Technology and Literacy

           As we have learned, teenagers spend a lot of time using technology, i.e. cell phones and laptops. I have been learning a lot about students’ literacy and I researched whether or not technology hurts literacy. Students being able to get information and do research is definitely a plus. On article on Education.com says there have been many studies that show that technology helps students expand their knowledge. “Research literature throughout the past decade has shown that technology can enhance literacy development, impact language acquisition, provide greater access to information, support learning, motivate students, and enhance their self-esteem,” (Susan O'Hara and Robert Pritchard 2006).
         I do believe that technology opens up a window to many opportunities for students. From taking Language and Literacy, however, I have learned that many students struggle with reading comprehension. Teachers have to use many strategies to get students reading, I think that technology can hurt students’ literacy. If they are always on social network sites, they are spending less time reading.  Others have argued that even though students are not reading books, if they are reading web pages it still enhances their literacy. Also, when students create presentations on the computer they are still working on their literacy and writing skills. I learned about Apple Classrooms of Tomorrow (ACOT) project and from studying a class for eight years it has been found that students with technology in the classroom do better on achievement tests. Technology helps students become independent learners as well, they have access to any information they need. If they are writing a paper and they use the thesaurus it helps them learn new words. While I think technology consumes many teens’ lives, I think it has its benefits when learning and expanding one’s knowledge.