Technology and Selfe

Cynthia Selfe obviously loves technology. She wants teachers and students alike to use it in the classroom. And I think she is absolutely right. We as educators must become literate in technology; and when we begin to refuse the technology, then it is time to retire or find a new job. Not only are we trying to prepare our students for a global society, as Yancey hopes, we are preparing ourselves for a paradigm shift in education. If we do not keep up with the current trends in our students' world, then we will not advance and will continue harming students' and their education. This is not your grandma's or mom's education any longer.

However, Selfe does not want teachers to teach students to be 'technology indulgers'. There has to be a happy medium; everything in moderation, right? Students need to know how to use academic and professional technology in order to be successful. They know how to play their xbox and Wii gaming systems (so do I, love it!), bypass filters on school computers (as do I ), and use their cell phones to the maximum capacity (the kids had to teach me that one). But what if they used all of their computer knowledge for good as well? I was surprised that I knew what twitter and tweet meant before they did. I also am utilizing my classroom web page for blogging, message boarding, on-line quizzes, homework drops, etc. so my students will have a heads-up in college over their peers. At least that is what I hope.

I understand that not all students have a personal computer, but I do not see that as something that can hinder a student's technological advancement in the classroom and world of academia. A lot of my students do not have computers at home, but we have seven libraries with several computer labs they have access to. I do not accept "I don't have a computer at home" or "my printer isn't working" as excuses any more; email me the work, hotmail will set up a free account for anyone, and I will help you with any problems you may encounter. This is where I disagree with Selfe. As an English teacher who uses technology quite regularly in my classroom, I do not see the technology as a means of oppression; it is definitely a means of liberation for anyone at any age. Technology does not discriminate; get with the times or fall behind.