Motoko Rich put together this article with a series of
perspectives regarding whether digital literacy is acceptable, or if print
literacy is more of an advantage. In this new “digital age” world we live in,
technology has not only shaped the way we read and write, but the way we
think. Our generation is mostly
dependent on the quick and easy access to information that the internet
provides us with.
So what is the problem with gaining information quickly and
easily? Researchers have shown that standardized reading tests scores have
declined, and they are linking it to time spent on the internet and not on
tangible books. Federal Statistics show
that kids who read for fun once a day will on average score higher on the
reading test than kids who do not read. Studies also show that kids who spend
more time on the internet have a more difficult time figuring out whether a
source is reliable or not. Scientists in this article are claiming that the
internet has made kid’s attention spans less precise.
On the other hand, people argued that even if it’s just on
the internet, at least these kids are reading something. They aren’t spending
their free time watching television, they are surfing the internet and engaging
in some sort of text. One kid in the
article, who is dyslexic, said he found himself more comfortable on the
internet, because it skips the unimportant details that most books include. Some
may consider this lazy, while other busy bodies may see this as a convenient
alternative to books. Many people are rooting on the use of internet as our
society has become a digital world. The internet is a source for kids and
adults to use to engage in different kinds of viewpoints. It allows for
conversation of any given topic. Not to mention, the internet allows us to
cover a large amount of topic in just a short time.
Both sides to this issue have many good points. The question
is which side will benefit our lives more?
Should schools stick to books or incorporate the internet
into learning?
Do you think that the internet is just a lazy cop out to
avoid work?
Which do you prefer, print or digital literacy?
I think that it is very important the we incorporate the internet into learning. To say that reading online is somehow worse than reading a book is crazy, because oftentimes you can just read the original text of the book online, and its cheaper too. I believe that the internet allows us to do work more efficiently, not a lazy "cop out" used to "avoid work". i think both types of literacy are equal, but think that the transition to tihe digital age will benefit us in ways that written print never could.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Matt that incorporating the internet into learning would be very useful. Sometimes books have little details that are not needed and just a waste to spend time reading those items when its not even important. If we can get better information online and reading articles and texts from the internet, then I think its just as useful as picking up a book and reading that. When I am writing a paper, i prefer a print document because its easier to look back at and its right in front of me. Using the internet isnt being lazy, its just easier to get ahold of and always there for us to use.
ReplyDeletePersonally, I like to read print literacy. Reading on the paper is more comfortable for my eyes and I can be more concentrating. The computer screen can easily make eyes dry, which interrupt the reading passion. Plus, when you read online, it is easily to surf the Internet while reading. For instance, I myself often cannot control myself to open the Facebook page when I do my academic research. It result in spending much more time to complete my work. However, it is also paradoxical. I like to read on paper, but I have to say I cannot life without digital technology. Similar, I do not think teachers can teach without digital literacy completely, since we already enter the Digital Age. An easy example like Carmen. It provides many conveniences for both teachers and students to step on the academic schedule. In addition, digital technology also save the wood compare with the prints. It is hard to say which one is much better. I think the only thing we can do is to use the digital technology wisely, like log out Facebook during study time.
ReplyDeleteIt depends on how one use literacy, online or in a book. Someone could very well read garbage or inaccurate material just as much as wasting time on the internet. I don't think reading on the internet is necessarily the incorrect way for students to access information, however I will acknowledge that it is easy to get side tracked. Again, it is the choice of the reader to use the internet for their advantage, or to waste their time.
ReplyDelete