Prompt 1- LITERACY
Literacy is having the ability to
read and write in many subject areas. Most people who are considered literate
are well versed in multiple subjects and can speak intelligently in several different
genres. In today’s society being literate is more than being able to read and
write. Computer literacy is a must in order to be successful in today’s world. The
definition of literate should definitely include the knowledge of computers and
technology.
Thomas C. Foster says “Memory. Symbol.
Pattern.” are the three most important items that can assist one in becoming
literate and understanding the meaning of the text. According to the author
there is a “language of reading”. That language includes “grammar of
literature, a set of conventions and patterns, codes and rules”, that we learn
to use in our everyday reading. The meaning that “grammar has its own
literature” is when reading the reader is able to understand the organization
of the author, having the ability to recognize it, and then interpreting the
results. When the author reads a new work he mentally compares it to memories
he has of other works. Foster also reads and thinks symbolically where everything
is a symbol of something. Pattern recognition is the ability to look beyond the
plot, drama, and characters.
In my opinion, the techniques that
Foster suggested in his book not only apply to reading and writing but also in
the technological world. We use the same systems when texting, emailing, or
even posting a picture. These are the ways in which a person is considered
literate.
Catherine,
ReplyDeleteI find what you said about literacy very interesting. It led me to think that perhaps literacy is all about patterns. Computer literacy, like you mentioned, is about finding, understanding, and being able to manipulate patterns in programming, patterns across social media sites, patterns between machines, and many other kinds of technological patterns. The literacy we normally think of-- being able to read and write-- is about finding, understanding, and being able to manipulate letters and patterns of letters to make words. Foster alludes to a another, similar form of literacy when he discusses the patterns present in literature. This form, for readers, is about finding and understanding symbolism and patterns of symbolism within stories to find a deeper understanding of the literature. It is also about being able to manipulate these symbols and symbol patterns, but this goes more for writers than readers.
Catherine,
ReplyDeleteWhat you (and Ginny) wrote is quite intriguing. When I read the prompt, I thought the answer was that literacy is not just the ability to read but the ability to understand what was being said. However, your idea on Foster’s statements are something I hadn’t even thought about. I had never really even considered applying his definition of “Memory. Symbol. Pattern.” to the things that I do every day (from social media to, well, everything else). I never realized just how much of my daily life is actually based around my memories and patterns, and how they help me understand the symbols used in modern technology. I don’t believe computer literacy is necessarily where the comparison ends though. While literature does draw on these concepts quite frequently, I believe it says more about the way that people think than anything. Our entire minds are based around this concept—if it weren’t for our memory, we wouldn’t understand any symbols, and if we didn’t understand either of those we wouldn’t see patterns. I believe that this is the basis of most things that people do, from writing and reading literature to socializing online. The fact that it’s used so commonly in literature just proves that the most popular forms of media—literature, social, television-based, etc.—use this type of formula to draw people in and connect with them.
Catherine,
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with your definition of literacy. Although it can have a literal meaning, I think it also Marjory depends on whether the reader can recognize patterns and put two and two together on their own. The point you brought up about patterns being involved with technology is also a fresh new take on it. I never thought of this and it is true that computers wholly depend on recognizing patterns and techniques. Foster taught us so much with his idea of pattern recognition and it was brilliant that you connected it to technology. I also like Rhi's point that everyday life is centered on patterns and routine. Now that I think on it, my everyday actions are simply repetitions of actions that I have performed before.