Good morning, Journey Girl! This article reminded me of a time I had to hang out at Starbucks to access the Internet because service at my house had not yet been hooked up. Luckily for me, this lasted only a few days. This article shows how access to the Internet is out of reach, or a struggle, for many, and the determination of some young people to find a way "in." Digital literacy has become an area of interest for me; I find it a complex, multidimensional phenomenon worthy of study on any levels. It is restrictive in that participants need to be literate in the "proper" language (English), need an expensive device (computer, tablet, smartphone), and of course, basic access to the "dialogue" (Internet). I would go so far as to say digital literacy is elite, somewhat like books were before the invention of the printing press, or the ability to read when schooling was reserved for the rich. JG, your post has given me some ideas for another project. Thank you!
Hey Susan, You took the words right out of my mouth. I really believe the digital era has some wonderful and facinating possibilities. Yet, the more we are exposed as ADLT learners and as professionals the more I realize that there are many that are being "left behind" or face more challenges with access. I believe having venues off the beaten track that enable access is a wonderful attempt to lessen those restrictions. Of course McDonald's is benefiting from a marketing standpoint but they are also providing something to their customers or potential customers as well, for very little.
I have volunteered to teach introduction to computers and the internet in our county, and I teach a class as well. My students used to be older adults who were given a computer by their child and wanted to communicate with children and grandchildren. Now I have adults who need the computer skills to get a job, either to look for one or to work in one. After so many years of teaching, I've learned some of the things that students find the most challenging about learning computers, and those I try to put in plain English.
Good morning, Journey Girl! This article reminded me of a time I had to hang out at Starbucks to access the Internet because service at my house had not yet been hooked up. Luckily for me, this lasted only a few days. This article shows how access to the Internet is out of reach, or a struggle, for many, and the determination of some young people to find a way "in." Digital literacy has become an area of interest for me; I find it a complex, multidimensional phenomenon worthy of study on any levels. It is restrictive in that participants need to be literate in the "proper" language (English), need an expensive device (computer, tablet, smartphone), and of course, basic access to the "dialogue" (Internet). I would go so far as to say digital literacy is elite, somewhat like books were before the invention of the printing press, or the ability to read when schooling was reserved for the rich. JG, your post has given me some ideas for another project. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteHey Susan, You took the words right out of my mouth. I really believe the digital era has some wonderful and facinating possibilities. Yet, the more we are exposed as ADLT learners and as professionals the more I realize that there are many that are being "left behind" or face more challenges with access. I believe having venues off the beaten track that enable access is a wonderful attempt to lessen those restrictions. Of course McDonald's is benefiting from a marketing standpoint but they are also providing something to their customers or potential customers as well, for very little.
ReplyDeleteI have volunteered to teach introduction to computers and the internet in our county, and I teach a class as well. My students used to be older adults who were given a computer by their child and wanted to communicate with children and grandchildren. Now I have adults who need the computer skills to get a job, either to look for one or to work in one. After so many years of teaching, I've learned some of the things that students find the most challenging about learning computers, and those I try to put in plain English.
ReplyDelete