Literacy, Technology, and Monopoly Capital

Ohmann, Richard. College English 47.7 (1985): 675-89. Web. 8 Aug. 2011 
                  <http://www.jstor.org/stable/376973>.

In this article by Richard Ohmann, the author states that problems with technological literacy parallel historical literacy problems throughout history. Because there is new technology, new elements of literacy go along with it. How important is it to gain this literacy, and what exactly is involved?


What I like about this article is the comparison of technological and computer literacy versus the literacy everyone usually thinks of-- the actual ability to read. This article was written on the crest of a technological revolution that would eventually make or break people who chose to become literate in this technology, or not (respectively). It's so interesting to think that there was a time when learning to read wasn't seen as being of extreme importance. Now it is a necessary life skill, in the same way that having some kind of technological literacy is already becoming extremely important. 


What confuses me is the perception of technology during this time period. The author actually says that most computers in homes are used for playing games, and he sees them becoming a virtually useless technology that will fall by the wayside. Is it even possible that people felt this way such a short time ago? Could people really not foresee in any way that computers would basically take over our lives?


I would like to know more about the concept of the technologically savvy secretary. The author states that he knows a secretary with basic computer skills who, having a salary of $10,000/year, is the lowest-paid person in her office. I would like to know how this secretary's life changed as technology emerged in more and more environments. I'm sure there was a point in which her skills made her invaluable to her company. It just goes to show you that if you have foresight, gaining seemingly obscure skills can pay off in the long run.