Becoming literate in the Information Age: Cultural Ecologies and the Literacies of Technology by Gail E. Hawisher and Cynthia L. Selfe:
Technology, especially computers, have evolved over time. Starting off as a giant piece of machine, years later transforming into an object a person can easily carry around with them. Technology slowly being engraved into the lives of humans and history. Technology can change and impact a person’s education and skills. A person could work well with a computer, knowing how to write and the ins and outs of the computer. However, that doesn’t mean their skills are higher or better. It also depends on various factors of a person’s life. If they grew up with access to technology, how much practice they had and how often. It can also vary based on a person’s values and beliefs. A further observation was done with two participants who had different living situations growing up.
The first participant was Melissa Pearson, an African American woman who was born in the year of 1964. Melissa was born into a middle-class Baptist family, with her father being a member of the military. When it came to literacy in Melissa’s family, it was viewed as a road to good fortune and valuable intellectually. She had more access to physical books, such as the dictionary and newspapers. With her family traveling often, depending on where her father would be stationed, Melissa’s education was widespread. Not sticking to a certain education system. However, as she was surrounded by military life and war, her access to technology and computers were limited because of war systems. This restricted her skill set that was required when she enlisted to the army herself. To further pursue her career, she taught herself through manuale.
With the second participant, Brittney Moraski. A white woman born in the year 1986 to a Catholic family in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Brittney was raised by her parents, who were both literacy teachers. Given that Brittney was born much later than Melissa, Brittney has more access to technology as it was already forming when she was born and raised. Brittney was able to learn about computers throughout her education and for fun. It was family practice to read, being surrounded by words, knowledge, and technological advancements.
The difference between the two participants was clear, one had an advantage over the other growing up. Yet, Melissa prevailed; even if it took her longer. I can relate to this when it comes to my family and technology. Both of my parents were born and raised in Costa Rica, but in different areas. My mother grew up in the country/farm area, having to walk long distances to school and not a lot of access to technology. While my father grew up in the city, technology and television were more accessible. Since my father had a head start regarding technology, he knew more details and the basics of it compared to my mother. Even now, my mother struggles with certain things about computers and phones, often asking me or my father for assistance.
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