Technology… Its the Work of the Devil!
April 4, 2008
Many in today’s culture have embraced technology; however, some think it is the works of some evil force. Perhaps you know of someone who thinks computers are sinister and evil. My wife’s parents are always talking about the nonsense of technology. Her mother saw some kids with wires stuck in their ears at the mall and this concerned her. I didn’t even try to explain to her that they were likely listening to an audio file on a portable audio player. Or that it is even possible (but not likely) that they were listening to educational content and not music from a singer who would bite the head off a bat!
Unfortunately those that have a warped opinion of technology are not just the older (and basically uninformed) but are “educated” and teaching in our school system. Take a listen to this clip for an interesting opinion from an 8th grade writing teacher. It is really sad…
Clip From a David Warlick Technology in Education Presentation
Whats the Deal with “Digital Literacy Project”?
February 24, 2008
Why not call this project something like “PC Skills for Automotive Technicians” instead of the “Digital Literacy Project”? Good question. I pondered on how to brand my idea for quite a while. I ran a successful automotive business for 18 years and have been involved in a few other web projects; therefore, I know the importance of developing a good brand. A brand which must take into consideration many things, some of the more important aspects are:
- A name that is simple to remember, but is also descriptive of the project
- A look and feel that can be duplicated in all medias
- The logo and look must work on a t-shirt and also look good a trade show banner
- A name that is available as a domain name is also important
“Digital Literacy”
This project has been brewing for a couple of years and I kept thinking about what to call it. It was hard to come up with a simple name that identifies the study of how computers and other digital technologies are used in the automotive service industry. I finally came to the conclusion that it would take both the name and an extra subtitle to do this, so I began to focus back on a short and simple name.
In late 2006 while working on a committee at the school (Guilford Technical Community College (GTCC) Jamestown, NC) where I teach, I met a technology-in-education specialist, David Warlick. The committee was developing guidelines on how to integrate podcasting into the classroom and we had hired David, as a consultant, to work with us for three days. I was impressed with his fresh ideas and observations about technology and its impact on our lives both inside and outside the classroom. I made it a point to monitor David’s work via his excellent technology in education (teched) blog, 2Cents Worth, and his books.
David has written three books. I bought Classroom Blogging (Classroom Blogging, A teacher’s guide to Blogs, Wikis, and other tools that are shaping a new information landscape - by David F. Warlick - ISBN 978-1-4303-2676-2) to brush up on my knowledge of blogs as I research for my book rewrite. David often speaks of “digital literacy” in his presentations and his books. He even has a whole book (Redefining Digital Literacy for the 21st Century - by David F. Warlick - ISBN 978-1586831301) dedicated the subject, as shown to the left.
The point that David makes is that in the past if you could read at a basic level and count money, you were considered literate. You could likely find a job and survive on that level of literacy. In today’s world, this level of literacy is not enough. You must have a minimal level of digital literacy to perform almost any job. A person in today’s world that is not literate in basic digital skills is as illiterate as someone that could not read in the past generation. Actually, they are likely even worse off than the illiterate of yesteryear.
Audio Clip of Warlick Talking About Digital Literacy
This is the same scenario that is going on in the automotive service industry. Those that do not develop digital skills are going to find it more and more difficult to advance in the automotive service industry. They will find themselves to be an illiterate worker in an industry that left them behind.
So, I am going with “Digital Literacy”! For just two words, I think it is pretty thought provoking. Also by using the word digital instead of computer it implies a much larger application, which is the case.
“Project”
I went with “Project” because that is what I am starting, a project, not a short term effort. There are so many working techs that need this type of training and with the influx of new workers, I don’t see this challenge being fully met for the foreseeable future. I have about 15 years left before retirement age and I suspect I could work this project for the rest of my career (along with my teaching job, of course). Unless circumstances change, that is what I plan to do.
