Technological Literacy

Using Technology to Talk About Technology

Overview

Functionality vs. Critical Application

Computer Lab vs. Classroom Technological Literacy Modules PowerPoint FrontPage Conclusion

Functionality

Capability Following a process No analysis

What’s wrong with that?

Students already know Lacks connection Not CIS 120

A Critical Approach

Thinking rather than doing Extension of classroom Expands understanding of “texts”

Computer Lab vs. Classroom

Not separate entities Opens new channels Offers new activities

Tech Literacy Modules

Correspond to classroom lessons Analyze known processes Present opportunities for

discussion Take a look

PowerPoint: A Digital Text Images and words Reinforces speech Uses rhetoric

Save the Children (Example)Save the Children (Example)

24,000 die daily24,000 die daily Small donationSmall donation Staff worldwideStaff worldwide

PowerPoint Mistakes

People often see PowerPoint as a crutch used to help remember a speech. The tendency in such cases is to put so much text on each slide that the presenter must stare at the screen, and not his/her audience. It’s also difficult for the audience to listen to the speaker and read a slide simultaneously. I mean, this slide could outline the mating habits of chimpanzees and you’d never know it – by the time you reached that point, the slide would be gone. Also, could you tell from the previous slide that I like koalas, because I really do like them. They’re neat.

PowerPoint Mistakes (cont’d)

Transitions can often be annoying When not used consistently Only use them When you want your audience To focus on one point at a time

Microsoft FrontPage

Intertextuality Understanding through

participation Wealth of rhetoric

Conclusion?

Don’t downplay importance Use technology for augmentation Reinforce thinking, not doing

Thinking Back

Consistencies? Organizational strategies? Rhetorical Strategies?

Principles of PowerPoint

1. Never use sound (ever)2. Rhetorical Triangle3. Use pictures when warranted4. Don’t use whole sentences5. Slide transitions – sparingly and

consistently

Principles of FrontPage

1. Audience!2. Two-click test3. Don’t offend retinas4. Use pictures sparingly5. Intuitive navigation