Intro to Web Processing: Ch 2 B

It is interesting to think of links and linking in a context broader than just that of the internet and connections between websites. Connections between information and knowledge have existed since the beginning of human thought. It is overwhelming to think of the distance humans and technology specifically have traveled to arrive at a time when we talk about links beyond those that the brain makes to help form knowledge to those that we confront daily on the internet. These internet based links seem so much more abstract compared to the knowledge forming links we are constantly creating in our lives. Abstract or not, their relevance in our own lives continues to grow as computer and internet literacy become even more essential for daily functioning in our high-speed, webber-net world.
The Conference on College Composition and Communication makes their position on machine-assessment of student writings clear—they are fiercely opposed. As well they should be! One’s writing is an extension of his or her humanity and intelligence. To take away this personal element of one’s writing by evaluating it through a machine defeats the purpose of expression through words, which is to get those words out to other people…humans, not machines. I am glad that the conference also agrees about this because a trend toward machine assessment of student writing would be one in an unfortunate direction that would devalue the process of writing itself.
I was not aware that used and old model PDSs are aware in a second-hand market. I think it is a fabulous thing to do considering issues of computer access across varying social and cultural lines. The Palm Pilot described in the reading surely has its own style and system that would take some time to figure out for a new user, and is not an exact simulation of sitting a computer. But, it is very close! Close enough to give a student access to word processing and internet use, these elements are key to shrinking the digital divide. Between this option and the $100 laptop project almost any student who wants access should be able to get access to 21st century technology and thus the skills necessary to navigate this technology.