10/6: Technology and Literacy

Selfe’s main argument is that inequality if education in the United States supports and is supported by the Capitalist class system. Introduction of computers and encouraging computer literacy has created a further divide between the rich and the poor societies of the country. Selfe’s article remind me of a book I read called “ Savage Inequalities”. The book records vividly the distinctions between the rich and the poor school district of the country. It is almost a viscous circle that richer districts get more funding from the taxes whereas the poorer districts lack in technology and other necessities due to low funding by low Taxpayers. Thus rich schools get richer and the poor schools remain poorer. The unequal distribution of funding creates generations of school dropouts and unsuccessful academic careers due to unavailability of teachers, teaching materials, and of course, technology that has become a part of everyday life for most students. Selfe asks the reader to pay attention to this inequality and try to remove them by introducing technology available to the richer schools. However, these children belonging to the poorer classes have a long way to go to bridge the gap. More attention need to be given to their everyday needs, their home environment and care in school so that they feel safe and grow to like education. After this is achieved, introducing modern technology will definitely help improve their academic life and strategies such as critical thinking can be developed. But first comes, the basic needs!