My earliest memories of learning to use a computer are from elementary school. We used the school computer lab to play learning games. I remember that when I finished the assigned activity, I was always excited to play the computer game "Oregon Trail." I don't recall specifically being taught how to use the computer; it feels like I've just always known, even if I know that's not true.
I remember first using the internet much more clearly. My dad first showed me when my little brother and I came to visit him at work. I think that we just used a search engine to look at Pokémon stuff. I remember being so excited about internet, despite it being very slow.
The first social media that I ever used was Myspace; I set up my account in middle school. I only ever messed around with finding cool background images and background music, though. I don't remember ever actually posting much of anything. I set up a LiveJournal account in high school, but again, rarely posted anything. I joined Facebook in my early twenties, but I went for nearly a year without ever using it. I'm not sure what caused the switch, but after a time, I actually began exploring Facebook and posting. I still use Facebook, generally just to share funny pictures. I joined Twitter about a week ago, but only because I had to for a school requirement. I'm more of a social media lurker.
Advantages of getting supplementary online support for this and other courses adds convenience and immediacy. If I need to look up a syllabus, an assignment, and so forth, I can do so on Canvas very easily. I typically don't have to wait for a teacher to give me the material. The disadvantage is that there isn't a human element. If I have questions, I have to wait for an answer, which hopefully makes sense when I receive it. The other disadvantage is being reliant on the internet, which can stop operating if the computer, server, modem, or even just the power goes out.
To limit disadvantages and maximize advantages, both students and the professor need to be diligent about utilizing the online support--no ignoring it for weeks.
The voice in your writing and this post is great. I'm cracking up about grade-school Ashley's desire to play Oregon Trail. I haven't played that game. I remember searching for Harry Potter stuff on the Internet like you and your brother did with Pokemon.
ReplyDeleteDo you have an easier time posting on Twitter than Facebook, now that you have a Twitter account? I think the audience for Twitter is easier to address because people don't necessarily add followers to stay in touch with people. Meanwhile, Facebooks seems to have a broader audience because people add followers as a means to keep a contact list. I deleted all social media, though. So, I probably do not have a valid opinion about a preference for Twitter or Facebook, since I am not posting anything.
I agree that a disadvantage is that the Internet could shut down, and students would not have access to supplementary online support. I like that teachers post syllabi on canvas. I advocated for one of my music professors to use canvas for class, so students could have an idea of grade-standing before the end of the term. Aside from that, canvas also organizes when assignments are due.
Twitter is still touch-and-go for me. I'm getting better with it, but as my account is a "professional" account for the Dixie Sun News, I can't say that I've necessarily gotten more comfortable with it, mainly because I can't just say what I want when I want to. ;)
DeleteFacebook is still my go-to social media because I'm connected with what I would call all of my true friends, not just random people like Twitter. And I can write as long of a post as I want to. As a long-winded English major, this is a good thing, haha.
That's the funny thing with memory; it only seems to work in experiential mode. I can't remember how I learned to use a computer either, I just remember going to town on games like Bernstein Bears and Math Blaster. And of course Oregon Trail, that heart-breaking game of death and disaster.
ReplyDeleteAs for Twitter, I also only made an account for schoolwork. I think part of my non-use of Twitter stems from the fact that my phone can't handle doing more than calling and texting. Do you have the same issue with your phone? It does make using social media a bit more difficult, but frankly, I like my limited freedom from my devices.
I think Oregon Trail scarred us all as children.
DeleteYeah, my phone doesn't really like social media. It barely handles Snapchat, so all of Facebook and Twitter usage happens on my computer. For me, Facebook is just easier, as I don't have to worry about a word count. I also don't have to sound "professional," which is nice.
I agree about having freedom from a phone. I just don't understand being so connected to your devices that you can't go without checking your phone every two seconds. I feel like I'm more connected with my non-screen life without social media blowing up my phone. :)
Hi Ashley,
ReplyDeleteGreat post on your digital literacy autobiography! Thanks for sharing your computer and social media background. I think you raised an important point about the absence of context clues in online communication that every so often poses some difficulties for both the sender and receiver. Indeed symbolic representations must further develop to avoid/repair some of these breakdowns, though I doubt it will fully provide an analog for face-to-face communication. =))
Looking forward to reading more of your blog posts this semester!
Dr. B
Hi Ashley,
ReplyDeleteGreat post on your digital literacy autobiography! Thanks for sharing your computer and social media background. I think you raised an important point about the absence of context clues in online communication that every so often poses some difficulties for both the sender and receiver. Indeed symbolic representations must further develop to avoid/repair some of these breakdowns, though I doubt it will fully provide an analog for face-to-face communication. =))
Looking forward to reading more of your blog posts this semester!
Dr. B
All responses recorded. ~Dr. B (sgd)
ReplyDelete