Emergence of Digital Literacy-Post #1

Over time the acceptance of digital text use has increased in schools and all over the workplace for many different reasons whether it is to relay information to a mass group of people or to make reading accessible for all students.  It is a struggle in some ways making digital books acceptable to all.  Many people prefer holding the paper and ink in their hands for many reasons.  They possibly like the idea that the book was purchased by them and there is no way for it to be taken away or lost, like something that could happen using a computer or other digital software.  If I am reading for pleasure, I prefer to have the actual book in my hands rather than reading or listening to the book on the computer.  Although, I have become accustomed to doing all of my school readings online.  I don't oppose reading on the computer and I really like the option to save a document in case I need it for further reference.  I enjoy using the computer for easy access to look up a term or find similar readings if necessary.  I also have the opportunity to do many things while I am reading something online.  For example, I am both reading the required text for class and blogging after I find something interesting to talk about. 

In the near future I think that there won't be many books, especially at the college level, purchased in the book stores.  Already many of my classes just post links and similar reading materials to be done online.  Most if not all of my books come with cd's that give extra information about the readings, supporting study guides and practice exams to help highlight the important information throughout the text.  My freshman year I hardly had any reading that I did online and if I did I would print out the text and highlight and take handwritten notes.  Now I hardly ever use my printer unless I am handing in a paper or an assignment and even then most of my papers and assignments are handed in online.  In just a short 4 years the way that classes are conducted and the assignments that are given have changed completely.

I know that entering the classroom having knowledge of the digital literacy world is going to be both beneficial for me to communicate with other colleagues and also for my students.  All students learn differently and it is going to be my responsibility to figure out what method works best for ever student.  It may be beneficial for some students to listen to their readings while they are reading it on the screen, while other students may prefer to have a book and printed worksheet with them.  The advancement of technology is giving us teachers the opportunity to add these variations in the classroom and there is no reason that we should not take advantage of these tools if they are going to make our students learn to their full potential.  I hope to see in the future every text that I have my students read in the classroom to be offered digitally so that they can read the material at home on the screen or listen to the text if necessary.