Digital Media Effects on Conventional Reading and Writing Practices

"Does Digital Media Make Us Bad Writers?"  by Josh Karp

"... Students today also have trouble incorporating quotations, and figuring out when to use a hyphen. (But, honestly, who doesn't have trouble with the hyphen?) But maybe the most surprising thing to the "gotcha gang" is that while the type of error has changed, the ration of errors to words has held steady for more than 100 years...There never was a golden age where everybody could write well... writing is hard..." (Karp, 2010) 

 This statement gave me pause to reflect upon my *own* ideas about writing and reading. I have always been steadfast in my belief that the basics, the foundations if you will, are imperative for "good" writing. After all, you can't build a solid house without a solid foundation!

Used with permission.  http://libraryphoto.cr.usgs.gov/cgi-bin/show_picture.cgi?ID=ID.%20Nakata,%20J.K.%20%201ct&SIZE=large
 

However, the more that I considered Karp's statement that writing had ALWAYS been difficult, no matter what the day and age, I reconsidered my stance. While I appreciate the challenges that ANY writer faces, I agree that digital tools have provided a platform for those whose brains prefer modes other than pen and paper. Some people merely organize their thoughts better with a multitude of avenues for expression, and Karp illustrates this very well with the concept of a graphic novel. Reading can be extremely tedious for some individuals; however, the often disparaged graphic novel, often dismissed as "merely a comic book," provides a type of text that allows for a multidimensional experience for all levels of readers...

Used with permission.  http://www.bookworld.com.au/book/macbeth-the-graphic-novel/9418735/

 

The same can be said for digital media. As Karp notes, incorporating multi modes of digital tools can provide a "greater depth and texture" to what the writer is creating. Instead of linear thought and development, the writer can use the tools as springboards to develop thoughts and enhance knowledge attainment.


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 "Literacy Debate: Online, R U Really Reading?"  Motoko Rich

 

"... scores on standardized reading tests have declined or stagnated...[however,] some children with dyslexia or other learning difficulties... have found it far more comfortable to search and read online...students who say that they read for fun once a day score significantly higher on reading tests than those who say that they never do..." (Rich 2008)

Motoko Rich provides a well-supported article that presents both sides of the argument as to which type of reading is "best:" traditional reading or reading online.  I found myself torn between the two sides the further that I read, as I can see that both points are valid. 

I have seen first-hand with both my own children and my students that technology seems to chip away at attention spans while creating a need/desire to always be entertained.  Many who have experienced a technology-saturated world tend to lean towards acquiring information in short, snap-shot like blurbs full of sounds, colors, and excitement.  Boredom by students appears to be rampant with teachers being expected to put on a circus for a conducive learning environment. 

That said, I also have been witness to how effective online reading can be for those who have difficulties with acquisition and comprehension.  Those students who struggle with the printed word find the reading experience enhances with the inclusion of graphics and videos.  Perhaps they have been frustrated by traditional reading and have given up; the internet provides a platform to entice them back in to try reading.  Perhaps they have difficulties in comprehension; online reading provides illustrations and links to further develop understanding (even better: it's instantaneous!  No running for the dictionary!)

I also agree with Rich's assertion that we must find a way to value different types of reading.  Providing a standard assessment for a student who struggles with traditional reading is a recipe for disaster in terms of accurate evaluation, and I think that tests similar to the iSkills digital literacy test may need to be developed to ensure that 21st century students are adequately prepared for college and/or the technology-saturated global workplace. 

Reading comprehension is a key element to nearly every aspect of life, and I truly believe that we must continue to focus on traditional methods as well to provide a balance for our students.

 

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John McWhorter: Txtng is killing language. JK!!!

 

I thoroughly enjoyed John McWhorter's presentation on texting. He humorously explored texting's role in communication and, quite frankly, changed my position on the digital media continuum.  Before reading the two articles (Karp, Rich) and watching McWhorten's video, I was steadfast in my stance of being a Traditionalist; although I saw the need for those who needed extra encouragement and support that digital media can provide - and I also saw how digital media could enhance learning - I was more entrenched in the established methods than I realized. 

Obviously, I am well aware (and have been for some time) that digital media is changing the way that people read and write in the Digital Age; however, before these media presentations, I didn't realize the extent to which digital media could enhance learning nor was I privy to all the different ways in which it could do so.

McWhorten also helped open my eyes to see texting as a visual transcription of speech rather than an acceptable means of creating the written word.  Texting is no different than shorthand or abbreviations on a scratchpad; it's just another medium to do so.  Rather than viewing texting (and its ilk) as an evil monster that seeks to destroy all "proper" writing, it should be viewed as a technological vehicle that is merely taking the place of note taking and that like.  There is casual speech and casual writing; texting is merely the latter.

We all speak differently in different situations; how we would speak to, say, our friends, differs greatly from how we would speak to our boss or in a formal presentation.  Texting is not formal letter writing; we would not (HOPEFULLY!!!) use texting short-hand or emoticons on a job application or resume; however, there is no harm in being casual in the right setting. 

Thanks to these three sources, I am now firmly planted in the middle, balancing.  :)

Used with permission.  https://www.blogger.com/blogin.g?blogspotURL=http://a-wandering-pilgrim.blogspot.com/

 

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References

 

Karp, J. (2010, January 26). Does digital media make us bad writers. Retrieved May 20, 2014, from http://spotlight.macfound.org/featured-stories/entry/does-digital-media-make-us-bad-writers

 

 Rich, M. (2008, July 26). Literacy debate: Online, R U really reading? The New York Times. Retrieved May 20, 2014, from http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/27/books/27reading.html?_r=0