eng 108

Writing Project 2: Critical Evaluation Essay

Technology & Literacy

Context & Description

Technology impacts most of our lives on a daily basis. From the smart phones we hold in our

hands to the laptops and tablets we use for school, work or leisure, technology has changed, and

continues to influence the ways in which we communicate, work, learn, and play.

While some developments in technology are well-received and widely used in effective ways that

benefit society, other developments bring about controversy and disagreement over how specific

technologies are used and to what extent. For instance, video games have become popular

among people of all generations, but its uses and effects on people and society has created

some very different views. Video games are sometimes blamed for promoting negative behavior

among children and adolescents, such as criminal activities and physical violence (Barlett, et al.,

O’Toole). Some people also argue that habitual uses of video games lead to health issues such

as addiction and obesity (Grüsser et al.). Video game addiction can also lead to sleep

deprivation and lack of concentration, and in some cases affect people’s performance at work or

school. Others argue that not all video games or all uses of video games are problematic. James

Gee, a literacy specialist and advocate for the use of video games in teaching and learning,

argues that “any learning, whether it's books, a movie, or a game, can lead to bad or good

results depending on the environment in which it's [played], not the game itself” and that good

video games can be extremely useful as a learning tool, facilitating the development of problem-

solving abilities and language skills” (Sheffield 11).

Various forms of technology have also changed what it means to be literate. In 2008, The

National Council of Teachers of English issued a statement defining twenty-first century

literacies, recognizing the role of technology in shaping the meaning of literacy: “Because

technology has increased the intensity and complexity of literate environments, the twenty-first

century demands that a literate person possess a wide range of abilities and competencies.”

Literacy in this sense includes many types of activities that are “multiple, dynamic, and

malleable”--such as reading online newspaper articles to participating in virtual class discussion

and even interacting on social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter. The goal of this

project is to critically assess the impact that a specific type of technology has had on our literacy

practices.

When we think about “literacy,” what usually comes to mind is a knowledge of reading and

writing. The story of how a person first learns to read and write can offer unique insights into

different cultures and ways of learning and knowing language. But literacy can also mean much

more than learning to read and write: when we learn a second (or third) language, learn to write

code for a computer, read a graphic novel for the first time, or learn to read and follow a recipe

or a map, we are gaining a new form of literacy.

Write a critical evaluation essay in which you identify a form of technology and assess its impact

on one or more literacy practices. For the purpose of this project, technology can be defined

broadly to include hardware (e.g., cell phones, tablets, computers, video projectors) and software

(e.g., word processors, Internet browsers) as well as online resources (e.g., websites, online

apps and social networking sites).

Step 1: Identify a form of technology

Think about the ways that different technologies have helped you to acquire new literacy skills or,

perhaps, have caused problems. As you explore different technology forms, consider the

following questions:

• What are some of the new forms of technology that you have encountered in your literacy

practices--both within and outside the classroom?

• How has technology shaped your literacy practices?

• What are your reactions to them?

• What would happen if you lost access to those forms of technology?

Step 2: Determine evaluation criteria

Once you have identified a form of technology for your project, you will need to think about the

criteria for evaluating the technology. Some of these criteria may reflect your own values and

beliefs surrounding literacy, but you will also need to take into consideration the values and

beliefs of your audience.

• What are shared goals for literacy in our society and/or education system(s)?

• How do we define “literacy”? How do we know when someone is “literate”?

• How do we evaluate technology? How do we know if it is helping us acquire new skills?

• What are some specific ways we can judge a technology’s effect on literacy?

Step 3: Analysis

Using the criteria you’ve developed, evaluate the form of technology you have chosen, thinking

carefully about how it meets (or does not meet) each criterion. Based on your analysis, consider

the role of technology in literacy practices as well as the use of the particular form of technology

you have examined.

As you explore your ideas, consider the following questions:

• What are some forms of technology that you have always had access to and have come

to take for granted?

• How have they influenced the ways in which you read and write as well as think, learn

and interact with others?

• What are some of the benefits of the technology?

• What are some of the problems introduced by the same technology?

• How are people reacting to the technology--enthusiastic acceptance, outright rejection, or

critical engagement?

• How can the technology be altered or adapted to facilitate literacy practices while

avoiding the problems associated with it?

• What’s the next step? Where do we go from here?

Learning Objectives

In this project, you will learn to:

● Demonstrate your understanding of the multiple perspectives and representations of your

technology

● Identify a set of criteria by which you can evaluate your technology

● Identify the audience for your writing

● Articulate the criteria for your evaluation and persuade the audience if some of the criteria

have not already been shared with the audience

● Formulate a claim based upon your evaluation of your technology

● Consider the larger implications of the evaluation

● Identify, develop and organize supporting evidence

Audience

The audience for this project will be students and scholars of literacies who are interested in

learning more about how technologies impact literacy practices. Keep in mind that some of the

readers may not be familiar with the technology being analyzed--you need to describe it as well

as its relevant parts for them before analyzing the details.

Requirements

• 1,500 word minimum

• 3 sources minimum

• MLA format (i.e., paper is double spaced throughout with one inch margins; 12 point

Times New Roman font preferred)

• Process folder (including notes, worksheets, a peer reviewed draft and/or an edited

revised draft)

Due: March 26