the bar and everyone can become technologically literate through programs similiar to those we created for literacy. Finally the idea of creating a low cost laptop that could be provided to students would be another alternative. This would at least bring technology into the home.
Unfortunately, I do not think this will work for everyone. As sad as it is, many of our urban neighborhoods have been unable to overcome the tragic realization that they are breeding grounds for gangs, drugs, violence and disease. We see this through the increase need for Special Education services. As teachers we are faced with having to provide security and safety if even for part of the day to the children who enter our classrooms. It is our responsibilty to level the playing field, raise the bar and give the best of ourselves to our kids.