My Beliefs

I believe in the meaningful use of technology in the classroom. I believe that students these days do learn and create well through the medium of technology. I understand that there can be abuse of this tool. As we plan lessons I sometimes find that we throw in technology because it is required and in those cases, the use is not meaningful (e.g. video or PowerPoint out of place). I validate some of the concerns expressed in some of our readings for this assignment. Students do write differently in texting or blogging or instant messaging than would be appropriate in a more professional document. But, evolution occurs and it seems to follow that it changes based on technological advances. Before the printing press only the "learned" write and read, dispensing knowledge to the unlearned in terms difficult to understand. The letters Jane Austen wrote were elaborate and detailed because her contact with people she cared for and the audience she wrote to was limited to her writings because distance (and she had no blog or writers page). Change is natural. It will be important to teach students "voice" and help them understand in what style of writing is appropriate for what text.

I conclude that the addition of new vocabulary and a new way of expressing is good. It may influence old ways for good. But, the integrity of traditional writings must be preserved. The danger lies in students becoming so caught up in their own way of expressing that they are unable to adjust or that lack of exposure to more traditional conventions of writing make them incapable of reading and understanding classical literature. I'm fairly modern but am still able to understand King James English. I was trained in formal writing but feel more comfortable and have more fun expressing myself in the informal outlet of a blog. Add to and prune till what is used is everthing of the best!