Post 10

In the article “The Future of Literacy” by Devoss (et al.) she describes her own progression through her growing knowledge of the computer and computer gaming. It is stated that “Danielle acquired on her own, without a great deal of systematic help or guidance from others” (399). I can relate with this because I began using computers while in grade school and it all started with computer games. As I grew older I started ‘surfing’ the web. With school comes technology, and I began learning different computer applications and programs as I grew older. I have learned how to use Microsoft Word at a young age and have grown into programs such as Adobe Photoshop. When learning new programs I find I learn most techniques through just trying different things and ‘playing around’ with the program. 

I believe some ways in which the computer has altered literacy practices is online chatting, use of slang words, spellcheck, and short-writing or emails. Within online chatting we use slang words and misspell simple words. When children grow up with using slang words they begin to think that is okay in a school or formal setting. Spellcheck allows people to misspell simple words by fixing it before they can or if they do not notice. Email can cause a lack of formality. There have been many times when I go to write an email and I have to think of the proper format. As for myself, Microsoft Word has helped me a lot with my literacy. I’m not very good in the subject of English so when I’m writing a paper I get assistance from Microsoft Word. The web, in general, has shaped my literacy because I can look up a dictionary or thesaurus while writing. It provides such a high level of information that has helped with research.