"Technology and Literacy," C. Selfe

Selfe's essay, published ten years ago, sounds a little dated at first. After all, my children and I used public computers in the local library for several years before finally buying a computer for our home. I knew computers were accessible to us, even if not as conveniently as they are right now. I suppose, before I read her article, I could say I assumed that all my present and future students have relatively equal access to technology. True, some cultural things have changed since her text first appeared, but I realized when reading this that many political/societal things remain the same. I never thought about it before--I was one of those who didn't pay attention. I appreciate her reminder that use of and critical thought about technology are not the same thing. However, I still don't know if I'm exercising critical thought; after all, I'm not sure I even know the right questions to ask. I hope that I'm at least beginning to think critically about it.

70s technology?

Thinking about my exposure to various technologies, I immediately recalled 9th grade typing class. We plunked laboriously at awkward manual typewriters: the quick brown fox, etc. My instructor, Miss Crumrine, had been my parents' typing teacher when they were in high school, and I can safely say she never anticipated the kinds of communication available right now. I still remember my first attempts at an electric typewriter--I struggled to stop striking the keys forcefully or hesitating too long on one key (how many times did I type, theeeeee quick brown fox?)

In 1975, as a going-to-college gift, my parents gave me a portable, still manual, typewriter. Came in its own blue plastic suitcase and resembled this one:




I used that machine until I finally owned a computer at home.

and so it begins . . .

Hi everyone--I'm Diana.

I decided to use the Blogger site because I was introduced to it in a previous class Dr. Cadle taught. I've kept a personal blog here off and on since that time, tracking some crafting projects I do (making jewelry, crocheting, learning to knit). However, I primarily keep up with other bloggers' craft projects. I've picked up helpful tips and tweaks by doing that.

Blogger seemed very easy to set up the first time, and this time all I had to do was create a separate blog on my existing account. I chose the theme because I like its relative simplicity (without being stark). The muted colors made me think of a summer evening. I'll probably do something a little more creative with the header when I have more time.

I'm looking forward to learning both from the instruction and from each of my classmates this semester.

*The current photo is my daughter, Stephanie, and me.