Chelsea Melville
ENC 1102.112
02/11/10
Exploring Digital Literacy
Technology is an integral part of my life on a day to day basis. Many of the technologies I use, I use quite proficiently; however, there are many technologies to which I am a stranger. My generation has grown up with technology in our homes and in educational environments. We are all technology users, but some of us use technology to a different degree than others. My strong suit is the operational side of technology, but when it comes to repairs and programming, I would not be considered very technologically savvy.
The work force is becoming increasingly competitive and in most fields, it is required for applicants to be digitally literate. According to Devoss, the literacy education that parents and teachers provided years ago will not equip people for success, because the world has changed in many unexpected ways (207). Since coming to college I have realized that becoming digitally literate is more important to my success than I had initially presumed. In most of my classes, I am required to log on WebCourses through the “myUCF” account provided to me. On this account, I can submit assignments, look up grades, and post discussions to my classmates or teachers.
The university expects that students know how to use a computer and be able to navigate their way through the internet. I think this expectation amounted because our generation was raised in a technology centered environment. If a student does not know how to use a computer, they would find it difficult to be successful in their classes.
I have had access to a computer since I was five years old and I gained access to the internet shortly after. Throughout the years, my knowledge has grown and so have the functions of a computer; the possibilities are endless and because my parents allowed me access at such a young age, I am more literate today. The practice I gained over the years of my youth permits me to operate programs and different technologies that some other people my age and older cannot.
The computer has shaped many aspects of my life; knowing how to operate a computer and internet makes many different features more accessible. On the internet, I can easily request directions to any destination, communicate with friends, or upload digital pictures, all by the click of a button. Throughout high school, I worked with Microsoft Word and EXCEL incessantly and I continue to use these programs now. Microsoft Word, a word processing program, allows me to construct writing assignments and provides me with tools to improve my writing, such as the thesaurus. Microsoft EXCEL provides me with tools to assemble spreadsheets and graphs with ease.
My intended major of study is Nursing. In order to become a successful pediatric nurse, I will have to learn many new technologies. Technology is important in many work places, including nursing. There are many studies that show that the use of certain technologies work to improve efficiency among nurses. Some technologies that improve efficiency are non-acute and acute speciality information systems that interconnect many functions within one department, and robotics and dispensing systems (Covington et al).
Furthermore, after interviewing a nurse from Lakeland Regional Medical Center, I was informed of the most common technologies in which I will have learn how to use. He said the technologies I will encounter on a day to day basis are the Electrocardiogram (ECG), X-ray machine, and computers to enter in patient information. I realize that technology is a big part of my future career and I will have to learn how to use all technologies effectively.
Furthermore, after interviewing a nurse from Lakeland Regional Medical Center, I was informed of the most common technologies in which I will have learn how to use. He said the technologies I will encounter on a day to day basis are the Electrocardiogram (ECG), X-ray machine, and computers to enter in patient information. I realize that technology is a big part of my future career and I will have to learn how to use all technologies effectively.
Certain aspects of myself depend on technology too much. I frequently find myself depending too much on the grammar and spelling check on Microsoft Word. I should be practicing my grammar or looking in a dictionary, but instead I hit the “ABC check“ button. I always relying on computer automated directions or a GPS, rather than following road signs or a map. In addition, I spend an excessive amount of time on Facebook. Facebook is a social networking site that consumes my life some days. It is easy to find myself looking at my friends’ pictures or reading conversations from other people instead of performing the tasks I logged on the computer to accomplish. I even find myself playing games on computer to avoid reading for class.
Technology is not always considered good. A technological advance that I do not agree with is the use of the internet for the illegal downloading of music and movies. By illegally downloading music and movies, the user is taking money away from the rightful owner. Many kids my age partake in this activity and it worries me that someday everyone will be stealing music instead of paying for it.
All in all, the computer has played an active role in my entire life. I use it for many different purposes and I will continue to use it in the future. Whether it be for my career or any other miscellaneous purposes, I foresee always owning and operating a computer. Being digitally literate is an important tool to have in today’s society.
Works Cited:
Covington, Barbara, et al. The Use of Technology to Assist Nurses in Caring for Patients. Nursing Workforce Commission. Dec. 2007. Web. 1 Feb. 2010
Devoss, Danielle, et al. The Future of Literacy. Chapter 7.
