When the Greeks invented alphabetical writing, they created a progressive shift from one method to another (orality to literacy). Today, with the invention of new technologies such as the internet, a new form of literacy has emerged, Electracy.
Electracy is a new type of literacy or skill which is required to make sense of today’s communicative media technologies. According to theorist Gregory Ulmer, electracy “is to digital media what literacy is to print.”
Electracy was created by our society in the transition from a culture of print media to a culture flooding with electronic media. Farah and Maybury see this as a change from “print based tradition to a digital artfact, sometimes even to virtual reality experience…”
To become electrate requires ones self to be absorbed into a electronic way of thinking. You need to be able to operate the communication tools of electronic media, constantly learn and utilize new technological advancements, and at the same time be able look at them analytically.
Technology advancements are constantly happening, and the same applies to literacy. People who choose to turn a blind eye towards these new advancements will not be able to hold meaningful roles in today’s society, as electronic media and technology is becoming a way of life.
I completely agree with the importance of electracy, since media is all around us and acts as the main source of communication. Staying informed and electrate allows us to participate in this media focused world skilfully and proficiently.
-Tom henderson
Sources
http://ulmer.networkedbook.org/the-learning-screen-introduction-electracy/
Class Blog, By Professor : Lila Pine.
Wikipedia :
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electracy
Farah,C.S, and Maybury,T. “Implementing Digital Technology to Enchance student Learning of Pathology.” 2009
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