Critical Issues Literacy Technologies: What Stance Should We Take?

Abstract

The word seems unavoidable now indiscussions of literacy theory and practice. Parentsask the teacher or school principal what the school isdoing about computer literacy and networking. Li-brarians are alternately invigorated or distressedthinking about what new information technologiesmean for their work. Teachers wonder about whetherthese technologies will improve children’s literacyskills or take them forever away from traditionalreading and writing. Theorists debate whether thebook is dead. Nearly everyone struggles just to stayminimally aware of new technological develop-ments and their social implications. The question ofwhat form literacies will take in a century likely tobe defined by a new technological environment(Bruce, ; Burbules