In a world where technology is constantly growing and used in almost every field imaginable,

there is a learning gap in the educational aspect of computer literacy. Technology and Literacy: A
story about the Perils of Not Paying Attention was written by Cynthia L. Selfe who served as
Chair of the Humanities Department at Michigan Technological University. Ms. Selfe received
her PhD from the University of Texas Austin in 1981. She is a professor and Chair of the
Humanities Department at Michigan Technological University. Selfe is the first woman to
receive the EDUCOM medal for innovative computer use in higher education. She has definitely
remained focused in her career in relation to this article. During the time of the publication of
her article in February of 1999. Her writing addresses the cumulative issues that surround
technology and literacy, Selfe asserts that educators must pay attention to these technological
issues, such as literacy, education, communication, and technology these are central to the
subject matter as a whole. Selfe chooses to use these specific terms throughout the article to
bridge the reader to the importance of technology and literacy. Selfe states, that of computer
technology and its use in teaching compositionseems to be the single subject best guaranteed
to inspire glazed eyes and complete indifference in that portion of the CCCC membership which
does not immediately sink into snooze mode.Selfe has proved this much in her article and not
much has changed since this was written almost twenty years ago.
Selfe uses a total of thirty four sources in this article. She starts off quoting Bill Clinton and
using the Getting Students Ready for the 21st Century project as a basis throughout the entire
article. She does this to show her readers the politics of education and when the educational
change began due to technological advancements. Selfe points out that there was a project
funded through the government for educational technology funding in the amount of $721

million. Less than half of the aforementioned amount equaling $260 Million, for the America
Reads Challenge and less than one-tenth equaling $67 million for teacher recruitment and
preparation. There needs to be more of a focus on the technological aspect of literacy which
provides insight from a different perspective and addresses such issues as access.
This article was filled with several statistics from the Digest of Education, many of which
showed that there is an unequal distribution of computer technology and overall access to
education. For example, most schools that have a great population of poor or students of color
have less access to the hardware and software needed to provide a cultural of learning conducive
to those of more affluent schools and white students. Although these findings are over twenty
years old they are still current. Subsequently, this has led to an endless cycle perpetual of
socioeconomic racism.
As stated before, this article was published in February 1999, which happens to be around the
time of the impeachment of President Clinton. This was also around the time that internet users
worldwide reached one hundred and fifty million, over fifty percent being from the United
States. Even back in the nineties technology seemed to pushed capabilities to new levels. I can
understand why some educators were so guarded in the beginning but over time they have
largely accepted computer technology. Despite America being about equality our educational
system is one of the most unequal. Students are receiving different learning opportunities based
on their social status.
Unequal distribution and use of technology as related to access to computer systems, which
includes outlets to connect to service as well as the wiring capability. Schools may be rundown
and wiring additional wiring that may not be affordable in districts that are poor or black. Also

occurring in central city areas where access to power is limited. The more affluent schools had
more access which leads to more advance knowledge in technology creating unequal distribution
across the educational system. In doing so, those students in more affluent areas would obtain
higher paying jobs with high tech backgrounds. In the end this never ending cycle will continue
because there will be an unequal acquisition of technology literacy due to socioeconomic
backgrounds.
To end, being technological literate for both educator and student is essential in bridging this
digital divide in classrooms.

Reflection
With completing the first conference I was able to identify my strengths and weaknesses
throughout my entire writing process. A bit more organization is needed to help with the fluency
of my writing. As well as being more descriptive. For example, defining the vocabulary words
used most frequently in the article I have chosen. Explaining why I make the statements I have
used so far makes my main idea more clearly for the reader, or backing up those statements with
a quote. I have a hard time staying focused and finishing out the overall objective which shows
in my writing as well. These are all things I plan to work on moving forward towards the second
draft.