Technology and Literacy

Does technology help or harm literacy?  This is a question that is really hard to answer.  I think that in many ways technology has helped literacy, with many programs and devices designed to help children and others learn how to read.  However, I believe that technology has greatly harmed spelling and grammar skills.  When we type on the computer, it tells us if we spell a word wrong and gives us suggestions as to how to correct it.  We have also gotten into the habit of using text language and shortening and abbreviating words so we don't have to type everything out.  I have so many students who will try to use text language in their papers, and then they get mad when I take points off their grade.  They also don't seem to see the need to capitalize anything!  I believe that technology has definitely harmed our proper communication skills because we feel the need to communicate quickly instead of focusing on proper spelling and grammar!