"We understand the stories told to us in words and videos not only as vehicles for formulating identities—people's ways of telling themselves into being—but also as personal efforts to tell about and bring into being a new kind of globalized world." The world around us is constantly changing. Not only in the United States or in other developed countries, but everywhere in the world. The invention of a new computer system in the United States could be the same as the invention of a flip phone in the Middle East. Regardless of how advanced each country is individually in the creation of new technology, the world continues to prosper and grow globally. As said above in the quote by Hawisher, Kisa, Nurkic, and Polglaze, the advancement of technology and the understanding of globalization truly can form identities. I would not be the person that I am today without the invention of new technology. While growing up in elementary school, technology around the world was just beginning to prosper. Therefore, my generation had to adapt to the new technology and ways of learning around us. The schools were administered different technological advances, such as chrome books and smart boards. This is something that not only myself and my classmates, but my teacher had not used before. It took a lot of time and practice to get the hand of the new technology, but it ultimately shaped my perspectives and understandings as I continued to grow as an adult; and as new technology continued to be out out into the world. I can only imagine how the students who moved from their homelands to different countries in the 90's felt about globalization. It was probably a huge shock to them. They had to adapt to the new technology, while living in a completely foreign territory that they were not familiar with. I can't imagine having to adapt to not only the area in which I was now living, but the globalizing community around me. Even though it was tough for them to adapt, i'm sure that it was also a blessing in disguise. These students were now able to communicate with their families in an easier way through via cell phone, or email! This is something that was just being discovered as the students moved abroad, therefore it was something that they would also greatly benefit from. Education also improved for the students during their movement. Technology provided ways that they could become successful with their studies while abroad. This obviously involved having an understanding of their past, and how they learned in their homelands before globalization; versus their future, which will involve incorporating the advancement of technology in their everyday lives. There is so much to value within the digital literacy aspect of these student's lives. They are now able to share their stories about how they have grown throughout their generation with the advancement of digital literacy. As I continue to grow throughout my life, I know that if I ever come into an obstacle that seems impossible to overcome; I can think back to these students and everything that they have accomplished throughout their lives. My first ever piece of technology that I personally received was my cellphone. I received my first cellphone on Christmas day in sixth grade. This was one of the most exciting days! I had always wanted a cell phone, and now I finally had one! My parents made sure that I could only text and call on my phone - nothing else. I also only had their numbers and some other emergency contacts. Even though I was not allowed to have my friends phone numbers, I was still ecstatic about having access to a phone! My first phone was a hot pink razor phone. If i ever walked around with a hot pink razor phone in this day in age, I would more than likely be made fun of! It's crazy how the evolution of cell phones has changed so much over the past ten years. This aspect of digital literacy reflects upon the beginning of my discourse community. I was finally able to be a part of the community of technology. My parents and my closest friends and family were now all connected by this technology, that allowed so many different means of communication. I was now a part of this community. I would soon grow up with this discourse community as the evolution of cell phones continued. Now, being 21 years old I, as well as the rest of my family have IPhones. We grew up together within the advancement of technology while using our Razor phones, and are now continuously growing with our new and improved IPhones. This artifact truly means so much to me. Without it, I would have never felt the excitement and joy that I did as a kid when I first received my phone, when I first sent my dad a text, and when I first called my mom when she didn't pick me up from cheerleading practice on time. Without this artifact, I would not be the person that I am today. My family would not be the close knit family we are today without experiences like these that shaped us to understand the major benefits of communication throughout the discourse community. I will forever be grateful for the advancement of digital literacy and technology. It has provided me with feelings as a child that I will never forget. It has helped me understand my own personal identity and become the woman that I am today. Along with the abroad students and their own experience with digital literacy, I am now able to reflect and tell my own story as well.
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AuthorMy name is Kayla Horan, here are my blog posts for Writing with Technologies. Hope you enjoy!! Archives
April 2018
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