Overwhelmed By VL

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Subject: [PD 3897] Overwhelmed by my virtual literacy
From: Thompson, Duren J
Date: Wed Aug 5 17:29:08 EDT 2009

Hello, I am Duren Thompson with the Center for Literacy Studies, and I am working to become virtually literate.

In the past 12 - 24 months, I have:

  • Begun Blogging, including reading other's blogs, and starting 4 blogs of my own (all personal): example.

http://glasshalffullreport.wordpress.com/ (you'll note I am not a very active blogger).

  • Subscribed to a blog aggregator (Google Reader) and subscribed to at least one weekly podcast.
  • Learned how to create and edit Wiki pages, including how to create tables in a non-WYSIWYG tool (it was free).
  • Broke down and started a page in Facebook. I have 95 friends since April (I check it like 1-2 times a month).
  • Learned how to send text messages to others' phones through YIM (my plan still charges me for all text messages).
  • Actively viewed videos online via site like U-Tube and Hulu. (Amazing what a broken TV will do for your technological literacy).
  • Researched how to improve discussions in online courses/discussion boards via techniques for improving a sense of community.
  • Created a photo sharing page and uploaded photos. Begun to make extensive use of others' photo and image sharing sites.
  • Learned how to make cheap and inexpensive podcasts.
  • Learned how to use an automated search tool (like Google Alerts).

In about a week, I get an Ipod of my very own. I don't yet tweet.

Lemme tell you - this is WORK! And I am technologically inclined person, whose JOB it is to try out new technologies that may have implications for instruction (meaning someone is paying for my time to learn all this).

Anyone else concerned about the human beings' ability to keep up with the pace of technological change and the accompanying onslaught of information? I'm thinking time management and prioritization skills, as well as information management skills are critical elements of virtual literacy.

Duren

Subject: [PD 3902] Re: Overwhelmed by my virtual literacy
From: Steve Kaufmann
Date: Wed Aug 5 18:01:51 EDT 2009

I agree Duren. Every person needs to decide for themselves what makes sense. For me the most powerful tool is the MP3 player. I have, on my iPod, a full mini language lab, updated daily from my computer.

I am on Twitter but ignore all the twits that tweet me. I have an account at Facebook and ignore it. I just do not get it.

I have a blog, put primarily to promote our language learning system.

On the other hand I can access the most phenomenal language content for languages of interest to me. I subscribe to fascinating podcasts. I can read the news anywhere in the world in the language and country of my choice. I can look up any question I have in a jiffy. I feel I am ahead.

Steve

Subject: [PD 3900] Re: Overwhelmed by my virtual literacy
From: Bonnie Odiorne
Date: Wed Aug 5 18:17:26 EDT 2009

I am. A friend described Facebook as a "vortex of dark energy" and I'm beginning to believe it. And I haven't even done all you have, AND (except to the extent that I tend to think I'm responsible for knowing everything) it's not my job. I'll not detail what I've done, but the point is made. And I wonder about the time allocation of our students (virtually literate) who check their Facebooks and Twitter and text all the time. Not to mention YouTube...

Bonnie Odiorne, PhD Director, Writing Center Adjunct Professor of English, French, First Year Transitions, Day Division and ADP
Post University, Waterbury, CT
Labyrinth Facilitator, Spiritual Director

Subject: [PD 3910] Re: Overwhelmed by my virtual literacy
From: steven pritchard
Date: Wed Aug 5 20:41:02 EDT 2009

Dear friend,

For around $200 you can buy the Dragon NaturallySpeaking which I'm using to send you this e-mail right now. I am talking into a microphone and the words that I say are printed on to the text of this computer, for the record this laptop and Dragon NaturallySpeaking which is then loaded into the laptop from a CD is on loan to me this week from the Drake University adult literacy Center here in Des Moines Iowa please call them for any questions. Technology doesn't have to be technical

I have both arms boldly this both eyes I'm not deaf or blind but I have a problem putting the words from thought to text this Dragon NaturallySpeaking works you don't have to have millions you don't have to be a super tech person I could walk you through how to install it and use it over the phone.

Other technologies is the King reader mobile also sponsored by the Drake University adult literacy Center here in Des Moines Iowa. There are free technologies like browse allowed and dial to do just go to your local library use their computer for free type in Google and then dial to do it this easy as 123

Most people make or create tech problems there are other technology tools that are in my toolkit once again if you have any questions please contact me at the e-mail below or feel free to call or e-mail the Drake University adult literacy Center here in Des Moines now.

Stevenp50320 at yahoo.com

Subject: [PD 3926] Re: Overwhelmed by my virtual literacy
From: Michael S. Curry
Date: Thu Aug 6 13:15:25 EDT 2009

Duren, I loved your post...made me laugh out loud (see, I still spell even when twittering)...keep up the good work...all of us old-schoolers are smilin' along with you. Michael

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