Reading Response 1

Many people assume that technology is on the rise of dumbing this generation down. It is felt that the usage of cell phones and computers is impacting writing in a negative way. In Clive Thompson's article “The New Literacy” however, it is clear that he does not feel the same. In his article he takes stand with a professor of writing and rhetoric at Stanford University, Andrea Lunsford. Over a 5 year period, Lunsford collected 14,672 student writing samples and found that, “technology isn’t killing our ability to write. It’s reviving it--and pushing our literacy in bold new directions.” Even though an English professor at the University College of London, John Sutherland continues to moan, technology is to blame for kids not being able to write. This is proving him to be wrong. Regardless of the kinds of writing that happens daily, whether it be a text or even an essay, it is still pushing them to actually do so. Something that nobody ever did before the internet came along. That in itself should cause opposing views to take a minute and open up their minds to this argument.
My own view is very similar to Clive Thompson’s. There are so many benefits to what technology has brought us. The advancements and opportunities are becoming endless. Becoming active with texts and with your peers is very crucial to ones ability to write and technology makes that happen. With instant messenger, chat rooms, blog sites, and many other things, students are actively engaging in such things. The research done by Lunsford found that, “Of all the writing that the Stanford students did, a stunning 38 percent of it took place out of the classroom.” Teacher’s have always stated again and again, practice makes perfect. So let us “practice.” Regardless of either side, technology is something this generation is used to and that‘s what everyone needs to get used too. It is something that is continuing to grow in our lives as we grow. It is hard for people to keep an open mind about things they don’t understand. Other generations weren’t brought up with the technology we have today, it is all just a blur to them. Same goes for us. Picturing our lives without all this technology is a blur to us.
Though I concede that the amount at which we spend using our technology and how we use it can have a negative effect. I still maintain that technology brings and will continue to bring endless opportunities for our future. Everybody likes to focus their attention on the social networking sites and texting when technology is brought up. Leaving out the million other websites or ways of technology we have. For example, think about when your checking out at the store. Without the cash register imagine the time it would take to calculate each item efficiently and accurately. Although some might object, it’s the “lazy” way of doing so, it is a benefit to both to customer and employee. Even though, cash registers are not in topic with academic writing, it still has the same concept. This issue is important because as we grow and our writing grows, technology follows. Advancements are in store for the future and when I say that, I’m referring to technology as well as our academic writing.