Scholarly Article #1

This article, The Evolution of Writing definitely tested my comprehensive skills. From what I understood, besides the fact that the whole chapter discussed the evolution of language and behavioral symbols, was that there are many theories on how language has effected society. I agree that writing is a secondary choice to speech, though writing is a proof of the speech, such as in science and philosophy, which makes me believe that perhaps writing should be considered more of a primary source, especially with the way we communicate today.

Media now plays a huge role, not just in how we communicate with one another but also in how we behave with one another. Like Pinker thought, as the language or consciousness  evolves, so do the people. With our phones, emails, and other forms of social networking, our writing has began to diminish into shorter more fragmented words-such as LOL. Where r u? and Idk. We are symbolizing the change that is taking place in our lives. Writing and communication is lacking, while our ability to communicate to several people at once has improved. Thus, the way we communicate is less important and impersonal.

I though it was very interesting as the neanderthals were discussed on how their communication was based upon "tools" or gestures to speak. Now, we can compare the language of our ancestors, their behavior with our speech and other "tools" to communicate. Since language is taught in almost every school around the world, people are becoming more creative in the way they present themselves, not just in their speech, but in their mannerisms, their phrases, their dress, and of course, behavior. The more eccentric, the more eye catching. Symbolism is the base of most of their appearance rather than in their speech or body language. It is very interesting to see how similar, yet so advanced, we have become.

Initial Blog on Technological Literacy Autobiography

Reflection Questions:

When/How did you first learn to use the computer?

I first learned to use the computer in third grade-age 8. I remember being excited because we were finally able to have computer class. We learned how to type using Mavis Typing Tutor, which integrated typing and games. I didn't learn how to use the internet until later, about 5th grade-age 10 when we had small research projects, in which our teachers would tell us where to go-websites and links.The first social utility networking I used was Instant Messaging about 9th grade-age 15, which was then followed by Facebook, in 11th grade-age 17. These social utility networks were simple and easy, so no instruction was needed, just experimenting.

How does getting supplementary online support help you in this course and in you other courses?

Getting supplementary online support helps me in this course and other courses through tutorials and in instances such as research and ideas. The advantages of online support and information is that almost anything and everything is available online. They are easy to access and has an enormous amount of information available at any time. One disadvantage is that there are many sites that have false information, so you have to be cautious in your search for facts. Another disadvantage is that sometimes there are glitches or internet connection problems. Also, there is not that face-to-face interaction with another person, limiting social aspects. To limit the disadvantages and maximize the advantages, one should verify their information with other websites, or even other people, utilizing peers. Also, one can check their certain websites that are necessary for information or support to make sure there is not website maintenance scheduled.