In the recent years, technology’s become somewhat of a “sensitive” subject. Some people absolutely adore it while some don’t, strictly viewing technology as a tool whether than something made to grab their attention for indefinite intervals at a time. There’s even been instances where some people simply choose not to live with it. No social media, nothing. I mean–to each their own, I don’t judge. Technology isn’t for everyone. However you feel about it, you can’t deny that having an even simple, basic knowledge of technology is essential today.
Let me elaborate.
Hawisher and Selfe’s “Becoming literate in the information age: Cultural ecologies and the literacies of technology” discuss the idea of digital literacy and how it’s become more than just a basic job skill but also an essential component of literate activity. Today, students have this kind of dependency on technology. If they don’t have some kind of familiarity with a screen, they’re less likely to function effectively as “literate” citizens in social spheres.
It’s a bit scary to think about.
Today’s method of teaching is a prime example of this. We completely dropped the traditional learning methods, opting to shoving a screen in students hands the second they walk into the classroom instead of a pen and paper. Sure, there was a moment where we had to turn to digital learning but now it’s doing more harm than good. I constantly see reports on Generation Alpha not being able to solve a simple math problem because of their dependencies. It’s depressing. I feel extremely old talking about this–I’m twenty. But I feel like we should keep this in the back of our heads.
I have a nine-year-old sister who’s luckily not falling victim to whatever the hell’s going on nowadays. This isn’t in any way shape or form meant to make you view technology in a negative light. Personally, a lot of the stuff I do happens to be on the web.
I just really needed to get that off my chest.
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