http://www.questia.com/googleScholar.qst?docId=5001950599

Bradford McKeon

ENC 1102

Section 112

Assignment for Tuesday 1/26

“Teaching and Learning Literacy”

Philip Molebash , Douglas Fisher

This article focuses on the teaching of literacy, mainly reading and writing, to young students. The authors Molebash and Fisher clearly define what their argument is in the opening paragraph. Their main point is that the biggest problem with today’s “Digital Divide” is not who does or does not have access to technology; but rather the real problem is literacy. Their main supporting point is that instead of bringing literacy together with technology, people only focus on one, thereby excluding the other. They give an example of the No Child Left Behind Act versus the Technology Literacy Challenge Fund. One focuses on literacy, while the other focuses on technology, but neither try to bridge these two concepts together.

While the authors try to argue their point that we must bridge literacy with technology, they make sure to play on the audiences emotions. When talking about the Digital Divide Molebash and Fisher say, “It is difficult not to fear this growing abyss.” They prove their credibility with specific examples and supporting evidence to their claim. For example, they mention Moore’s Law which states that every 18 months a microprocessors power will double in size. They were proving how quickly technology today is growing, and eventually they believe that everyone will be a part of the digital world. Their logical appeal is blatantly obvious with their list of facts showing the most advancing technologies in today’s market that bring a positive change to literacy. While this argument is mainly being presented for teachers and law makers, it brings a good take-home message for everyone. Molebash and Fisher provide supporting evidence that the world is trending towards newer and newer technology every day. We have to make sure we incorporate this with literacy for people of all ages to successfully adapt to the new changes around us. If that does not happen, the “growing abyss” that is the Digital Divide will grow larger with every new generation.