Christina Haas’ book Writing
Technologies discussed the debate about the use of technology and how it
has affected the human species. It answers some very interesting questions,
specifically, how writing affects one’s self and how writing affects culture.
According to the article, the debate about written language dates back to
Plato, who despised the written word. Furthermore, the book discusses several
issues concerning writing.

The first chapter discussed the
ancient roots of writing. Both Socrates and Plato condemned written language.
They felt that it diminished memory. Furthermore, Plato believed that it
removes truth. However, Derrida countered Plato’s argument stating that  “Plato needed writing to attack writing.”
Writing enables an academic to reach a much larger audience.

In addition, Ong concurred with
Derrida, stating that consistency is needed in logic. One of the problems with
the oral tradition was that things could be easily changed. It’s sort of like
the telephone exercise. When you tell one person something and he or she tell
someone else and he or she tells someone else by the end, the story often
changes. Writing provides this consistency. It simply takes sounds that have
meaning to a visual language that has meaning. In return, according to Ong, written
language has a “physical permanence over time.” More would be lost if it was
only handed down orally.

Vlgotsky is another defender of the
written word.  He discussed how  graphic symbols influence human thinking. In
addition, he discussed how maps, diagams, writing, etc are all psychological
tools and that language is a product of culture. He gave examples of how
thought extends beyond linguistics. He stated that people naturally count on
their fingers, etc. Also, he emphasized that when you write, you are producing
something. Furthermore, teachers are often trained to teach students using
patterns because the mind works in symbols and patterns.

A lot of teachers are hesitant
about using technology in their classrooms. The chapter stated that teachers
often say that technology is not their job. However, it is a teacher’s
responsibility to give the students the necessary skills that will enhance
their chances in the job market.

The second chapter of Haas’ book
further discussed the pros of technology, but in better detail. It also discussed
a lot of the opposition towards it.,

First, let’s begin with the
opposition. Pointing out again that Plato and Aristotle were against the
written language, Augustine was also against it. The Ancient Greeks emphasized
memorization and they thought that writing things down, impeded memorizing.
However, Flower’s and Hayes pointed out that writing things down, helps
memorization. I for one, have to write things down to memorize it. I also have
my students write things down.

The same opposition is true today.
There are a plethora of teachers out there who resist technology. I constantly
hear people saying, “The students can’t even read yet.” This may be true, but
face it, the world has gone digital, and the more students are exposed to technology,
the better equipped they will be to face the job market.

The chapter suggested that people
shouldn’t be subordinate to technology. Teacher should use technology as a way
to enhance their lesson plans. Furthermore, the article stated that the different
professions should collaborate to see what skills students need to
acquire.  Students should be able to have
hands-on experience with technology.

Finally, the article discussed how
culture is influenced by technology. Face it, everywhere we go, we are faced
with technology. Therefore, it is important that we embrace it.

“Self and Self’s article  “The Politics of the interface: Power and Its
Exercise in Electronic Contact Zones” discussed the borders that are present in
an English classroom (with regards to technology). Also,the article discussed
the ambiguity of Technology within the class room. On one hand, technology aids
in the development of our students, on the other hand, it “oppresses” them.

For the past ten years, educators
have had the ability to create online environments where students can interact
with each other. They can comment on each other’s opinion, etc.. However,
according to the article, this is oppressing a plethora of students. This is
evident with the disparity of the dropout rates. Minorities are dropping out
more than the majority.

The article stated that online
collaboration will help foster and environment where minorities’ can succeed.
Students will be able to speak their opinions without being dominated by
others.

Furthermore, the article pointed
out that the “majority” schools often use technology to enhance cognitive
skills. However, minority schools often lack the necessary technology to
promote technical skills, thus producing a society where one group has acquired
the necessary skills and the other has not.

The article supported this by
stating that schools with a minority population are using computers for
remediation where schools with the majority population are using computers for
higher thinking skills. This in turn is causing a gap between the two groups
with regards to technology. The minority group is continually falling behind.

Nevertheless, three profession
organizations: Alliance for Computers in Writing, International Federation of
Information Processing, and the National Council for Teachers of English are
working with teachers to help design software that will be beneficial to both
the minority groups and majority groups. As discuss in Hass’ book, these
organizations are working with computer programmers, teachers and a variety of
other professionals.

The purpose of restructuring the
programs is to break the barriers between the majority groups and minority
groups. This will give each group a change to succeed in today’s technological
world.

1. Kevin Norris