Writing Technologies & Shifting Functions
Writing Technologies & Shifting Functions
From papyrus to cyberspace is the narrative development of finding ways to express feeling and thoughts and evolution of writing technologies. Development of words, “from inner soul” (Socrates,excerpt from Plato’s Phaedrus (course contents)), from orality to inscription originated from the “the need for finding a way to convey thoughts and feelings in a form not limited by time or space” (Gelb, 1952) as cited in course content). Writing technologies have given strong voice to words from papyrus to cyberspace and has brought knowledge to all communities. The Internet and the Web, computer RAM and accessories like DVDs comprise consist of a field for recording, organizing, and presenting texts—a contemporary writing space that refashions the earlier spaces of the papyrus roll, the codex, and the printed book (Bolter, 2000).
Furthermore, critics of old school have been trying to steer public focus on side-effects of technology. Pros and cons of technology depends on its usage and practice. However, as Engell on the Cambridge forum has said “IT is an additional layer to our intellectual ability”. It has set off additional means to deliver education, without breaking boundaries of brick and motor institutes, even to the areas and to individuals where physical access of trained educators is not possible. Rise of internet and media usage have escalated the rate of information /data posted and its accessibility to public. Consequences of information accessibility have raised questions not only to the security, privacy and scam of contents but also, significantly, on the quality of education delivered online and it’s standard.
Cyberspaces, a handy and multipurpose channel to persuade learners, have been “refashioning the writing spaces” (Bolter, 2000) and enticing professionals to participate efficiently. Professional function of cyberspace for writing is far more than to inspire others. Basic elements of the professional function are not only cover writing skills but art of using cyberspace (modern writing space) and integrity as well. Writing is an intellectual ability and a skill, as Bolter revealed, “a highly valued individual act and cultural practice” (2000). The professional function of cyberspace for education can be used to redefine the provision of quality education.
“An intelligent word graven in the soul of the learner, which can defend itself, and knows when to speak and when to be silent” – Socrates (Excerpt from Plato’s Phaedrus – from course contents) intelligent use of writing technologies can influence learners, cultivate “thinking culture”, and can train brains how to defend itself.
Work Cited
Bolter, J. D. (2000). Wrting Space: Computers, Hypertext, and the Remediation of Print. Mahwah, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates, Inc.
Gelb, I. J. (1952). A study of writing: The foundations of grammatology. Chicago: University of Chicago Press.
rakhshanda , You have made a very relevant point of intelligence use of text technologies. In this digital age, literacy is not limited to oral and print-based methods. In fact it has moved beyond to online, electronic texts and to multimedia. Computers and other electronic gadgets are bring vast opportunities to reading, writing, sharing and collaboration. It is very promising to see that the internet is not only bridging learners globally but more so it is helping in improving reading and writing skills. But having said that, I also feel that keeping balance is difficult in this digital age, which O’Donnell calls as “muddle and rational choices”. I don’t want to sound sceptical about the benefits of technology in teaching and learning but I also feel that it might bring challenges for teachers. It has been noted that today’s students are easily distracted and if they are left unmonitored while using computers and other devices they do not reap real benefits in literacy. I think in order to achieve maximum benefit from technology so that learners attain higher order thinking skills, teachers planning plays a very critical role.
Thanks Madiha. sory I didnot checkyour reply because the post has no suscription icon