Return-Path: <nifl-technology@literacy.nifl.gov> Received: from literacy (localhost.nifl.gov [127.0.0.1]) by literacy.nifl.gov (8.8.7/8.8.5) with SMTP id PAA04946; Wed, 10 Dec 1997 15:16:59 -0500 (EST) Date: Wed, 10 Dec 1997 15:16:59 -0500 (EST) Message-Id: <19971210201813140.AAB45@[130.91.108.97]> Errors-To: lmann@literacy.nifl.gov Reply-To: nifl-technology@literacy.nifl.gov Originator: nifl-technology@literacy.nifl.gov Sender: nifl-technology@literacy.nifl.gov Precedence: bulk From: sabatini@literacy.upenn.edu (John Sabatini) To: Multiple recipients of list <nifl-technology@literacy.nifl.gov> Subject: [NIFL-TECHNOLOGY:107] Re: Information Literacy ??? X-Listprocessor-Version: 6.0c -- ListProcessor by Anastasios Kotsikonas X-Mailer: QuickMail Pro 1.5 Status: RO I am also concerned that a lot of what >people who may be more comfortable with technology see as ineptness >in using computers is attributable to the poor design of hardware and >software. David made such a good point, I want to extend his metaphor to reading and writing. Poorly written, inconsiderate, ambigous texts can make even good readers look inept . Granted, we do not all have the time or skill to compose perfectly readable texts, but we need to maintain a critical stance toward the print we consume. True, we must prepare learners for a world of inconsiderate texts, but we should keep the "market" pressure on producers of text as well. You and I may interpret the meaning of a text differently because of our different life experiences and perspectives, but we shouldn't differ because we are fundamentally confused by an incoherent composition. One of the nice features of email and listserves, by the way, is that the audience for our writing can respond immediately, helping us clarify our meaning and better communicate. John Sabatini National Center on Adult Literacy 3910 Chestnut Street Philadelphia, PA 19104-3111 David J Rosen wrote: >Peggy, > >I think The term _literacy_ is being stretched too thin through loose >metaphor to include all bodies of knowledge at the beginning level. I try >to avoid using _computer literacy_ but instead refer to computer users' >comfort and fearlessness, terms also used the Massachusetts state adult >literacy and technology plan. I am also concerned that a lot of what >people who may be more comfortable with technology see as ineptness >in using computers is attributable to the poor design of hardware and >software. Several years ago, for example, some people were described as >techno-illiterate when they couldn't program their VCR's. VCR >manufacturers decided that the problem could be remedied through improved >design. I haven't heard anyone complain that VCR's are too easy to >program now and that they long for the old VCR days. > >David Rosen ><DJRosen@world.std.com> > >On Wed, 10 Dec 1997, Peggy Lewis wrote: > >> Why is this called information "literacy" when there is so little reference >> to actual reading and writing? Why not "knowledge" or "use" of >> "familiarity" or something that more accurately expresses the idea? >> >> It is not my intention to pick on this one usage, but to try to call >> attention to the widespread misuse of the term. Doesn't "computer >> literacy" really attempt to describe the ability to use a computer that >> goes way beyond reading and writing with and about the machnes? >> >> I once saw the term "physical literacy" which at first I took to mean >> Braille. I later found out that the term referred to the ability to look at >> a map and locate an office. Confusing. >> >> Peggy Lewis >> Elk Grove Adult Educationph ph (916)874-1817) >> Sacramento, CA fax(916)448-5021 >> mlewis@egusd.k12.ca.us >> >> > > >RFC822 header >----------------------------------- > >Return-Path: <nifl-technology@literacy.nifl.gov> >Received: from literacy.nifl.gov ([192.188.111.2]) > by litnetserver.literacy.upenn.edu (Netscape Mail Server v2.02) > with ESMTP id AAA117; Wed, 10 Dec 1997 07:25:27 -0500 >Received: from literacy (localhost.nifl.gov [127.0.0.1]) > by literacy.nifl.gov (8.8.7/8.8.5) with SMTP id HAA00213; > Wed, 10 Dec 1997 07:21:44 -0500 (EST) >Date: Wed, 10 Dec 1997 07:21:44 -0500 (EST) >Message-Id: <Pine.SGI.3.95.971210070915.2952A-100000@world.std.com> >Errors-To: lmann@literacy.nifl.gov >Reply-To: nifl-technology@literacy.nifl.gov >Originator: nifl-technology@literacy.nifl.gov >Sender: nifl-technology@literacy.nifl.gov >Precedence: bulk >From: David J Rosen <DJRosen@world.std.com> >To: Multiple recipients of list <nifl-technology@literacy.nifl.gov> >Subject: [NIFL-TECHNOLOGY:103] Re: Information "Literacy" ??? >X-Listprocessor-Version: 6.0c -- ListProcessor by Anastasios Kotsikonas >
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