From Pencils to Pixels

1) According to the article, what is said to be the gateway to literacy? Do you agree or disagree?

-       The computer is said to be the gateway to literacy in this article. I agree that it is a gateway in some forms but it does not limit literacy to only computer access.

2) How is writing a technology?

-       a way of engineering materials in order to accomplish an end

3) Is a pencil technology? Why or why not?

-       It is because it is a way of producing and engineering one’s ideas

4) Why did Plato dislike writing/the written word?

-       He feared it would weaken our memories

5) According to the article, what are some of the pros of the written word vs. spoken word? Some cons?

-       The written word allows people to think and deliberate on their choice of words. The spoken word allows for more interaction.

-       The written word limits people from one on one contact whereas the spoken word is not as thought-provoking.

6)How does Thoreau connect to pencil technology?

-       He refused to use new modern writing technologies so the pencil in his world was his form of technology for writing.

7) How did the telephone shape communications technology? Is this similar to how writing shaped communications technology?

-       The telephone required people to adapt to all of the opportunities they now have to help their literacy grow.

8)How has technology impacted fraudulent writings and activities?

-       Technology has made it easier for people to steal ideas and knowledge.

9)What is Baron's conclusion trying to get across?

-       We cannot anticipate how new technologies will affect our literacies and ways of adapting.

10) How does this article implicitly define literacy?

-       Literacy is the ability to keep up with new technologies and advancements in society.