Core 1, Part 1

When I think about the first time I used a computer, I remember using an old Gateway which was running Windows 95'. Today, I use the computer every day religiously, and I have a Macbook which runs Leopard OSX. Needless to say, technology has come a long way since then. There are hundreds of thousands of computer applications out there now which perform a variety of cognitive functions. In reviewing my technological progress, I realize both that I have learned much, and I still have much to learn about the computer. For example, I have efficiently learned how to use Microsoft Office for Mac, But I have not yet learned how to use Photoshop. Changes in technology tend to create new interfaces often though. When I received my new Macbook, there was an application it came with called iPhoto. This is somewhat like Photoshop, but in a less complex and more user friendly form. I have learned how to use this application, and it has in a sense replaced the need to learn Photoshop. This is just an example of technology becoming obscure.

However, there are many other technologies besides the computer which can be explored. The variety of technologies available these days is remarkable. There are many forms of video game consoles, cameras, music players, and cellular phones out there to complement the technological time period that we are in. In my own experience, I have learned how to effectively use most of these newer items such as the iPod, Xbox 360, and a wide variety of cellular phones. In contrast, I have not yet learned how to use new items such as the Playstation 3 and the newer models of the windows operating system. With improvements in technology happening faster than ever these days, there is never a shortage of new skills to learn with digital media.

Google Scholar Article Anaysis 1/26/10

The name of the Google Scholar article I used is Experiments In Digital Literacy. In the article, the author reviews what skills are needed in order to become digitally literate. He begins by telling us that "Having digital literacy requires more than just the ability to use software or to operate a digital device" (Alkali). The purpose he is trying to portray here is that while most people may think that they are digitally literate, they actually are far from the truth. Being digitally literate is more about being able to use all digital resources in a helpful and successful manner.

In the text, the author describes his five major digital skills which are each in themselves key to attaining digital literacy. They are photo-visual skills, reproduction skills, branching skills, information skills, and socio-emotional skills. Each of these skills are needed to become digitally literate. Photo-visual skill is the ability to read and comprehend directions off of a digital monitor. It is important for understanding how to properly work all applications of digital media. Reproduction skill is being able to create new applications and items in digital media based on the preexisting models. This skill is very important for computer designers. Branching skill is the ability to comprehend and draw your own conclusions from hypertext in digital media. This skill helps to create a better understanding of the text at hand. Information skill is the users ability to tell weather the digital information is at all accurate and credible. Socio-emotional skill is the understanding and application of the "rules that prevail in cyberspace" (Alkali). All of these skills are described in Alkali's article, and they all are important skills people could use to learn.