Post 10

If Baron would write a sequel to “From Pencils to Pixels” in 2012, he would have to leave out the statement, “how the computer will eventually alter literacy practices remains to be seen.” Technology has developed and spread dramatically over the past twelve years, severely impacting our literacy practices as a society. Although communication in terms of language has not changed significantly (with the exception of abbreviated texts and spell check), our exposure and accessibility to producing and receiving information has seriously increased. Social media and smartphones have made the flow of information, whether relevant or not, extremely rapid. Sites like Facebook, Twitter, Wikipedia and personal blogs allow anyone to be authors, journalists and writers to a massive audience. Also, with the creation of smartphones people are able to view any information they wish at any time and in any place. Older technological advances such as text messaging and AIM messaging have also changed the way our society practices literacy. These programs have switched communication from oral to more written or, more specifically, digital.

Much of the non-alphabetical composing that I do is through music and photography. Music is a way of telling a story in a non-linear fashion. Written essays and musical competitions share a certain rhythm and cadence when being constructed. They are both expected to have a consistent flow in order to be considered well done. Writing percussion pieces has allowed me to apply this melodic tone to my academic and professional writing.

Sharing photographs is another great example of non-alphabetical composing. A visual has all of the power of a written essay in that it allows the viewer to interpret a detailed understanding of the message being conveyed. When taking a picture, it is important to know the aesthetics of what you want to accomplish. This is similar to writing in that there are general constraints that must be appeased but also a certain amount of creative freedom.