Distant Voices: Teaching Writing in a Culture of Technology

Anson, Chris. "Distant Voices: Teaching and Writing in a Culture of Technology."

            Computers in the Composition Classroom: a Critical Sourcebook. By Michelle

            Sidler, Elizabeth O. Smith, and Richard Morris. Boston: Bedford/St.

            Martins, 2008. Web.

In the article, "Distant Voices: Teaching Writing in a Culture of Technology," by Chris Anson, the author talks about the forces behind academia, and how the information superhighway coming its way is going to be a challenge. This article is from 1999, so it is no surprise that it's a little outdated in terms of what we may be used to. This article talks about tablets like they are a thing of the incredibly distant future, and speaks of taking classes via CD ROM as the way of the future. Anson basically says that he foresees bigger things are happening around us than the academic world is ready for, and we have to adapt teaching styles accordingly.

Anson says he knows that the academic world isn't prepared for the looming technological boom, because 84% of teachers surveyed during this time period said that all the technology they absolutely required was a photocopier stocked with paper. Teachers need to be prepared for more, like virtual interaction, distance learning, and other technological strides.

During this time, some instructors were afraid of using technology because they felt that it would change the format of the classroom too much. What they needed to realize was that advances in technology can help students learn at their own pace and use their own style. There is still the possibility of working in groups, and still a significant attachment to instruction, as we now know.

I like this resource because it gives an insight into what the fears were about technology before it was a reality in the classroom. This was extremely interesting to read about, especially concerning the newspaper vending machine (quarters... really?), and the far off idea of the tablet. It's hard to believe that nobody had even thought of the concept of a tablet, and now they are everywhere.

What confuses me is the fact that there is so much fear surrounding the advent of new technology. Today, we are all so excited when new technology comes out, especially new technology that we can use in the classroom. Imagine a class that uses iPads. They exist, and people want to take them, because that's really exciting to be able to play with a new and exciting technology. Why were people in 1999 so afraid of everything?

I would like to know more about other theories about the future of technology during this time. The case study of "Jennifer" made me laugh, and I'm sure more like this would be interesting to read.