Writing, Word Processing and Thinking: Ch 3 Reflection

In learning more about how word processing and the advances in composition can affect education I found it fascinating to learn about infrared keyboards. These “keyboards” that project onto a flat surface are an incredible innovation. The certainly can extend the possibilities of a PDA-- especially for special needs students, I’d imagine. Also, such technology can solve the problem of space in a classroom. It is unlikely that full sized desktop computers will ever reside on every American student’s desk. However, the likelihood of having a handheld PDA with a projected keyboard on the desk is more feasible and rational for space-use issues in the classroom.
“Given the computer's capacity to create other media, there is little excuse for other media not directly contributing to the concepts being developed instead of serving as decoration. Teachers will have to confront these issues in order to grow the incentive for change.” (Houghton). There is so much more that images and audio can be used for other than the express purpose of decorating text. As teachers become more comfortable with inserting useful audio, images and video into their lessons, hopefully they will extend this knowledge to their students and include such insertions in the skills they teach for composition.
‘The 1994 National Assessment of Educational Progress report noted that students who watch at least four hours of television each day had lower average reading scores than their peers who watched less.” I am certain a more updated study would find similar, if not more disheartening, results. I wonder what difference it would make if just one of those tv-watching hours were spent reading on a daily basis. But, such a change would imply a value placed on reading by the family of the child. That means the adults have to be role models for literacy as well. Which can be difficult at the end of a long work day when all mom or dad wants to do is space out in front of the television. It is a difficult but not impossible trend to set at home.
“Composition is not what it used to be”—clearly! The advances in outlining are just the beginning of the changes that exits in composition today compared to decades and centuries past. Even still, the pen on paper approach seems to continue to dominate in the school setting. What would it take to get teachers on board with new ways to think of composition?
The Kairos article threw me off at first, not sure what to think of it but I like it’s inclusion in the chapter. I like that it is an example of a different way to think of composition. Yeah for integrated media!
I love the idea of a wiki because everyone is included and the public can feel like a part of the information creation. However, this public editing can also make it dangerous to fully rely on the information found in a wiki because false information can easily be included. Using a wiki is a good way to encourage kids to find multiple sources of information and to check that they all support the same ideas. Students need to be sure of the validity of the information they use, checking multiple sources can be a step toward this. My school system is going to create a wiki of essential vocabulary for 6- 12 grades, it will be exciting to see how teachers respond to using this wiki in their instruction…or how they resist the tool!
I think it is true that students and teachers alike need more multimedia training. I see it even at the school where I work. There are some teachers who are still “allergic” to using email! It is an essential tool, it is the foundation of communication within the school building and system…the teachers have to adjust to these changes. Also, there are many opportunities in our school building to incorporate all kinds of multimedia into instruction. Many teachers do not take the time to play with the great tools that we have in order to feel comfortable enough to use them in instruction. More training is necessary, and maybe even a mandate by the principal that all teachers use certain programs or tools each quarter. However, I acknowledge the negative vibe that can come from any kind of mandate…it’d just be better if teachers wanted to use the tools on their own, without such a strong push from administration.
“Our future is determined by our imagination not our tools” (Houghton). Here, here! I like to think of the future of technology and the progress of the human race this way too. It implies that there really is no limitation to the possibilities that may come our way and that we can make happen in our own lifetimes. We are not limited by the tools we have or will have, only by the extent of our endless imaginations! Here’s to brain power and mind power! Alternative energy sources for the 21st century.