Michael Chalk – Page 26 – electro-textual

History of Resistance

8 January, 2007 Michael ChalkLeave a commentinnovation

It seems that, back in the 1980’s, English teachers in Australian schools were the most fiercely resistant of all, to the encroachment of technologies for learning. i was fascinated to learn there was a whole history of resistance, based around viewing computers as part of the de-humanising, mechanistic collapse of caring society. As “The Machine” gradually takes control of our post-industrial world, human values are eroded, and the world of “1984” is invited to overpower us all. (In this case, resistance does make sense! i’m getting the urge to turn Read More …

Technology part of 'the humanities'?

13 December, 2006 Michael ChalkLeave a commentUncategorized

“Technology education is not a technical subject. it is a branch of the humanities.” – Neil Postman, from “The End of Education: redefining the value of school”. Neil is quoted on page one of Stuart Selber’s “Multiliteracies for a digital age”, whose first chapter is entitled “Reimagining Computer Literacy”. i had to include the quote, because it’s such a refreshing idea. Stuart begins his work by emphasising that the consequences and contexts of technology are the most important foci of ‘a worthwhile education’, rather than the technology itself. Yes!! Thank Read More …

e-literacy basics

16 November, 2006 Michael ChalkLeave a commentclassroom, e-learning

Thanks to the very diligent and useful NZ Literacy Portal, another couple of terrific resources coming our way: "Computers in Action", from 'tech.worlded.org', is a primer in the basics of using the personal computer, with lesson plans structured in a way that includes the language functions. This isn't a resource for students, but rather a set of strategies for teaching. Eg, Window to the Soul is about Minimizing / Maximizing Windows, and involves Writing, reading, conversation.

Conversations in ACE: New ways to get audio and video online

26 October, 2006 Michael ChalkLeave a commentace, professional development

Have recently been working with the Conversations in ACE conference, Eastern Metro Region of "Adult Community and Further Education" (ACFE). Kerrin Pryor was presenting on her research into "New Literacies", where they are using "Squeeze Text" (or mobile SMS language) to explore literacy for young people.

Lesson Plan for Media Literacy – good site for ideas

26 October, 2006 Michael ChalkLeave a commentadult literacy, classroom

Trawling the web for interesting ideas for our Literacy and Multimedia course, and came upon this lesson plan from Read Write Think (.org) (We're looking at advertising and publicity.) Looks to be a terrific resource in general, although this lesson plan is too complicated for the learners we have at the moment. What i like about this lesson plan is the way it includes pre-reading for the teacher who wants to gain some theoretical background, as well as clear steps for introducing the topic through discussion.

"Multimodality", literacy and technology

8 October, 2006 Michael ChalkLeave a commentadult literacy, research, technology

Have found the book i’ve been looking for: Carey Jewitt’s “Technology, Literacy and Learning: a multimodal approach“. Dr Jewitt, an Academic Fellow funded by the UK Research Council, has a complex take on literacies, involving social semiotics, ‘activity theory’, and the potential for multimodality to have a big impact on the way people learn. I’m looking forward to finding out more about how “image, sound, writing and movement on screen contributes to the construction of school knowledge and potentials for learning.” Her focus is on schools, rather than adult education, Read More …

New and emerging technologies

6 October, 2006 Michael ChalkLeave a commentinnovation, professional development

The incomparable Robyn Jay is presenting at the ACAL (Australian Council for Adult Literacy) Conference in South Australia, tomorrow (Friday 6th October), on the topic of "Connecting voices: new mindsets, new opportunities". She's asking people what new and emerging technologies are being used by language and literacy practitioners, so i've given a 3minute response on Odeo. (But it doesn't look like i can include it here 🙁

Context shapes impact of technology

4 August, 2006 Michael ChalkLeave a commentUncategorized

Currently enjoying Mark Warschauer’s “Electronic Literacies”: in chapter one he makes the strong point that the Gutenberg era took hold only through the massive social and economic changes of the industrial revolution. The printing press technology had been ready for some time. Mark reckons that the current acceleration of technological change in the fields of literacy and communication is deeply connected with the current industrial revolution, “based on the harnessing of information, knowledge and networks”. He adds that this current information-based revolution is not only industrial, but also social and Read More …

A Change of Scene

2 July, 2006 Michael ChalkLeave a commentace, community, e-learning, professional development

Why would anyone use technology for learning? Do we ask the right questions, when planning for community building? Recently Delia Bradshaw gave a presentation to a group of community leaders from around Australia, as part of an induction for the Adult Learning Australia e-learning Creative Community Partnerships. Delia’s presentation is stored on this site. July ’09 Addendum: Took me a while to work out a way of presenting audio, text and images on the same page, in a navigable way. So much easier these days with a slidecast, for example Read More …

electro-textual

explorations in literacy & technology, aka digital literacies

Author: Michael Chalk