correcting grammar
Prompt:
Make an argument about whether you prefer to read/write/communicate online or whether you prefer to read/write/communicate on in person and/or on paper, and use an example (e.g. my personal blog) to illustrate your argument. Why do you prefer reading, writing, or communicating in one mode over another? How does your preference impact your future goals with using new media and technology in your life?
Digital Literacy Narrative
Entering the digital age, people spend more time using computer than they spend on sleeping. My first encounter with computer is when I was 10-year-old. I did not actually touch the computer until I was 11. One of my elementary classmate and my fifth grade teacher teach me how to use the computer. It was an interesting process from pressing the button to start the computer to clicking the shutdown button to closing the computer. When I was in elementary and middle school, I considered computer as a game device. At first, I used it to play the solitaire, then I learn how to go to “Internet Explorer” and play online games like decorating house and spot the difference. I did not realize how much functions the computer has until I was in high school. The first time I used Microsoft Word to write an essay is when I was in 9th grade in my English class. As time continued its advance, I become more familiar with the web and internet has become indispensable essential to my life.
When it comes to study, digital textbook is the best alternative of a printed textbook. However, people are born native paper reader and they will continue to read on paper unless computer engineer can fix the shortcoming of a digital device (e.g. battery usage, lighting, pixel density). In terms of preference, I prefer like to read on paper than online. One of the main reason is that reading on paper gives me a better concentration. I put more focus when reading on printed version because there is nothing to distract me. When reading, I only put the book itself, notebook, ruler and a pencil on my table to ensure nothing can distract me. On the contrary, when I am using my phone or a tablet to read, it is hard for me to resist the temptation of internet connection. I would just respond to the message in second after I heard it. After I reply the message I would go to Weibo (Chinese version of Twitter) and not return to the text immediately in most case. In addition to that, I can annotate on paper where I can write as many note as I want. It is easier for me to navigate on paper than on e-book. When reading on paper, I can use a pencil or a ruler to track which line I am reading and put sticky note or highlight sentences I think are important. On the other side, it is much harder for me to keep track when I am reading on e-book. When using digital print, using digital device I have the option need to use the search function to lookup a particular word or phrase. Sometime digital textbooks tend to be cheaper than printed versions. If I could not find a printer version textbook that is cheaper or in a reasonable price, then I would choose an e-book as alternative.
Microsoft Word (Word) is the most popular computer word processors among academic and professional field. Word is commonly used for writing and saving document. The first time I encounter Microsoft Word is when I was in 9th grade. Since then, I found that I write more confidently when I am using computer then writing on paper. Writing using Word is more convenient for me because it has auto- spelling and punctuation check. Even though Word cannot help me correct all the grammar mistakes but something is better than nothing. After writing online using Word, I found that I have an easier time and save more energy with writing because it helps me to reduce the amount of correction I need to make after writing the first draft.
After entering the university, I found out that I have double my communication time online with people than before entering the university. In high school, I rarely used Email to communicate with my teachers since they are much easier to found and contact. But in college, I used E-mail to contact the professors and teaching assistants whenever I have questions regardless of the course and homework because every time I go to their office hours, there are always tons of student waiting in line. From academic standpoint, I prefer to communicate online than on person. From personal preference, I prefer both communicate online and on person, depending on the time, situation and the person I am talking with. Technology has enable me to enhance relationships with my friends and relatives in China. Now I am able to talk and even video chat with them whenever I have time. However, I prefer to communicate with my friends (friends in U.S.) face to face because I can see their body languages which speak louder than words. In addition, face to face communication will build a stronger relationship. It helps to generate an energies and harmonize climate between friends and families that cannot feel via Email or phone.
In conclusion, internet has impact our life significantly, we have change our reading, talking, and communicating pattern in a positive and negative way. For me, if my phone or my computer were taken away for more than two day I would feel a part of my life is missing because technology has become a necessity in my everyday life.
