pamela gassman's blog

It really hit me this week that I am learning to be literate in french. I see techniques that we talk about in learning english used in my french class. Sometimes I have the desire to tell my teacher a tip or to try something, which may be more effective in our learning. I don't because I do not want to delegitimize her work and authority. The concept of authority brings me to a movie we watched in french this week called Les Choristes. It is a fantastic movie. It involves a school for troubled boys and a new prefect, who changes the student's lives with music. This movie brings up many similar concepts to those we have talked about in class, for example, how do we motivate kids to want to be literate? Additionally, one of the most important concepts I saw mirrored in our discussion and in the movie was the need to respect the student, and attempt to learn about the student. 

I drew a picture for part of my journal this week. I depicted a river, starting from its source and flowing out and changing. My idea is a way to visualize literacy, to give it form. So, I am started to  think of literacy like a river, it changes its path, breaks off, and will sometimes meet again. In terms of literacy we start with our mains source, or discourse and as we grow this changes and adapts yet all the while we still are aware of the first discourse that we learned. At times we lose some of out discourse and may be halted by a "boulder." Literacy is like a river, it is not stagnant but moving. 

One's ability to function in society is now dependent on their ability to use computer, specifically the Internet. This new form of literacy is essential for doing almost anything. It encompasses all of our lives, from work to personal enjoyment. The Internet is now a plausible medium for watching TV shows or having a business conference. What I view as one of the most important functions of the Internet is that it allows for freedom of expression through mediums such as Tumblr and Twitter. One can say whatever they desire.  Yet, such power comes with responsibility, and not every country is lucky enough for this freedom, Additionally, not every person can handle such power. Thus, this new form for literacy creates questions in my mind: What are the limits and boundaries of this relatively new discourse/literacy? Where do we draw lines and who is to do this? Will the freedom the Internet maintains today, be seen in the future? 

All I know is that the power of the Internet cannot be ignored. It is necessary to recognize that the Internet and ways to use it are changing and challenging society.