I recently purchased a new phone. I didn’t really need it, but the technology simply amazed me. That’s when I started thinking about technology and literacy and this blog. I stumped myself with the question, what is reading to today’s teen? That question led to a host of other questions. Is surfing the Web reading? Is texting a form of literacy? Is writing this blog literacy?
The days of going to the library or bookstore are not yet obsolete, thankfully. However, adults cannot ignore the technology that kids have never lived without. I have many objections to getting rid of all books and going completely paperless. I still like reading print, not a screen. The answers to these questions are not clear cut. In fact, my answers are probably different than the students’ solely based on my age.
What is reading (in the traditional sense) to today’s teen?
Many teens would answer a chore, a necessity for a grade, and antiquated.
Is surfing the Web reading?
Absolutely! Surfing the Web requires scanning of text and determining importance. Also, it engages the reader in the text for considerable lengths of time. Just think of all the reading and writing occurring on social network sites.
Is texting a form of literacy?
Of course, texting is communicating through writing. In fact, teens have developed non-standard language conventions for texting. There are acceptable forms of abbreviations, emoticons, and characters. Speaking of emoticons, the words are even making it into the archaic dictionaries.
Is writing this blog literacy?
On face value, yes it is. But, I suppose I could have “tweeted” it to you. Is that the past tense of sending a message using Twitter?
Technology is here; we can run from it, hide from it, or embrace it. I choose to embrace it while my children explain to me how to use it.
