Networked Publics

When reading over the Networked Publics blog I was immediately interested in the Starbucks scenario outlined by the authors. So often we now seek out others to be in proximity to, but have little interaction with them. Instead people are focused on their tablets, smart phones or laptops. Our attachment to the network has for some become an obsession.

 I myself, rely heavily on the network and have been panicked by the thought that I misplaced my smartphone. I have almost been late for work because I had to turn around on my commute when I realized that I forgot my phone at home. As a parent the cellphone has become a tether to stay in constant communication with my nearly adult children. I also love the instant availability of information that the network provides.

The author also points out that the network has done away with true solitude. The constant barrage of email, texts and alerts have chipped away at the ability to have quiet and alone time to self-reflect. The networked age is upon us and there is no going back, I just hope that we all don’t forget how to have conversations with each other or to enjoy the non-virtual world that is around us.

Varnelis, K.(Ed.).(2008). Networked Publics. Cambridge, Massachusetts: The MIT Press. http://networkedpublics.org/

My Literacy Practices

"The distinctive contribution of the approach to literacy as social practice lies in the ways in which it involves careful and sensitive attention to what people do with texts, how they make sense of them and use them to further their own purposes in their own learning lives" (Gillen and Barton, 2010, p. 9).

In response to this quote, I reflected on how I use literacy in my everyday life.  I use text to gain insight and knowledge but also as a means of entertainment. Furthermore, I use it is a way to connect and interact with others. These practices have changed significantly with the advancements of the digital age. Hague and Williamson (2009) note that there are “opportunities to participate in new kinds of social activities, civic life, learning and work” (as cited in Gillen and Barton, 2010, p. 9). These opportunities allow for more collaboration and the sharing of information so that texts can be added to or re-shaped as is the case with blogs and wikis (Wilber, 2010).

Additionally, technological advancements have given us the world at our finger tips. I have researched my ancestry, looked up the movies playing at the theater, fixed my washing machine by watching a YouTube video, paid bills, ordered my groceries, read an e-book,  and played a word game with my friend who lives on the other side of the country, all in one day because of new literacies! It is truly remarkable the age we live in and the speed at which we can access information. 

 

Gillen, J. & Barton, D. (2010, January). Digital literacies a research briefing by the

            technology enhanced learning phase of the teaching and learning research

            programme. Literacy Research Centre, Lancaster University, London, England.

Wilber, D. J. (2010, May 31). Beyond new literacies. Digital Cultural & Education, 2(1)

 

Greetings! This is my 3rd semester in the Masters of Education Program at Empire State College. I am currently an elementary school counselor in a small, resort community in the Adirondack Mountains.  My school has less then 200 students in grades PK-12, with some grades with as few as 8 students. I love how I get the opportunity to really get to know my students. I am continuing my education because one day I hope to work at the college level. When I'm not working I enjoy being outside. I love to walk and hike in the woods and go boating on Lake George.  I am looking forward to being a part of this learning community.
My blog address is:

http://mborgh.blogspot.com/